Chapter Text
"I remember sitting where you all are twenty-five years ago, being told that I would do amazing things, change the world. I didn't believe them. When surrounded by the exceptional, it can be easy to feel like you are less than what you are. I'm not saying to act like you're better than everyone else, but you must recognize your potential. Don't underestimate yourselves. I never had anyone to tell me that when I grew up, and I did not think I was worth it for a long time, which held me back. But when I finally recognized my potential, I was able to change the world. And I believe that you all can too. Feel proud of this moment because you're enough, you're worth it, you've earned this, and my personal advice… take a break. You all need it." You announced to the 2023 graduating class of Columbia University, who all applauded. You gave a slight nod as you left the hall, attempting a smile as you hurried down the stairs, but it was difficult to keep wearing that smile. You let a yawn slip as soon as you disappeared out of sight and rubbed the bags under your eyes. You had spent last night begging politicians to look at the statistics that your team had gathered before they would make any decisions that would hurt the world any more than they already have.
"Thank you for doing this, Y/N. I know you're so busy-" The president of Columbia University and your old friend Dr. Curt Connors said.
"Oh, there's no need to thank me. You said that there was a graduate you wanted to introduce to me?" You said.
"Yes, yes, Mr. Parker, he's a prodigy truly… Although he is a bit scatterbrained... He's passionate, and I believe that he can help you with several of your projects… Although he would be more successful in a lab setting."
"Mr. Parker… Was he the one who created the microplastics vacuum?" you wondered, remembering an article you read about a student who created a vacuum that could clean beaches and sort microplastics while leaving the shore unharmed. It was incredible.
"Yes, yes, that's him! I can get him for you if you just wait a moment." Curt exclaimed excitedly. You nodded as you sat down and took out your phone, scrolling through your countless e-mails.
"Mr. Parker, I want to introduce you to Doctor L/N." Curt eventually came down with a young man who you assumed to be Mr. Parker. You stood up and gave a warm smile as you offered your hand. He shook it… his palms were sweaty.
"Hello, Mr. Parker, I've heard so much about you," you said warmly, brushing your hands off your pantsuit.
"...what kind of things?" the young man asked.
"Well, Dr. Connors here sings your praises, and I read about the beach vacuum prototype you created. I believe that if we worked together, we could do a lot of good in the world-"
"You're offering me an internship?"
"Well, I'm currently advising projects. I hope to get funding soon, and if you want to work with me…." You trailed off, already imagining the possibilities.
"So… yes?"
"Yes!"
Ding!
You sighed as you looked down at your phone, and a message from the governor greeted you. "I'm sorry, but I have to leave. Global warming waits for no one!" You gave a tired laugh. "Dr. Connors will give you my contact information, it may take a while to get the funding, but for now, I suggest taking a vacation. It's never good to overwork yourself," you advised.
"Yes… a vacation," Peter mumbled.
You gave a small wave as you hurried off. You were excited. With people like Mr. Parker, the future looked bright.
Otto would have loved him… You thought sadly.
"Are you Doctor L/N?" A man called after him, you stopped in your tracks and turned to face the direction of the voice, your eyes settled on a tall man, he wore a suit and some dark glasses… You didn't trust anyone who wore sunglasses inside.
"...Yes," you answered.
"I work for a research foundation that requires your expertise-"
"If this is another falcon drone proposal, I'm not interested-" You said cooly. Companies had been on your ass for years now. Trying to get you to turn animals into weapons, you refused every offer.
"It's not." he interrupted, handing you a manila folder. You raised an eyebrow as you opened it. You scanned the page, multiple sentences were blacked out, and you were about to close the folder and tell him to buzz off before your eyes caught a familiar name.
"Is this some joke!?" you snapped, looking up.
"I can assure you that this is not a joke."
"Well, is it outdated? Doctor Octavius isn't alive. He died almost four years ago!" You snapped.
"Did you ever see the body?"
"...It was a closed casket," you muttered.
"I see. Doctor Octavius is just one of the many subjects we need your help in."
"What are you doing there?" you asked. This was raising up too many red flags.
"...I can't tell you that until you agree to come with me-"
"Did Senator Fisk send you? To mess with me? If that's so I will not tolerate this, he cannot scare me-"
"Senator Fisk did not send me."
"Then who did?" you were getting agitated.
"I can't tell you that until you agree-" he repeated.
"Well, I am so sorry to tell you that I have to decline, this is raising up too many red flags, and I refuse to be manipulated in such a way-" you started to walk past him.
"After you're finished, we'll fund all of your projects." he stepped in front of you. You glowered but hesitated… If this was true, you would be able to save the world.
"...When do I leave?" you asked.
The man smiled triumphantly. "Right now, the facility is located in the Catskills." he gestured to the exit, and you bit your lip… You knew this was like those indie science fiction horror movies that your interns would ramble on about… But you knew what you had to do… as you followed the strange man, a thought repeatedly repeated in your head…
What if Otto was alive?