"No, no, no…", Peter muttered as he scanned the book. "There is nothing that I could understand! What is this thing?!"
"I don't know…", Norman shook his head as he gazed into the fire, while Harry slept under the blanket beside him. "And if I got hit by an ax…how can I sit here, feeling totally normal?"
Shaking his head, Peter kept examining the book. But all the pages were filled with language what he didn't understand.
"Did you say that I woke up after Harry touched my hand?", Norman asked.
"Yeah…you did", Peter nodded.
"And he touched that deer as well…what is happening to us?!", Norman tightened his grip on Harry's hand.
"Oh come on Mr. O…you are not thinking that Harry has some hidden powers? That's a bit too...bizarre", Peter answered.
"I honestly don't know what to think…anything is possible."
Shaking his head, Peter kept reading the book.
"Well, of course, we can think like that…but Harry sure got really scared…he really thought you died. And so did I…"
"I can't even imagine…let's just forget the whole thing, okay? Let's not talk about it to my son either. He does not need it", Norman rubbed Harry's hair.
"Fine with me", Peter smiled.
"So…you saw Austin acting weird? And the limo…?"
"In pieces…totally useless. How do we get out of here now? My costume is in the house", Peter told.
"Damn…I can't figure out a way out. And this storm keeps going on…even the sky is still red…", Norman muttered.
"That's because the spirits of these lands sense a chosen one being here", a deep voice answered. Jumping from surprise, Peter and Norman turned to see a dark figure standing in the doorway.
"Who are you?!", Peter ran in front of the Osborns as Norman retreated him and Harry to the corner. "What do you want?!"
"Is this how you treat people who are older than you?", the figure stepped into the light. He was an old man, about in his seventies.
"Excuse me?", Peter asked.
"Yes…you teenagers are so rude nowadays…but I really understand you. After all, you have to be careful every day…young spider", the man smiled. Peter and Norman stared, even more surprised.
"What…?!", Peter stared.
"Yes…I know who you are. But that is not why I'm here", the man walked to the fireplace and sat down. "I came to talk with you since I've been following you for a couple of weeks."
"Wait…what?! Followed us!?", Norman stared. "Who are you?!"
"Always in such a hurry. Well, my name is Atka. I'm an Inuit and I live a couple of kilometers from this village."
"Atka?", Peter asked.
"Yes. Nice to meet you."
"But…how can you know about my...?!"
"Oh, I know more than you know…Peter Parker", Atka smiled. Peter's mouth dropped as Atka turned to see Norman.
"And your name is Norman Osborn…and that child is your son, Harry."
"Correct…but how…?!", Norman stared as well.
"All in good time my friends. But I must ask…do you have it?", Atka asked.
"Have what?", Peter stared.
"The book."
"Yes…it's here", Peter showed the book to Atka. The old man stared at it and closed his eyes, smiling.
"So you found it…I was having my doubts since you were buried to that cave…"
"Wait…you knew we were there?! How you know so much about us?! Who are you?!", Peter demanded to know.
"I came…because time has come", Atka nodded again.
"Time for…what?", Norman asked and then felt how Harry was moving restlessly.
"Huh…?", Harry opened his eyes a bit and yawned. "Did I fall asleep?"
"Yes, you did son. Having any nightmares?", Norman asked.
"No…", Harry was stopped as he saw Atka. "Who…who is he?!"
"His name is Atka…and he…", Peter didn't know what to say.
"Evening Harry…must say you look much better than in the river", Atka smiled.
"Huh?!", all three turned to see Atka.
"You…you saved me?!", Harry stared.
"Yes, my little test ran out of my hands…but you succeeded well", Atka smiled.
"Your test?! Wait a minute…you hit me?! It was you…? Who the hell…?!", Norman began.
"My apologies…but I had to get you out of the way. I needed to see was your boy worthy enough…and he showed that he is."
"Worthy?", Harry stared.
"Well, it's better I explain all from the beginning. Sit, it's gonna be a long story", Atka nodded. Trio did as was told. And then, Atka started to tell.
"You see…this village is my former home. I lived here as a child…but my people were forced to leave a long time ago."
"Really? What for?", Peter asked.
"Well, thousands of years, my people have been protected by two books. They give us all that we need if we take care of them. But if not…something horrible happens", Atka continued.
"Wait, wait! You said two books. Is one of them this?", Peter showed the book.
"Yes…that one is The Book Of Guardians. Its twin was stolen from my people many years ago…and brought to New York."
"New York?!", Peter and Osborns gazed at each other.
"Yes…but that's not all. Since according to tradition, two books must be together so that harmony will continue and bless our lands. But my brother, Keelut stole the second book a long time ago…and brought it to New York. I tried to search for it…but wasn't able to do that. Until…", Atka said.
"What…what is the name of this another book?", Harry asked. He had a really nasty feeling.
"The Book Of Elements", Atka nodded.
"NO WAY!", Peter's mouth dropped. Osborns stared as well.
"Yes…and I know that you were able to open it", Atka gazed at Harry.
"But how?!", Harry asked.
"Well, I know lots of things. But as I was saying, since this another book was destroyed, it was my job to keep the another one safe. And it means to guard it…with your life. My father was the guardian before me…and I inherited the role instead of my brother. Keelut wasn't worthy enough…his mind was filled with darkness and everyone was afraid of him. Because of him, we were forced to leave our home…all the animals died and we suffered horrible winters without proper food. Keelut has some dark powers…and he hates me because he wasn't chosen to be the next guardian."
"So…that's why he stole the book?", Peter asked.
"Yes…and I'm afraid he tried to find this one. But you were able to find it before him…and that makes things a bit better", Atka nodded.
"Well, you can absolutely have it back! We've been surrounded by troubles ever since boys found this", Norman grabbed the book and offered it to Atka.
"I'm afraid…it's not that simple. You see, there is more."
"I should have known…", Norman muttered.
"Well, as you can see, I'm pretty old. I spent my whole life while protecting this book…but now it's time to pass my task to someone else. I don't have children…they do not deserve this burden", Atka shook his head.
"What…what do you mean?", Harry asked.
"Well…the guardian of this book is able to do some…things. Tell me, have noticed something strange in yourselves?", Atka asked.
"Well…my powers are a bit…if you know what I mean", Peter nodded.
"That's because the book thinks they are a threat to it. That's why you can't control them…it's a side effect."
"What?! Well, when my condition will return to normal?"
"I'm afraid I don't know. But one thing I know for sure…I have seen something very powerful with my own eyes…", he gazed at Harry again. Peter and Norman stared as well.
"Huh? Why you all are looking at me?", Harry asked.
"Well…The Book Of Guardians can be worked only by someone, who has been able to open the first book. And you…", Atka nodded.
"But I didn't do anything! It just happened!"
"Nothing happens without a reason", Atka knelt down and gazed at Harry. "Tell me, child…have you felt scared? Stressed? Panicked?"
"Yeah…why?", Harry muttered.
"Well, that's why those ravens and blood came to your house. That's why the wheel broke from your car…or this storm keeps happening and the sky is red. The book senses your feelings and gives side effects depending on your mind. If you have fears…horrible things happen. And then the opposite…don't you wonder why you were able to heal that deer or save your father?", Atka asked.
"Well…yeah", Harry nodded.
"It's because you felt sadness, pity, and love towards them. Book senses your feelings and if they are positive, good things happen. Your friend and father are protected by this book, because of your feelings towards them. That's why", Atka nodded.
"But why Harry's feelings? Why not someone else's?", Norman asked.
"Well…now we come to the main point. Since like I told you…I'm very old and my task will be taken over by someone else after me. And it can't be just anyone… the book chooses its next guardian, while testing is that person worthy enough. And your son has done so…"
"No…no way! Are you saying that…?!", Harry was pale.
"Yes…you are the next guardian my boy", Atka finished his story. "You have proven yourself…by risking your life and showing love towards people you care about. And only that kind of heart is strong enough."
Peter stared…speechlessly and mouth open. Norman stared…until collapsed on the floor, blacking out of shock.
"Dad?!", Harry turned around. Peter knelt down to take a better look of Norman when Atka turned Harry around.
"But remember this Harry…this book is a very powerful weapon. Being the guardian is not easy…and there are many people who are ready to do anything to get their hands on it. And the book can't work without its guard…bond is too strong. So, it means that if someone wants the book, it means you as well. If you are able to control your feelings, there should be nothing to worry about. But if not…"
"But…I can't be the guardian! I don't even want to!", Harry shook his head. "Can't someone else take my place?!"
"Oh, dear boy…you are chosen. Destiny does not always ask do we want something or not. We just have to take what it gives us", Atka patted Harry's shoulders.
"But...but…my life is in danger! I've been through so many horrible things…I feel more fear than happiness! In my hands…the book will be in great danger! I…I can't take it!", Harry backed away. Atka sighed while Peter was able to wake Norman up, and supported him from the back.
"What…what happened?"
"You fainted sir…about the news we heard…", Peter told.
"Oh yes…NO WAY!", Norman jumped up. "What were you saying that my son is some next guardian?! Is this some kind of joke?!"
"I'm afraid not…I would never joke about this", Atka answered.
"But…Harry is just a boy! And he has no idea what is going on! How can he be the one?! NO! I'm not allowing it!", Norman shook his head.
"Well, I kinda understand you…your heart is filled with fear. As a father it's understandable, but there is more. Since once…you were a monster. And because of that monster, your son suffered. Was alone…cried after you. And you are still wondering if that monster is still part of you…since it completely controlled your mind", Atka eyed Norman closely, while boys stared at him.
"What my past has to do with this?!", Norman spat in frustration. "I learned my lesson…I wanna be a better father and protect my son! And how can you even know…?!"
"As I said, I know a lot. And I can see that your past has made you overprotective. You fear all the time of losing Harry…am I correct?", Atka asked.
"Well, wouldn't you be if you were in my position? Of course, I fear! Harry is my only family and all I have in this world. And I'm ready to destroy anyone who dares to try to take him away from me", Norman put his hands on Harry's shoulders, rubbing them.
"Yes, but it also blinds you. You don't trust your son…and you think you can't let him decide on his own…because he failed before. You protect Harry from your mistakes", Atka nodded.
Norman was fuming…he hated how this total stranger mocked him in front of the boys. Atka eyed him…and then turned to Peter.
"And as for you…you have a very big burden on your shoulders. Being a hero…and that takes most of your time."
"Yeah, so?", Peter asked.
"Well, am I right that you were afraid to tell Harry and Norman who you were?", Atka asked.
"Umm…", Peter blushed.
"Well, of course, no wonder…Norman would have killed you right there if you had told him", Atka nodded. When Peter heard that, he stared at Norman with wide eyes.
"WHAT?! That is not…!", Norman began, face turning red. But Harry calmed him down.
"Anyway, I was saying that your friendship suffered because of this burden and tension between you. But now…you are doing much better."
"Yes, I wanna repay my ignorance to Harry. He is my best friend…but what does that has to do with this?", Peter asked.
"It does because you are protected by this book since Harry cares for you. Or else, you would be dust by now. The book eliminates anyone who it thinks as a threat towards its guardian", Atka explained.
Peter and Norman gulped, turning to see the book. Harry looked at it as well…and then began.
"So…what does this guardian actually do?"
"Well, you can't let the book out of your sight. And as a reward, it gives you some special powers. Like an ability to heal seriously injured people or animals…and control each element a bit."
"Wait…but Dad died! His heart didn't beat! Peter, you saw it too, didn't you?", Harry asked.
"Yes", Peter nodded.
"Well actually…your father fell only into a coma, not died. Otherwise, you would have not been able to wake him up. The book is not a miracle worker…it listens to your deepest desires and acts depending on them", Atka nodded again.
"This is not real…", Norman shook his head in total disbelief. "What more?! Harry can fly and transform into some animal?!"
"Not that, thank god! But, your boy is a very special case…one of the most powerful guardians I've ever seen. So innocent, full of love and more importantly, with a pure heart", Atka smiled. "You are very lucky", he smiled at Norman.
Smiling a little, Norman rubbed Harry's hair. But then, his face turned serious.
"So…can you explain about Austin, my driver? Why he attacked us?"
"Well, he is not the person Harry cares for…so the book took him as a threat. Only special ones will be under its protection."
"But…then it will hurt innocent people if I don't like them!", Harry was pale.
"No…only person with a really dark heart gets his fate. I don't know what that man had done…but something horrible. So, it actually did you a favor", Atka told.
"I see…well, what happens now?", Harry asked.
"Well, you are now the next guardian…so this book is yours", Atka gave it to Harry. "Take good care of it…and don't let any bad people near it. Learn how to control your emotions, or consequences will be horrible. You have to give your word you will protect it…even if it would cost your own life."
Harry's eyes widened…and suddenly, Norman grabbed the book and threw it on the floor.
"You can't be serious…do you really think I'm gonna let this happen?! We don't even know you! And then you come and tell us some fairytales and command my son to protect some stupid book with his life! No! Not ever!"
"Mr. O…", Peter began. "I think we should…"
"Not now Peter,", Norman interrupted. "Look. I appreciate your help, but we won't get mixed up in this. Take that book if it belongs to you or your people. I don't want it near us or see it ever again…boys should have left it to that cave."
"Dad…", Harry began as well. "Listen…"
"Enough! Thank you…but you must find someone else to guard that thing", Norman gave Atka a nod and grabbed Harry by his arm, pulling his son along and walked to the door. "Come Peter!"
"But…what about that storm? And we don't have a car!", Peter asked.
"Well, it seems to be over…there is moonlight shining beautifully. And I think my phone has a signal again, so I'm calling someone to pick us up. But we need to go, right now", Norman gazed at his phone.
"Umm…thanks! And I'm sor…", Harry began to say, but Norman pulled him out of the door.
"My apologies…Norman is just a bit worried about Harry's safety. He is not usually that rude", Peter apologized.
"Don't worry about that young one…I understand him. But he is making a bad mistake, really bad", Atka nodded.
Peter gazed Atka, and then the book on the floor. "Is it true what you said…is Harry really destined? What if he is not the one?"
"Child…I have seen it with my own eyes and I bet you have too. Your friend is the guardian. And I'm afraid this refusing will only make things worse. But I can't decide…it's Norman's job to decide what is best for his family. But you remember this…all that guilt you felt, there is no need. You do really great work while helping people. Be proud of that, and watch after your friends. They need you", Atka patted Peter's shoulder.
Before Peter could answer, he heard Norman's yelling.
"PETER, COME ON! I was able to get us a ride!"
"Uhh…I'm sorry I gotta go. Thanks for everything", Peter nodded and ran out of the door, disappearing into the darkness. Atka gazed after the trio, shaking his head.
-o-o-o-
"Mystical powers…guard the book…what nonsense!", Norman muttered as yanked Harry in his grip. Peter reached to Osborns by running fast.
"But Dad…were you a bit harsh on that guy? He just wanted to help me!", Harry gazed over his shoulder.
"By messing your head with some supernatural twaddling? Yeah, right", Norman kept walking.
"But he knew so much…like our names! Isn't that a bit weird?", Harry had to jump to keep up with Norman's fast walking.
"I agree, that is weird. But maybe that legend is true…you're a guardian Har! Imagine what you are able to do…and did you make this night so peaceful as well? Awesome!", Peter smiled.
"Yeah…and Ock would taste his own medicine…oh, you have no idea what would I do to him…", Harry grinned.
"Well, nothing too brutal I hope. After all, he is a tortured soul like the rest of us", Peter grinned. "But some cold water on his neck would do the thing…"
"Or...or what about fire? I could burn his ugly hair…that slimy black…", Harry got excited. Norman listened as boys laughed…and then his patience ran out.
"STOP!", he turned around, letting go of Harry's hand. "This is not funny!"
"Dad…", Harry laughed a little. "Where is your sense of humor?"
"This is no time for jokes! How you can be so carefree?! That old man just said your life is in danger! And we were supposed to have a good vacation after what Octavius did to us! But no…you just laugh!", Norman crossed his arms.
"Sir…", Peter began but decided to stay quiet.
"Where…where is that book?", Norman asked.
"We left it to that Inuit", Peter told.
"Good. He will take care of it or whatever he has to do. Now, we go home and forget this all ever happened. I don't wanna hear a word about that book ever again. Got it?", Norman asked sharply.
"Yes…", Peter and Harry nodded.
"Good. Let's go before it gets too cold", Norman nodded and turned around, continuing his fast walking. Boys looked at each other…and followed him.
But if Norman thought that ignoring this all would make things go away…he will realize that he was badly wrong. Since like everyone always says, you can't escape your destiny. And that fact would come back like a boomerang, very soon…the most brutal way.