"My greatest fear is dark. I guess every child can somehow relate to that, but my fear is quite different. I'm not scared of the darkness itself...instead, is that the bogeyman comes if you are not quiet. And now you might ask, what's the bogeyman? Well, it's big and tall, having skinny arms and legs. It has no eyes, only white circles which intensively keeps staring at you. The bogeyman hides in our closet and that place is scary. I'm afraid that someday, it will come to get me."
- Norman Osborn, age 6
THE DAILY BUGLE SPECIALS: Interview with Amberson "Ambrose" Osborn
"Good evening Mr. Osborn! We are so glad you could make it."
"The pleasure is all mine. I'm really happy to be here."
"We believe you do. It's been now almost two weeks since your wife passed away. How are you doing?"
"I'm actually doing pretty well, thank you. Yes, I still feel great sadness but life goes on."
"Of course. It must be hard to be widowed with a young child."
"I'm afraid so. But we are not alone. Osborns are born to be successors and we won't let setbacks to stop us."
"You seem to be already on your feet. How can you keep yourself together among your work and parenting? After all, you don't have your wife's support anymore."
"Well, as I said, life goes on. There's no need to dwell in your misery. Otherwise, you won't get anywhere."
"That sounds pretty harsh. How about your son?"
"Norman? Nah, he's tough. He will get through this."
"But isn't he only eight years old? That's a very young age to lose a mother."
"You don't have to worry. I make sure he is taken care of."
"That's a relief. What plans you two have now?"
"We will continue our lives. I have already planned some successful business meetings and I'm looking forward to sealing the deals. Norman will go back to school once the funeral is over. Everything will be back to normal before we even know it."
"I see...well, in that case, I wish all the luck to you and your family."
"Thank you very much."
(A half year later)
THE DAILY BUGLE RECOMMENDATIONS: "My journey to succession" - The life story of Ambrose Osborn
Taken from the back cover: "Life is nothing but a big misery. You either suck it up or lose, your choice. My story is not made for whiners. If you wanna have a good reputation, then my tale is made just for you."
"Massive and strick", says the economist.
"I wouldn't use this even to set up a fire! Disgusting", says the annoyed reviewer.
"What I wanna be when I grow up? I'm not actually sure. Of course, we have our family business and my father is training me to be his successor. The financial world sounds really interesting but I wonder if there would be something else planned for me. I don't know what that could be, but it will come to me when the time is right. At least I hope so."
- Norman Osborn, age 11
THE DAILY BUGLE ECONOMY: Ambrose Osborn loses everything! A massive bankruptcy collapses the Osborn empire!
"I don't have anything to say", Ambrose Osborn refuses to comment the event.
"All I know that it was a huge blow. No one saw that coming. We are still trying to understand what is going on", the anonymous employee tells in disbelief.
"Let me say, it was only a matter of time this happens. Osborn has always done risky moves. And now he must pay for his mistakes", the rival company teases their former rival.
***High School Yearbook***
Name: Emily Lyman
Age: 15
Location: NYC, USA
"Hey everyone! My name is Emily and I live in New York with my family. I have a wonderful pet cat, her name is Sylvia. She's my baby girl and I love her. I also love flowers and my favorite season is summer. Every year I decorate my balcony with all kinds of different plants. I'm not really sure what I wanna do in the future. Perhaps when I go to college, this will clear up a bit. I have always loved dancing...maybe I could become a dancer or an actress? Remain to be seen!"
*The Osborn countryside mansion, time unknown*
"Father, when do you think you will stop drinking and get back on your feet?", Norman asked when his father once again sat in the kitchen, drinking some whiskey.
"Always the same song...you are just like your mother. Whining about everything", Ambrose muttered.
"But I'm only thinking about what's best for you! You can't just sit here and feel sorry for yourself!"
"Aarrhh...", Ambrose stood up, facing his irritated son. "Just keep your mouth shut if you don't have anything useful to say."
"And you do?", Norman asked angrily. His father didn't like the tone in his voice.
"Are you challenging me, you ungrateful brat?"
"No. I just can't sit back and watch as you destroy yourself. You must see a doctor!"
"I'm not going anywhere", Ambrose spat, walking towards the door. But Norman blocked his way.
"Fine then! If you don't care about yourself, then think about me! I don't wanna see my father drunk every time I come home!"
"Ain't that sweet. Just close your eyes if you can't stand it", Ambrose pushed Norman out of the way, but the teen had grown surprisingly strong and tried to stop his parent from leaving.
"Get off me!", Ambrose tried to punch Norman but was thrown on the floor.
"Don't ever hit me again! Before you were maybe able to do that but not anymore! And if you are continuing this, then I leave!"
"Be my guest! Like you have ever done anything than just ruined my life!"
Glaring at each other in complete hatred, Norman stormed out of the kitchen and slammed the door behind him. Grabbing another bottle, Ambrose began to drink even faster, cursing his intolerable son in his mind.
"He is difficult. I don't know how I have managed for all these years. I was always homeschooled until I left for college. And I can tell, the first months were horrible. I didn't know anything or anyone and my social skills aren't something to praise about. But then...I met her. The most beautiful girl in the whole world. Her name is Emily and she is so wonderful. I believe we are meant to be something great."
- Norman Osborn, age 18
(Long after)
"I don't know why he acts like this! I have given him everything: care, money, newest things...and he treats me like trash. Perhaps losing his mother was more than I thought...I have failed miserably. My only son is far away and visits shortly during his summer breaks. I feel abandoned! What I have done to deserve this? Every parent's worst fear is that their children hate them. Looks like Norman fills that claim perfectly", Ambrose Osborn cries in "Richers and Roses" TV-show.
"I saw his interview. What lies! I have done nothing, he is trying to blame me for all of his problems. This is getting worse. I'm glad I have Emily's support. When we graduate, we will be far from here", Norman Osborn denies his father's accusations.
THE DAILY BUGLE SPECIALS: Interview with Norman Osborn and Emily Lyman
"Good evening everyone! Today, we have very special guests. Let's all welcome the lovely couple, Emily Lyman and Norman Osborn!"
"Thank you. It's very nice to be here."
"And I must say I'm very happy you could come. I was afraid you might refuse, as we know your attitude towards the press."
"Well, I guess one time won't hurt. I'm tired of scandal reporters following my every move, so maybe tonight I can make a difference and they will spare me for some time."
"It must be very hard for you to be so famous. Likely everyone knows who you are."
"That's the famous Osborn curse I think. But I'm going to avoid it."
"Interesting. And I see you have a very lovely lady with you."
"Oh, yes. This is my sweetheart, Emily."
"Good day."
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Lyman. You have got yourself quite a catch!"
"I don't see it that way. I fell in love with Norman's caring attitude and tough nerves. He is always calming me down."
"You two look happy together. So tell me Norman. What do you think about your father's comments he has given about your relationship? According to him, you have abandoned him and he feels sad about it."
"Well...to tell the truth, it's all just a big theater. He has done these things all by himself, but of course, won't see it. I have been his victim all of my life. But I'm gonna stop it."
"That's sad. Has he met Ms. Lyman? What was his opinion about her?"
"We...we rather not answer that. If you don't mind."
"If that's what you wish. So, you both are 22 now. Freshly graduated from college, a whole world in your hands. What plans you have for the future?"
"We are actually planning to leave for New York. I was offered a very nice job in one of the tech companies there. Emily will try to find work as well."
"That's remarkable! So young and you already have so many plans. Perhaps one day, we are gonna see the family of three sitting here!"
"Heh...who knows. But I'm not sure if I want kids. My own childhood has made me unsure what comes to parenting and all..."
"Never say never! But it was a pleasure to have you with us tonight. All the best!"
"I bet you all can guess what happened after the interview. My father called me the same evening and yelled through the conversation we had. I had not told about Emily since I knew he wouldn't accept her. He thought I'm not worthy enough to even get someone and when I finally did so against his doubts...it wasn't good either. So I just gathered my stuff when he was away...and left. We didn't talk for a long time and I didn't miss him. Emily and I got a nice apartment from Manhattan and I started working, slowly moving towards my dream: starting my own company. Life could not be better!"
- Norman Osborn, age 23
THE DAILY BUGLE ECONOMY: Breaking news! Norman Osborn, 25, the son of Ambrose Osborn starts his own tech company! Come to see the first steps of Oscorp!
"Hah, like it will last long. Norman can't escape our curse. In a few years, the company is down!", Ambrose Osborn bitterly comments his son's succession.
THE DAILY BUGLE: Norman Osborn and Emily Lyman, 26, engaged! When will the wedding bells ring?
"I'm really happy. This is everything I've dreamed of. My love is succeeding and I'm really happy for us", Miss Lyman shortly comments, showing her expensive ring.
"Our engagement was actually formal. We were talking about getting married, but of course, I had to propose to her first. To my great relief, she said yes even though I thought the answer is no. I'm the happiest man in the world!", Norman Osborn happily tells about their wedding plans.
THE DAILY BUGLE: Emily Lyman-Osborn, 27, is pregnant! The future heir is on the way!
"Of course I wasn't told! Norman and I haven't spoken since he left. I have tried to call him, but no one answers. I'm really happy for them and I hope I'm able to be part of my future grandchild's life", Ambrose Osborn opens about his sorrow. The young couple doesn't want to comment at this point.
(Nine months later)
THE DAILY BUGLE: The healthy baby boy is born! Unfortunately, Emily Lyman passed away of post-partum complications. Heartbroken Norman Osborn refuses to give any statements.
"My life is in pieces. My son was born at midnight and it was the happiest moment of my life...as well as saddest. Emily lost too much blood and doctors tried their everything to save her...but it was useless. I don't know how fate can be so cruel at me...only a moment ago, we were talking about all the wonderful stuff we could do with our baby. But now, she's gone forever. I would want to die...but I have to keep going for our son. He's the only remain part of her and as well as everything I have right now. It will be hard, but I must stay strong. And I'm gonna name him Harold, as we both liked that name the most. Harold Theopolis Osborn, Harry for short."
- Norman Osborn, age 28
(Four years later)
*In front of Oscorp*
"Yes, I would like that very much. But I still need to check a few details", Norman talked to one of his clients while little Harry played under the trees.
"Hello!", the boy followed a couple of butterflies straight to the road where was a truck coming...
"Good, very good. Call me when you have signed the contracts", Norman turned around...and began to yell.
"NO! HARRY!"
But his little boy was so interested in those flying creatures that didn't hear his father. Starting to run, Norman screamed in horror from the bottom of his lungs as the truck approached his son...when suddenly, someone grabbed Harry out of the way just in time.
"Well there young man", Ambrose held his grandson. "You should be more careful."
Not understanding the seriousness of this situation, Harry just giggled. Heart beating, Norman ran to his father, grabbing his son from him.
"What were you thinking?!", Norman's voice cracked as he held his son who continued giggling. Burying his boy tightly onto his lap, Norman turned to his father.
"And what the hell you're doing here?!"
"I decided that it was finally about time to meet my grandson", Ambrose replied. "And also see the famous Oscorp with my own eyes."
"Well, now you have seen them. Leave please", Norman spat, turning to leave.
"Is this how you treat your old father? I came a long way just to see you two."
"I didn't ask you to come! We don't need you."
"If you are still bitter about how I reacted when your wife died, I suggest you let it finally go. It's been four years Norman. You gotta move on."
"I will never forget your horrible words. Emily was the love of my life and you insulted her memory as well as me by mocking our child. And I will never forgive you."
"Perhaps I was too harsh, but I simply want to get to know Harold better. He has a right to have a grandfather in his life."
"You won't come near him", Norman hissed. "You already destroyed my life and I won't let you do the same to Harry."
"Do you really think that you can guard him all the time? He grows up Norman, then what are you going to do? You can't protect him forever", Ambrose said.
"Yes, I can! I promised Emily I will always look after our baby. No matter how old he is. And that will never change."
"Pathetic...no wonder you married a wimp like her. Poor poor child...perhaps he would spend some time with me, during the summer vacations."
"No!", Norman stepped back. "Go away before I call the guards!"
"If that's what you wish. You have no manners though, I saved his life and you treat me like this. Fool", Ambrose rolled his eyes.
"You don't deserve anything", Norman was full of hatred. "Leave and never return."
"Very well. But trust me, son, you can't keep us apart. One day, Harold will be old enough to find me without your help. And there is nothing you can do about it."
"He won't since I will never tell him about you and luckily Harry is yet way too small to remember this event. And if you try to get in contact, I will make sure you will regret it."
"We'll see. Goodbye Norman", Ambrose got in his car and left. Staring after him, Norman looked down at his son who reached his hand towards the car.
"Daddy, who was that funny man?"
"Nobody son...", Norman sighed. "Just nobody. Don't worry about it."
"Luckily he never returned. And I will make sure Harry will never hear of my father. I promise you, Emily. I promise.
- Norman Osborn, age 32
THE DAILY BUGLE: Headlines through the years
"Oscorp keeps rising - Norman Osborn's reliable business instinct dumbfounds his rivals!"
"Harry Osborn turns six years old - see the first steps of his school journey!"
"It's been eight years since Emily Lyman's passing - Norman Osborn misses his beloved wife every day"
"The bitter Ambrose Osborn locks himself up into his mansion - refuses to see anyone"
"A fatal shooting takes place at Queens - Ben Parker dies in front of his family"
"Who is the mysterious your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man? The masked man sows fear in the citizens"
"The criminal gang Frightful Four attacks Midtown High School - Harry Osborn gets injured"
"Nick Fury takes Spider-Man under his wing. Jameson slams the webbing menace"
"The horror Saturday - Flash Thompson reveals shocking details of what happened behind the closed school doors. Featuring Harry Osborn and Danny Rand"
"Norman and Harry Osborn abducted - The Iron Octopus vs Iron Spider"
"The Oscorp on fire - Norman Osborn goes missing"
"The Goblin appears -mean and green terrorizes the city!"
* The arcade near Queens, time unknown*
"Here you go Pete", Harry offered his friend some coke. "Ready to play?"
"Why not", Peter smiled, grabbing the console. "So, how are you doing?"
"Fine, I guess...even though I'm drowning in my homework."
"I can help you with that if you want. When you want me to come over?"
"Whenever you have time. I think I need to take some tutor lessons. Dad promised to be there, but..."
"I know...but he will return. I'm sure of it."
"I hope so...it's been such a long time I last heard from him! The Gobby has vanished into thin air. I...I don't know what to do!"
"I have to admit I haven't seen him on the news either. Have you visited at S.H.I.E.L.D?"
"A couple of times, yeah. He just slept in his cell...you can't even know how awful this is."
"I can only imagine. I can come with you the next time he's there if you want to."
"Thanks, Pete. Jeez, this is all Spider-Man's fault!"
"Har..."
"But it is! He and his stupid promises! I lost my family because of him!"
Peter sighed. He felt so guilty, but couldn't reveal his secrets. It would destroy everything.
"Buddy, you have a right to feel angry. But you have to stay strong. For Norman's sake. Who's gonna help him if we won't? He needs our help. Right?"
"Yeah...but how he can be turned back to normal?!"
"That's a good question. Perhaps Nick Fury knows. I promise to dig in since I understand science."
"Thanks, pal...you're the best", Harry smiled and boys continued playing.
- Recording: complete. 45% battery left -
THE DAILY BUGLE: Headlines through the years 2
"The Goblin kidnaps an innocent schoolboy - what happened to Peter Parker? The rescued Harry Osborn is stunned by the events"
"Spider-Man and his team captured the muscled monster! The Goblin is gonna be transported on the moon, confirms director Fury"
"Norman Osborn is back - is the Osborn family finally safe?"
"The Iron Patriot appears! Jameson praises the new hero: 100% heroism, unlike that annoying wall-crawler!"
"The Goblin strikes again - be prepared!"
"Harry Osborn coping with his hard time: "My father is gone again. How can I go on?!"
"The Vulture attack: What happened inside the Osborn mansion? Dark secrets start to come out!"
A massive prison break at S.H.I.E.L.D. -The Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Scorpion and other villains freed by Taskmaster. The cloaked mastermind mocks Fury and his agents about the lame security system"
"Norman Osborn suffers from a memory loss - son Harry is unsure if the past will remain as a mystery forever"
*The hospital*
"Mr. Osborn! Mr. Osborn, what can you remember about the events before you got to the hospital?"
"Mr. Osborn! Is it true you won't remember anything?!"
"What will happen to Oscorp? Are you gonna get back to work?"
"What a fuss...", Harry stared at the reporters who waited in front of the hospital entrance. Norman's comeback was one of the biggest scoops of the week and newspapers were thirsty for more.
"I hate those scavengers...get me out of here!", Norman muttered, sitting in his wheelchair. Luckily Osborns were surrounded by bodyguards who tried their best to keep people away from the family.
"What do they want anyway?! This is annoying...", Harry kept walking when one of the reporters managed to push himself through the crowd.
"Young Mr. Osborn! How would you describe your father's sudden return? Are you relieved?"
"Well, I..."
"We have followed you closely during these months. You must be very traumatized!"
"Uhh, actually...", Harry tried to slip away, but more reporters surrounded him.
"Young Mr. Osborn, can you confirm your father's amnesia?"
"Mr. Osborn, wait! We need to take a picture of you for the scoop!"
"No...just leave me alone!", Harry shook his head. "I'm not gonna say anything!"
"Just a couple of questions. What are you and your father gonna do now? Your relationship...!"
Feeling really helpless, Harry cried for help as was buried under the hungry journalists. Suddenly, everyone heard yelling.
"LEAVE HIM ALONE!"
Turning to look, the group saw how Norman stood up from his wheelchair, looking murderously at the people.
"Stop harassing my son! We aren't gonna give any comments, not now or later! So move it!"
Stepping aside, reporters let Harry pass and the scared teen sprinted behind one of the bodyguards, who escorted him in the car. Snorting, Norman was helped in as well and he slammed the door.
"What scums! Hunting us like some hungry predators."
"Well that's how they were after me for months...", Harry muttered. Looking a bit surprised, Norman sighed.
"I'm so sorry son. But I promise you won't get the unwanted attention any longer. I'll make sure of it."
As the car took off, the disappointed reporters left. But they weren't going to give up that easily.
- Recording complete. 70% battery left -
THE DAILY BUGLE: Headlines through the years 3
"Norman Osborn is back on his feet - Oscorp is doing better than ever"
"Hydra attacks! Spider-Man tries to save the city from the goblin army"
"Surprises in the family! Norman Osborn reveals: I'm immune against the goblin serum"
"Harry Osborn: I have never been so scared in my life. Thanks to Spider-Man who saved me!"
"It's called Patrioteer! Harry Osborn's quest to become a hero in his father's footsteps"
"Harry Osborn lands into a coma. Norman Osborn: I will do everything to help my son."
"Carnage bomb! Harry Osborn's ultimate sacrifice saves the day. Read the emotional reunion with his father from our special attachment!"
"The tragic: Oscorp Tower falls down! One of the famous buildings in NYC is now gone. Take a look at the pictures!"
"Spider-Man graduating from The S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy - This isn't the end, it's only the beginning!"
"The city freezes! How can New York be saved?!"
"Ambrose Osborn breaks the silence: I'm finally reunited with my family! Years of separation is over."
-o-o-o-
Shutting the trunk, the masked figure stood up. Finally, the whole material was scanned through. It gave plenty of information for the...yet unknown purposes. Grabbing the knife, the person sank it in the picture which was on the wall and rolled a little pipe of red liquid in the hand, laughing.
Just wait...