"RUN!", Peter yelled at his friends as the goblins started chasing.
"Run?! Are you serious?! I wanna fight!", Flash protested against the order.
"Well if you can take all of them down, then go ahead!"
"Great...where do we go?!"
"On the plane! Hurry!", Peter made sure that May and Osborns very safely in before he turned to Ock.
"You will pay for this, Ock! Just wait!"
"Hah hah hah, we'll see!"
"That idiot", Peter closed the door. "Okay Flash, now!"
"Your word is my command", Flash started flying. "Where to?!"
"To the city. We have to make a cure at once", Peter sat next to him. "Norman, do you still have that serum left which you used on yourself?"
"I think so. It was stored from the ruins after Octavius destroyed my building. Do you think it will make a potential cure?"
"I do. Would it be too much to ask if you make the vaccine? We can use some S.H.I.E.L.D. equipment to make multiple copies. We just have to pick it up from The Triskelion."
"Of course. But I must get to my lab, all of my stuff is there."
"Sure. Slow the speed above the gorge, Flash. I drop these guns there", Peter dragged them to the back of the plane.
"You really think that will work? Hah, Octavius will find them", Kraven mocked the hero.
"Maybe, but I make sure they're gonna be in pieces. And you can shut up", he knocked the villain unconscious.
"Need help?", Harry walked to his friend.
"Not really..."
"Please, I can see those things are heavy. Together we can move faster."
"Fine", Peter gave up, trying to sound neutral. He was feeling a bit guilty about his earlier outburst but he had to focus on Ock and others right now. His personal life had to wait.
"Be careful, boys", Norman kept an eye on them. He would have helped but Harry insisted to figure this problem out without him. It would teach him responsibility and confidence to survive when his father is not around.
They will make it. I'm sure.
"Hurry up, dudes! These goblins attack like wild animals!", Flash did his best to dodge them but it was hard. The plane moved dangerously from side to side.
"Oh dear", May took hold of her seat. "Look out, Mr. Osborn!"
"I try", Norman leaned against the wall. Those goblins disgusted him.
And I once was one of them...
"Steady now!", Peter advised Harry when they pushed the first box towards the edge. It was the biggest and heaviest.
"I try!", Harry answered. His armor would help a lot.
*Outside*
"Looks like they are trying to get rid of your stuff, Doc", Taskmaster pointed out.
"Oh, they can try. Hey, you there! Stop them!", Ock commanded a couple of goblins who changed the course straight towards the plane.
*Inside*
"Uh, guys! We have a problem!", Flash yelled.
"What problem?", Norman asked.
"THAT!", Flash pointed at a huge light ball that was about to hit them. Luckily he managed to avoid it at the last minute by tilting the plane sharply but as a result, boxes rolled down, making Peter and Harry fall off the plane.
"OH MY GOD! Peter!", May gasped.
"NO!", Norman shouted.
"HELP!", Harry screamed while falling. Peter managed to grab him before they hit the ground and stopped moving.
"We have to land! Hurry!", Norman looked down.
"How?! This area is filled with gobbys! They will blast us if I do that!", Flash said.
"But the boys are there! We can't leave them behind", May said. "Please."
"Okay, I try...hold on, my ear communicator is beeping", Flash opened it. "Hello?"
"Flash, take Aunt May and Norman out of here!"
"Pete?! Hey, are you two okay?!"
"Yes, don't worry about us! You must take Norman back to the city so that he can make a cure before this situation is out hands!"
"What about you two?!"
"I take care of us! Now go!"
"What is going on?", Norman asked when Flash ended the call.
"They're fine. We have to go to the city."
"What?!"
"You have to make a cure. Don't worry about Harry, Pete said he takes care of him."
"Are you out of your mind?! I'm not leaving him out here! Land down immediately!"
"Be reasonable! If we don't make a cure, the whole city is gone. Is that what you want to offer Harry?!"
"No, but..."
"Then trust Peter. He will take care of him. But we gotta go."
Norman looked out of the window. He saw how Peter waved with his hand, lifted Harry over the shoulder, and ran into the woods while goblins chased them. Hiding his face, he agreed with a heavy heart. He was sure that's what his son would have wanted.
Be safe, boys...
"Hey, they're leaving", Taskmaster said.
"I go. You two take care of those little bastards. I deal with Normie and his friends", Ock commanded his army to follow and he flew after his enemies. Meanwhile, Taskmaster and Ambrose went after Peter and Harry.
"Shit, shit, shit...", Peter sat in a tree and looked around. "Those uglies are everywhere..."
"What happened...?", Harry rubbed his head as he regained consciousness.
"We fell off the plane. Are you okay?"
"No...my leg...", Harry muttered in pain. "I think it's broken..."
"Just great. Your hand looks pretty damaged too. Damn that Ock, once again..."
"How...about...others...?"
"I ordered them to go. I'm sorry but it was too risky to come for us."
Concern flashed in Harry's eyes. Peter knew what it meant.
"Don't worry, Norman is safe. Flash takes care of him."
"It's not that. I..."
"Harry, it's okay. Maybe I shouldn't have judged you so harshly. But more of that later. I check the area so I need you to stay so quiet as you can. Can you do it?"
"Yeah", Harry nodded. Peter patted his knee and jumped down. The young Osborn smiled.
Looks like he is warming up to me.
Rolling his sleeve up, Harry tried his hand. Yep, it was definitely broken.
Not good...
Minutes passed as Harry waited. When Peter didn't return, he started to worry.
"Pete...?", he yelled carefully. It was silent.
Great, where did he go? I hope Ock didn't capture him...
Knowing that he would sooner or later have to get down from this tree, Harry decided to find his friend. He put his arms around the trunk and was ready to move when he heard loud noises.
What is that?
He didn't have to wait for the answer for long. Soon Peter was thrown to the ground, badly beaten.
"Pete?!", Harry gasped. "Are you okay?!"
"Uhh..."
"I'm coming down! Hold on a minute."
"No, don't!", Peter denied.
"But why?", Harry raised his eyebrows.
Before Peter could answer, a smoke bomb was thrown straight at him and another one hit Harry who lost his grip and fell to the ground as well. Crying in pain, both boys wiped their eyes and when the smoke faded, they saw Ambrose.
"Hah, gotcha!"
"Oh no...", Harry muttered. This was just what they needed.
"I'm not done with you yet...", Peter tried to get up, but his body fought back.
"Oh, are you hurt? Well", Ambrose slammed Peter with his tail. Harry realized it had grown back again.
Crap, this is bad. What do I do?!
"I can hear you, even though I can't see. So if you wanna test your luck, come to get me!"
"Oh you bet I will...", Peter stood up. He ordered Harry to stay quiet as he approached The Red Gobby.
"Hah, if you think I can't smell you Harold, wrong! I know exactly where you are. The main question is, is your friend ready to protect you?"
"Leave Harry out of this. Your battle is with me", Peter said angrily.
"You sound just like Norman. Why can't you be my grandson? That power..."
"So you knew my secret all along. Am I right?!"
"Of course I did. I'm not as stupid as you think I am. Never let outer shell fool you. Too bad it won't help you now", Ambrose started attacking Peter. Thanks to his wounds, his defense was weak. All Harry could do was to follow the scene in horror.
"Stop, you kill him!"
"It's my intention, Harold. And you're next. You will join your pathetic mother soon."
Harry trembled. His own grandfather was going to murder him and his best pal.
Murder...I will never see Dad again. NO, I WON'T ALLOW IT.
"Wrong!", Harry forced himself up despite his pain.
"Excuse me?", Ambrose stopped hitting and he and Peter turned to see him.
"You heard me! You wanted a monster? Oh, I show you a monster", Harry pulled the needle from his pocket and lifted it in front of his face. "I know you can't see this, but I guess you already know what I'm holding."
"Ohh yes, my serum. So now you're up to it?"
"You leave me no choice. If this is the only way to stop you and Ock, then I'm ready to take a risk."
"Harry, what are you doing?! Don't, I can handle this!", Peter yelled.
"Sorry Pete, but it's me he wants in the end. And if you see Dad, tell him I had no other choice and how sorry I am", Harry apologized before sinking the needle into his arm. Ambrose laughed and Peter struggled under his feet.
"HARRY, DON'T!"
-o-o-o-
"Almost there...are they still after us?!", Flash asked.
"Yes, they are", Aunt May looked out of the window.
"Great...okay I go to The Triskelion to pick our stuff and then I get rid of this idiot hunter. Meanwhile, you better make a run for it as soon as I land this thing. Got it?"
"Sounds good", May nodded at him. Norman was too devastated to join the conversation. He could only think about his son and how cowardly he left him behind.
I shouldn't have left him...I know I shouldn't! I'm the worst parent there is!
"Jeez, what happened to Oscorp?!", Flash stared when they passed the ruins. "Ewww!"
"Flash", May said angrily. "Where do we land, Mr. Osborn?"
"Uhh, what did you say?", Norman snapped back to reality.
"She asked where I put you. You better hurry!"
"Oh well, there is a place on the roof. Take us there."
"Right away", Flash landed the plane on the roof of Osborns' apartment. "Now, go!"
"Follow me, Mrs. Parker", Norman and she ran inside while Flash took off and the goblins followed him. Now the duo was safe, for now.
"Follow me", Norman said to May after he locked the door. "We have to go to my lab, but there we'll be safe."
"Alright."
*Moment later*
"Finally", Norman locked the door when he and May were in the lab.
"Amazing. I have never seen anything like this before. Sure I know Peter's smart but the story he told me about you two getting his powers back...", May looked around.
"Peter is a very intelligent young man. I was just helping him."
"Don't be so modest! He looks up to you a lot. You've been a father figure to him ever since his uncle died."
"Well, I don't know about that...", Norman blushed a little.
Smiling, May examined the lab better. "So, is this where you do all of your work?"
"Pretty much. I tried to make it similar to the one I had at Oscorp. Helps me to concentrate."
"I see...well, do you think you're able to make a cure, or what was it?"
"Yes, but there is something I must do first. Don't worry, no one can harm you if you stay put. I'll be back as soon as I can", Norman walked towards the door.
"Where are you going?"
"To get one of my armors. Then I go back to that freaking place."
"Why?"
"Look, I appreciate that you and Flash trust me. But I can't start working until I know Harry is safe. And Peter as well."
"Mr. Osborn, you can't go out there. It's too dangerous", May said, concerned.
"I know, but...", Norman sighed.
"Boys will be fine. I'm worried too, but if we get hurt, they will blame themselves. We have to support them and do our parts to stop this madness."
"Yes but they're in the middle of everything right now! What kind of father escapes and leaves his son behind?! Harry already thinks I didn't care when Peter and I worked with his powers. Of course, I do, but I was just so busy..."
"Mr. Osborn, calm down. I'm sure Harry knows this. You have to believe him in return."
"Yes...oh god no! I have to get out! I must! I MUST!", Norman had a panic attack.
"Sir, calm down! Take a deep breath", May calmed him down. "Everything is going to be fine."
"I'm sorry, I don't usually behave like this. But this mess has made me see things from a different perspective. Protecting my son from evilness is my main goal. Sure I allow him to make decisions and such, but..."
"But what?"
"I just love him so much! And I fear that I lose him...then what do I do?!"
"You won't lose him. Peter will take care of Harry and we get them back. You have to keep believing, even though your strength must be low. Get faith from love and your love towards Harry. That feeling is more powerful than anything else. Trust me", May said confidently.
"Thanks, these words are just what I need. Peter sure has taught you to be strong", Norman smiled.
"He sure has. Life is hard but with optimism, you cannot lose. So, what do you say if we get to work? I don't know much about science but I can help to collect things."
"Sounds good. We can start with these..."
-o-o-o-
Flash had managed to get to The Triskelion and distract the gobbys. Hiding the plane, he sneaked in from one of the secret passageways. The ice dome was now gone but doors were blocked.
Okay, let's see what we got here...
The place was messy on the inside. Since all of the heroes had been turned into goblins, there were pieces of gliders and green test tubes everywhere. While walking, Flash wondered where Ock got everything. They stole their stuff and before coming here, he dumped the rest of the boxes far into the ocean.
I sure hope that Pete and Harry are okay...man this mess, it's getting on my nerves. Great work, professor V.
Like with the rest of the gang, something in Flash had changed forever. He was more mature and took responsibilities seriously. But his goofiness was still there.
Maybe I have been too harsh on Harry but my god how that family is attached together! How they fight for each other is something beyond my understanding.
No one's perfect, that's how life is. If Harry is a bit of selfish and uses his past traumas against others, Flash has troubles to put himself in others' shoes. They both had traits they needed to train.
I can't wait to get back to a normal routine again...
*Sounds*
"Huh?", Flash stopped and hid around the corner. Someone was here too.
But who? I dropped Kraven to jail so it can't be him. Ock?!
Loading his weapons, Flash walked to the corridor. If this shitpiece was here, he would put him to the ground.
"Ock! If that's you, you can come out! This game of yours is done!"
Noises went silent. Flash looked in every direction but he didn't see anyone.
"Oh please, stop this stupid hiding! It's so old-school."
*Running*
"Hah, now I got you! Just..."
"BANG!"
"Oww...", Flash fell on the floor. When he looked up, he saw Taskmaster's blurry silhouette.
"What the heck...you?!"
"Hah, surprised, aren't we?"
"Not really..."
"Whatever. I'm taking you down anyway. I got tired of Ock's orders so prepare for the end, spider", Taskmaster grabbed his gun and knife. Tottering slowly up, Flash wiped his chin.
"Ohh look at the little spider here! Gonna cry?"
"That's it! Come at me, idiot!", Flash started shooting. He didn't want to think anymore, acting was his style to handle problems.
"Fine, you asked for it!", Taskmaster made a run as well. And so their attacks collided...
-o-o-o-
"We're almost done", Norman waited until he had synthesized the dose and filled one of his test tubes with it. "Right, now the cure is ready."
"That was faster than I thought. You truly know what you're doing", May said.
"Years of experience have taught me everything I need to know. Now we just need Flash to return with the machine."
"How long do you think the process will take?"
"I'm not sure. If Octavius turned the whole city into goblins, we have plenty of work to do. I just hope we're not too late..."
"We're not. I believe in your knowledge and I respect your efforts. I'm sure we can do this."
"I hope so", Norman sighed. This worrying took most of his attention and it was hard to keep thoughts together. All he could think of was Harry.
What if he's not okay?! Why am I feeling restless? My instincts tell me that something is wrong...
"Mr. Osborn?"
"Y-yes?"
"Your hand is shaking. Be careful with the tube", May warned him.
"Oh right, I'm sorry", Norman put it away. "I wonder where..."
*Rumble*
"What is that...?", May asked as the room started shaking.
"I'm not sure...could it be boys?", Norman walked to the door. At the same second, it fell on him and the man collapsed on the floor.
"Sir!", May ran to help and coughed. "Are you alright?!"
"I-I think so...but who...?"
"Knock knock", Ock appeared from the dust, grinning. "Missed me?"
"Oh dear...", May whispered. Pushing the door away, Norman sat up.
"Octavius!"
"Nice to see again, Normie. Sorry about the door."
"How did you get in?! What are you even doing here?!"
"You always manage to surprise me with your stupidy. As if some walls are preventing me from breaking in."
Standing up, Norman and May stared at him. Their unsure expressions amused Ock more than ever.
"Hah hah hah! I just love the look on your faces. I never get tired of it."
"I asked what do you want. If you can't answer, get out of my house!"
"You know exactly what I want. I want to destroy you. You ruined my perfect plans and that's something I'm not going to forget. But since I'm a gentleman, I'm going to work alone to get rid of you. Obviously destroying Oscorp wasn't enough..."
Seeing his enemy mocking him over and over again made Norman snap. He had had enough of this humiliation.
"Hah, speechless now? Well, of course, I'm always the one who gets the last word and -"
"PUNCH!"
"Oh no", May put her hands in front of her mouth as Ock fell on the floor. The villain sat up, looking at furious and panting Norman. His fist was still up.
"Owww...now what was that for?!"
"Pipe down", Norman grabbed Ock by the neck and threw him against the wall. Now the villain started getting angry.
"Ah, so this is the way you've chosen. Fine, at least now I get to beat the crap out of you literally by my own hands", Ock released his tentacles and attacked back. While the duo started fist-fighting, May retreated to the corner.
"Please, you have to stop!"
"After everything I did for you...I shouldn't have ever taken you in!", Norman grabbed a glass bottle from the table, breaking it against Ock's hand.
"Hah, do you really think I don't regret working for you?! It was a nightmare!", Ock kicked Norman on the floor and started beating him up. "You are a monster!"
"And you are a fool with no talent! Too crazy!"
"What was that?!"
May followed the scene in horror. She couldn't possibly go between them, she might get hurt. What took Flash so long?
Ock and Norman's fight was long and bloody. But eventually, Ock had the upper hand and he slammed the badly wounded Osborn on the floor once more.
"I appreciate your spirit. Too bad it was a waste of time. Now, any last words?"
Groaning in pain, Norman glared back. He didn't say anything.
"Ok, have it your way, then. See you in the next..."
"LET GO OF HIM!", Flash ran into the room and attacked Ock. May ran to Norman and helped him up.
"You alright, Mr. Osborn?"
"I guess so. If we ignore this blood..."
"That fight was pretty foolish. He could have killed you! What would Harry say if you did?"
"I don't know what came over me, to be honest. But this mess...", Norman wiped his face.
If only they were here...
"You made a bad mistaking by coming here, Ock. You are all alone and without your weapons. Your stupid goblins can't help you", Flash threatened him.
"Really?", Ock snorted.
"Yeah! Kraven and Taskmaster are gone and we have everything we need to cure the whole city. So once again, you lost."
"On the contrary, stupid spider. I have goblins all over the place. Just one command and they will come here and rip you apart."
"We'll see about that. RUN!", Flash threw one of the tables at Ock and then pulled May and Norman along. Then the trio ran out of the lab.
"Flash! I was worried!"
"Sorry, I got into trouble at The Triskelion. Taskmaster surprised me and I had to fight against him."
"Did you get rid of him or what happened?"
"Yes, I did. Thanks to our special training program, I outsmarted him. I still can't believe I did that."
"Are the goblins still there?", Norman asked.
"I'm afraid so. The machine is upstairs so we better act fast before that idiot comes. Hurry!", Flash led the way.
*Soon*
"Here we are", Flash ran to the machine and took the blanket away. "It's been in the closet for some time, so let's hope it still works."
"It better, or else I don't know what to do", Norman was ready to put the tube in, until Ock smashed through the ceiling.
"You stupid brat...now you're going to die!"
"I'll keep him busy, so do your thing", Flash went to continue his fight with their enemy.
"Can you open that hatch for me?", Norman asked May. "We need to put this tube inside and the machine takes care of the rest."
"Sure", May grabbed the hatch with her hands and opened it. But then...
"I DON'T THINK SO!"
*Explosion*
"Aahh!", May and Norman landed painfully against the wall. Flash was thrown in front of them right after.
"Flash", May knelt to take a better look. "How are you? You fought very bravely."
"But it wasn't enough...Ock...he...the machine..."
True, the machine was now nothing but pieces of metal on the floor.
"No...now what?!", Norman gulped. Luckily the test tube was still in his pocket.
"Perfect timing", Ock thanked Ambrose who flew inside with a couple of gobbys.
"I suppose I hit the target?"
"Yes, you did. It proves you don't need sight to survive. Well done."
"Not him again...", Flash rubbed his sides. "When are you gonna give up?!"
Ambrose and Ock started laughing. They sure enjoyed this if others didn't.
"You still don't see it, do you? This is never going to end. This is my world now and you are going to be my slaves forever. I mean OUR slaves."
Norman, May, and Flash didn't find proper answers. Only they were left against this massive army.
"This can't be happening...he can't win. He just can't!", Flash muttered. "Please tell me you have a backup plan", he looked at Norman.
"How could I have?! Most of my work was destroyed with Oscorp. I hardly have original stuff left."
"Shit..."
"Now, don't be so sad! We promise to end you quickly. So", the villain duo started approaching their victims. Was this their doom?
"No...you won't...", Flash tried to get up but he was too hurt. Norman put his hand protectively in front of May as a tribute to Peter. That boy had done so much for his family already.
I just wonder where they are...
"Son, I hope you can forgive me. I know we have had our problems but I guess I do love you in weird and pathetic ways", Ambrose said, showing his false sympathy. Norman just grunted at this, he had nothing to say to this lunatic.
"And little Harold...that poor child. I guess I love him as well. I have to, I'm not going to get another grandkid anyway...unless you do something about it. I would love to see little legs running around again and be a better grandfather to them."
Norman remained silent. Arguing was useless as everyone already knows.
Don't get angry, don't get angry...
"I guess we're not going to have more speeches. In that case, let's start with..."
"OCKKKK!"
The group stopped and turned towards the voice. Peter stood in the doorway, looking furiously at Ock and Ambrose.
"Peter!", Aunt May yelled happily and ran to her nephew and they hugged. "I was so worried about you!"
"Sorry..."
"Parker! What is he doing here?!", Ock hissed. "I thought Taskmaster was supposed to handle him!"
"Your allies aren't as smart as you think. I once told you that there is always a way. Can't you still see that?"
"Be quiet!"
Norman's heart raced as he watched Parkers. Peter was here, but where was his son?
Where is he?!
"Hey, dude! You came just in time! Those idiots smashed the machine so we can't use it to make a cure", Flash pointed with his finger.
"Don't worry, we'll find another way", Peter said and walked towards Ock. "Ock, this case has run out of hands! It has to stop."
"It will as soon as I get my revenge. Don't worry about that."
"NO! No more revenge! I know you can do better than this."
"Hah! What do you know about me?"
"A lot. You can use your brains for something great and this isn't that."
"What a weird kid. I can't believe he's a hero", Ambrose muttered in disgust. "So pure and good. Yuck!"
"You have no idea", Ock rolled his eyes. "Parker, you're wasting your time. I'm not going to change my habits."
"Then you're a fool. At least I gave you a chance", Peter said angrily. Knowing that he couldn't hold himself back anymore, Norman jumped up.
"Peter, where's Harry? I thought he was with you."
Peter wasn't able to face Norman at first. Finally, he turned to see him. His expression sealed the fact that something has happened.
"What?! Peter, answer me! Where is my son?!"
"I'm so sorry Mr. O...I tried. I swear I tried. But it was the only way."
"What are you talking about?!", Norman stared back at the young man. Hearing evil laughter behind him, he turned to his father.
"You..did you do something?!"
"Me? What makes you think so?"
"Your face is telling everything. I want to know immediately where my boy is. So better answer!"
"But Norman, he's standing right behind you. You should at least try to learn some manners", Ock pointed with his thumb.
"Huh?", Norman felt a shadow above him. He saw everyone's horrified expressions and it made him feel the worst.
What is that?!
"Darn...", was the only word Flash managed to let out. Even he was surprised.
"What?! What are you staring at?! WHAT?!", Norman turned around as well...and his mouth dropped wide open.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"