Let's reach 250 Power Stones for an extra chapter
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The Queensboro Bridge stood silent and empty, the night sky a canvas of dark blues and grays. Cars lay scattered and wrecked across the roadway, silent monuments to the chaos that had unfolded. At the apex of the bridge's mighty arch, bathed in the cold glow of distant city lights, the Green Goblin waited. Perched on his Goblin Glider, he presented a terrifying silhouette against the night sky.
Strapped tightly to his chest, George Stacy winced, his face a mask of pain and defiance. Wires snaked around him, connecting a cluster of menacing pumpkin bombs to a central detonator on the Goblin's gauntlet. The bombs glowed with an eerie green light, casting unsettling shadows on George's weary face. The Goblin chuckled, a grating sound that echoed across the empty expanse.
"Patience, Officer Stacy," the Goblin said, his voice dripping with mockery. "Your darling daughter will be here soon. Then, the real fun begins."
George gritted his teeth, refusing to show any fear. "What do you want with Gwen? Why are you doing this?"
The Goblin sighed theatrically, feigning boredom. "Oh, must we delve into the why? Very well, I'll humor you. You see, your little Gwen is... special." He leaned in close, his breath hot on George's face. "She's what one might call a potential. A 'Chosen Child,' to be precise."
George's brow furrowed. "A Chosen Child? What are you talking about?"
The Goblin rolled his eyes, as if explaining something to a particularly dense child. "It seems there are others like that meddling boy who interfered with my plans. Individuals touched by… unforeseen forces. Jokermon and Datamon were quite insistent on the importance of eliminating any such threats. While I don't pretend to grasp the full scope of their concerns, they were… emphatic that these Chosen Children were a serious complication."
The Goblin's face contorted with distaste. "Personally, I find the whole notion rather absurd. All this talk of destiny and balance… it's drivel. But I was tasked with eliminating these… complications. You could say it's my mission to keep the board clear."
He tightened his grip on George, the wires around the bombs digging deeper into his flesh. "So, your daughter, Officer Stacy, is on the chopping block. A necessary sacrifice to ensure my plans proceed unimpeded."
George struggled against his restraints, his voice strained but resolute. "You won't touch her. I won't let you. I'll do anything to protect her."
The Goblin laughed, a chilling sound that reverberated across the bridge. "Brave words, Officer. Admirable, even. But utterly meaningless. You're nothing but a hostage, a pawn in my game. Your love for your daughter is your weakness, and it will be your undoing."
The Goblin's eyes burned with manic intensity, and he adjusted his grip. "Now, let us await your precious Gwen. The show is about to begin."
As if summoned by his words, a figure emerged from the shadows at the bridge's entrance. Gwen Stacy, head held high despite the palpable danger, walked with steady determination towards the waiting Goblin. She looked small and fragile against the looming backdrop of the bridge, but her resolve was evident in every step. The Goblin smirked, his eyes gleaming with predatory anticipation.
"Ah, Gwen," he drawled, his voice echoing through the night. "Right on time. I do admire punctuality. Now, shall we get down to business?"
Gwen stopped a few feet away from the Goblin, her gaze fixed on her father. "Let him go, Norman," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "He has nothing to do with this. Whatever you want, you can take it from me."
The Goblin chuckled, brandishing a small, handheld detonator. "Such touching devotion. I almost feel guilty… almost. But, alas, my demands are quite simple: your life for his. A fair trade, wouldn't you say?" He held up the detonator, its green light pulsing ominously. "One press of this button, and your dear old dad becomes so much green goo."
Gwen's eyes widened with fear, but she stood her ground. "Please, Norman," she pleaded, her voice cracking with emotion. "He's done nothing to you. He's a good man, a good father. Don't do this. Think about Harry. Is this what you want him to see?"
The Goblin flinched, a flicker of pain crossing his face, but it quickly vanished, replaced by a chilling grin. "Sentimental appeals? Really, Gwen? I expected more from a 'Chosen Child.' Very well, how about this: I let you both go. Just come with me, and give me a kiss."
Gwen's stomach twisted, the urge to vomit rising in her throat.
He laughed again, and launched his attack.
With a manic grin, the Goblin unleashed a volley of razor bats, their sharp edges glinting in the dim light. Gwen gasped, throwing her arms up to shield her face.
Before the deadly projectiles could reach her, a blur of gold and white erupted from the shadows. Renamon, with lightning-fast reflexes, materialized in front of Gwen, her hands a whirlwind of motion. Crack! Crack! Crack! The razor bats bounced harmlessly off an invisible barrier, scattering on the roadway.
The Goblin cackled, his eyes gleaming with wicked glee. "Ah, Renamon," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "I knew you couldn't resist playing the hero. I must confess, this was all that I wanted. It's time to make my dreams a reality."
He pointed a finger at Gwen, his expression hardening. "Too bad, you didn't listen. I had such a perfect little future in mind. However, you're the reason I have to do this."
"No, you won't!" Gwen cried, her voice filled with desperation.
The Goblin dismissed her words with a wave of his hand. "Threatening to blow up your father? Honestly, that's a bit cliché, even for me. A tad boring, wouldn't you agree?" He grinned, his eyes darting to the edge of the bridge.
With a sudden, swift motion, he released the restraints holding George Stacy. The man plummeted forward, dangling precariously over the edge of the bridge, held only by the Goblin's gloved hand gripping his coat collar. The wind whipped around him, carrying the sound of rushing water far below.
"This is more your speed, my little Gwen," the Goblin said. "What are you willing to do for your father?"
Then, he let go.
George Stacy screamed as he plunged downward, the air rushing past him. The Goblin watched, a cruel smile playing on his lips. He had made his point. Gwen was now dancing to his tune. This was to show Gwen that she was on his terms.
The Goblin jumped from the top of the bridge, the Goblin Glider carrying him down, landing gracefully on the roadway below. The glider vanished, and he turned his attention to Renamon, who stood protectively in front of Gwen. "It's time," he said, his voice laced with anticipation.
Renamon met his gaze, her blue eyes burning with determination. "Gwen, stay back," she said, her voice calm but firm. "I will protect you." She knew this fight would be unlike any she had faced before, a true test of her strength and resolve.
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