"Did you find him?", Harry asked Flash who came back into the main room. The group decided to remain at the station and see if they could find out more clues about what happened to Timber and why Alex had panicked in his messages. And more importantly, to find Ock's signal again.

"No", Flash moved his mask aside. "He has disappeared completely."

"This is very weird. It's not like him at all."

"Are you sure? I mean, he's homeless. He's used to living on the streets."

"Yes, but he would never go without saying goodbye. Trust me, I know him", Harry refused to accept Flash's claim of Timber's disappearance. There's no way he would disappear just like that.

"Well, in any case, he's gone. I have checked the building twice already. And I didn't find anything", Flash answered.

"I believe you. And it's still raining ash outside", Harry looked out of the window.

So weird...

"I haven't seen anything like this before. Ash! Freaky", Flash leaned against the wall, looking out as well.

"Mmm-hmm", the young Osborn nodded. Then he turned to see his father who sat in the corner, working with his communicator.

"What's wrong with this thing?! Nothing I try works...", Norman grunted.

"How's it going, Dad?", Harry walked to him. "Any luck?"

"Nope. This thing is shut down as you said. I can't make it work."

"Damn. I'm so worried about Alex. One by one, our friends are out of the game. Peter, Miles, Toomes and now he..."

Lifting his gaze towards his son, Norman patted Harry's shoulder supportively. Sometimes physical gestures were more useful than words.

"We are gonna beat the crap out of Ock and his helpers. Don't worry", Flash lifted his thumb.

"Yay, I can't wait...", Harry muttered quietly. "Dad, what do you think about this situation?"

"I'm not sure. But something is definitely wrong here. We leave as soon as I'm done with this little devil..."

"What are you going to find even? We have no electricity so it's useless anyway."

"Son, you can't think like that. There's always hope, even though you think otherwise. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about", Norman said.

Harry stood silently for a moment. It was obvious that Norman had thought about things deeply. He was more optimistic and determined than earlier.

And I like it. Finally, he's the father I want him to be. At least step one is taken.

"Okay, if someone was stalking us, then it was slippery like soap. And since I heard something in the forest, it's next on the list. But I do need help with it. It's too big for me to scan the place alone", Flash said, looking at Osborns significantly.

"Okay well, I come with you while Dad works with my communicator", Harry said, ready to follow his friend out. At the same second, Norman stood up.

"Wait just a minute! You mean you are going out there?"

"Yes. The building is empty but I'm not sure about the rest of the area. We have to investigate it", Flash checked his costume and weapons.

"But why? It could be dangerous."

"It's more dangerous if someone attacks us when we're not ready. Better eliminate threats right away."

"But I...", Norman looked at Harry. The boy sighed.

Oh well, maybe I celebrated too early...

"Dad, I need to help Flash. I don't want to sit back doing nothing."

"But we don't know anything about this place. We shouldn't split up."

"But you're not saying completely no? Remember, you left me with Flash and Timber and nothing happened", Harry reminded carefully. Norman's expression became troubled.

"That was a different thing...but denying would only make you frustrated. I can still do it, you know."

"Yeah but Flash is right. We could be attacked, no matter do we stay here or not. Better eliminate that possibility before it's too late."

"I know...okay, you may go. Just be careful out there", Norman gave finally up. Despite his new thoughts, he wasn't going to throw his duties as a parent overboard. If he and Harry were alone, he wouldn't allow this. But luckily, Flash was here to keep an eye on everything.

"I knew you would do the right thing", Harry smiled. Smiling back, Norman gave him a sudden hug.

"Promise me you stay safe. No fooling around. Okay?", he whispered.

"You have my word as always", the young man whispered back. Letting go of Harry, Norman turned to Flash.

"Please, look after Harry. You have experience and he doesn't."

"Sure thing. Come on, Norman Jr", Flash headed out of the door. Grunting, Harry followed him while Norman went back to work. Ash fell slowly from the sky...

-o-o-o-

"At the edge of the forest*

"Okay, this is it. Let's cut this forest in half. I take the left side and you can take the right side", Flash said.

"Y-you mean we indeed split up? Remember what Dad said? We shouldn't."

"We can't explore this quickly enough if we walk hand in hand. You can do this, dude. And this time, I mean it."

"Really? I mean you're not just being sarcastic?", Harry rolled his eyes.

"No. I'm not always like that. Only 99% of the time. So you have 1% of hope. Just kidding", Flash grinned and ran in the opposite direction. "Good luck!"

"Hey, wait just a minute...!", Harry hollered, but Flash was already gone.

"Shit...alright. Let's do this", he activated his weapons and started walking through the forest. Trees looked so big and dark...

How does Flash think we can find something here? This place is creepy as...

*Branch breaking*

"What was that?!", Harry whipped around, pointing around with his lasers. Nothing in sight.

"Flash...?!"

No answer.

Maybe I heard wrong. This snow can cause branches to break...don't freak out and let Dad think you're not capable to do things. It's the least you want.

Gathering his courage, Harry kept walking. He was worried about Peter but also about their fight. What will he say when they meet again? Is his best friend ready to forgive him? What if Peter never wants to see him after this is over?

That's the risk I must take. I messed up and no one should suffer for it. I have to try and if that won't work...well, I guess I have to live with it. At least I have one person in the world who's always there for me...

If someone asked who is the most important person to Harry, he would certainly say he has two: Norman and Peter. There's no way he would be able to choose between them. Of course, he's still a kid and he could not live alone so when it comes to bigger terms, Norman wins. But Peter was his friend, part of the world his father didn't belong to. Friendship.

I'm glad Dad has kept the line between parenting and playfulness. I mean I love it when he is relaxed and even a bit childish, but his number one job is to take care of our family. I would become nuts if he tried to be one of my friends. Thank god he's not even that kind of type.

And then Harry thought about Alex's words.

It's not what it seems...what did he mean by it? What?! This place? Or did he discover something?

"I certainly hope it's nothing serious..."

And what is Dad looking for?

*Meanwhile*

"Hmm...", Norman analyzed the communicator with his own devices. "It's obviously sending something...I can tell."

Pulling his tiniest laser out, Norman made a little cut under the battery door. When he was done, he noticed something.

I knew it...I have one trick to make this work again. Luckily I know what to do.

With a couple of simple tricks, Norman managed to open the screen again. The communicator didn't have much power left, so he had to be quick.

Just as I expected. I was able to track down his last messages and break them into small pieces of data. So if I put them together, it looks like there are some symbols...but what are they?

Opening his scanner, Norman analyzed Alex's messages. It was obvious he tried to get something through before the connection broke. Maybe that explains his weird sentences.

What are these symbols? Coordinates? Does he know Octavius's location? This is not good...

A bad feeling started growing in Norman's mind. If Alex's discoveries were true and he was meant to build weapons during the captivity, this hidden information must concern them. Was it a good idea to come here after all?

We have to get back to the city and try something else...coming here was a bad idea.

Deciding to continue his research at home, Norman put the communicator away and opened tracker. His heart skipped a couple of beats as he couldn't find Harry's signal on it.

"No...NO!", Norman rushed out of the building. When he arrived outside, the storm was already much stronger.

"SON!", he called but got no answer.

Not now, please...

"BOYS! HARRY!"

Still, nothing.

Closing his helmet, Norman started flying. He needed to find Flash and Harry asap before anything happens. How stupid he was by letting his son go all alone.

Me and my promises...how is it that Harry has this ability to talk me over again and again?!

"HARRYYYYY!", Norman yelled through the air. He knew he shouldn't arise attention, but he was too worried. Who knows what dangers lurk in the shadows...

-o-o-o-

On the other side of the area, Harry continued his journey through the forest. He had not found anything.

This is stupid...and where the heck did Flash go?!

"Nah, I better get back to the station. And his dear majesty Venomness can handle this useless..."

*Sounds*

"Huh?", Harry stopped to listen. It looked like those sounds came from a huge snowdrift in front of him.

What is that? Looks suspicious.

Activating his weapons, the young man approached the drift. Maybe it was just his eyes, but he could have sworn seeing moving behind it...

Careful, careful...

"SURPRISE!", Flash jumped out of the drift when Harry was only a couple meters away from it. Screaming, the poor Patrioteer fell to the ground and shots hit the trees above.

"Hah hah hah! You should have seen your face! How can you be so easy to fool?!", Flash laughed sweetly.

"YOU IDIOT!", Harry jumped up, throwing a snowball at his friend. "I told you to stop these stupid pranks!"

"I couldn't help myself. You're such a goof! HAH HAH HAH!"

"Very funny! I lost two bullets because of you!", Harry spat angrily. "Did you even find anything?!"

"I did. That's why I came to look for you", Flash calmed down.

"Oh, really? I don't think I even wanna continue this stupid mission with you anymore."

"C'mon, it was just a prank! Don't be so serious!"

"You're the one who should be serious! What are you gonna do when we find Ock? Continue these pranks, huh!?"

"Okay, sorry. We're good?"

"In your dreams", Harry grunted. "So, what did you find?"

"You'll see. Come on", Flash grabbed his friend by the hand and dragged him through the forest. Soon, Harry saw something big rising behind the trees.

"What is that?"

"Pretty massive, don't you think?", Flash stopped walking when they got out of the forest.

"Yeah, but what is it?", Harry watched a tall grass wall that continued far on both sides. "It looks like a wall, or a fence or something."

"Are you sure you wanna hear? I mean if you're scared..."

"If you are gonna keep yapping, then I'm heading back. Up to you."

"Arh, Osborns...well, this is actually a labyrinth we're standing next to."

"A labyrinth?!"

"Yep. I saw it from one of those trees. It's pretty massive, paths everywhere."

"Wow...but why?"

"Idk. But there's only one way to find out", Flash walked towards a hole in the wall. It had to be an entrance.

"Where are you going? Flash!", Harry followed him.

"What does it look like? I'm going in. Come on!"

"Are you crazy?! I'm not going there. Who knows what we're going to bump into."

"That's the point! It's more interesting if you don't know what lies ahead. Come on now!", Flash persuaded. Stepping back, Harry shook his head.

"No, it's not a good idea. Besides, I can't disappear just like that. Dad gets worried."

"Dude, you have a GPS tag on your armor. He can track you down by using it. Now, let's go and have some adventure!", Flash forced Harry into the labyrinth.

"Hey, stop it! I said I'm not going!", Harry protested.

"Don't be such a baby! Now, which way should we go?", Flash looked around. "Hmm, let's try this one first", he picked one of the paths and ran ahead. Not wanting to leave him alone, Harry followed.

I'm in big trouble when Dad finds out...

"Hey, this path looks more promising. Hurry up!", Flash turned around the corner. Starting to fly, Harry tried to keep up with him.

"Slow down! Don't run!"

*Steps echoing away*

"Flash, stop...!", Harry yelled before his armor gave up. Landing on his stomach, Harry groaned in pain.

"Oww...hey! What's wrong with you?", he sat up. No matter what he did, powers didn't go back on.

But I charged my batteries only a couple of hours ago. So that shouldn't be the reason...

After trying everything, Harry had to give up. Standing up, he examined the spot where he was.

Great, I can't climb over those walls. Too high.

"Flash! Hey listen, my armor stopped working! We must go back!"

*Silence*

"Flash...?"

*Still silence*

"Great...now what do I do?!"

*Fast running*

"Good, now he heard me...", Harry sighed happily when heard steps. But when they came closer...

They sound so heavy...something tells me this is not Flash!

Retreating towards the direction where he came from, Harry's heart beat faster and faster. Soon, the suspense turned out to be too much and he began running as fast as his legs let.

Maybe I'm a coward, but I don't wanna get caught! I should have returned when I had a chance!

Trying to find a way out, Harry wasn't even sure anymore where he came from. Paths looked all the same.

Where is it, come on, come on...

Running around the labyrinth, Harry couldn't find the entrance. Eventually, he went to the corner and landed to sit again.

I will never get out of here...and now Flash is gone too! If my armor isn't working, then it means Dad can't find me either. I'm alone with this threat and can't do anything about it...

Of course, Harry could ditch his armor but he would never survive in the snow with his normal clothes and plus, then he would be an easier target.

But I'm gonna freeze to death anyway since the metal is getting cold. Looks like this is my end...

Harry didn't want to sound a loser or helpless. But it was true that his options weren't very good and it was true as well that he was still a beginner when it comes to heroism.

Too much to handle. I'm not as strong as I thought.

Curling himself into a tight bundle, Harry buried his face in his hands. Sure he was brave when it's needed but all this pressure started getting too exhausting.

I'm sorry, Pete...I tried.

When Harry thought that the game was over, he heard loud crashing. With that, the grass wall next to him collapsed and panting Norman appeared into sight.

"D-Dad?!", Harry stared and jumped up. When his father saw him, he rushed to his son.

"Finally! What are you doing so far from the station and all alone?! I was looking everywhere for you boys!"

"I'm sorry. Flash found this place and wanted to check it out, but we got separated. Then my armor shut down and..."

"Yours too? I have the exact problem. That's why I had to break through these walls to get to you."

"How did you even know where I was if your armor is broken?", Harry asked.

"At first, I didn't. I checked the whole forest from the air and couldn't find you there. Then I saw this labyrinth and after long searching, spotted a reddish-blue spot on the ground. I was about to fly to you, but then my armor said caput. Luckily I had enough time to calculate your location so that I was able to use a straight path to get here", Norman explained.

"But why didn't you use the GPS tag? Our armors shut down only minutes ago."

"It didn't send your signal when I checked it. That's why I knew something was wrong."

"Oh...well I was against Flash's plan, but he..."

"It's alright, we're together now. But we better find him and get out of here. Stay close", Norman activated his other glove's weapon, aiming it forward as Osborns started walking. Even though it didn't work right now, but you'll never know if this blackout was only temporary.

"So...did you find anything on my communicator?", Harry asked, hands tightly around Norman's other arm.

"I did actually."

"Okay...well, what?"

"I'm not sure about the details, but it looks like Alex tried to send some symbols through before the connection broke. But what is their purpose...I have no idea."

"Hmm...could it be that he discovered something nasty? Like Ock's hideout or worse?"

"It could be. That's why I think we must return to the city and find out what he meant by these", Norman nodded.

"And what do we do when we find out whatever there is to be found?", Harry asked again.

"I don't know, Harry. I honestly don't."

"But I thought you know everything. Sort of..."

"Well, then you see that it's not true. And...", Norman and Harry stopped in their tracks when they turned around the corner. In front of them was a pond of boiling lava.

"What is this?!", Harry couldn't believe his eyes.

"It looks like lava...but how?", Norman wondered.

"I dunno...but the path continues on the other side. Look", the younger one pointed with his finger. "The only problem is how do we get there since we can't fly."

"Good point. We could always turn around but it might take us only deeper."

"I know! Let's use your tactic and break through these walls. It shouldn't be that hard", Harry hit the wall with his fist. But...

"Umm...Dad?"

"Yes?"

"This wall...it's not soft anymore. I mean it's...it's hard as a stone!"

"What are you talking about?", Norman raised his eyebrows and repeated Harry's action by giving a hit as well. And true, the walls weren't grassy and soft anymore.

"What the heck...?!", the older Osborn knocked the wall with a couple of more hits.

"Told ya", Harry said.

"Yes...but how?! I mean..."

"Don't ask me. I have no idea what is going on. I wonder if we could...", Harry tried to climb up, only failing. "Nah, these are pretty slippery too..."

"Don't climb, you will only hurt yourself. We must go back and...NOW WHAT?!", Norman said angrily when he turned around.

"Hey, where's the path we came from?", Harry stared. "It's gone!"

"What is this place?!"

"I'm not sure if I wanna know...but it's hell spooky. I wanna go home!"

"Oh, you can be sure we will. But the only problem is how. Hmm...", Norman rubbed his chin.

"I don't think we have options. We have to cross this pond", Harry said.

"No way, it's too dangerous if we can't fly."

"But what choices do we have?! We can't break through, climb over or dig the ground. And besides, it doesn't look that long. I'm sure our boots can stand a little dose of heat."

"Theoretically, yes. But in reality..."

"Well, that's settled then. I go first since you need to cover me if something happens. Agreed?", Harry asked.

"I guess...very well then. But be careful", Norman warned him. Nodding, Harry took a deep breath...and started running. It's just too bad that he didn't take into account how slippery the liquid was and before even realizing it, he lost his balance and fell straight on his stomach into the pond.

"AAAHHHH! HEELLPPP! MY ARMOR...huh?!", Harry stopped screaming when he noticed something.

This lava doesn't burn me even though my armor is melting! It's...it's actually cold!

"Dad, wait! Don't...!", Harry turned around, ready to warn Norman but it was too late. His father had already started running across the pond, yelling in panic. And just like Harry, he lost his balance as well and fell on his back in a "handsome" arch.

"Dad! It's okay, you're not on fire!", Harry reached his hand out to Norman. The man rolled for a couple of ten seconds before stopping. Sitting up, he looked at his son and then himself.

"What...how...?!"

"I'm not sure but this so-called lava isn't actually hot at all. But our armors...", Harry stood up. The Patrioteer and Iron Patriot armors had both melted and were just a pile of colored mud floating around.

"I...I can't believe this!", Norman stood up as well, wiping his suit. "What just happened?! How did our armors melt if we stayed untouched?"

"Better this option than the opposite way around. But my armor...", Harry sighed, looking at the pond. "It's gone once again..."

"Don't worry, we will build new and even better ones. More important is that we are both all right."

"Yeah", Harry tried to sound thankful. His sweater and black jeans were covered in pieces of metal and he wiped them away as fast as he could. "This stuff itches me..."

"Here, let me", Norman helped his son. When they were ready, the family decided to rescan the situation.

"Now we are even bigger trouble. I'm not surprised to say that this isn't normal snow either...", Harry offered his hand, grabbing a couple of snowflakes on his palm. "It's not cold at all."

"Interesting. This must be Octavius's doings. He put this pond here on purpose", Norman crossed his hands.

"But if he knows that we are completely defenseless, I'm sure he attacks sooner or later. And we can't escape..."

"I'm sure we'll find a way. But we better not stop moving. If we keep going, we aren't easy to surprise."

"I hope so..."

And so the journey continued again. To Harry, this was scary but exciting as well. Finally, he and Norman had some one on one time. No Flash around to tease him, no Alex stealing the attention...just the two of them.

Even though I shouldn't...but I enjoy this. Finally, I get Dad's full attention and no one is ruining it.

Tightening his grip of Norman's arm, Harry observed everything he saw. He wanted to be on alert at all times.

"What if we can't find Flash? Then what do we do?"

"Uhh...then we're going to leave without him. I'm afraid it's all we can do."

"I hate being this helpless. Feels like I haven't done anything useful!"

"You have done more than you know. You have listened to your heart no matter what I have said and what others think about you. That's very noble."

"You mean when it comes to Peter?"

"Yes and your personality in general. I would love to say you're like your mother, but..."

"But...?"

"I...as hard as it is, but I think that the ability to move on means letting your loved ones rest in peace. Emily is dead and she is never coming back, so...", Norman muttered.

"So...?", Harry broke the silence seconds later.

"So I've been thinking that maybe it's time for me to move on from her as well. Sure she lives on in you forever, but dwelling in pain and longing won't do any good."

"Are you sure you're ready?"

"I have mourned for sixteen years. I think that's enough."

"Well, if you say so...I can't miss someone I have never met. You're the one who has raised me so you're my only true parent anyway. I don't have a mother but luckily I have a great father instead."

"Oh Harry...", Norman smiled, warm wave flushing through his heart. His son was so sweet. Harry was just about to answer back when he heard something and stopped.

"Dad, I can hear something. Right behind that corner in front of us."

"Not again...and I don't have my weapons. We better just..."

"Should we run?!", Harry started trembling.

"Yes and fast. Before anything...", Norman responded...

Before they had time to do anything, bloody Flash crawled from around the corner. Osborns stared at him, eyes widened.

"F-FLASH?!", Harry babbled. "Where were you?!"

"R-Run...", Flash coughed. "Go..."

"What happened to you?!", Harry ignored his demands. "Why are you in blood?!"

"No time to explain...get out of here while you still can...!"

"Are you all right, young man? You look very hurt", Norman asked as well.

"Please, Dad! Does he look well?! Flash, take it easy. What happened?"

"Listen to me! You are in great danger. So do as I say and run!", Flash coughed again.

"Your talking doesn't make any sense. Did you see something? Maybe Ock or Kraven or Taskmaster?", Harry knelt next to his friend. "Here, let me help you..."

"NO, YOU IDIOT!", Flash grabbed Harry by the sleeve. "Just do as I say!"

"Hey, stop squeezing my hand! It hurts!", Harry protested.

"The doomsday is near...look out...", Flash muttered...and fainted.

"Hey, Flash!", Harry shook him. "Wake up!"

*Ground shaking*

"W-what's going on?!", the teen yelled.

"I don't know...but we have to get out of here!", Norman yelled back.

"What about Flash?!"

"He told us to run and dragging him along would only slow us down. Come on now!"

"I can't leave my other my friend behind! I have done that mistake too many times!", Harry refused and started pulling unconscious Flash up. But then, the ground shook harder.

"There's no time! Leave him!", Norman forced his son to let go of his friend and pulled him along. Osborns ran through the labyrinth, avoiding collapsing walls as much as they could.

"This whole place is collapsing! What is going on?!", Harry shielded his head.

"I don't know! And I'm not going to find out!", Norman ran right behind him.

Running faster, somehow Osborns managed to find the right path out and didn't stop until they were back in the woods.

"That was close...", Harry collapsed to his knees. "Man..."

"My poor heart can't take this nonsense much longer...", Norman wiped his forehead.

"It looks like that place is gone...and we abandoned Flash. What a great friend I am..."

"He commanded us to escape. It wasn't our fault."

"But now what do we do?! We are the only ones left and weaponless! We can never beat Ock like this...", Harry hit the ground in frustration. "So now I think that..."

*Rumbling*

"Whatta...?!", Harry looked over his shoulder and gasped. Two very, very familiar Hydra-Gobby soldiers held Norman who fought back with all his strength. One of them had covered his mouth so that's why he wasn't able to warn his boy about the danger.

"HEY!", Harry jumped up, running to help his father. "Let go of him!"

"Mhhww!", Norman shook his head, pointing towards the forest. Harry understood that it was a command "Run and fast!"

"But Dad...!"

But Norman kept shaking his head and pointed towards the forest again. The young man was still hesitating.

"No...!", his voice shattered. "I can't leave you!"

"Hey, you! Grab the boy!"

Feeling how his heart skipped a beat, Harry saw one of the soldiers running towards him. He had only seconds to decide what he was going to do. Although he already knew the solution.

If we both get caught now, then the game is over. And as Pete once said, I must value Dad's sacrifices. If I surrender now, I'm being an ungrateful brat.

Gathering his courage once more, Harry managed to pass the soldier just in time and tackle him down. With that, he ran towards the woods without looking back. He knew that if he did so, he wouldn't be able to go. So he kept on running.

"Don't worry Dad, I'll be back! I PROMISE!"

I know I'm doing the right thing...but why does it hurt so much?!

Norman followed as his son slowly disappeared out of sight. At least he managed to keep one of his promises and give Harry a chance to flee.

There goes my meaning of life. Run, son! Don't let the catch you!

"What are you fooling around?! Go get him!", the leader of the soldiers commanded the one who Harry had tackled down. Nodding, the fallen one loaded his gun and aimed it towards the direction where the boy had gone...

"Mhh...no...NO!", Norman roared, dragged himself free and grabbed the gun...

*Shooting sound*

"Hmm?!", Harry stopped.

Was that a shot?! DAD?!

At first, Harry was about to head back but when he heard steps, he continued running. Branches hit his face and cut his skin.

"Ow, ow, ow...!"

Arriving out of the forest, Harry turned to see were his chasers still behind him...and suddenly, found himself rolling down the hill, straight towards a deep gorge.

"AAAHHHHHH!"

"Where is he?!", three soldiers ran out of the woods. "Come out, brat!"

"I think he's not our concern anymore", one of them pointed out tracks in the snow. "They go over the edge."

"Hmm...maybe but I wanna be certain", another one answered, jumping onto his glider. "Let's scan the gorge and the area around it. I take the middle part, you two take right and left sides. Move it!"

"Yes!"

-o-o-o-

"Well?", the leader asked when the trio flew back about half an hour later.

"We didn't find anything. And I swear we checked the whole place at least twice."

"Good work. So it looks like your sweet offspring is dead", the leader turned to see Norman who sat on the ground, gaze hidden. The poor man was brutally beaten and humiliated.

"Hey, did ya hear me?", the leader walked in front of Norman as he didn't answer.

"I said, did you hear me?! You better...!"

"What's the fuss here?", Taskmaster appeared from the bushes. "You idiots said you have something to show me!"

"Master, we now announce that two of the targets have been captured", soldiers went in line. After hearing this, Taskmaster grinned.

"Did you now? And who are we gonna have the honor to meet...?", the villain passed the group, starting to laugh mockingly when he saw Norman. "Well, well, well, of course..."

"We captured this man and one of the spiders", the gobby leader said. "Bring him here!"

"Ah, him...", Taskmaster rolled his eyes in boredom as Flash was dragged and dropped to the ground next to Norman. "Anybody else?"

"Well, that other boy managed to escape..."

"What boy? Escape?!"

"He was with him...", soldiers pointed at Norman. "But we guarantee that he's not causing troubles. He fell into the gorge and we made sure he couldn't have survived."

"Ohh, the Osborn Junior. My my my, what a tragedy. Looks like you lost your kid for good...", Taskmaster said to Norman who finally lifted his gaze, glaring at his enemy with the cruelest and coldest expression he had.

"Come on, don't look at me like that! I didn't push him there! So there's no reason to be mad at me."

Still, Norman said nothing. He just stared at his shoes.

"I'm surprised you managed this far. It's not an easy job. But now, your hard trip is over! We are more than happy to welcome you to our humble headquarters. Take them!", Taskmaster commanded, leading the way.

"You heard the boss! Take the prisoners!"

"Yes, sir!"

While Flash was carried over the shoulder, Norman had two soldiers on both sides to make sure that he couldn't escape. As if he would have even wanted. His mind was darker than the deepest black hole in space and heart in a thousand pieces.

Harry...my little boy...no! Just no...no...

Defeat inside him, Norman dropped his gaze once more. He didn't care what was going to happen to him since he had no reason to live anymore. When they passed the gorge, the heartbroken Osborn witnessed with his own eyes how deep it was. There's no way Harry could have survived a huge drop like that without his armor. It was simply impossible.

Or was it?

*Elsewhere*

"Just...a little further...", Harry panted, climbing up. He was full of bruises as rocks had hit him during the fall. Luckily, he managed to grab a branch and hide in a small pit when soldiers explored the area. Thanks to his small size, he remained undiscovered.

"F-finally...", the exhausted young man arrived at the top and landed on his stomach. "I made it..."

"Move faster, you slugs! I'm not gonna wait all day!"

"Huh?", Harry lifted his head, noticing the group in the distance. Thank god they didn't see him when he climbed.

But where are they going?!

Jumping up, Harry ran after them. He sneaked through the bushes and trees, making sure that he was covered by them. After what seemed like an eternity, the boy saw his enemies stopping in front of a huge open field and he hid behind snowy spruce.

Taskmaster! Of course...and oh no, Dad and Flash are captured. They look so hurt...why?! WHY?!

"Hold up!", Taskmaster lifted his hand. Soon wind started blowing strongly and the ground shaking again.

"W-what...?!", Norman looked around, surprised. The hooded man grinned at him.

"You'll see. Just watch."

"Oh dear...!", Harry grabbed his hands tightly around the trunk. He didn't even wanna know what was gonna happen next.

*Ground breaking*

"And there it comes! So what do you think?", Taskmaster laughed. Norman and Harry both were sure that they had never seen anything so sick before. From under the ground rose a massive iron construct, reminding a bit of the former HYDRA Helcarrier (S4 ep 1-2). But this one was more than that - it was the exact copy of the "Octopus Iland" (S4 ep 11).

"W-what is that thing?!", Norman gulped, a lump in his throat.

"Hahaha! Welcome to Octopus Iland!", Taskmaster laughed, even more, insane expression appearing on his face. Harry, who was in the bushes, didn't like this one bit.

Please tell me I'm dreaming! Is this Ock's hideout?! If so, then you have got to be kidding me...

"So, what are we waiting for?! Let's go", Taskmaster led the way towards the main gates. For Harry, he realized that he couldn't follow them there, or else he would be spotted. He needed to find another way in.

I better hurry before that thing takes off...

Coming out of the forest but remaining unseen, Harry made one last look at his father and Flash before the group disappeared in from the gates. Then he sprinted in the opposite direction, straight towards the sidewall.

"There's gotta be a way in...", Harry ran beside the border. Suddenly, he saw something on the wall above him. A pipe where some green water flushed out.

What is that?

Deciding to ack rather than think, Harry ran under the pipe. It was clearly "an entrance" to some sort of sewerage network.

"Well, what am I not ready to do for everyone...?", Harry muttered and climbed up. Before he could take a single step, he heard yelling.

"Everything is ready for takeoff! Get this thing to the sky!"

"Right away!"

"Woaaahhhh...!", Harry fell into the water when the iland rose from the ground. Even though it was big, but it sure was fast.

"Ewww, this smell!", the boy grabbed his nose. The pipe looked so dark and disgusting...

Okay, relax Harry. You can do this...Dad and Flash need you. And if we're finally there where Ock is...then Peter is here somewhere too.

Taking a deep breath, Harry limped slowly into the darkness. He had no idea what was waiting for him within these walls or how he can free others. But at least he was ready to try...even though it would put his head on the plate.