It was the night after Ambrose's cruel revelations about Norman's mother. Luckily Ock didn't come to yell at him for being lazy, perhaps he was too busy or he didn't care. Or maybe the old crook had something to do with it...
"No...no..."
Norman and Harry slept on an old, smelly mattress on the floor. The smell did not make it easier for a man with insomnia to fall asleep. It was the opposite way around.
"Urrhhh...this room smells terrible", Norman held his nose. He tried to sleep on his back and his side but nothing worked. And since his son used him as a pillow, it made moving even harder.
Getting some sleep in this place is useless anyway...
Rolling onto his back once more, Norman stared at the ceiling. His father's story about his mother haunted his mind.
Why?! Why does he hate me so much? I didn't ask any of this! And now he avenges things through Harry. I wanna rip that stupid tail off...
Although Norman did his best to understand his father's motives, he could not understand the cruelty behind his personality. He had always been a very obedient child, he never complained or argued until he grew older.
Perhaps it's best I simply give up on understanding. No one can deal with that monster.
Sighing, the tired man turned to see his sleeping boy. Harry was scared of his breakdown and no wonder. He was the only warp and woof of this child in life. The only family member, the only one who can protect him from Ock and help to rebuild the friendship with Peter.
Harry needs me...but he doesn't even know how much I need him. I need him so badly that an idea of losing him shatters my heart into pieces. These revelations have made that fact stronger and stronger.
Harry was the only thing that kept Norman together. Without him, he would probably already be insane. Now he understood how great gift fatherhood is.
I understand it now. Better than ever.
Feeling a bit better about these feelings, Norman closed his eyes again, falling slowly asleep...
-o-o-o-
"Wake up, young one! Wake up..."
"Hmmh?", Harry muttered, being still half-asleep. Was it morning already? Night sure goes fast...
And I have to go with that idiot Kraven...
"Well, I guess I have no choice", Harry yawned, opened his eyes...and stopped breathing.
"Hello, my boy", Ambrose was standing right above him, face only a couple of inches away from his grandson's.
"What are you doing here?!", Harry jumped up.
"I came to see how my precious little abscess is doing. I missed you."
"Keep your pathetic admiration to yourself...wait a minute, where's Dad?!", the boy noticed that his father wasn't in the room.
"Oh, Norman had some business to take care of. It's just you and me now. We have a whole night ahead", Ambrose grinned.
"Did you tell something to Ock?! Is he in trouble because of you?!"
"No and no. Don't worry, he's alright."
"Why do I find that hard to believe?! You have something sick in mind, I know it! Just get out of here and leave me alone!", Harry retreated against the wall.
"I don't like your tone, young man. Whether like it or not, I'm your grandfather and I expect respect from you. So if I say you are coming with me, then you are", Gobby wrapped his tail around Harry and yanked him out of the room.
"Release me, right now! Ock will find out I'm here if I'm not disguised!"
"No need to panic, he is busy and his worthless workers are only God knows where. We have this moment completely for ourselves."
Harry shivered. This freaking tail was so disgusting and it burned his skin. Worry kept running in his mind.
Dad, where are you?!
Ambrose dragged Harry out of the building and to one of the so-called balconies where his glider was parked. The lunatic jumped onto it and looked over his shoulder.
"Hold on tight, we're going very fast!"
"Wait, what?! Where are you taking me?! I can FAAAALLLLL!", Harry yelled when they took off.
"PUT ME DOWN, PUT ME DOWN!"
"Really? Well if you say so...", Ambrose laughed and dropped the young man. Harry screamed from the bottom of his lungs as he fell.
"HEEELLLPPP!"
"I'm coming", his Gramps hollered back, grabbing the boy again with his tail. And then let go. Grabbed. Let go. Grabbed.
"Please, stop this!", Harry begged. "You won, you won!"
"Of course, dear. I always do. Right, here we are", Ambrose dropped Harry to the ground when they landed low enough.
"Why did we come here?", Harry sat up, rubbing his stomach. They were beside the gorge again.
"Oh well, I thought it would be fun to spend some time out of that stinky castle. Don't get me wrong, I like it. But I've never been into islands or anything. I'm a traditional man."
"And here, out of nowhere is better? You brought me here for some reason."
"I simply wanna spend some time with you. Despite our history, I see your potential. So why don't we test your true skills a bit?", Ambrose asked. His expression creeped his grandson out.
"What sick have you planned...?", Harry took steps back, towards the forest. He tried to find a possible way to escape.
"If you want to run, go ahead. I'm not stopping you."
"Yeah, right. I know you. Just take me back to the iland!"
"If you insist. But what about your father who is buried alive at the bottom of the gorge?", Ambrose pointed out.
"WHAAAAAT?!", Harry's mouth dropped wide open.
"Yes, I wanted to see how you work under the pressure. So I made a little test."
"How can you admit something horrible like this as if it was a normal thing?! Dad can die! ARE YOU MAD?!"
"He has oxygen. At least I think so. It was hours ago when I last checked him. Or was it...?"
"You sick fuck! I WILL KILL YOU FOR THIS!", Harry yelled, pushed The Gobby out of the way, and started climbing down. He had to get to the bottom before it's too late.
I'm coming, Dad! Hang on! I won't lose you!
"Hah, now that's the spirit! Keep going, keep going!", Ambrose yelled from the edge. "Osborns will keep going until we get to our destination!"
"Would you shut up?!", Harry snapped at him. As Norman said, nothing can stop this wacko.
Nothing.
Deciding to move faster, Harry let go of the branches and slid down. When he hit the ground, he looked around.
"Dad! DAD!"
"So, you made it", Ambrose flew down by his glider. "Impressive."
"Where is he?!", Harry asked angrily. "TELL ME!"
"No no no, you must use your instincts. But better hurry, or..."
"Be quiet", Harry kept looking. "DAAD!"
"Tick, tock, tick, tock..."
"DAAD! ANSWER ME!", Harry yelled. He waded in the snow, but no sign of Norman.
No...NO NO NO NO!
"I can't find him! You need to tell me where he is!"
"If I did, it wouldn't be fair. Waste of your potential. Keep looking."
"I have! But he will die if you don't reveal his location! Even you can't be so cruel that you would let your own son die!"
Crossing his hands, Ambrose followed Harry's rising panic. This boy clearly cared for his idiotic offspring.
"You really care for him, don't you?"
"Isn't that obvious?! Yes, yes I do! He's my Dad! I love him! And you can't take him away! It's not fair! YOU CAN'T!", poor Harry started sobbing. Perhaps it was Ambrose's rare good mood or part of the plan that made him give up.
"Fine, just stop crying like a brat! He's not here."
"Huh?", Harry lifted his gaze. "What do you mean?"
"He's not buried. I was just testing you. He is doing fine...sort of."
"So this was all a lie?! Why?!"
"As I said, I wanted to see how you work in a tough situation. Congratulations, you passed the test. I admire your determination and courage. Like a true Osborn."
"You scared me to death! I wanna see Dad! WHERE IS HE?! WHERE?!"
"I take you to him. But you really need to stop that whining", Ambrose lifted Harry up and before the duo even noticed, they were back on the iland.
"Ah, that was wonderful! We sure need to spend more time together."
Grabbing his arms around himself, Harry trembled. He was mentally broken and his strength was gone. These insane plots, lies, and tricks were too much for his young mind to handle. This fuckface made sure that the destruction process would be slow and painful.
He's destroying me just like he destroyed Dad and my grandmother. And what's worse, we are powerless.
"Are you done yet?! Can I go back to the cell now, please?"
"Just a moment. Because you were so brave, I wanna reward you."
"I want nothing from you. I just want to go back to sleep and", Harry turned white when he turned around and saw what Ambrose was holding in his hand. A needle.
"W-what is that?!"
"I bet you recognize this, don't ya? But no, it's not what you think it is."
"Well what is it...?", Harry headed towards the door while Ambrose approached him, grinning maniacally.
"It's time to reveal my true intentions, Harold. I know you are immune to this magnificent serum that Octavius used on me so it's pointless to try it on you. But he told me about your bond with his other creature, Anti-Venom. Sound familiar?"
"Y-yes but I'm immune to all of Ock's creations. Dad made sure of it a long time ago, so you better leave it there."
"Oh, I'm aware of this better than you think. We have done some research and I have a list of potential substances for which you do not have protection. By utilizing this information, making a whole new serum wasn't hard."
Harry's eyes widened with horror. Now he was in big trouble.
"W-what...?!"
"Don't look so shocked! I have a key in my hands which will make you powerful and magnificent just like me. You should be thankful", Ambrose said.
"No thanks, I don't want to change into anything. Just let me go."
"No, kiddo. You are my only grandchild and the last hope of this family. And because Norman is incapable to make you a man, I must carry the responsibility."
"Bullshit! All you want is someone to obey and admire you! You don't give a damn about me or Dad just like you didn't give a damn about my mother and grandmother! And if being an Osborn means obeying you, I don't wanna be one. NEVER! Now for the last time, LET ME GO!"
"Not going to happen, boy! I don't know what kind of creature this medicine turns you into but Octavius assured it meets my expectations. And if I must push this into your throat, then so be it! AARRRHHH!", Ambrose flew fast towards Harry who started yelling for help and yanking the door. But no one heard him.
Since Dad isn't here, I have to help myself! But how?!
Checking the balcony, Harry noticed that the only way out was the door and it was tightly shut. And jumping over the edge wasn't clearly an option.
What do I do, what do I do?!
"Stay still!", Ambrose was ready to grab him. Putting his hand in his pocket, Harry felt something.
Ouch! Oh, now I remember! It's my only hope...but am I up to it?!
"Heh heh, here we go...", Reddy lifted the needle but Harry raised his hand quicker and hit the man directly into the eyes with the shard of glass he had in his pocket. Blood started dripping from them like a little creek. In other words, the wacko went blind.
"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH MY EYES!", Ambrose grabbed them. "YOU BRAT!"
While his nutjob grandfather lost control of his glider, Harry saw another opportunity and he didn't wait.
"This is for ruining our lives and hurting my friends! I HOPE YOU BURN IN ETERNAL HELL!", he next grabbed The Gobby's tail and cut it off by using the glass piece. It surprised Harry how easy the operation was.
Looks like Ock's creations aren't perfect after all...
"I KILL YOU...I KILL...", Ambrose moaned. "KILL..."
"Not if I have something to say about it! Have a nice fly!", Harry made the last move and pushed the wounded monster over the edge. Ambrose's roaring echoed loudly until it went smaller and smaller and then stopped completely.
"Oh my god...what have I done?!", Harry fell to his knees. "I killed him! I killed him!"
But now was not the time to think. After dragging the door enough, Harry got it open and ran inside. He had to find Norman and fast. The boy knew his father was in trouble.
Our connection tells it...
First, Harry checked their room but Norman wasn't there. Perhaps he was working in the hall.
"Hurry, hurry...", Harry put his disguise on and ran along the corridor. Everywhere was awfully quiet and he did not see any soldiers. The alarm bells started ringing in his head.
This is not right...where is everybody?!
And where was Kraven? Usually, he was ordering his employees around. But not this time...
Like back in the factory where we found those dead soldiers...has the same happened again?!
*Moment later*
Harry managed to get to the hall without distractions. He opened the door and headed inside, waiting to see the soldiers and his father in the hustle and bustle of work but instead...
"I can't believe it...!", Harry stopped on the plateau. The whole hall was a mess, ice was gone and all over the floor lay headless soldiers.
"Dad?!", the boy asked carefully as he landed the stairs down. No answer.
Come on, where are you?! Harry thought while looking around and suddenly hit his foot against something. Kneeling, he saw a gobby soldier head on the ground. But something looked different.
Wait a minute...this isn't real!
Picking the head up, Harry rolled it over. It confirmed his suspicions.
These guys are robots! They aren't real people. Is this whole place full of them?!
Standing back up, Harry rubbed his helmet. This was so weird...why did Ock use robots here and real people in the earlier factory and later killed them all? Why did Ambrose destroy them and all of the ice? And where were those weapons that Norman had to build?
This is a trap...I gotta find others! Ock and Ambrose planned this, they must have! Or have they...?
Good questions. Running back upstairs, Harry decided to free Flash, Alex, and Aunt May. He needed their help for finding his father. And maybe Alex had found out Peter's whereabouts.
-o-o-o-
"Argghh, that brat...", Red Gobby mumbled at the bottom of the gorge. "I underestimated him..."
The baddie was badly hurt. Harry's attacks caused several damages and wounds. It was a miracle that he even survived.
"But no one treats me like this without revenge...if I just..."
Ambrose tried to crawl forward but was unable to see anything. And without his tail, his instincts were one pile of a mess. It was the thing that made him control his body but of course, he didn't reveal it to anyone.
"I will return...ah..."
*Darkness*
-o-o-o-
Now Harry was in the dungeons but the cell where his friends were was empty as well. So it meant that Ambrose had taken them somewhere. Or Ock.
Now, what do I do?! I'm running out of time! Think Harry, think...
What did Ambrose say? There's gotta be a hint in some of his talkings. Suddenly, Harry realized it.
"He's not buried. I was just testing you. He is doing fine...sort of."
"Oh no, they ARE buried! That fuck bluffed me! OHMYGODNO -"
Leaning against the wall, Harry tried to stay calm. Panicking isn't helping.
Where, where?! He took me back here so easily, so it means they are here somewhere! Okay, let's think about this...
Harry reasoned that because the iland rose from the ground, it must have a soft bottom, such as sand or mud. So most likely his friends were somewhere on the lower floors.
But how do I get there? Wait a minute, the elevator!
Turning around, Harry ran back, got in the elevator, and reread the descriptions of the buttons. At first, he was sure he had bumped into a dead end until his attention turned towards a green button in the middle of the panel. It said "Goblin Gardens"
"How did I miss this?", Harry wondered and pushed the button. Now the elevator went normally down.
Thanks, thanks, thanks...
When the elevator was down and stopped moving, the boy waited until the doors opened. Despite his horrible experiences, he was determined to find others and wasn't going to let fear prevent it. So he loaded the gun and stepped into the room.
So dark...
*Glowing*
"Hmm?", Harry ran forward. The ground was muddy just as he thought.
"Guys!", Harry yelled carefully.
Stupid, as if they...
"HEEELLLPP!"
The young Osborn stopped in his tracks. That was Flash's voice, no doubt.
So they are here! Wonderful? I don't know...
"FLASH! Is that you?!", Harry rushed through the darkness.
"Harry! HELP US!"
"Where are you?!"
"I don't know, it's so dark! But we're running out of oxygen! Get us out!"
"Okay, okay!", Harry approached this weird light until it shined right in front of him.
"Holy shit...", the young man nearly fainted about what he saw. This green light was coming from a huge mud pile that was meters of high. It didn't need long to think who had built it and what was under it.
"Flash! Can you hear my voice?!", Harry knelt and put his head against the ground.
"Yeah! Listen, you have to help!"
"I will! Is everyone there with you?"
"Yeah! Aunt May, Shorty, and your father!"
"Are they okay?!"
"NOT NOW! START TO DIG OR I PULL YOUR TONGUE OUT OF YOUR THROAT!"
"FINEEEE!", Harry spat angrily back, looking for a proper tool to help him in the process. Then he saw something on the ground. A shovel.
"Of course...", Harry ran to it and started digging. Ambrose had planned every detail very well - first giving false information but then leaving a tiny hint to be found. Getting back here to make sure that his son is found and letting Harry discover the potential place for the burial. The green button, the elevator, the shovel...everything.
And he scared me just for fun. I...
"Are you done yet?!"
"Almost!"
"Good, since..."
*Coughing*
"NO!", Harry dug faster until the shovel hit against a wooden cover. It was big.
"FLASH, try to break through the cover while I dig the sides!"
"Okay!"
"Hold on, Dad!", Harry dug and dug. Suddenly, he heard how the wood cracked and climbed up from the pit.
"Stay back! I'm breaking through!"
Not waiting for a response, Harry smashed the cover several times with the shovel, until it broke. Pulling it off, he finally saw his friends in the box, looking very terrified and dirty.
"Guys, guys!", Harry offered his hands. "Are you all right?!"
"Think! That shithead drugged us and the next thing we know, we are in a box that is buried underground! And you're asking are we alright!", Flash said, being very pissed off.
"You should be thankful I got here in time! You have no idea what I've been through!", Harry answered back, then he focused on the rest of the group. "Aunt May, Alex? How are you doing?"
"We're fine, thank you, Harry...", Alex trembled while fixing his glasses.
"Good to hear. Dad! Are you okay?!"
"He's not feeling very well, honey", Aunt May sat beside Norman. "I'm not even sure if he's conscious."
"Oh no...Dad!", Harry jumped into the box. "Dad, it's me! Can you hear me?!"
No answer.
"Dad, please! Talk to me!"
"He's been like that ever since we woke up. I think your Gramps drugged him or something", Flash notified.
"Great...well we have to get out of here first and then we can talk. Can all of you walk?", Harry asked.
"I- I think so. But where are we going?", Alex wondered.
"I know a place. Don't worry, Ock won't find us there."
*Rumbling*
"Now what?!", Flash looked around. "Crap, that mud pile is collapsing! We have to move!"
"Fine, fine!", Harry and May helped Norman out of the box and the group ran into the elevator just before the mud filled the whole room.
"We made it...", Harry panted.
"Almost, almost...", Flash answered back. "But hey, good job! You found us. How did you do it?"
"Please wait until we are in a safe place...then I tell you."
"Fair enough."
*In the hidden closet, time unknown*
"Ah, finally!", Flash landed on the floor. "What a journey!"
"Be quiet. I don't wanna remember any of this", Alex was still trembling. May and Harry put Norman lean against the wall and sat down as well.
"Dad? Hey, it's me! Please, open your eyes!", Harry shook his father. Still no response.
"Dad!", Harry's panic started rising once more. Just like in the gorge.
"He can't hear you."
"I know, alright! But I have to keep trying!"
"Boys, calm down", May said. "We went through a very traumatic thing. Please, calm down."
"Yeah...sorry. I just don't know what to say", Flash apologized. "Perhaps you could tell us, Harry."
"I don't know what to tell you, to be honest. I simply slept in my room and when I woke up, Dad was gone and Ambrose was there instead. He must have taken him and you when I was sleeping."
"Yeah, sounds logical. We were in the cell when our food was brought to us and after that, boom! No memory. We woke up in the box and Mr. O was already there. We heard that madman saying something about an ultimate test and..."
"Hah, one hell of a test indeed. He dragged me into that freaking gorge and lied that Dad is buried there. Said he wants to make me a man and, and..."
"Yeah? Go on."
"I...I don't wanna talk about it", Harry rubbed his fingers.
"C'mon, don't leave us to hang! I insist you tell us!", Flash demanded.
"Flash, please...", May whispered.
"Uhh...well is he gone now? I mean he or Ock can find us at any minute. Shouldn't we...?", Alex started before Harry interrupted him.
"Don't worry, my grandfather won't bother us anymore. When it comes to Ock, Kraven and Taskmaster, I don't know where they are. This whole iland has gone completely quiet."
"How so?"
"I show you, then you understand. Aunt May, can you take care of Dad while we gather some supplies?", Harry asked her.
"Of course. Just be careful out there."
"We will", Harry nodded. "Come on, guys!"
"Finally I get to see this place! I can't wait", Flas was already exited.
"Do I have to come? I mean I would only slow you down...", Alex didn't like this idea.
"Blah, we will cover you! Now, let's go", Flash pushed him and Harry out of the door. "Adventure, here we come!"
"Oh Flash...", May said silently after boys left. And she could only think about one thing.
Peter-dear...where are you?
-o-o-o-
"This is MASSIVE", Flash looked surprised when boys were in the hall. "I mean WOW!"
"We aren't here to admire the view. Just grab everything you find useful", Harry started collecting stuff from the floor and tables. Alex followed his example.
"So these soldiers are robots? They fooled me completely."
"Yeah. So I don't feel bad for their so-called end. At least they weren't actual people this time..."
"But why did Ock use some machine dudes? This keeps getting weirder and weirder. And here they made that ice?", Flash walked around the room.
"Yep. But now it's gone. Ambrose must have destroyed it", Harry answered him.
"Or Ock has stored it somewhere else. Who knows. Don't you think it's weird that this place is suddenly empty and we aren't captured?"
"I told you, yes. But seriously, we don't have time to think about it! Let's just use the opportunity."
"Hold on a moment! This is a trap, I just know it."
"Well, what if it is?! None of our actions is 100% covered or sure. We just have to keep going and hope for the best. Sorry Flash, but that's how it is."
"Do I sense the frustration in the air? It wasn't my fault that your crazy Gobby Gramps kidnapped us!"
"Of course it isn't! I just wanna find some medicine for Dad so that he feels better. But arguing will only slow us down. So...", Harry waved his hands impatiently.
"Yeah, we need his brains. I feel bad for him already, though. When this is over, I will take him to a baseball game or somewhere", Flash lifted his thumb up.
"To a baseball game? What on earth for?"
"Why not?"
"Ehh, why would you want to spend quality time with MY Dad? You hardly get along."
"Not this again...Harry, you have to give up that attitude of yours. I understand you're jealous but you can't own him."
"Excuse me?! Own?! OWN?! He is MY father and not yours! I appreciate your concern but you don't have to act like you're best buds."
"Listen to me, idiot! This isn't about you anymore. True, Norman is your relative but things have changed a lot. You have to accept the fact that your old man is like a father to all of us now like Aunt May is aunt to all of us. Pete isn't complaining, neither should you. And like it or not but I do care for Mr. O. And I'm not going to hide or deny it just to please you", Flash said sharply.
Harry felt offended about this. Norman told him to think about their family first but would that attitude lead far?
No. I guess I'm not special anymore.
"Maybe you're right, I can't stop your growing bond. But I hope that you understand why I find this situation a bit weird."
"Yeah. But Mr. O is an important part of the team and this father-son mumbo jumbo has to stop. We must not take sides, we're all part of the same, big family. Don't think of us as your enemies, since we're not."
"I'm sorry. You know what, Flash? Your behavior towards me has made me realize something."
"Like what?"
"You know, you always say I'm a crybaby, a coward, Daddy's boy, etc. And it's true."
"Hey, I'm just teasing you. Don't take it too seriously."
"But you're right! I act cool because I want to fit in. But I don't. I'm not like the rest of the gang. All of you have powers or special abilities. My so-called skills lean on money, not what I have inside", Harry sighed.
"Yeah, but...", Flash tried.
"Let me finish. So that's why I'm afraid and unsure in real situations. I'm trying to be tough but instead, I want Dad to save me. And usually, he does."
"Okay...?"
"Laugh if you want. But if you were in my shoes, you would understand."
"I'm not laughing. It takes real courage to admit something like this. And I do understand your pov, your family has been through a lot of unnecessary shit. No wonder your mind is a mess", Flash said supportively.
"Mm. And you know what else?", Harry turned to see his friend better.
"What?"
"I don't even care anymore. If people see me as Daddy's baby, so what?! At least he is always there for me. We have a deep bond and he won't let me come and go as I please. But I have accepted it."
"Hey, you are not a baby. Maybe a bit of Daddy's boy but it's ok. We all have weaknesses."
"Is that a weakness really? When you grow up with only one parent around, it makes things different. And to understand why I'm saying like this, I tell you what I experienced when you were buried. Ambrose tried to turn me into some monster and he even had serum for it!", Harry told.
"Really?!", Flash stared.
"Yeah! It was a miracle that I escaped."
"Jeez...did he try to make you a goblin?"
"No, I have protection against it. Idk what kind of monster I would have transformed into and I don't wanna know. But it was so scary...", Harry shivered.
"Oh shit, I'm sorry to hear that...what a wacko that man is! I mean I have used all of my cruelest words to describe him. I just can't find proper ones anymore."
"No one can. He is beyond something so evil."
"No kidding...so, what happened to him, then? You said we don't have to worry about him anymore."
"That's the worst part. I...I think I killed him."
"Whaaaat?!"
"I mean I had no choice! He was coming at me so I blinded him with a piece of glass, cut his tail, and pushed him over the edge! I didn't mean to, but...", Harry went silent. Flash stared at him for a couple of seconds until he gave his friend a sudden noogie.
"Hey, what are you doing?!"
"Are you kidding me?! That's wicked! Insane! You have finally become a man!"
"Are you crazy?! I didn't mean to hurt him but it just happened! I never prefer violence and I feel regret already", Harry pulled himself away and ruffled his hair.
"Regret?! How can you feel regret? That bastard has tortured all of us! And finally, he got what he deserved", Flash looked annoyed.
"Yeah, but..."
"NO buts. You did great work. I'm proud of you."
"Thanks, but I'm terrified. And that's why I only want that Dad would hold me close, comfort me, protect me, and tell me how everything is gonna be okay. But he has suffered so much already...", Harry couldn't help tears coming. Flash was feeling unsure and helpless.
"Umm, dude..."
"I can't keep these emotions inside anymore! And I'm tired of feeling sorry about it!", Harry covered his face with his hands. Flash reached his hand out to pat his shoulder.
"It's okay..."
"Guys! Come here."
"Yeah?", Flash went to Alex, being secretly thankful that he got out of this awkward situation. He was bad at giving comfort.
"Look, here's a massive collection of different, unused potions. I can make a cure for you."
"Really?! But how do you know what serum they used on me?"
"I have my secrets. I..."
"Can you find some pills for Mr. O? He needs some."
"Maybe, but..."
"Okay, then we're gonna take these all", Flash grabbed every bottle from the floor and started running. "Hurry up!"
"Flash, would you please...ugh! Hey, you okay, Harry?", Alex asked.
"Y-yeah", Harry wiped his face dry. "Let's go back, there is nothing useful anymore."
"Very well. Let's go", Alex agreed.
-o-o-o-
"Finally we're back", Harry panted when the trio arrived back in front of the closet. "Did you have to run all the way here?!"
"Sorry, you said we're in a hurry. Now, let's get this stuff inside and treat your father asap. You're right, it's too quiet around here. Ock is up to something", Flash pushed the door open. To boys' surprise, Norman stood right behind it.
"Hey, wow!", Flash stepped back. "Mr. O, you're awake!"
"What are you kids doing?! Get inside, all of you!", Norman commanded. Alex, Harry, and Flash obeyed immediately.
"Son!", Norman turned to look at Harry. "Are you all right?! Where have you been?!"
"Well, I...", Harry muttered.
"We have to talk, right now. But where do we find some privacy?", Norman rubbed his chin.
"We can talk outside. Trust me, it's safe."
"How can you be sure about that?"
"Just come", Harry opened the door and headed out. Norman rushed after him.
"Did you find what you were looking for?", May asked after Osborns were gone.
"You bet! That hall was massive. Goblin robots everywhere and much more. But we did find several bottles of some liquids", Flash put them on and an old table.
"What are they?"
"Idk, but Mr. Smartbrains here claims he does."
"Let me work in private for a moment, will you?", Alex snorted.
"Sure, sure", Flash sat down, crossing his hands over his head. "Ah, my feet..."
"Flash, please tell me what you saw. I need to know what is going on around here", May asked kindly.
"Maybe that's not wise, Mrs. P. I mean...we were..."
"I'm stronger than you think. Yes, I'm horrified but I need something else to think about."
"Okay", Flash sat up. "So, we went to this big hall and..."
*The corridor*
"Harry, wait!", Norman ran after his son who walked forward without even looking back. "Someone can come!"
But Harry didn't listen. Making a sudden move, Norman grabbed his boy and pushed him carefully against the wall.
"Hey!"
"Stop struggling! It's okay!"
"No, it's not! Let go of me! LET GO!"
"Harry!", Norman looked around, fearing that someone will come. "You need to be quiet!"
"NO! I wanna get out of this shitland! I wanna leave! NOW! NOW! NOW!", Harry fought back.
"Son!"
"No, you aren't turning me into anything! Leave me alone!", the boy panicked.
"STOP!", Norman raised his voice. His son stopped immediately and looked back, fear in his eyes.
"I'm sorry...but please, tell me what has happened. First, we are sleeping in our room and the next thing I know, I wake up in a closet with Peter's aunt and she told me how you have gone looking for stuff from the hall. How is this possible?"
"You must be joking. Don't you remember anything?!", Harry stared. Norman shook his head.
"Oh, you wanna know what has happened?! Well, let me tell you! There I am, sleeping peacefully beside you until I suddenly wake up, finding Ambrose in the room and you're gone. When I asked where you were, he refused to tell me. So he took me out, tied me up with that disgusting tail, and dragged me back to that freaking forest where we got caught! There he starts talking about some test and hah, can you imagine what that is?! He tells me that you are buried alive in the gorge!"
Norman's eyes widened with horror. But Harry didn't let him speak.
"Yeah, you heard right! I was panicking and landed at the bottom and started looking for you. And that fatso just keeps mocking and watches how I panic, until I'm sure I don't have enough time to save you and I beg him to reveal your location. And whoops, he admits it's a lie, you're not in the gorge after all! So he takes us back here and congratulates me for passing the test! And the prize is - tadaa! He and Ock have made a serum that turns me into some monster because I'm immune to the goblin one. The door is shut tight, I can't jump or climb over and he approaches me. The only thing that will save me is a piece of glass in my pocket. So when he is close enough, I hit him into the eyes with it, cut his tail and push him over the edge!"
Retreating against the wall, Norman held his chest. He panted heavily.
"Ohhh but the story won't end here. Turns out that you are actually buried with Flash and others! I'm too tired to explain how I discovered it but it was only seconds away from that you didn't run out of oxygen. But hey, it's nice to know you weren't aware of this!", Harry finished, cheeks red from talking.
"I...uhhh...I...", Norman's forehead was full of sweat. And then, he fainted.
"Dad?!", Harry ran to his father. "Oh no...FLASH, HELP!"
*Later*
"Ouch, my head...where am I...?", Norman blinked his eyes.
"Stay still, Mr. Osborn. I gave you some painkillers. The dose was quite heavy", May sat next to Norman's bed and wiped his head with a towel.
"P-painkillers...?"
"Yes, Alex made some. Don't worry, it's safe."
"Thank you...but have you seen Harry...?"
"Boys are in another room. We found a bigger one and it had this bed. Would you want him here?"
"Yes...but I honestly don't know what to say to him. I don't want to stress him out with my panicking."
"I...I spoke to him while you slept. He told me what your father did to him."
"He did...?"
"Yes. He's very scared."
"Great...my worst fear came almost true! And I wasn't there to prevent it...oh my god!", Norman covered his face.
"Mr. Osborn, calm down. You need to rest, you might have a fever."
"Again...how surprising. But still, I need to...ah!", Norman winced in pain.
"Careful", May said, worried.
"I...I need to see my boy. But then again, what do I say?! I have made several promises and I have failed them all. If I tell this to him, he feels guilty. I just..."
"Mr. Osborn, I'm sure Harry understands that this situation is not in your hands. He needs love and care and that's what you can give him instead."
"Maybe, but..."
"Do you know why I'm so supportive of Peter and let him come and go as he wants? Why don't I stop him? Am I a bad aunt because I let a teenage boy fight against criminals and supervillains?"
Norman didn't know how to answer this and May noticed it.
"I know, some people believe I am. But I can't stop Peter, he would help despite my warnings and orders. He loves being Spider-Man and it would be unfair if I don't support him. All I can do is pray for him and tell him how I'm always there for him. Simple words with powerful meanings. That's what our children need."
"Hmm...", Norman looked at the ceiling.
Well, we have always got back together, no matter the situation. Our bond has become stronger and stronger. Maybe a simple recipe is better than trying to avoid something you can't.
Smiling, May got up. "I got get Harry for you."
"Thank you...", Norman smiled a little. A moment later, his son walked in.
"You wanted to see me...?"
"Yes. Close the door, please."
Obeying, Harry shut the door behind him. He shifted weight from foot to another, hands behind his back.
"Now, come here", Norman said. Harry obeyed again and sat down to the edge of the bed. He sniffed strongly and his eyes were red.
"Hey", Norman wrapped the blanket around his son lifted him onto his lap like he used to do when Harry was little. "It's okay. I'm..."
Remember, don't apologize. Remain strong and supportive. The last thing he needs is a weak father.
Yes, that sounded right. Maybe Norman shouldn't keep apologizing and accept the fact that he cannot control everything in this world. He can't promise perfection but he will always do his best to protect Harry. And he knew that his boy never asked for it. He just needed love, love, and love.
"Just remember this. You and me, always together. Always", he whispered as Harry cried his shock and depression out. The boy held his hands tightly around his father's neck and buried his face against Norman's chest. He knew he was safe and loved. Just there where he belonged.
"When you think you're alone
When you cry 'cause the world's unfair
You can rest assured
I'm always there
I made you a promise
That I shall forever keep
We shall never, ever drift apart"
Sighing, Osborns sat in total silence and comforted each other. Norman didn't ask for further details about Harry's experiences and even though he would have done so, the young man wouldn't answer. Sometimes, it's better to stay quiet and let actions speak for themselves and focus on the new rising day.
-o-o-o-
"I can't believe it, you did!", Flash felt how the Venom symbiote covered his body and his Agent Venom outfit appeared around him.
"Wow, I never thought my ideas would work", Alex closed his tablet. "But I guess they did."
"Indeed! Yeah, I'm back, baby!", Flash cheered. "Great work!"
"Thank you..."
"No, I'm serious. I have underestimated your skills. Good job", Flash slammed Alex's shoulder.
"No need to thank me", Alex rubbed his hand, retreating far from his former bully. "Now you can get us out of here."
"We can't leave until Ock is stopped and Pete is found. We are so close!"
"Ah, well about that..."
"But where could he be?! This iland is massive."
"I get it, so..."
"How about these robots?", Norman asked.
"What about them?"
"Octavius is behind this silence and it has a purpose. How do we know we don't run into him if we go looking for Peter?"
No one knew what to answer. Norman expression turned serious.
"Look, I know how he acts and thinks. This is a trap and we are stupid if we go out there now."
"We must use this opportunity!", Flash argued against the fact. "You know we do."
"Yes and I'm not denying it. I just want to avoid risks."
"There are always some risks when you head to a mission. You should know that better than anyone."
"Don't talk to me about risks! I have suffered several losses already and I refuse to experience more."
"Please, this topic is so old. You had to deal with some shit but it's in the past."
"You don't know what real pain is! But it's not a surprise, you're just a kid. A kid can't understand the world of adults", Norman said. Flash didn't like this.
"That's the lamest excuse ever! Just because you are buddy-buddy with Ock, doesn't mean you have a right to underestimate my knowledge! I believe that I'm wiser than you in most cases."
"In what way?! You are asking me to take my family out there and let my worst enemy capture us! No, we are staying RIGHT HERE."
"You can't order me around! If I wanna go, then I go."
"Be my guest. But Harry and I won't join this crazy plan."
"Ohhh too scared to let him go?! He's almost an adult. Give him some freedom."
"HOW DARE YOU! Perhaps you have forgotten that he's MY son and -"
While Flash and Norman kept yapping, May kept Harry company. The boy looked tired and stared at the floor in silence.
"This is soon over, darling."
"I hope...I'm so exhausted", the boy muttered. Flash and Norman were in the middle of a fierce argument.
"YES!", Flash hissed.
"NO!", Norman said angrily. He couldn't believe he was acting like a kid but he was too tired to care.
"Would you please stop?! I start to get tired of both of you!", Harry stood up, glaring at his father and friend. "Dad, the last thing I need is you to lose your shit! Maybe Flash is an idiot but for fuck's sake, don't copy his behavior."
Both Flash and Norman stopped and looked embarrassed.
"Good", Harry took a deep breath. "Now, Alex here has something to tell us. Go ahead."
"Thanks, Harry", Alex got everyone's attention and he cleared his throat. "So, are you finally ready to listen to me?"
"Depends on content. If it's some science stuff, I...", Flash opened his mouth but Alex interrupted him.
"PLEASE, listen! This is very important. I tried to tell about this earlier but for some reason, I didn't get a chance..."
"Yeah, yeah, sorry. Just get on with it! And it's better to be important", Flash said.
"Oh trust me, it is", Alex straightened his glasses. "Since I know where Peter is."