Things finally seem to be winding down for this story. I don't know how I'm going to top the last chapter but I'll try my best anyway. I can't believe I'm done this story. I've been working on it for almost two months. Well, at least I can say I did something productive over the summer. I think I did pretty well for my first multi chapter fic. I noticed that it's the longest in the Spectacular Spiderman section. I'm proud of that! I do not own the Spectacular Spider-man. Heck, I don't even own any Spider-man TV show. Now let's return to the story.

A lot of thoughts were going through Peter's mind right now. He wondered who Perry Atherton's boss was. That's who Perry and his muscle were taking him to. Peter flexed against the ropes that tied his hands and feet together. Nope, they were tight and weren't giving an inch. Peter felt a strong hand placed onto his shoulder forcibly. Of course there were the two thugs to keep him in line. The ropes bound Peter's feet together so he could only take slow shuffling steps. Last but not least there was the blindfold covering Peter's eyes. It was wrapped around tight and he couldn't shake it free no matter how much he tilted his head. Peter would have to use his other senses to figure out where he was.

What was it that Obi-wan Kenobi always said? "Use the force. Reach out with your feelings." I may not have the force but I do have five of my sense working: touch, smell, sound, taste, and of course my spidey sense. Peter closed his eyes and concentrated. Well judging from the hand on his shoulder, the occasional shove if he was walking too slowly, and the bad cologne, goon 1 and goon 2 were on both sides of him. If they were on his sides, the click of fancy shoes must belong to Perry up in front of him. Peter snorted. Perry. What a dorky name. They came to a turn in a tunnel but Peter was able to turn with it instinctively If I were Daredevil this whole lack of vision thing wouldn't hinder me at all.

Peter sighed and wondered where Gwen was and if she was okay. Some rescuer he turned out to be! As soon as he got Gwen free from her cell, she was captured again. All I've done is hurt Gwen and place her in danger again and again. I don't deserve her. I'm not good enough. Gwen put her feelings on the line with that kiss and it took me what, five months to tell her how I really feel. Better late than never I guess. As soon as he had a chance to break free, Peter would get Gwen again. I promise that I'll save you for real this time Gwen, I swear it, Peter thought resolutely.Peter decided to try to strike up a conversation.

"So, do you enjoy working as muscle for hire? Are there any health benefits that go along with it because-?" The goon smacked Peter hard across the head.

"Shut up freak!"

"Sorry I asked," Peter muttered. Peter was silent for a while before he spoke up again. "Yo Perry, how about you, do they pay you in tea and crumpets or in pounds?" Perry gave a dry laugh.

"If you must know I'm paid in dollars, Spider-man. Let me ask you something, what do get paid?" Peter shrugged.

"It's more of a community service kind of thing; the only thing I get is the personal satisfaction of helping people."

"You do this even though so many people are against you? The Daily Bugle keeps on saying that you're a menace that should be exterminated. If I were you I would give the whole thing up." Peter lifted his head up at this and turned to face the direction of Perry's voice.

"Yeah well, you're not me. I don't go around hiring people that could put innocent lives at risk like you do!"

"You mean Flint Marko? It was a foolish decision on my part. The Griffin has to maintain its outermost image of being just a humble business."

"Yeah," Peter spat. "You're a regular angel." They continued walking and Peter noticed that the floor had changed from stone to tiles. The tunnel network must lead to a building used as headquarters. The Griffin can conduct all of its shady exchanges underground away from public eye, like they say, out of sight out of mind. Peter's stomach rumbled loudly. It had been hours since he had breakfast. Peter turned his head to the side and said conversationally to one of the goons, "Hey is there a Mickey D's down here? I'm starving!"

Not surprisingly the only answer that Peter got was a hard punch to the lower back. Peter winced. He was going to be covered in bruises the next day between the fight with Kraven and these blockheads. As they walked along Peter could hear the noise of saws and construction. There was plenty of hammering, shouting, and grunts of construction workers as they worked. The building is completely done yet. The Griffin is still setting up its operations. That's good because the last thing I need to do is go up against another well established criminal empire. I've had enough of that with Tombstone and Silver sable.

They began to climb up stairs which was difficult for Peter to do with his feet bound together. He had to take little hops up the stairs. It was embarrassing and tiring. Occasionally Peter would trip and fall down several steps before a guard could catch him. It was like being back in school. "Can't we just take the elevator?" Peter complained.

"It's still under construction at the moment," Perry replied. "Suck it up." At long last they had reached their destination. Perry removed the blindfold and Peter was able to see again. Peter blinked his eyes several times and took in his surroundings. They were outside a door made out of some fancy kind of wood. The lighting was dark and there stainless steel covering the walls. The area of the building they were standing on seemed to be stable. It had floors, windows, and the power was working. Peter looked out the window and saw the rest of the building. Other parts of the building weren't so complete. You could see the steel skeleton of the building and some areas. The sun was moving slowly across the sky. It looked like it was about 4 P.M. The building was set up right next to the river. That would explain its easy access to the sewer system.

The Griffin must have a pretty good operation going on. They smuggle goods and drugs through the river. They then can trade them into the city through the elaborate tunnel network. Lather, rinse, and repeat as many times as they want. Perry knocked on the door.

"Milord, I have brought him just as you requested." There was a momentary pause.

"Bring him in here then." Perry opened the door and shoved Peter through it. Peter struggled to stay on his feet. Perry and the thugs followed suit. The two thugs entered and stood on opposite ends of the door. Peter wasn't getting out that way tied up. The room was very lavishly decorated. It definitely had a European feel with the fireplace, stuffed exotic animals, and vast collection of books. There was somebody sitting in a large leather chair, staring out into the city and river. Perry Atherton dropped to one knee in submission. Peter raised an eyebrow at this. This must be the employer that Perry was alluding to earlier.

"Atherton!" the man said sharply without turning around. Perry looked up at once.

"Yes Milord?"

"Bring our guest a seat. It doesn't suit me to have our guest standing." Perry stood up and was about to go get a chair when Peter spoke up.

"But it obviously suits you to have me tied up. Forget the chair, I'll stand. Now, who are you?" The man spun around his chair gracefully and came to look at Peter. He his brown hair was worn back in a warrior's tail and he was wearing a casual suit with a light brown jacket. He examined Peter as if he were a dog, sizing him up and seeing what traits he had. As he was looking over Peter, there was a glint in his mouth. It was a gold tooth. Who has gold teeth any more? The man nodded to himself.

"Yes, yes, you're Spider-man. Well I do believe some introductions are required. My name is Leo Eyrie. I'm the founder and head of the Griffin; I'm hoping to start a new business venture here in the States. The only problem I've run into… is you," Eyrie said pointing a finger at Peter.

"Finally someone with a cool name, not like you Perry," Peter said turning to look at Perry. "Hold on pal, I didn't even know that you guys existed until you sent Sandman to get rid of me. If you steered clear of me, I probably wouldn't even be here right now."

"That's what I said," Perry said quietly kneeling on the floor. Eyrie looked up and there was steel in his gaze. Perry instantly regretted that he said anything.

"What was that you said Atherton?"

"Nothing Milord, I didn't say anything." Eyrie continued to stare at Perry for a moment. Perry began to sweat a little. He may act confident to other people, but with his boss he was a wimp.

"I should hope so. I think we both remember the last time you spoke out of term." Eyrie put his hand on his wrist, resting it on the slight bulge. The scar along Perry's cheek ached.

"Vividly, Milord…"

It had been back when they were still operating in the U.K. Perry had a hard life. His father was killed in a shooting and his mother became an alcoholic afterwards. Perry had to fend for himself for most of his life. He wasn't the best at school and ended up dropping out. Fortunately Perry realized that he had a certain talent in… shadier matters. He had started out as a petty thief, stealing silverware from old biddies. He didn't like it but Perry had to get by somehow. Eventually Perry rose to the top and that was when he began to work for Eyrie. It happened one night as Eyrie and Perry were going over the profits of their smuggled goods.

"Milord, cocaine is doing especially well but I think we could make even more money by marketing exotic animal parts. People will pay a great deal for a bear or tiger-" They were interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Come in," Eyrie responded without looking up. Two bodyguards walked into the room, carrying a boy by the arms. The boy was looking back and forth nervously and struggled to break free.

"Sir, we found the lad in the library stealing trophies and whatever he could get his hands on." Perry looked at the boy. There was something familiar about him, something he couldn't put his finger on. The boy spoke up.

"Come on! I have to do something to take care of my mother and sister. I can't get a good job to support them. You know what that's like." Perry nodded to himself. He remembered what it was like. Eyrie finally looked up from the papers on the desk. His gaze was cruel and cold. A silent and tense atmosphere filled the room.

"You know what to do with him. Make sure that h e won't interfere with us ever again." The boy cried out at the implication. Perry looked up at his boss and pleaded.

"You can't do this Milord! He's just a boy. So what if he stole a few things. That is what our business is based on entirely. We-" Perry never finished speaking. He felt a sharp pain across his cheek and blood spurted out onto the carpet, staining it. Perry never even saw Eyrie take out a knife. As he looked at Eyrie he saw him finish putting it away. Eyrie nodded to the two bodyguards. They walked away; the boy began to kicking and screaming. Eyrie stood over Perry on the ground. Eyrie gave him a swift kick that left him gasping for breath.

"Listen well Atherton. Never forget who the master is and who the hound is. If you do, I'll have you put down." Perry nodded as he put a hand on his cheek to stem the blood flow.

Peter had watched this exchange with interest. "It looks like there's some trouble in paradise," Peter teased. "Try talking out your problems. Don't keep your feelings bottled up." Eyrie let out growl of anger.

"Listen here insect."

"It's arachnid actually." Eyrie ignored him.

"I wouldn't be mouthing off considering that I have your girlfriend." This shut Peter up very quickly. Eyrie grinned. "It seems that I have hit a tender spot. She is very pretty. It would be a shame if something were to happen to her." Peter's blood boiled and he leaned forward and struggled against his ropes.

"If you lay one finger on her I'll swear that I'll hunt you down and use my webs to hang you by scrawny neck!" Eyrie chuckled.

"I find it amusing that someone in your position would make such an empty threat." Underneath Peter gritted his teeth in anger. He had come here for one reason and that was to save Gwen and he was going to do it dammit! All of his powers, they would mean nothing if he couldn't save the girl he loved. Eyrie pulled a remote out of drawer in his desk. He clicked it and a TV swung out from the wall. Eyrie pressed another button and the screen came to life. It showed Gwen scared but unhurt locked in a room. Peter's heart leapt at the sight of her. She was safe!

Eyrie turned to face Peter. "Well Spider-man what should I do with you. I could ask you to join me." Peter's face took on a look of disgust. "Well that answers that. I do have the girl and I could use her to blackmail you…" Eyrie began twiddle his thumbs as he thought allowed. "No, you would eventually save her and then where would we be? I guess the only solution is to kill you and then the girl." Eyrie snapped his fingers. The thugs from the door ran over and picked up Peter. He struggled but he couldn't get free. Eyrie stood up and slowly approached Peter.

"In hunting, the hunter always sends out his hounds to harass and weaken his prey. Then the hunter moves in for the kill."

"I don't know about you, but I've had enough lectures about hunting today," Peter said angrily still struggling to get free.

"Hold him back further." The thugs lifted up Peter and forced his tied hands above his head leaving Peter's chest was perfectly exposed. "Yes, I'll think I'll go for the heart this time. Last time I punctured the stomach and he died a slow painful death." Eyrie smiled cruelly. "I'll think I'll be merciful this time," he said as he whipped a knife out from his sleeve quickly.

"Thanks. I really appreciate the offer," Peter said sarcastically. Well it looked Peter had his back against the door this time. C'mon Spidey! Are you really going to die from a knife wound? This guy doesn't even have any powers! He may have knives up his sleeves but I have something else up mine. Peter grinned. "Take your best shot then," Peter goaded Eyrie. Eyrie ran forward as Peter clenched his fists and shot out web from his web shooter. It connected with the knife and Peter yanked it from Eyrie's hand. The knife sank itself into Peter's rope.

The thugs went to subdue him but Peter was able to shove them away easily. Peter worked the knife back and forth against his restraints and his hands were finally free. His spider sense tingled. Peter ducked in time to see a dagger fly by and imbed itself in the leg of a thug who was getting up from the floor. The thug cried out and fell to the floor. The dagger was three inches deep in his thigh. Peter turned and faced Eyrie cautiously. This man knew his way around knives. The other thug suddenly ran forward and tried to tackle Peter. Peter fell to the ground and put his hands out. He then back hand sprung behind the thug

Peter grabbed the thugs arm and pulled it back until he heard a crack. Peter had broken it. Oops, I didn't mean to do that. "Sorry about that," Peter said hastily as he began to cut the rope that bound his feet together. Eyrie glanced at Perry who was standing in the corner of the room not doing anything.

"Atherton! What do you think you're doing? Sound the alarm and put all active Griffin members on alert. Contact the ones in the city as well."

"Right away milord," Perry said as he pulled out his cell phone and began to make a call. Peter was finally able to cut the rope from his leg and was free. Peter shot out his webs from his web shooter and bound Eyrie to the wall. Eyrie was able to work another knife out of his sleeve and cut through the web like it was butter.

"How many knifes do you freaking have and what are they made of?" Eyrie laughed as he freed himself from the webbing and tossed the knife from hand to hand.

"This? The Griffin has provided some funding for research and development of an even stronger metal alloy. I always keep them in reserve. They're pretty damn expensive."

"Oh great, I always wanted, a professional knife enthusiast with a new toy to test out." Peter ran towards Eyrie and launched a high kick at his head. Eyrie ducked and swung his knife forward. Peter blocked it by grabbing the handle. Peter began to wretch the knife from his hands when Eyrie gave him a kick that sent him crashing into the desk. Eyrie took advantage of this and rushed forward. Peter sent up a web line and flipped onto the ceiling. Peter had barely gotten onto the ceiling when Eyrie got on top of the desk, jumped, and threw a knife like a javelin. It was only Peter's spidey sense and quick reflexes that saved him. Peter looked at where the knife was imbedded in the ceiling between his legs . An inch further and it would have castrated Peter.

"Holy crap," Peter cried. Note to self: avoid knifes to the nether regions at all costs. Peter's breath was ragged and his heart was beating a mile a minute. It was time to end this before that happened again. Peter sent out a web line and it connected with a chair. He swung the chair at Eyrie and it connected with him sending flying back into the windows. The windows shattered and Eyrie was about to fall several stories to the ground when he stopped falling. Eyrie opened his eyes and saw that he stuck to the side of the building in a web. Peter crawled down the building to the side of him.

"I know you can cut your way out of this, but I wouldn't recommend it. Now tell me, where is Gwen being held?" Eyrie closed his eyes and turned his face from Peter. If he wasn't going to talk, Peter would have to persuade him. Peter grabbed him by his long hair and slammed his head against the wall followed by a quick punch. Blood trickled out of Eyrie's mouth. Peter leaned in really close to him. "Tell me where she is or I swear I will let you fall and make a puddle on the pavement." Eyrie laughed.

"You wouldn't dare. You're supposed to be a hero. Heroes don't kill helpless enemies."

"On the contrary, there are actually lots of stories and myths about heroes doing just that. I will do anything to save Gwen. I'd walk through hell and back for her. Don't push your luck. Now, where is she?" It must have been the tone in his Peter's voice because Eyrie answered.

"She's being held in the west side of the 3rd floor." Peter nodded and climbed back up to Eyrie's office and peered in though the shattered window. There was no sight of Perry Atherton. He must have notified everyone and fled. Peter sighed. He would have to deal with Perry later. Peter looked down to where Eyrie was webbed to the side of the building. His eyes were shut and looked like he was afraid of looking down.

"For your sake I hope you get some help soon. The webbing will wear off in a couple of hours," Peter called down helpfully. It didn't seem to lift Eyrie's spirits. Alright then, Gwen is being held on the third floor. Perry put out the alarm that I'm here. They're probably going to guard Gwen and use her as a bargaining chip. I'll have to surprise them and get out of there. Peter shot a web and swung off.

Gwen sat in the office with her head in her hands. She had no idea where Peter was or if he was even still alive. She felt so helpless. It was her fault that Peter had come here and had been captured. She was just another typical damsel in distress and Gwen hated that. Gwen looked up from her musing and looked towards the door. Two men stood their holding guns. One of them looked over and gave a wicked grin. Gwen shivered and looked away. She didn't like the feeling he was getting from this guy. Suddenly there was a knock on the door.

"Who the bloody hell is it?" barked one of the guards. A muffled answer came through the door.

"Atherton says that Spider-man is currently fighting with his lordship and should double our guard on the girl in case he comes by here. We'll get him for sure though. Everyone is looking for him." Gwen felt a sense of relief. It looked like Peter was going to get away. He could definitely win. He beat Kraven and the head of this organization probably didn't even have any powers. Peter would win for sure. Despite this Gwen still worried. Don't worry; Peter's been doing this kind of stuff for months.

Yeah and he's been hurt pretty bad doing it.

Shut up!

Don't tell me to shut up. I'm you. You're arguing with yourself and you're losing. Gwen looked up as two men entered the room and took position by the door. Gwen turned away from them and looked out the window. The sun was slowly sinking in the sky and lighting up the river. Out of the corner of her eye Gwen could see something on the side of the window. It was something red and blue. It was Peter! Peter crashed through the window and sprung over to where Gwen was. He placed her behind a desk and sprung to the wall as the guards opened fire on him. Gwen peered over the desk to see what was going on.

Peter shot out webs that connected to two guards' legs and joined them together. Peter ran forward along the wall and kicked one of them across the face very hard. He tripped and brought the other guard down with him. A guard took out his gun and leveled it on Peter. Before he could fire Peter clogged the barrel of the gun with his webbing. The gun misfired and the blast knocked the guard back. The final guard ran towards Peter swinging. Peter dodged the first punch and grabbed the man's arms during the second and flipped him over. Peter then webbed all the guards together and stuck them to the ceiling. Peter walked over to Gwen and helped her to her feet.

"Are you alright Gwen," Peter asked with a lot of concern and affection in his voice. Gwen blushed very hard.

"I'm fine. Peter what you just did… It was amazing." Peter laughed.

"Yeah, I could probably give Flash a good run for his money now." Gwen ran forward and gave Peter a strong hug.

"Thank you for saving me Peter," Gwen whispered into his ear. Peter held Gwen close to him and stroked her hair gently. To think he might have loss her… He didn't know what he would do.

"It's not a problem Gwen." Gwen looked up at him and smiled. Peter's heart began to hammer and his under his mask his face turned as red as his mask. "Come on were not out of the woods yet. This place will be swarming with goons soon." Peter led Gwen to where he had broken the window. It was a long way down. Gwen began to sweat as she saw the distance they could fall. Peter reached out and took Gwen's hand. "Relax. I will never let anything happen to you. Besides, I'm Spider-man, this is my job and I'm good at it.

"Okay then Peter," Gwen said as she leaned into him and he wrapped an arm around her. God he's so muscular! Gwen thought as she blushed once again. They both jumped out of the window and began to fall. A bolt of fear ran through Gwen but it quickly disappeared when Peter stuck out his arm and launched a web line. It was so exhilarating just to swing along and be free of gravity. As they swung by they both saw the part of the building still under construction. Peter's spidey sense went off. Peter dropped out of a swing and fell. Bullets rained by where they were a moment before. Peter looked down and saw men out in the construction site with guns. They landed behind a stack of steel beams. Peter turned to Gwen.

"Gwen, do you know the way back to the tunnels? There are a lot of passages and I think we could lose them easily. They blindfolded me and I don't know the way." Gwen narrowed her eyes and concentrated. Peter noticed that she always bit her lip when she was thinking hard. It was cute. Gwen nodded.

"Yeah, I think I can remember the way to the tunnels. There's an entrance just north of her right before the building. The entrance looks like a manhole. Peter and Gwen peered behind the pile of beams. Men were spreading out and slowly searching for them.

"How are we going to get past them?" Gwen asked. Peter reached into his belt and pulled out a web cartridge.

"With this," he said. Gwen gave him a look.

"You're going to offer them a stick of gum?"

"No!" Peter protested. "This is one of web cartridges I use for my web spinners. I always carry a couple of extras around. If I can tamper with it, it'll set off a webby explosion creating a diversion. Hand me that hammer." Gwen picked up a hammer lying nearby and handed it to Peter. "Get ready…" Peter picked up the hammer and drove the sharp end into the cartridge and threw it. "Now," Peter yelled. They rushed forward. There was a distant boom and they glanced over. Several men were caught up in a giant web puddle. They had almost made it to the entrance when they were discovered. Men raced after them. Peter looked up and saw scaffoldings that had piles of bricks on them. Peter shot webs and brought them down. Gwen was already working the cover off the entrance when Peter caught up with her.

They both quickly climbed down the ladder into the stone passageway. Peter webbed the entrance very thoroughly with his web shooters. They wouldn't be able to open it for a while. Peter and Gwen walked down the path until they reached the main cavern. Along the way Peter slipped his hand into Gwen's and gave it a squeeze. As they walked through the water Peter looked up at the pipe where he stuffed Kraven through.

"He's gone." Gwen turned to face Peter.

"Who's gone?"

"Kraven, I beat him up and shoved him through that pipe up there He must have gotten out or someone from the Griffin helped him." Peter pointed to the one he was talking about. It was split and broken.

"There's no way he would fit in there." Peter shrugged

"I thought so to. He got stuck up there. I guess I was just so angry at him for taking you and scared you were hurt…" Peter trailed off and looked at Gwen. She took a step closer to him.

"Peter…" she began hesitantly. "Back there when you taken, did y-… did you mean what you said?" Peter stroked Gwen's cheek gently.

"You mean when I said that I love you?" Gwen nodded silently, looking down at her feet in the water. "I did." Gwen head snapped up and she looked at Peter with tears in her eyes. Peter leaned in forward and whispered in her ear. "I'll say it again. I love you, Gwen Stacey. Sorry that it took me so long to realize it." Gwen looked up at Peter and placed her hands on Peter's face. She asked a question with her eyes. Peter nodded. Gwen slowly and carefully removed his mask. Gwen smiled when she saw Peter's face.

"There's my hero." Peter blushed. Gwen leaned forward but Peter stopped her.

"Gwen, what about Harry he's our friend and…" Gwen covered Peter's mouth her hand.

"Peter, shut up. We'll work something out with Harry. I love you and we both nearly died back there. Now shut up and kiss me. I don't think it was very fair for me to put all my feelings on the line when I first kissed you. Now it's your turn to make a move," Gwen teased as she closed her eyes. Peter laughed under his breath.

"Well if you insist…" Peter leaned forward and gave Gwen a sweet and gentle kiss. Gwen wrapped her arms around Peter's neck and Peter worked his arms to her waist. She tastes like strawberries. When they broke the kiss their hearts were racing and they were breathless. Peter looked around at their dreary surroundings. "On our next date I promise to take you to a nicer place." Gwen laughed. They walked down a path hand in hand and came out another entrance. Peter put his mask back on as they climbed out. The sun was setting

"What are you going to do about the Griffin?" Gwen asked Peter. Peter sighed.

"That's a fight for another day. You're safe and that's all that matters to me." Peter picked Gwen up into his arms. "Come on. I'll take you to visit you dad in the hospital.

"Is he alright?" Gwen asked concern.

"I'm sure he's fine. He's a tough guy. Don't worry." Peter shot a web line and they began to swing along. Peter looked down at Gwen and smiled. He was truly blessed to have her in his life. It was funny. He had created so many lies until they became woven and tangled like a web. Peter had done it to protect his loved ones but it also hurt them. Gwen was able to unravel that web and Peter was grateful to her. Maybe now he and Gwen could weave a different sort of web, a web of truth, trust, and love. Peter shook his head; being in love was making him act all sappy and romantic. Peter looked at Gwen, her hair shining in the setting sun. Whatever, he didn't really care as long he had Gwen to hold and protect.

It's finally done! This burden has been lifted from my shoulders! I'm just exaggerating a little bit. I had so much fun writing this and I'm sad it's over. I might consider doing a sequel let me know what you guys think. Also that little romantic scene at the end of the story was my very first. Tell me if you liked it or not. Also does anyone get Leo Eyrie's name. Leo means lion and an Eyrie is a nest for a bird of prey. I thought it was appropriate for the leader of the Griffin. I'd like to thank all my reviewers who reviewed and motivated me keep going. I never though I would get nearly 40 reviews! I'd like to give special thanks to The True One Winged Angel for reviewing many of my chapters and helping me a little bit with grammar. Thank you, Mengsk for all of your constructive criticism. As nice as it is to get reviews saying my story is great, it's also nice to get a review saying I didn't like this part and you should work on this. Gab4eva24, what can I say, your 12 verys inspired me to update soon. This is it for this story. I'm going to take a short break to think about my next story I'll write. Hopefully some of you might want to check it out. Don't forget to read and review!