"Eww, rats!", Harry muttered in disgust as he kept walking along the pipe. Norman and Flash got captured by Taskmaster but thanks to his father, the young man managed to escape. But the main problem was still how to free everyone.
What sick mind Ock is! Inventing something like this is insane. I don't even wanna know what poor Pete has been through! And it's all my fault...
The smell in the sewer was horrible. The walls were slimy and the water was very dirty. Harry didn't even wanna know what caused the green color.
I think I'm gonna be sick...
"Okay, take it easy. You need to..."
"Loud voices*
"Huh?", Harry lifted his head. He was able to hear those soldiers again, so he must be near the exit. Wanting to get out of this place, he started running through darkness. Fast heartbeat made the process painful.
Looks like there are some ladders...just let me out!
Climbing quickly up, Harry arrived on a small plateau and he sat down. Finally some rest.
Man, that was ugly...
After gathering his strength, Harry looked around. Soon, he noticed a small grille in the wall and crawled slowly behind it. Through it, he was able to see the courtyard.
This place is bigger than I thought...and oh, there's Kraven. But where...?
The young man didn't have to wait for the answer for long. The gates opened and Taskmaster walked in with his soldiers. And they had Flash and Norman.
"Nah, so you captured those fools. Where were they?" , Kraven walked down the stairs, blowing bubblegum.
"In the forest. That Osborn brat is gone, though", Taskmaster answered.
"Gone?"
"Yeah, he ran off but fell into the gorge. Such a tragedy..."
"Oh, I see...", Kraven looked at Norman who fought against soldiers' grasps.
"Get your filthy hands off me!"
"Save your lungs", Taskmaster said. "You're going to need them."
But Norman didn't listen and kept fighting. Harry watched the scene sadly from his hiding place. Even though it was only moments ago, but he missed his father already.
Dad...
"How about this one?", the leader of the soldiers pointed at Flash. "What are we gonna do with him?"
"Just drop him. That'll wake him up", Taskmaster said and Flash was dropped to the ground. Hitting his head painfully, the boy groaned.
"Ouccchhhh...", he eventually opened his eyes. But he was captured in the same way as Norman.
"Hey, what the heck?! Where are we?! YOU!", Flash hissed when he saw the two enemies of his.
"Good morning, sleeping beauty. Nice to see you again."
"I'm gonna slap you silly! You losers attacked me in the labyrinth!"
"Oh yes, sorry about that. Here, let me repay it", Taskmaster walked to Flash, kicking him hard in the stomach. The poor boy collapsed to his knees and groaned in pain again.
"You ******* fool", Flash muttered. "Just wait when this is over..."
"Yeah bla bla bla", Taskmaster mocked while Kraven laughed. "Please, keep your mouth shut. You're only embarrassing yourself."
Grunting, Flash turned to Norman. "Hey, are you okay? Where's Harry?"
Dropping his gaze, Norman said nothing.
"What? Come on man, where is he?!"
"Your little friend's dead", Kraven blew another bubble.
"Dead?! What do you mean?!"
"He fell into the gorge like a flightless chicken. Just woosshhh and blob!", Taskmaster grinned. When Flash heard this, he shook his head.
"No, heh no way. Not Harry. Sure he's not...right?", Flash looked at Norman again.
"I don't know...", the heartbroken man whispered. "But it appears so..."
Stunned, Flash turned to see Kraven and Taskmaster. His anger exploded like a volcano.
"You killed one of my best friends! YOU SCUMBAGS!"
"Hey, hold still!", soldiers held Flash against the ground as he tried to break free. As for Harry, he couldn't help smiling. This was the first time ever Flash called him a best friend.
Thanks, pal...so you aren't that bad after all.
Suddenly, everyone heard steps and loud laughing from around the corner. Two very familiar voices.
"Well, there they come. Positions, everyone", Taskmaster commanded the soldier group. It didn't take long before Ock and Ambrose walked into sight, laughing together. Harry clenched his fist.
Those two maniacs...
"There they are...", Flash muttered angrily. Norman just stared at them.
"And then he said...", Ock was about to say something until he saw the group and stopped, grinning.
"Well, well, well. So now they have arrived."
"No kidding", Kraven rolled his eyes at Taskmaster. Ock walked down step by step, Ambrose flying behind him by his glider.
"I can't even describe how nice it is to see you. How have you been? It's been so long time."
"Shut the hell up!", Flash hissed. "Do you realize what you have done?! You froze New York, the citizens, and the Academy! Why the heck did you do that?!"
"Oh, my deepest apology. But you know how I enjoy chaos and drama. Without them life would be so boring", Ock rubbed his gloves.
"So that's your reason?! You did this just because you were bored?! You are insane! Stupid! A lunatic!"
"I wouldn't say just for boredom. My goals are never tied to something so pathetic and trivial."
"Hah! As if you have ever succeeded. We won at graduation and we will win this war too."
"I would like to see you try. This time, I'm more prepared than you think."
"Like how?", Flash kept mocking. "This great plan of yours has not yet succeeded."
"Oh really? I have monitored your every move from the beginning. I know what you have done each time, each day, each moment. You'd be surprised if I named some of those things but let's let it be for now. You have come from far and you must be tired."
"Don't try to be kind somehow. It doesn't fit you", Flash showed his tongue.
"Thanks for the advice. I keep that in mind", Ock said calmly, then he turned his attention to Norman who looked away.
"Norman, old friend! Good to see you too. How are you?"
Norman didn't answer or look at Octavius. The madman sighed.
"Oh well, I didn't expect that you answer. Ambrose, my dear ally. Would you like to speak to your son?"
"My pleasure", Ambrose flew in front of Norman, hopping to the ground.
"Son, it's good to see you again. But you know, it's rude to avoid conversation. I thought I taught you that."
Still, nothing. Rubbing his forehead, Ambrose murmured. Then, he slapped Norman hard across the face. Harry gasped and gritted his teeth. He hated that he couldn't do anything, only watch.
HOW DARE HE?! HOW...?!
"I don't care how old you are but if I say you answer, then you answer. Got it?", Ambrose commanded. Holding his hand against his cheek, Norman glared back.
"Heh, oh dear", Ock chuckled annoyingly. "But oh yes, I would like to hear how you have coped after...well, you know."
"What do you want me to say? Thank you?! You destroyed my company and nearly killed my son at the ceremony."
"Well I do admit that maybe I got carried away there...", Ock said. When Flash snorted in the background, Kraven hit him on the head.
"Thank you, Kraven. But let's be honest Norman, Oscorp looked always very ugly. Now you can build even a better building!"
"That's not the point! It's you and your obsession with this revenge thing! I have made peace with my past a long time ago. Why can't you do the same?!", Norman asked.
"Hah, what a joke! How can I make peace since you're the one who ruined my life?! I was locked away for years and it drove me slowly insane! All you did was threatening, mocking, demanding and when you didn't get what you wanted, you tried to get rid of me."
"I have tried to apologize for it over and over again. But you won't accept anything I offer. What else can I do?!"
"Heh heh, I have heard this nonsense ever since you were little. Try to come up with better excuses", Ambrose rolled his eyes.
"And you! I didn't choose to be born into this cursed kin! If I was such a disaster from the start, then why didn't you send me away?!"
"Because I needed an heir but you were unworthy! Then your mother passed away and I was too busy to play some family. I had to keep you, unfortunately..."
"Hah, how noble. Well, here I am! Finish me if you like!"
"Hold on a sec, Mr. O...", Flash started. "You better stop talking like that for Harry's sake!"
"He's gone! So why should I stay here? At least then I'm with him again...", Norman's voice shattered.
"Wait a minute! Harold is dead?!", Ambrose asked, surprised.
"Yes! Your sick creatures drove him off the cliff! And I saw it with my own eyes..."
"Oh crap", Flash landed to sit. "So it's true..."
"I...I can't believe this. My poor Harold is gone...and I never told him anything. I'm a terrible grandfather", Ambrose faked sadness so clearly that it disgusted Norman, Flash, and Harry who was still hiding.
"There there now. He's in a better place. I'm so sorry for your loss...", Ock patted Ambrose's shoulder.
"You don't have to pretend. You are just glad I suffer", Norman said coldly.
"Yes, it's fun. Now you finally know what losing everything means. And I swear it's going to get much worse...", Ock said so quietly that only Norman heard, then he continued "Take them away! I need some privacy."
"I better go and say a final goodbye to my dear grandson", Ambrose grinned at Norman, jumped onto his glider, and flew away. When soldiers started dragging him and Flash towards the dungeons, the annoyed spider shouted at his enemy.
"Hey, what have you done to Spidey?! Where is he?!"
But Ock ignored his questions and walked towards the door. Suddenly, he stopped and turned around.
"Ohh I almost forgot. I have a little surprise for you down there. Kraven, you know what to do. Taskmaster, you follow me. We need to discuss things."
"Whatever you are planning Ock, it won't work! I swear I'm gonna avenge my friends and make you pay! YOU BRAINLESS BASTARD!", Flash swore before Ock disappeared out of sight and he and Norman were forced downstairs. Harry knew that this was his sign.
What wackos...I know Ock has hidden Peter quite well. But how am I going to find him? No, I can't do it alone. I have to free others first and then we think of something. But how?
Climbing the ladders back down, Harry tried to find a potential direction. Perhaps he should keep following this pipe and see where it goes. It must end up somewhere.
And after I get out of here, I must find a disguise. Then, I go to the dungeons. I can do this, yes I can!
Running again, Harry decided to be as fast as he could. Norman's sad face flashed in his mind...he wanted to see him asap and then they would find Peter and everything would be okay.
Hang on, Dad...I'm coming!
-o-o-o-
"Get in", soldiers pushed Flash and Norman into the room and locked the door. The magnificent Agent Venom sure didn't like to be treated like this.
"No one treats me like this! Let me out! Now!"
No answer.
"DID YOU HEAR ME?! OPEEENNNNN!", Flash slammed and kicked the door.
"Stop it", Norman sat in the corner. "It's no use."
"I'm gonna kill Ock! Just wait!"
"Well, why don't you just use the Venom symbiote? I heard you control it now."
"I wish I could. But when I got attacked back in the labyrinth, I was injected with something which prevents it from coming out. I can feel it, but it won't obey me. So in other words, I'm powerless."
"I see...well, I guess that's that then", Norman waved his hand, defeated. Flash looked at him for a minute until he sat down as well.
"So...is it really true? Harry's fate I mean...?"
"Yes. He's gone."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course I am sure! I was there when he escaped. They tried to shoot him but I managed to avoid it, then...", Norman couldn't continue. Flash bit his lip.
"But did you actually see him falling into the gorge? What if Taskmaster lied?"
"I saw how deep it is when we came here. It's impossible to survive without our armors."
"What happened to them anyway?"
"They melted. I don't know how to explain it, so don't ask."
"Shit...well, I don't believe those gooses. Harry must have survived and is going to get us out of here."
"But how?! Like I said, it's -"
"How to yourself! Did you actually see his fall?", Flash asked demandingly.
"Well, no...", Norman shook his head.
"See? Then we can't know for sure. I'm sure Harry is alive."
"What does it matter if he is?! This thing is flying in the sky! How is he going to get up here, avoid Octavius, my father, and those dozens of soldiers?! He's just a boy, a child."
"But he saved the whole city with Anti-Venom. And that's...", Flash began...
"Don't talk about it. I don't wanna remember", Norman raised his hand.
Too painful.
"Very well...anyhow, we don't have proof. So it's a possibility that he survived. And by now, I'd say he is clever enough to come up with a plan."
Despite Flash tried to cheer Norman up, nothing worked. The older Osborn knew the truth. Harry was gone, just like Emily.
I'm all alone.
"And what matters now, is that...", Flash was about to say something again. But at the same second, the door opened and two soldiers stepped in.
"What now?! Came here to fight, eh?!"
"Be quiet already. Bring them in!"
"Them?", Flash and Norman stared back. And...
"Please, you don't have to be so rough!", Alex pleaded when he was thrown into the room.
"Shorty!", Flash said happily. "It's you!"
"Oh thank you, Flash", Alex picked his glassed up and cleaned them. "It's always a pleasure to see you too."
"What happened, man? What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same thing. But..."
"Let me go! This isn't a proper way to treat a lady!"
"Hey, I know that voice! It's...", Flash jumped up. Soon, Aunt May was pushed in as well. Then, the door closed and locked again.
"Aunt May!", Flash said, mouth open. May turned to see him.
"Flash? Is that you? What in the world...?!"
"Wow, so good to see you! I mean the last time we saw you, you froze! And now you're back to normal. I can't believe it", Flash rubbed his hair.
"I do remember something, but not much. It was you, and Miles and...Peter! Oh my god, where is he?! What has happened?"
"Perhaps it's wise we start from the beginning. Since a lot has happened. Bad things mostly, I'm afraid..."
Sitting down, May listened as Flash told her the whole story. It's not necessary to repeat all the details here, but it can be said that she was very devastated. Especially Peter's disappearance and suffering made her feel awful.
"Oh, dear...I wish I would have been more careful. Then Peter wouldn't have suffered so much...", May wiped her eyes.
"Don't worry about it, Mrs. Parker. Peter knew you would want him to try. He never gave up", Alex smiled.
"I know, that's the way he is. Always trying, believing. Like his uncle..."
"And now, we're here. We have tried to figure out how to stop Ock, but it's still in progress", Flash said.
"I'm sure we can think of something. There must be a reason why he brought me here", May nodded.
"Yeah. Do you remember anything? I mean how did they change you back?"
"No. I just woke up in some room. The rest is blackness."
"Great...well, how about you, Alex? What happened to you?"
"Uhhh well after the connection broke, I went to check Miles when we got attacked by the goblin soldiers. Unfortunately, I couldn't do anything..."
"Where did they take Miles?", Flash asked.
"No clue. I fainted soon after the attack. But I guess that he's somewhere here."
"I think so too. But what did you mean by the phrase it's not what it seems?"
"You didn't get it?! I meant this place! And the tunnels you were in. They were full of some dark material, pretty much the same stuff we saw when Mr. Osborn was taken through the sky. Ock explained it's something like teleportation but I think it's much more - a different realm."
"A different realm?", May, Flash, and Norman asked at the same time.
"Yes! We aren't exactly in our world anymore. We're between it and other dimensions."
"You mean like other universes?"
"No! This isn't a different universe. We are as if in an intermediate space where a real world and fake one collide. You have seen it, haven't you?", Alex asked.
"I guess...even though I didn't understand everything. But I'm still interested in these questions a) What is this place? b) Where are Peter and Harry? c) What is Ock planning? d) Why did he bring you and especially Aunt May here? e) How do we beat them?", Flash listed.
"Good points. But what do you mean by where's Harry? Is he missing as well?" , Alex wondered.
"We don't know. He, well...", Flash looked at Norman over his shoulder. The man had not joined the conversation. Instead, he sat quietly in the corner, emptiness on his face.
"Oh dear...", Alex muttered. "You mean he's...?!"
"As I said, we don't know. I certainly hope not. But he won't come out of his shell. That's what troubles me", Flash muttered back.
"Let me talk to him", May said and moved next to Norman.
"Mr. Osborn?"
"Krmmh, Mrs. Parker. Good to see you doing well. Peter took really hard what happened to you."
"Yes...and Flash told me about Harry as well. I'm so sorry."
"I appreciate your kindness. Thank you."
"Of course. Flash also told me about the argument between our young ones. So I just wanted to say that..."
"Please, blame me for it and not Harry. He didn't have a choice but I'm sure he didn't want to turn against Peter on purpose. He feels...or felt guilty so badly that it was so hard to watch", Norman assured.
"Oh, I'm not blaming anyone! I know Harry's a good boy and he would never harm his best friend. He just did what every child would do for their parents. I'm sure Peter understands it", May smiled.
"I do hope he is found. We have been very worried about him."
"We will find him, I'm sure of it. And we will find Harry too", Flash said self-confidently.
"Stop saying that!", Norman broke down. "Losing him is already painful but keeping false hope up is much worse!"
"Mr. O, you gotta have faith in your own son. If you don't believe in him, who will?"
Shaking his head, Norman buried his face against his knees. May tried to comfort him, but it was hard.
"Mr. Osborn, I believe in Peter and I'm going to find him and tell how much I love him. Don't you want to do the same for Harry?"
Before Norman could answer, the door opened once again. Everyone stared silently when the soldiers came in.
"Hah, so you couldn't stay away. Missed us?", Flash mocked. Alex kicked him nervously.
"Get up, Osborn. Octavius wants to see you."
"But a moment ago he said..."
"Plans changed. Hurry up", soldiers forced Norman up. But as usual, Flash didn't agree.
"Leave him alone!", he made a rampage towards one of them, only getting slammed to the ground.
"Flash! Are you all right?", Aunt May knelt beside him while Alex trembled against the wall. Soldiers escorted Norman out and shut the door.
"You didn't have to do that", he said angrily. "He's just a kid."
"Then he should mind his own business. Now, move!"
Sighing, Norman started walking. What Ock wanted from him now?
-o-o-o-
Meanwhile, Harry had finally gotten out of the sewers and headed along a dark corridor. He was dressed up as a soldier who he knocked down earlier. It was close but he managed.
They can't find him in that sewer...at least I hope. But now, to the dungeons.
But where were they? This place was massive and it had several doors and staircases. And what if he bumps into Kraven or Taskmaster?
I can only hope I won't...
Harry was very worried about everyone. The way Ock treated them showed how angry he is. And the boy was sure his father is the main target.
I have to save them, I have to...
Down the stairs, another corridor, other stairs. Corridors, corridors, stairs, stairs...
Oh man, I think I'm lost. But oh, I can see the sky from here. So I must be near the bottom. Are the cells here somewhere?
Panic gripped Harry's chest. He was racing against time, that's for sure.
Please let me find you guys already! I wanna help you...
Stopping, Harry decided to walk. If he kept running, his behavior would arise suspicion. And he didn't want that.
I have to be realistic. If I don't find them like this, I have to give myself in. As awful as it is...
Despite his fears, Harry was going to do everything before becoming Ock's slave. He observed, looked, examined, eyed, thought, wondered. And then...
Hey, an elevator! I wonder does it work?
Not waiting, Harry hurried to the elevator. It had several buttons but no exact description of where each one led.
I guess I have to pick randomly. Let's try with this one that says "Blue Unit." Sounds creepy, though...
Pushing the button, Harry waited when the elevator started moving. But something was wrong. It didn't go up or down - it went to the side.
"Oh no!", the panicked young man pressed all the buttons in turns but nothing happened. Pushing himself against the wall, Harry gulped.
This is not good...where am I going?!
Although the elevator only moved for minutes, they felt like hours. Harry was afraid where he may end up. To Ock? Or worse, to his stupid Gramps?
Or maybe...
"THUD!"
"Wow!", Harry fell on the floor. The elevator had stopped moving and the door opened. Luckily, no one was waiting for him.
Putting his hand against the wall, Harry stepped out of the elevator and looked around. On the wall was a sign "Blue Unit - Entering dismissed"
So this is some secret place. But what kind of?
Harry didn't have time to think, so he continued moving. He doubted the cells were here but you can never know.
Could Peter be here?
"Blah, screw this!", the boy started running. But then he had to stop when a cold breeze went through his body.
"Hrr...where did this coldness come?!", the boy wrapped his arms around himself and looked down. The floor was frosty and icy. This was weird.
Something tells me it's not safe to continue...but I can't go back, anyone can come. I have to go through this place.
With that, Harry walked ahead. Coldness became stronger and stronger until he had walked the whole corridor to the end. There was another door...and from under it came freezing steam.
"Well, here we go...", Harry grabbed the knob, yanking the iron door open. He was surprised that it didn't have locks or anything.
Or this is heavily guarded...I better take cover as soon as...
"W-WHAT?!", Harry nearly yelled, but covered his mouth with his hand and hid behind a pile of boxes. Now he understood where all this coldness and ice was coming from. The room was actually a large factory hall where dozens of soldiers were busy with work. Conveyors, robots, boxes...
They are making the snow here! I knew it!
Crawling next to the railing, Harry took his phone, taking some pictures of this place. Then he retreated back behind the boxes and knelt.
Ahah, there's Kraven...snoring as usual. I wonder...
"SLAM!"
Turning white, the young man couldn't move. He was exposed.
No...!
"Kraven!", he heard Ock's voice and it made him shiver strongly. But instead of dragging him into the light, the villain just passed the boxes and stopped on top of the stairs. So he didn't see Harry.
Thank god...
"Huh...?", Kraven snapped wide awake. "Oh, Octavius..."
"What are you sleeping here?! I told you to get back to work!"
"Yes, yes...weren't you supposed to talk with Taskmaster?"
"I already did and he is taking care of my business you know where. But unlike you, he does not laze."
You know where...? Is he talking about Pete?, Harry wondered.
"Right...so did you have something?", Kraven stood up.
"Oh yes. And they should be here right about now", Ock looked at his watch. Finally, a pair of soldiers came in with Norman. Harry's heart skipped a beat when they passed the boxes as well and came downstairs to Ock and Kraven.
"Norman! Good to see you again!", Ock spread his hands towards the man.
"What do you want from me now? I thought the encounter outside was enough."
"Yes but then I decided to get straight to the point since it's been so long time we have talked. Sure you missed me, right?"
Norman didn't answer. Octavius shrugged.
"Fine, don't talk. But you could at least tell your opinion about this place. Isn't it beautiful?"
"This all looks sick, that's all I have to say", Norman said coldly.
"Come on, can't we be friends? I have kept you alive this whole time. You should be thankful."
"Thankful?! You have destroyed my life."
"Always this same topic...you should let go of your grudge against me, Normie. Life gets easier like one special spider once said..."
"What have you done to that poor boy? And why did you bring his aunt here?"
Harry couldn't believe what he heard. Aunt May was here?
But why? And how...?!
"My my, since when have you cared for Parker and his old auntie? Is it because your dear boy is a bunch of bones at the bottom of a gorge...?", Ock grinned.
"BE QUIET!", Norman yelled. "You have no right to talk about my son!"
"Dead son. Oh, poor Harry...so young, so weak, so naive. Just like you."
"Can't you just tell me why you brought me here?! What is this place?!"
"Can't you see? This is where I create my magnificent snow. But no, it's not an ordinary one. It cannot be thawed by normal methods. So I thought that it would just perfect for the city. Worked quite well, huh?"
"I couldn't have ever thought you would be so full of hate that you make everyone pay. Don't you have any regrets?!", Norman asked. Ock laughed.
"Hah hah! No, I'm not making everyone pay. Just you and Parker. But as you know, I like to do things spectacularly."
"So Alex was right. You froze the city just for fun. So that only we..."
"Your little friend is clever. But I have something bigger in mind. And since you are going to be the main part of it, I might as well reveal it", Ock jumped onto the table. "You see, Osborn - I'm going to wipe this stupid world out of the map and create a whole new one. A world where science and smart brains are adored. Where I'm the smartest and most intelligent."
"Are you out of your mind?! Destroying a world would mean an end for everything!", Norman said in horror.
"Exactly. But don't worry, we are gonna start with smaller pieces. As soon as I have the right tools, NYC will be the first one to go. You are lucky that you are here now, otherwise..."
"Are you saying that you are destroying entire humanity?!"
"Now you're starting to get it. And what's best, you are going to help."
"No! I would never do something like that!", Norman refused. "NEVER!"
"If that's what you wish. But I'm sure you don't want your friends in the dungeon to get hurt. Remember, your brat was always so noble and cared for everyone."
Norman's eyes widened. Honestly, he didn't have a reason to refuse since Harry was gone. He didn't want to let his memory down and he promised to get along with others from now on.
For you, son. For you.
"Fine then...I do it. Just keep everyone out of harm's way."
"Excellent. I give you one night so that you can gather your strength and everything is ready by then. Ta ta", Ock turned his back when soldiers prepared to take Norman back to his cell.
"Oh yes, one more thing", he suddenly interrupted...and punched Norman hard in the stomach. Tottering backwards, the former CEO fell. It was close that Harry, who saw the whole episode, didn't come out of his hiding place to defend his father. But common sense told him to lay low.
I can't reveal myself now, as much as it hurts. I'm sorry, Dad...
"This is for your rude behavior", Ock wiped his gloves. "From now on, you better respect me. Got it?!"
Rubbing his stomach, Norman give Ock a murderous expression. Harry encouraged him in his mind.
That's it, Dad! Get up!
"You can't demand respect, you have to earn it", the angry Osborn muttered in pain. Ock laughed mockingly again.
"Hah, as if! You get nothing by earning things. Making everyone fear is the key to power. You had it all and you threw it away. What a waste."
"I'm a father, no matter what. And I will always, ALWAYS keep fighting against half-wits like you. Maybe I'm forced to help you, but respect? No, that pleasure you aren't going to get."
Harry couldn't have been prouder. Flash was right, Norman sure was the coolest father ever nowadays.
"Did you...did you just call me brainless?!", Ock hissed. "DID YOU?!"
Norman didn't speak anymore. Ock's anger exploded.
"NO ONE AND ESPECIALLY YOU - calls me an idiot! Teach him a lesson, Kraven!", Ock commanded.
"Why me?", the other villain whined.
"Because I say so. Hurry up!"
"Arrhhh...", Kraven responded unwillingly and slammed his hands together. A group of four soldiers circled Norman...and started hitting, kicking, and punching. As his father's painful screaming echoed from the walls, Harry put his hands against his temples, turning his gaze away. Tears filled his eye corners.
They beat him up and all I do is sitting here! I'm a coward! COWARD!
*A bit later*
"Now, move!", Norman's torture continued as he was taken towards the prison chambers. His escorts slapped, pushed, and mocked him all the time. But they didn't know that Harry was right behind them. When Ock ordered the men to take his father back to his cell, the boy saw a golden opportunity to find out where it's located.
"Hah ha, do you see him?! How pathetic! Look at me! I'm a rich fuck!"
*Laughter*
"Hey did you hear me, stupid?! How does it feel to be at the bottom of society? Money won't help you here", Norman was pushed against the pillar and he hit his head.
"Please, stop it..."
"What was that? Oh, sorry!", another push. Third, fourth...
*More laughter*
Norman was sure his body would give up at any minute. At least he would see his family again...
*Running*
"SMASH!"
"AAAAHHHH!", the first guard got stabbed in the neck by a knife. A bloody shower filled the floor. His partner tried to help him, but he was stabbed in the back. Norman stared at the scene in confusion. His vision was still weak but he was able to see a dim silhouette attacking Ock's green servants.
Who...?
A couple of more hits. More blood. Yelling...and the vision faded.
"Dad?! DAD!"
-o-o-o-
"Any luck?", Flash asked.
"Nope, there is nothing, not even a single crack. Can you put me down now?!", Alex pleaded.
"We haven't searched the whole cell yet. Let's try this wall", Agent Venom moved next to it, almost dropping his friend who sat on his shoulders.
"Flash, stop it! I'm gonna fall!"
"Nonsense! Okay, start digging!"
"But I told you, there is nothing! Put me down!"
"Always whining! You're at the Academy! We never give up!"
"Flash, put him down as he says", May said gently. "We have to behave so that no one gets hurt."
"Bruh, fine", Flash dropped Alex to the ground. "Whoops, sorry."
"When will you learn I'm tinier than you?", the nerd muttered, rubbing his back. "We have a lady here! So please, behave!"
"I am behaving! See? I wiped the floor from dust! I even took my jacket off so that she doesn't have to get her outfit dirty!"
"Moron", Alex facepalmed himself. "Please, let this be a dream..."
"Calm down, dear. We have to stay positive."
"I admire your optimism. No wonder Peter is always seeing best in everyone."
"Thank you. But I think Peter's uncle is his main role model. He told never to stop trying. At least I want to believe so..."
"Pete is a cool dude", Flash sat down. "I'm sorry for bullying him but now we are good pals!"
"Yes, he's such a kind personality. And then people treat him like trash...", May sighed.
"It's hard to believe Ock saved us. Now he's doing same old tricks."
"Some things never change..."
"Nope..."
"What are they doing to poor Norman?", Flash wondered. "They have kept him up there for a long time now."
"I don't even wanna know. All I want is to get out of here", Alex shivered. May put her hands on his shoulders.
"We will get through this. Trust me."
"I hope so", Flash muttered. "I really hope..."
-o-o-o-
Norman woke up with a severe headache. The pain was awful and his body hurt.
"Where am I...?" , he looked around. He waited to be in the cell but no. He lay under a ragged blanket in some sort of closet. Old shelves were full of weird stuff.
What is this place?
Sitting up, Norman noticed that his wounds were patched up. But how and who did it?
I remember someone attacked those soldiers...ah, my stomach! It's patched up too...
Before Norman could do or think of more of this, the door opened and someone stepped in. Instincts kicking on, the man grabbed the nearest object for his weapon, a pair of scissors.
"Who are you?! What do you want?!"
Stepping into the light, Norman saw a disguised soldier. He pointed at him with the blades.
"I asked, who are you?! Why did you help me?"
Kneeling, this mysterious person didn't answer. He just looked back.
"Are you one of them?! If you think you can earn my trust by doing this, then you're..."
"You shouldn't move. Your wounds are still fresh."
"What?! Who are you to tell me what to do?! You take orders from Octavius and your so-called friends beat me up!"
"Trust me, I'm not like them. Now, let me help. I have some hot water and..."
"One good deed does not make you any different. Thanks for your help, but I don't need it", Norman spat.
"Why?"
"Are you for real?! You tortured and humiliated me. You didn't help or stop others when they hurt me. You are the worst trash I've ever seen. So keep your pathetic help to yourself!"
This was enough. Collapsing to the ground, the figure started sobbing. Norman followed silently, not feeling pity or remorse.
"I know I should have helped...but I was too scared. I'm so sorry, Dad!", Harry took his helmet off.
"S-SON?!", Norman gasped. "Y-you're alive!"
"Y-yeah...you have no idea how hard it was to get all the way here and..."
But Norman didn't listen. Throwing the scissors away, he wrapped his son into a tight hug.
"THANK GOD! I thought I lost you for good! This is a miracle! Thank you, thank you!"
Harry couldn't answer. So he let his father comfort him and enjoyed every moment of it.
"What happened?", Norman loosened his grip a little but kept the boy tightly close to him. Taking a deep breath, Harry started telling.
"Well, after you were captured, I ran off and fell into the gorge. But somehow, I fell straight into a small pit and it saved me. I knew the soldiers were looking for me, so I hid and after they took you and Flash, I followed you. I saw Taskmaster, how this thingy rose from the ground..."
"But how did you get here? It took off right after we were brought in."
"I saw a pipe and used that to sneak in. I saw everything that happened in the front yard by spying through a went. So I saw Ock, Ambrose, and what they did and say to you..."
"Oh, no...you saw it?!", Norman asked, concerned.
"Yes. When they took you to the dungeons, I followed the rest of the pipe, knocked one of the soldiers down, and dressed up as him. I knew I needed to cover myself so that I wouldn't get caught", Harry swallowed his tears and continued the story "My first attempt was going to find you but I didn't know where to go. Like a miracle, I bumped into that room where they are making all that ice. Then Ock came and they brought you in and, and..."
"It's all right. Go on."
"I...I saw what they did to you! I heard everything that Ock commanded you to do! When they started hitting, I wanted to come and stop it but I was too scared and perished. All I did was staring there when they hurt you..."
"Oh Harry", Norman pulled his boy against his chest. "It's not your fault. You did wisely by staying hidden. I would have ordered the same thing."
"But you said I'm not any better than them! And it's true! I'm nothing, but a pathetic coward! No wonder Peter got tired of me!"
"I didn't know it was you. But you saved me from those assholes and despite your fears, you came all the way here. You have been so brave and it makes me so proud."
"I had luck. But I don't know what to do next."
"We think of something, I promise."
"But how do we free Flash and find Pete? Ock thinks you are back in the cell. If you go missing, he knows something is wrong."
"I'm not afraid of him. There is no way I'm leaving you alone in this sick place once I just got you back."
"Maybe I should give myself in..."
"No, absolutely not. You are staying out of sight. They can't discover you."
"And how are we gonna make it work? Dad, it's impossible. You have to go back and I stay here. I can explore this place, try to find out Peter's location and clues about destroying Ock's plans."
"Harry, listen to me", Norman said seriously. "You heard how Octavius threatened me. If he finds out you're alive, he will use you as the main target against me. I can live with the fact that I keep others out of harm's way by doing as he says since it's easier to tolerate. Like that, I have nothing to lose. But you...no, not ever."
"So, what do we do then? You won't leave me, but I can't reveal myself. If you vanish, rumors start", Harry listed. "We're running out of options."
"We do what we must. We both disappear and hope for the best."
"Are you seriously ready to put your life into danger just for me? Dad, it's not..."
"You came all the way here to save me and nearly got yourself killed in the process. If I'm not ready to do the same, what kind of father am I?"
Harry smiled. To tell the truth, he didn't want to be left alone any longer in this wackoland.
"Okay, I won't complain about that. But we need to find a disguise for you as well."
"We can talk about it later. But there is something you must know. Alex and Peter's aunt are here", Norman told.
"Yeah, I heard. But why?", Harry asked, surprised.
"I have no clue. But if she's here, then Peter must be too. If we only knew where..."
"How did Ock turn her back to normal?"
"She didn't remember. Also, Alex told us that we're in some space between our world and other ones. That explains these strange happenings."
"Interesting...like that hole Morbius's pet pulled you into."
"I guess. Too much information, my head hurts..."
"Take it easy. I brought some food, even though I'm not sure if it's eatable."
"I'm willing to take that risk. I'm starving", Norman took a bite of an apple. "Hmm, seems normal."
"I do have some candy from home. Sorry, I broke the rule", Harry blushed.
"Whatever, eat as much as you like", his father smiled back. But the younger one's expression became sad.
"Dad...what if Ock gets what he wants? A world of his style...darkness, unhappiness, pain..."
"Mmmh...", Norman looked down. He hated that he couldn't deny the possibility. He had never been in a situation liked this before.
"And if that world comes, what happens to us?! Ock is gonna make us his eternal slaves! I don't want that! I don't...!", Harry started breathing fast. Norman put his hand over his neck and leaned his head against his son's.
"Son, look. We don't know what's going to happen but whatever it is, we will face it together. You have me, I have you and that's what counts. You're not alone in this."
"I know, I know. But I do fear..."
"Everyone fears. But if we work as a team, nothing can stop us."
Harry felt a bit better. They had survived so many things already, so this shouldn't be surprising.
"Are you sure this closet won't be found?", Norman broke the silence a minute later.
"I think so. I think it's been abandoned for a long time. The door was stuck when I found it."
"Hmm...well, we have to stay put anyway so this will do until we find a proper hiding place. Take a nap, you must be tired. I stay on guard."
"You sure?"
"Yes. Come on", Norman waited until Harry was in his armpit and leaned his head against his shoulder. Soon, the exhausted boy slept.
"Sleep well, son. I love you."
When Norman was sure that his son was completely asleep, he allowed himself to break down. He cried on his sleeve as quietly as possible. Relief and sadness swept over him like a thunderstorm. It was a very cleansing experience.
Okay, enough of that...
Calming down, Norman wiped his eyes quickly. He wanted to remain strong in front of Harry. He needed to be a fearless role model for his son. If Harry couldn't rely on his father, to whom then?
We will get through this. One good thing is that there is hardly anything that could turn things worse...
-o-o-o-
"Hmm...", Red Gobby flew above the gorge. "It looks deep."
My my my, Harold...joining your bitch mother way too early.
Throwing some trash down as a "tribute", he turned to leave. But suddenly, he stopped.
Hmm...I smell something. Very, very familiar...
Landing slowly down by glider, Gobby looked around. Not only his mental instincts, but physical instincts were much sharper and clearer after the transformation. So...
"What is that?", the villain spotted some marks in the snow. Crawling marks.
Something's not right...
Flying closer, Ambrose followed the trail. When he saw the pit, he started smiling.
"Well well, what do we have here? It looks like someone has been here recently. I wonder...", he grabbed a piece of branch, smelling the wood. It made him grin.
"Hah, I knew it."
Following the scent away from the gorge, Ambrose saw small footprints heading through the forest, pass the gorge and stopping near the place where the iland took off. He flew in circles a couple of times until he stopped and opened his eyes.
Hah ha, how clever...so that brat is alive. And if I'm not mistaken, he's somewhere on the iland!
Speeding up, Ambrose hurried towards the hideout. Maybe he underestimated the boy.
Well, no matter. I'm digging him out. So beware, my dear grandson..be very, very afraid!