Back in Ock's lair, Octavius was working in his lab when Ultimate Goblin walked in.

"I suppose you locked them up?"

"Yes, boss. Are you preparing for the next challenge?"

"Indeed I am my dear goblin. This challenge will test that brat's skills and courage. And I can't wait to see Norman's face when he must watch his son's torturing and is unable to do anything…god, how I enjoy this!"

U-Goblin grinned. Two villains burst into laughter which echoed from the empty walls.

In the hospital room, both Osborns were sleeping. They were exhausted and hurt from the previous happenings and especially Harry's wounds made him feel pain. Norman leaned against the wall while it was Harry's turn to sleep in the bed. As usual, they held hands just to make sure that they were close to each other. And it made Norman feel safer.

Harry rolled in the bed. He was sleeping restlessly and couldn't get a nice position.

/

"Harry…"

Harry was surrounded by darkness. He gazed around as he heard the voice.

"Harry…please help me…"

"Pete? Is that you? Where are you? I can't see you!"

"Har…help me!"

"Peter…please tell me where you are!"

"Over here!"

Harry turned around and saw Peter standing in front of him, back against him.

"Pete…", Harry reached his hand. To his surprise, Peter started to run.

"Peter! Wait up!", Harry started running. But he wasn't able to catch up with his friend.

"Catch me if you can!"

"Hey, slow down! Why such a hurry?"

Suddenly, Peter stopped and turned around. Harry gasped as he saw his friend's face. Peter's face was like Anti-Venom's.

"Harry...come and play with me!"

Harry stepped back in horror.

"No…"

"Your fault…it's Norman's fault I'm hurting myself!"

"Peter, please…"

"And now, YOU WILL PAY!", Peter screamed and jumped towards Harry.

"NOOO!", Harry screamed.

/

"SON! Calm down, it was just a nightmare!"

Harry opened his eyes and realized that he had fallen down from the bed. He gazed up and saw Norman's worried face.

"Dad…? Where…?"

"You were having a bad dream", Norman said gently and lifted Harry up. His son just panted heavily.

"It was…", Harry gulped as he landed on his back to bed. "It was Pete…he was in trouble."

Norman gazed at Harry in concern. He was really worried about him.

"I see…"

"What do you think has happened to him? I can sense that he is in trouble. I need to find him."

"I don't know…I have to admit that Peter's disappearance bothers me as well. After all, it's my fault that he ran off…", Norman hung his head.

"Dad…just forget it okay? I don't blame you anymore. It's no use. Let's just hope that he is safe", Harry patted Norman's shoulder.

"Yeah…since we aren't really in an any better situation. I have thought over and over how to get out of here…but can't figure out a plan."

"Maybe in time we think of something", Harry muttered.

"I hope so…but hey, get back to sleep now. I'm right here so no need to worry", Norman smiled and rubbed Harry's hand.

Harry smiled back and closed his eyes. Soon, he was sleeping again.

-o-o-o-

When the next morning rose, Harry opened his eyes. He coughed a little and opened his mouth.

"Morning…gosh this bed is so awful…even sleeping in your room was better…"

Harry stopped as no one responded. He turned around and noticed that Norman was gone.

"Dad?", Harry jumped up.

The room was empty. Harry ran to the door and hit it with his fists.

"Hey, let me out! Did you hear me?!"

No matter how much he banged the door, no one answered. Harry fell on the floor and grabbed his head.

Don't panic…don't panic. You have to be strong. For Dad and Peter.

Suddenly, Harry heard how someone opened the door. Backing against the wall, he grabbed the nearest medicine bottle for his weapon.

"Oh, good morning young one!", Ock came in. His eyes shined evilly.

"Where is Dad? What did you do to him?!", Harry gazed, angrily.

"Always in a hurry! Don't worry, he is safe. Or…almost."

Harry gritted his teeth. He leaned against the wall, covering himself with the bottle.

"A very interesting choice for a weapon. But I suggest you put that away and follow me. If you want to see Norman…", Ock went to the door.

Harry decided that he had no choice. Supporting his ribs with his hands, he followed Ock to the corridor. They walked down the stairs. As the hallway once again appeared in front of their eyes, Harry noticed that something was different. The pool was filled with rusty water.

What the hell is happening?

When they finally stopped, Ock turned his gaze towards Harry. The young man bit his lip and stared back.

"Now Harry. First I must say that you have surprised me with your skills and spirit. You have shown that you have potential. And I'm gonna repay it if you succeed."

Harry looked surprised. Well, this was very unexpected.

"But of course, you must defeat your task. For your sake…and Normie's", Ock gazed across the pool. Harry's eyes widened as he saw the scene. Norman was chained around one of the pillars. And in his neck…was some kind of needle. He had his eyes closed and his head was pointing down.

Harry felt he would like to scream. But he calmed himself down and turned to Ock.

"What did you do…?"

"Ah, well! See that needle in his chest? It's poison. It's paralyzing your father's body at every moment. And slowly…it will drift towards his heart and brains. Once reaching there…it will shut them out of the game. So in other words…Norman will die if you don't manage to save him in time."

Harry was stunned. He watched as poison weakened his father. He had to save him.

"What…?", Harry hid his anger. "What do I have to do?"

"It's very simple. The key to unlock chains and get rid of the needle is in there", Ock pointed to the pool. "You just have to dive it out."

Harry stared at the water, then Ock.

"How on earth I'm gonna find a little key from the rusty water?! It's impossible!"

"Well, it's up to you what you wanna do. The more you wonder, the closer your father is to death. You are his only hope", Ock grinned. Harry gazed at his father one more time. Then, he prepared himself…

"Son!"

Harry lifted his gaze up, surprised. Norman lifted his head up and looked at him, weakly.

"I see…he can still talk. Well, little time to say goodbye", Ock laughed.

"Don't worry Dad!", Harry ignored Ock's laughing. "I will save you!"

"No…it's too dangerous!"

"Dad, I'm not gonna watch you die. No matter how much you are against it!"

"You won't do what Octavius says! Harry, the answer is no!", Norman yelled louder.

"I'm sorry…but I can't obey you this time. Forgive me", Harry said, started running and jumped into the water.

"HARRY, NO!", Norman screamed. He tried to free himself, but couldn't.

"Your brat sure loves you", Ock grinned at his enemy. "He is willing to do anything to save you. Oh, and did I mention one thing? This isn't only typical water…it's filled with caustic acid. So, in other words,…it's like fire to human skin. Especially if you are injured…"

Norman stared at Ock in horror. Then, he gazed at the pool, heart beating. Soon Harry came to the surface, screaming as his wounds were burning.

"NO! OCTAVIUS, I WILL KILL YOU!", Norman yelled. Ock just laughed.

"God!", Harry muttered. His bruises and bloody wounds were burning and he felt that it will kill him.

Stop whining! Ignore the pain…that's what Peter used to say. Show Ock he's the one who is gonna lose.

With his new power, Harry dove under the water again. Norman yanked himself as much as he could and sobbed quietly as his son was in danger right under his nose.

I failed him…again. I can't take this…!

Dive by dive, Harry searched the pool. But he wasn't able to find the key.

Come on…where is it?!

Needing more oxygen, Harry swam to the surface once more. He took a grip of the wall and heard how Norman called him.

"Son! Where are you?! Answer me!"

Harry swam where Norman was and gazed up. When his father saw him, his eyes were teary.

"Harry…get out of there now!"

"No Dad, I can't! I have to find the key and save you!"

"But you get hurt! Don't make me watch this…", Norman cracked.

"Dad…listen. You need to be strong. I know that you're feeling bad, but if you are letting your fears to control you, then Ock will win. And we can't let that happen", Harry said seriously.

"But…I'm the one who is supposed to be protecting you! Son…I beg you! If something happens to you…there would be nothing for me to live for! You are my life! Don't leave me alone…", Norman begged.

Harry felt like the pain in Norman's eyes killed him. But then he saw the needle.

"I'm sorry…maybe in time you understand", Harry answered sadly and dove again.

"NO, NO! Harold, come back here this instant!", Norman yelled.

Ock enjoyed the scene with all his heart. Seeing Norman in pain was the best gift he could ask for.

"Don't worry Osborn! Since the acid is burning your son's skin, you can be thankful that he is not going to look like you!"

Norman lifted his gaze towards Octavius, feeling he would like to kill him. He would make him pay for all this humiliation and torture.

Under the water, Harry's skin was burning. Suddenly, the young man caught water in his lungs and fell to the bottom of the pool. Minutes passed. Norman searched for Harry with his gaze. Something was wrong since his son didn't come up.

"What's wrong? Why he hasn't come back up?", Norman yelled at Ock.

"Well…maybe he caught water in his lungs. Drowning perhaps?"

Norman's breathing stopped. He couldn't think. He just kept staring at the water.

Come on son…don't do this to me!

At the bottom, Harry felt how his strength gave up. His skin was burning. He had no spirit left.

"Harry!"

Huh?

"Har…don't give up! You need to keep fighting! Norman needs you! I need you!"

Pete…?

"Harry…get up and kick Ock's ass! NOW!"

Suddenly, Harry felt how his hand hit against something. He rubbed it in his hand and opened his eyes a bit.

"You…YOU KILLED HIM!", Norman screamed furiously and struggled in his chains. Ock rolled on the floor and laughed manically.

"HARRY! MY SON! NO! YOU PROMISED NOT TO LEAVE ME!"

Ock and U-Goblin laughed from the bottom of their lungs. Norman gazed down and cried. His life was over. But suddenly to their surprises, the water started moving. And then…Harry popped out, holding his arm.

"I FOUND IT!", he screamed.

Ock and U-Goblin stared at the sight, not believing what they heard. Norman lifted his gaze up, heart almost jumping out of his chest.

Harry swam to the edge of the pool and climbed up. He panted heavily as he fell to his knees. Taking a deep breath, he ran to his father and freed him from the chains and threw the needle away. Before he could do anything more, Norman grabbed him into a tight hug and broke down.

Harry felt how his father was trembling and cried on his shoulder. Harry smiled and patted Norman's back.

"It's okay Dad. I did it. I saved you."

Norman didn't do anything, just held Harry. He was once again so close to losing his son. He didn't know how long his mind would handle this.

"Why you keep doing this?", Norman whispered. "Do you know what kind of scars it leaves?"

"Because of love", Harry answered. "I love you Dad! And I'm willing to do anything to you save you. Even if it hurts."

Hearing those words were the last straw for Norman. Suddenly he let go of Harry and fell down, fainting.

"Dad? Dad! What happened?! Are you okay?! DAD!", Harry knelt down and shook Norman's arms.

"Oh…I suppose he went into shock about the poison and all of this excitement…", Ock grinned.

Harry got up and ran to Ock. He clenched his fist.

"You better tell me right now what's going on! You said that as I find the key, it will destroy the poison!"

"And I didn't lie. But remember what I told you? I told that Norman was already injected with the poison. It just started to effect…", Ock shook his head.

"What…?! NO! It can't…STOP IT! DO SOMETHING!", Harry screamed.

"I can't do anything. It's you who shares his blood. Only you can save him…and there is a choice what I'm going to give you. Come here", Ock pointed.

Harry looked over his shoulder and followed Ock to the closet. From there, he took two pills.

"Now…you see these? One of these pills is an antidote to cure Norman. And another…will end his pain."

Harry stared at the pills and tried to grab them. But Ock held back.

"Ah don't rush! I didn't finish. I said that one of these pills is a cure. But this another will slowly kill the person who ever eats it. It will take weeks, but slowly it will hamstring the body function."

Harry bit his lip and gazed at Norman. He was getting restless.

"And now Harry…we come to the prize I was telling you about. You are free to decide which one of these you are going to give your father. If you give him the medicine, it will not only cure him of the poison, but it will also heal his broken arm. But if you choose to cure him, you have to take the poison which will destroy you. And vice versa. Understood?"

Harry stared at Ock. This was a real nightmare…since one of them was going to die. But his action was crystal clear…he could not live without a father. Left being alone twice was way too traumatic.

"How do I know that you're not lying?!", Harry spat.

"Well, you don't. But do you have a choice? It wouldn't be fun if I let you two die that easily."

Without hesitation, Harry grabbed the pills and was just ready to start running. But U-Goblin blocked his way.

"Out of my way!", Harry said angrily.

"Not so fast. I will make sure you're not bluffing. What is your decision?", Ock asked.

Harry glared at Ock in rage. He took the poisoned pill and put it in his mouth.

"I see…very well then. Swallow that I can see."

Harry did as was told. When he was done, Ock let him pass.

Harry ran to Norman and lifted his head. His father didn't even breathe anymore.

"Here you go, Dad. This will make you feel better…and I'm sorry", he whispered and made Norman swallow the antidote.

After a long feeling moment, Norman jumped to sit and coughed. He opened his eyes and rubbed his head.

"Where am I…? OH GOD! Harry…!"

"Dad…I'm right here", Harry smiled and patted Norman's shoulder. Norman turned around and when he saw Harry, he couldn't help chuckling with relief.

"You are all right…thank goodness!", Norman grabbed Harry into a hug. Suddenly, he noticed something.

"My arm…it doesn't hurt anymore."

"It because of the antidote. I gave it to you which healed you", Harry said.

Norman stared at his son. He rubbed Harry's forehead.

"An antidote? Where did you get that? Did you take one too?"

"I…", Harry turned to see Ock. "Yes. I did."

"That's so good to hear", Norman smiled and leaned his forehead against Harry's. "I was so scared…well. We will talk about that later. Now, I…"

"Now you two are gonna go back to your cell. I've had enough watching your ugly faces", Ock commanded U-Goblin. When he approached Osborns, suddenly Harry stepped in front of him.

"Wait! We will go willingly, you don't have to yank us. But could we have something to eat? We can't beat the tasks if we are starving."

"Excuse me? Do I look like a butler?", Ock rolled his eyes.

"Certainly not…but we need to have the strength to keep on in your game. And I bet you don't wanna have skinny prisoners", Harry nodded. Norman was confused.

"Son, what are you…?"

"Fine! Anything to get rid of you. In the backyard grows an apple tree. You may get food from there with my partner. In the meantime, Normie can wait in the cell", Ock turned his back and disappeared out of sight.

"Harry!", Norman protested in panic as U-Goblin pushed him into the room.

"It's okay, I'll be back soon. Don't worry", Harry smiled as U-Goblin locked the door. Then, he headed Harry towards the backyard.

I'm so sorry Dad…I hope that when you will find out what I did...you will understand. But until then…I'm gonna fight back with all I have.