Patience.

If there was some word in the world that Flash hated, it would be this. When he joined the Academy, he couldn't wait to kick every villain's ass. Spidey's career sounded so awesome...

"Patience is everything", said Nick Fury. "Even Captain America knows that."

"No Flash, you can't keep running without a proper plan! Remember to be patient", Spidey reminded him during one of the missions.

"Hah, it looks like you don't know how to cool down. Get a cold shower and then we can talk again", Scarlet mocked.

"Flash, slow down! There's no need to rush!", Cho yapped.

Patience. That cursed word. If only somebody would wipe it out of use! The magnificent Agent Venom wasn't calm, not at all. He needed action, dangerous situations, and glory. And most of all, get Ock behind bars.

Arrrhhhh...

"How is this even possible?!", Flash asked, walking aggressively around the living room. "HOW?!"

"I don't know...but it's the truth. The signal is coming from the ruins", Alex sat on the couch beside Harry.

"But it doesn't make any sense! We would have noticed it! Are you sure?!"

"Yes, I am. See for yourself if you don't believe me", Alex offered his tablet, but Flash grabbed it and threw it on the floor.

"Hey, what are you doing?!", the nerd asked, annoyed.

"Enough of science bullshit! How come that you didn't figure it out earlier?!"

"I told you. Ock made those fake signals to mislead us."

"Hah, don't give me that! You are our bright spark and it's your job to discover things like this. We wasted a lot of time thanks to your laziness!"

"Hey Flash, that's not fair. Alex couldn't have known the truth. None of us could have known", Harry shook his head.

"Maybe not, but I'm sick of this crap! If we had known the truth earlier, Ock would be in jail and Pete and others safe!"

"Well, this is the situation and we must deal with it. At least we now know where to start looking."

Grunting, Flash grabbed his head. "Under Oscorp...of course! Where else would that idiot keep his hideout?! I'm such a tool..."

"Don't blame yourself. Now, we should..."

"Wait?! Don't tell me I have to be patient or I swear I'm strangling you!", Flash suddenly ran to Harry, shaking him. "OR ELSE...!"

"I wasn't going to say like that! Ow, quit it!", Harry's shoulder hurt.

"Hey, stop it!", Norman got between the boys, forcing Flash to let go of his son. "Arguing won't get us anywhere!"

"Sorry...", the teen murmured.

"It's fine. But we need to calm down and think about this."

"What is there to think about?! You both said earlier that Ock doesn't need a bigger reason to bully us! Your history makes perfect sense why he leads his evil schemes from Oscorp."

"Yes, it does. But what is he planning? And where? My employees said that the ruins are in very bad condition and it's nearly impossible to get inside. So...", Norman frowned.

"Hah! If that's a problem, you have seen nothing yet! When it comes to a whole army of dead bodies in an abandoned factory, I'd say nothing freaks me out anymore. Right, Harry?", Flash crossed his hands self-confidently.

An awkward silence filled the room. Alex and Norman stared at Flash, who soon realized what he had done once again.

Me and my big mouth...oh shittttt...

"D-dead bodies?! What bodies?!", Alex asked, eyes wide.

"Heh, did I say dead bodies? Uhh, I meant dead rats! That's right, rats! Ehehe..."

"You idiot! It was you who wanted to keep this as a secret!", Harry said angrily, then turned to see his father. "Dad..."

Shaking his head, Norman left the room. Jumping up, Harry glared at Flash.

"Thanks a lot, genius", he ran after his parent. "Dad, wait!"

"How could you hide something like this from me?!", Norman turned around, looking sad. "You said you didn't find anything there!"

"I know and I'm sorry. I wanted to tell you, but Flash denied it. And I didn't wanna worry you."

"Harry. I appreciate that you care for my well-being, but it's not your job. I'm an adult and I can handle myself."

"Yeah, I know that too. I'm sorry, I didn't know what I was thinking. Are you mad?", Harry asked, concerned.

"No", Norman's disappointment faded when he saw his boy's remorse. "But is there something else you need to reveal? I wanna know if there is."

"Well, we found those bodies by accident. They apparently were Taskmaster's soldiers who he killed before leaving the factory. And Toomes found Peter's web-shooters there as well. So he was there, after all..."

"Oh, you must have been so afraid", Norman ruffled Harry's hair gently.

"I was. I really wanted to tell you, but..."

"I believe you. But remember, you don't have to pretend cooler or more mature than you are by keeping hard things to yourself. It's okay to admit that you're scared."

"I will remember. Thanks, Dad", Harry smiled. He was so happy that Norman kept his promise and didn't get mad at him.

"Good. But..."

"Wait!", Flash interrupted the family by running in. "Before you start pointing fingers, it was me who told Harry to keep the mouth shut. This isn't his fault."

"I just heard it. But please, don't pressure or force my son to do things against his will. Let him decide. Finding out something like this terrifies me and it's not nice to hear that Harry has been in the middle of it", Norman said seriously.

"Yes, sir", Flash answered. "But as you heard, Pete was there. What has happened before we arrived is a big mystery."

"Indeed it is. I bet he found out the truth and that's why Ock took him out", Harry said.

"You mean Alex's conclusions? Those weapons and all?", Flash raised eyebrows.

"Possibly. You have to remember that we don't know the real truth. It can be something else as well."

"Well, there's only one way to find out. I'm gonna check the ruins right now."

"Now? But it's nearly night", Harry wondered.

"Better late than never. Shorty is coming with me since it's his discovery. So, you're in?", Flash asked.

"Sure. Can I go, Dad?", Harry asked.

"No", Norman denied. "You're ill and even though you were honest, I need to remind you of the rules. If we want to trust each other fully, it means no secrets and lies."

"Ah...", Harry sighed but knew that he wouldn't win this argument. If Norman decided something, it was impossible to turn his head around.

And maybe I deserve this.

"Well, you heard the boss. Next time then", Harry smiled at Flash.

"As you wish. See you", he disappeared out of the door.

"What do you think they are going to find there?", younger Osborn asked.

"Hard to say. I guess we can only hope for the best. Oh, I need to check your friend's condition. Meanwhile, eat something and get ready for bed", Norman patted Harry's shoulders, leaving him alone. Putting his hands in his pockets, the young man looked out of the window as the moon shone brightly.

Well, I hope they find something. For Peter's sake...

-o-o-o-

"Hmm, this place is very interesting", Ambrose flew by his glider along a dark corridor. Whenever he spotted a mirror or a shiny surface, he stopped to admire himself.

Such a beautiful whole. Bright, fiery red skin. Magnificent tail. Power and speed. I LOVE IT!

For years this, in his way, misunderstood old man had waited for this moment. He wanted nothing more so badly than revenge on Norman and his family.

He used me and then threw me aside. Well, you get what you pay for...

Turning around, the oldest Osborn aka Red Gobby sighed in admiration. Without Harry and his friends, he would not have this opportunity. So of course, he must reward the boy. But how? That was yet a question mark.

I really thought he would be different. But I should have seen it...


It had been a couple of days after Harry's birth and Emily's death. Norman wasn't allowed to take his newborn home yet since his condition was so weak, thanks to the complications that appeared in the labor.

"When do you think I can take him home?"

"Hard to say. He's still weak but recovery has been strong. Maybe in a few weeks."

"A few weeks?!"

"Yes, if something doesn't happen and make his condition grow faster. We want to avoid all the risks."

"I understand. Thank you", Norman let the doctor continue his work. The last couple of days had been chaos for him. He was still coping with the loss of his dear wife but at the same time, he couldn't wait to get to know his son better.

Deciding to have a look at his baby again, Norman got up and rushed towards the room where his son was. But when he arrived there, he stopped in the doorway.

"What are you doing here?!", he asked angrily Ambrose who stood beside Harry's oxygen cabinet. The man turned around and started smiling.

"Well hello, son. Or should I say, congratulations."

"How did you get in?! This is a private room", Norman walked to his father, forcing him to step back from the cupboard.

"I told I was a family member. That's simple."

"You're nothing", Norman hissed, checking Harry quickly. Luckily he just slept as usual.

"But of course I am! I'm the most important person here. After all, I'm this young one's grandfather."

"Biologically perhaps, but otherwise not."

"Rude words coming from the fresh father's mouth. You can no longer behave the way you want, Norman. You need to be a good example for your kid."

"Don't worry, I do my best. I just avoid your ways and I should be just fine."

"Hah, you and your dry humor. So, where's she...?", Ambrose looked around.

"Emily's resting. The labor was long and hard", Norman said.

"Is she?"

"Yes."

"I see...how funny that nurses told me something different. Oh Norman, why are you lying to me? I can see right through you."

Norman's anger started growing. Even in a situation like this, Ambrose had to humiliate and insult him. Even though he didn't use straight words, actions and tone spoke for themselves.

"Well, then you know that she's gone. After all, that's what you always wanted. Happy now?!", he was about to break down but bit his lip. He would not give this sadistic bastard that pleasure. Not in front of his infant boy.

"I don't think this is the right time and place to talk about it. You should be ashamed of yourself, arguing while this little one here is fighting for his life. Don't you have manners?", Ambrose scolded Norman like a five-year-old. How on earth did he turn the blame away from himself yet again?

"I will not allow you to mock me or Emily in the same room with our son. Gather your stuff and get out of my sight before I call the staff. NOW", Norman pointed with his finger towards the door. Shrugging, Ambrose retreated slowly towards the entrance.

"Very well, we talk again after you have calmed down. Just one more question."

"What?!"

"Well, what is his name? I certainly hope he's named after some powerful man and not some hippie friend of yours. Uh, my god I can still remember them..."

"If you really must know, he's going to be Harry", Norman turned his back.

"Harry?"

"Well, Harold actually. Harold Theopolis Osborn."

"Hmmh...well, I guess that's fine. At least you chose wisely and made sure he's continuing our family blood. It would have been a disgrace if you suddenly decided to be modern and give him his mother's pathetic last name..."

"Was that all? If so, you may go", Norman interrupted his father. He didn't want to hear or see him any longer.

"Yes. But we see soon again. Take care of my beloved grandchild, son", Ambrose grinned annoyingly and left. And poor Norman didn't know that this was only the beginning of years of hell...


"Memories, my dear memories. But luckily, you can always make new ones. And that's what I'm going to do very soon...", Ambrose continued flying, while running his long nails along the wall...

-o-o-o-

Once again, night surrounded the city as well as the Osborn penthouse. Days seemed to melt together, and no one had any idea how much time had passed since Ock froze NYC. It was like an endless nightmare that didn't have an ending...

*Muttering*

Arriving in the kitchen, Norman rubbed his hair and eyes. He was unable to sleep and had rolled in the bed for hours. Too many things troubled him.

Maybe a wet throat will do the trick...

Putting the lights on, he grabbed a glass and filled it with water. As he drank, he watched the ruins from the window. Despite hard searching, Flash and Alex didn't find the spot where the signal was coming from. It frustrated the whole group.

We're so close but then again, we're not...

Norman drank a couple of glasses of water, but it didn't help. He was exhausted but something forced him to stay awake.

I have to sleep, I have to...but how? Unless...

After making sure that he was alone, Norman took the sleeping pill bottle from his pocket and opened it. Ever since Harry's accident, he had kept them with him all the time and hid the rest of the medicines. He just felt safer that way.

Just this once. And only one pill.

Putting the pill in his mouth, Norman was ready to sip some water...

"Dad?"

Yelling out of surprise, the man dropped his glass and the bottle, making pills fall all over the floor. Soon Harry came into the kitchen, hair falling on his face.

"Dad, what are you doing?"

"Uh nothing", Norman knelt, starting to pick the pills.

"Yeah, right", the teen answered, opening the fridge. "Jeez, don't we have any coke?"

"You know the rules. Sweets and lemonade only at weekends."

"It doesn't matter when days are the same one after another", Harry closed the door. "Hey, what are these?", he grabbed a few pills from the floor. "Do you have some secret candy cache you haven't told me about?"

"Give me those", Norman snatched them quickly back.

"But what are they?"

"Nothing, don't worry about it."

"Are these your sleeping pills?", Harry asked as his father stood up after gathering the rest of the pills and putting the bottle back in his pocket.

"Probably. But what are you doing up so late? You should be sleeping."

"I can't sleep. I have tried, believe me. So I thought some caffeine would help."

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I can see you're exhausted."

"I am. And ill", Harry sighed. "I feel horrible."

"Well, what if I make you some food? Would that help?", Norman suggested.

"I think nothing can help until this shit is done. I keep thinking about Peter and Ock all the time..."

"Son, you shouldn't worry so much. It only makes you feel miserable."

"How should I not worry?! I have not seen my best friend after our fight and now he's missing! And it's my fault!"

"We already talked about this. It's not. You need to let go."

"I will as soon as I have cleaned up my mess."

"You're so stubborn", Norman sighed, smiling. "Just like me at your age."

"I can only imagine", Harry smiled back.

"Mm-hmm. But you're right, I don't know what to think anymore. No matter what, I can't find a solution or the right direction. It's like I'm walking in an endless fog...", Norman rubbed his forehead and sighed deeply.

"Dad, maybe...", Harry shillyshallied. "Have you considered taking more therapy lessons? Since I think you need them."

"Huh? Me?", the surprised man turned to see his son. "Why are you thinking like that?"

"I mean you were doing so well but now everything is much more complicated. I fear you are starting to get those headaches again if things go too far. And now that Grandpa is a new Gobby, I..."

"Don't say his name or call him a grandfather. That bastard does not deserve to be mentioned under this roof. From this moment on, we will erase him out of our lives. Understood?", Norman asked seriously.

"Fine with me. Although I hope he will go to jail with Ock", Harry answered.

"I'm gonna make sure of it. Don't worry."

"I know you will. But as I was saying, I think you should call that...Jordan, was it? Just to make sure nothing disastrous happens."

"I don't need therapy. I'm fine", Norman responded by shaking his head. Harry raised his eyebrow.

"Ahah?"

"Yes. The one who needs therapy here is you. I'm really worried about your mental health and this can't go on like this."

"Yeah, but...", Harry tried to protest. But as usual, it was useless.

"No buts", Norman raised his hand, silencing the young man. "Alright, I promise to think about your suggestion. But your needs come first and I was actually going to speak with you about this later. I know you didn't trust Jordan completely at first, but I hope you will try this time."

"I would love to Dad, I really would...but it's not easy to open up. After all, this family is not used to talking about things..."

"I know and it's my fault I have shown you such a poor example. But we have a chance to change it. It depends on how much you want it."

Shifting weight from one foot to another, Harry didn't answer. He was unsure to express his scarred innermost which protected him from bad memories and getting hurt again.

"It just...it just hurts too much, Dad! What if I open up and get hurt again?! What if I can't handle my feelings?!"

"You'll be fine. I'm with you all the time."

"Promise?"

"Yes. These events have made us inseparable. Sure the journey has not been easy but it has made us stronger. And I'm going to help you to sort things out with Peter. I owe it to both of you."

"Flash was right", Harry was so happy after hearing this. "I would be so lost without you. No one can be a cooler father than you. Luckily I have the best one."

"You know, every time you say this, it makes me so happy on the inside. I was never told anything nice as a kid. Torture, manipulation...it was nothing but darkness and pain for years. I can truly see Emily in you. She said that having a baby would only change our lives for the better. And she was right", Norman told.

"So what you said earlier...?"

"It wasn't true at all. It was one of my deepest fears spoken out by wrong words. I hope you can forgive me..."

"Let's just put it behind us", Harry said, looking out of the window once again. "It sucks that Flash and Alex didn't find anything in ruins, though."

"Yes. I have been thinking over and over again where that signal could come from. Annoying...", Norman rubbed his forehead in frustration.

"Yep. Flash said he is trying again tomorrow. Maybe we should give him a hand since, after all, it's our company."

"I can join him tomorrow, but you won't go anywhere. It's too dangerous."

"So basically, I just sit here and wait until something happens?!"

"Pretty much. You're not in a condition to rush around the city."

"But what if I was? Or what if you find something?"

"We talk about it then. But now, time to go back to bed."

"I told you, I can't sleep. So I was wondering that maybe...", the boy eyed Norman's pocket. His father noticed this and his expression turned serious again.

"I know what you're thinking, Harry. But the answer is no. These pills are strong and I use them only in rare situations."

"And this isn't one? Please Dad, just one! Staying awake and being tired at the same time is awful. You said so yourself."

"Yes, but when you got your hands on these, the situation got way out of hand. I wanna avoid it happening again as much as possible."

"Dad, I'm exhausted. I feel like living in an endless nightmare. I have no strength left but my body fights back and forces me to stay awake. I fear I will languish if I can't rest. Please, please...", Harry begged, yanking the sleeve of Norman's morning gown.

Seeing his child's pain shattered Norman's heart. The boy was exhausted, it could clearly be seen. But he feared that if he gave up now, something terrible might happen.

"But that Alex said you have an infection in your lungs due to overdose. What if it will only make your condition worse...?!"

"How about a little support here, huh?", Harry sounded offended. "Or are you going to blame me for this mistake for the rest of my life?"

"No, I'm sorry. Okay then, just one pill. Or half", Norman waved his finger.

"If you say so. Just give me something."

"Yes, mister", Norman grunted and made a cup of hot chocolate and mixed the medicine in it.

"Here you go", he offered the juice to his son who drank fast. Putting the cup away, Harry rubbed his eyes.

"Man, this stuff is indeed strong. I feel drowsy already."

"Told ya. Come on, let's go before you fall asleep by standing still", Norman escorted his son upstairs.

"Can I...Can I sleep in your room? Flash has this irritating habit to show up in my room without warning. I know he won't enter yours", Harry tottered from side to side.

"Of course. It's actually better, I can keep an eye on you", Norman opened the door. Walking straight over to the bed, Harry collapsed on his back and a second later was sleeping deeply. Pulling the blanket over him, Norman smiled.

No world can tear us apart. I just know it.

Lying down as well, Norman opened his fist, looking at the bright white pill for a minute.

Just this once...

Without more hesitation, Norman swallowed the pill and drank some water to ease the process. Then he pumped his pillow, made sure that Harry was safely right next to him and closed his eyes. This would be the last time when his family relies on medicine. From now on only support and love matter.

Yes, that's right. That's right.

-o-o-o-

A few days later, Harry sat in the lab with Alex who built one of his science projects. Norman and Flash were checking the ruins once again like they had done several times before. But every time they returned empty-handed.

"Your project looks very interesting", Harry followed his friend's work. "What are you doing?"

"Just running some tests. Doc Connors taught me some at the Academy and I wanna see will my additions work", Alex cleaned his test tubes.

"Oh, okay", Harry nodded. In reality, he didn't understand any of this.

"So, your father and Flash are at the ruins again?", Alex stopped cleaning, turning to look at his friend.

"Yep. I would have wanted to go too, but Dad won't let me out. He's so worried."

"I understand him. This is getting more dangerous every day."

"I don't even wanna know what is coming", Harry put his hands in his pockets. Maybe Oscorp was the wrong place to search after all...

*Meanwhile*

"Found anything?", Flash pushed icy rocks out of the way.

Man, this stinks...

"No", Norman yelled back. Using his helmet, he scanned the ground, trying to find something unusual. But nothing.

"Okay, this isn't working. We have checked every corner of this area. Alex must have mistaken", Flash stopped, wiping his head.

"But I was with him when we discovered the signal! And I swear it was coming from here."

"Okay, then you must know where the center point is. Since it's not up here, it must be underground."

"Indeed...", Norman muttered. Suddenly, he remembered something.

Wait a minute...what if...?!

"That's right...it must be!", he passed surprised Flash, heading towards the building. His younger ally started following.

"What are you doing?"

"You'll see...", Norman muttered, looking carefully around. "Now, where is it...?"

"Dude, are you all right? I bet Harry can't take another dose of his father's mental madness."

Ignoring Flash, Norman kept looking.

It must be here somewhere...think Norman, think!

"Okay, since you ain't gonna reveal what you're up to, I'm gonna have a little rest", Flash leaned against the wall...and the ground under him collapsed.

"HIAAAHHH!"

"THUMP!"

"Ahah, there it is!", Norman smiled happily and walked to the edge of the hole.

"Oh man, it's so muddy down here!"

"You're okay down there?", Norman yelled, hiding his chuckling with his glove.

"I can hear everything, you know", Flash answered, annoyed. "What is this place anyway?!"

"My employees made this tunnel when they tried to find out how much damage Octavius's trick did inside the building. There was a bomb that caused the whole collapse. Sure you heard about it?"

"Oh yeah, that one. Do you think the signal is coming from here?"

"It's possible. I haven't been there since."

"Hmm...well, it looks like there's a tunnel heading deeper into the ruins. Should I check where it leads?"

"Maybe, but be careful. Foundations are in bad condition."

"I'm always careful. I'll be back shortly", Flash's voice echoed away. Walking in circles, Norman wasn't sure what to think. Could it be that his worst enemy had been so close all this time? What had he done to his poor company?

If this indeed is the nest of evilness, I must keep Harry far from it. I might have to send him out of the city. But I know he won't agree...

Running brought Norman back to reality. Soon, Flash climbed back up.

"Did you see anything?"

"Oh boy, I did. Under your dear empire as a tunnel network. Dozens of them."

"What?!"

"Yeah...and I found this in one of them", Flash showed a broken octobot to Norman.

"Oh, no...", the man turned white. "So I was right..."

"It looks like it. That slimy fatso must have used those tunnels for moving invisibly around the city."

"This is a nightmare...now what do we do?!"

"I think there's no choice but to go after him. We can't wait anymore."

"Perhaps not...well, at first I will get Harry to safety before we do anything."

"You mean he's not...?"

"No, this is too dangerous for him. I'm sure he understands when I explain", Norman said.

"I doubt...", Flash muttered silently. "But good luck anyway."

*Later*

"No way!", Harry shook his head. "I'm not leaving now that we know where Ock must be!"

"Listen to me, son", Norman began. "Things have taken a very serious turn. I can't guarantee your safety."

"What about Alex and Flash?! They are in danger as well!"

"We're not talking about them, we're talking about you. Remember, we decided to get along from now on. No fighting."

"I'm not fighting", Harry calmed down a bit. "I just want to help."

"I know. But you shouldn't get caught up in this anymore. You're still recovering and..."

"I'm fine, Dad. I have rested and I can fight. Don't worry about me. Please, let me come with you."

"I already said no. I have employees in a secret location, they will take care of you until this is over."

"Well, why aren't you coming? You said that if we leave, we do it together", Harry crossed his hands.

"Yes, but this is different. If Oscorp is connected to these happenings, I'm responsible. I have to fix it", Norman said.

"And I'm responsible for Peter's disappearance and possible captivity. I need to fix that."

Father and son stared at each other, challenging expressions on their faces. They were unable to make a compromise.

"But you are just a boy."

"And you are an adult, so what?! We both have our problems to solve."

"This is not a game, Harry."

"Oh hell yeah it's not, Dad. And I'm coming!"

"Over my dead body!"

"Uh, we can't ever move on if they keep doing this", Flash listened behind the door. Finally, he had enough and kicked the door open.

"Okay you two, listen up! I'm tired of your family issues so I'm saying this only once. Look, you both are right. This is dangerous and Harry has screwed up his missions before. So I understand why it would be best if he stayed behind. At least then we wouldn't have to drag a trouble magnet along."

"Hey!", Harry snorted. Flash didn't even look at him when he turned to see Norman.

"And you, I suggest you clean up your assumptions. Yeah, your baby got hurt, nearly killed himself and caused you gray hairs but so what?! That's what we kids do! Your life can't be too easy, otherwise, it would be very boring."

"Eh...what?", Norman raised his eyebrows.

"My point is that we have bigger problems to think about than your wacky relationship. Ock is planning who knows what out there and he has Pete. The fate of this city depends on us. Don't you think that matters a bit more than your parenting?", Flash asked Norman.

"Actually, I..."

"Thanks, Flash, I continue from here", Harry said sarcastically. "Dad, listen. I understand you, but I can't have peace until I have saved Peter. Don't you wanna ease my feelings? You said you are always by my side. Well, this is it. It's time to prove you meant your words. Your...well you know who wasn't there for you, but you can do differently. Please, let's save our friends together. Doing a mission with you would be the coolest thing ever. After all, you're my idol..."

Stunned Norman was silenced by both boys. How much they had grown...

"Well...alright", he finally gave up. "Let's do this then. Together."

"Wise choice. Okay, listen up. I think it's time to upgrade your armors and get everything ready", Flash said. "We leave tonight."

-o-o-o-

"I checked both of your armors and they are fully repaired and charged. They should be ready", Alex said, giving Harry's helmet back to him.

"Thanks, Alex, you have been a great help. We owe you big time."

"Nah, I'm just doing the right thing. So...are you nervous?"

"A little. We don't know what is waiting for us", Harry put the helmet on.

"I wish I could do more to help you, but Ock's secrets are beyond my knowledge. He's too clever for my skills."

"You have a very cool gift. Be proud of yourself", younger Osborn smiled. "Besides, someone must stay here with Miles and be our connection."

"I do my best", the nerd answered. A moment later, Norman came in.

"I checked the whole house and the security system is on. You can find introductions in here", he gave a little memory card to Alex.

"Thanks", Alex thanked. "I promise to take good care of it."

"I know you will", Norman smiled back.

"Dad, it's time to go", Harry rushed him. "Flash is already waiting for us."

"Yes...", Norman muttered, putting his armor on as well. When the family walked to the balcony, Harry looked over his shoulder one more time.

"Take care of everything, Alex. We stay in touch."

"Good luck", Alex answered, watching how Osborns started flying and disappeared slowly into the darkness. Sighing deeply, he hoped that everything will go well.

"Flash said he's waiting for us near that hole", Patrioteer flew in front of Iron Patriot. "Let's hurry!"

"Wait, son", Norman suddenly interrupted him. "Let's land."

"Now?! But we must hurry!"

"This won't take long", the man said, flying to the ground. Making a circle in the air, Harry landed down as well.

"What is it now, Dad? Flash is waiting."

"Are you absolutely sure about this? ", Norman ignored Harry's question.

"No...but I have to do this. I can't let you and Flash go alone."

"Remember, you don't have to do this if you don't want to. It's fine to admit you're afraid."

"I am, very afraid. But I simply can't have peace until Peter is saved. Even though I would be on the other side of the world, guilt would not leave me alone. I'm going crazy already."

"I know that feeling...and I'm sorry if I keep yapping about this. I say these as a worried parent and because I wanna be a better and better father."

"You're doing good. Just keep practicing and you'll learn more", Harry smiled. "And having you around makes me braver. I'm sure we can beat Ock and save everyone."

"Let's hope so...oh yes, one more thing", Norman said before they continued flying.

"Yeah?"

"Now that we are going straight towards the unknown, you have to promise that you will listen to my orders. If I say you hide, you hide. Or if I say you run, you do so. Alright?"

"Okay."

"Good boy. Let's go."

"Finally", Harry grunted. After long feeling moments, they arrived at the ruins where Flash was already waiting very impatiently.

"Took you long enough. Let me guess, one family drama session yet again?"

"Drop it", Harry showed his tongue. "So, this is the famous hole you told us about?"

"Yep. Looks very nice, doesn't it?"

"Indeed it does...", the boy shivered under his armor. It was so dark and deep...

I start to feel regret already...

"So, what are we waiting for? Let's go", Flash covered his face. "At least I hope you're ready."

"As we'll ever be...", Harry answered as his friend jumped down. Putting his hand on his son's shoulder, Norman gave last instructions.

"The drop is very steep, so fly slowly. I use my lamps so you can follow right behind me."

"Right", Harry nodded. Closing his helmet, Norman began to land through the darkness. Taking one last look at the outside world, Harry turned around and went after his father.

Here we go...hang on, Peter! And screw you, Ock!

And so, heroes' journey into the unknown had begun. But what lies ahead, remains yet as a mystery.