"Daddy!"
"Uhh...yes, son? It's the middle of the night!"
"A thunderstorm is scaring me. May I sleep in your bed?"
"Harry, you are six years old. I thought you should be old enough to sleep by yourself now."
"I know, but..."
"Ah, alright then. But you leave those stuffed toys out."
"But Mr. Teddy helps me to fall asleep. Can't I take it? Please!"
"Fine, fine! Come on now, I have a long day tomorrow."
"Okay. Thanks, Daddy."
"Goodnight, Harry..."
"W-what is that thing?!", Norman trembled and landed to sit on the floor. He was staring at a reddish-black creature that resembled Anti-Venom, Venom and Carnage combined. It had as sharp teeth as theirs and big, white eyes.
Son...what have you done?!
"Doesn't Harold look magnificent? I was surprised to hear that he kept my serum. Now he's totally different than before and I love it!", Ambrose grinned.
"How can you know what he looks like since you can't see?", Flash mocked.
"I don't have to see literally. I can picture him in my mind and oh I love that image. What do you think, son?"
Norman couldn't answer, he was too devastated. This was even worse than Harry being The Gobby. He didn't know what his boy had turned into and it scared him.
"I'm surprised the serum worked. Well done", Ock congratulated Ambrose. It made Norman angry and he stood up.
"YOU! WHAT have you done?!"
"Mr. O", Peter tried to calm him down. "Be careful."
"I can handle this just fine, Peter", Norman answered, then turned to Ock and his father. "I said, what have you done?! ANSWER!"
"Harry took the serum because he wanted to help me", Peter answered before either of the baddies managed to speak. "He didn't have a choice."
"Help?", Norman stared at the Parker boy, then he looked at this monster who had swallowed his poor son. He felt so guilty. If he hadn't left, Harry wouldn't have done this.
"Umm, am I the only one who is actually interested in this new thingy?", Flash asked. "I mean I've seen many creatures but this, wow..."
"How can you say like that?! My son is trapped in there! This is not good, NOT!"
"Well sorry, I was just..."
"SHUT UP, ALL OF YOU! You drove my family into this! You made Harry do such a stupid thing! I blame you, and you only!", Norman's said, eye corners filled with angry tears.
"Always pointing the fault over to someone else. My son is so ungrateful", Ambrose said to Ock.
"Well, what can you expect from him? No brains, no manners, nothing. This man is a disease."
Norman grabbed his head and squeezed his temples. Parkers and Flash were helpless to ease his pain. Osborns sure had been through total hell.
"Dad!"
"Hmm?", everyone turned their attention towards the creature, especially Norman.
"What...?"
"Dad, it's me!"
"Son?!", Norman ran to this thing. "Can you hear me?!"
"Yes, but I can't see you! Where are you?!"
"I'm right here! Can you control this thing?!"
"I think so. At least it stopped when I told it to."
"Thank goodness...well, can you come out?"
"I have tried, but this monster keeps me tightly inside. Please, help!"
"Don't worry, I'm doing everything to get you out. Just try to keep this thing calm. Alright?"
"Okay...but hurry!"
Feeling a bit better after hearing Harry's voice, Norman tried to demand Ock and Ambrose tell how to separate his boy from the symbiote. But as usual, the baddies didn't reveal their secrets. Only the name of this monster, it was Toxin.
"I'm gonna make you both pay, I swear!", Norman hissed while Peter finally managed to pull him back. He wanted to avoid fighting at all costs.
"Everyone, this is useless! The city is the one that needs our help! We have to work together to save it."
"And ruin then fun? I don't think so", Ock rolled his eyes.
"Ock, I'm seriously warning you. If you don't cooperate, your time in prison will be anything but nice", Peter pointed his enemy with his finger.
"I'm so, so scared. You know what? If you want me, come and get me. See you!", Ock jumped onto one of the gliders and flew out of the window.
"Myrrh, not again! What do we do?!", Flash asked. "We have to go after him!"
"We have better things to do. We have to cure the city and save our friends. And if it means letting Ock go, then..."
"You can't be serious, Pete!"
"Trust me, Flash. I know what I'm doing."
Grunting, Flash crossed his hands. He didn't like this option one bit.
"So noble, I'm almost crying. But you have forgotten that I will not give up! AARRHHH!", Ambrose made a sudden move towards the surprised Norman and May who were unprotected and boys were standing too far away.
"AUNT MAY, NO!", Peter screamed, knowing he would never make it. But he didn't have to. Toxin got the hit instead, landing straight through the wall with Ambrose. At least it saved Norman and May.
"HARRY!", Norman ran to the window, looking down how his relatives hit the buildings as they started fighting. It proved that Harry was able to control it, at some point at least.
"Oh no, what are they doing?", May gasped.
"I'm not going to wait here and find out", Norman said and rushed out of the door.
"I'm going with him, Peter."
"Are you sure?", Peter asked. "We can..."
"No, you need to stop that madman and save everyone. But I can't let Mr. Osborn go all alone", May said. "I'll be fine, sweetie."
"Okay then. Look out for each other!", Peter hollered before she was gone.
"Right, so now what? I wanna go and fight!", Flash whined.
"As I said, we have other things to do. I just figured out how we can cure everyone."
"How?"
"Remember that factory where we were spying Taskmaster? It has two big turbines and several wind turbines around it. If we put the cure through them, it will blow it through the whole NYC."
"Sounds good, I don't have better ideas. But ain't the cure with Norman?"
"Nope, he gave it to me", Peter took the tube from his pocket. "But since this is the only one, we have to be careful."
"Careful is my middle name. So, what are we waiting for?", Flash put his mask on. "Let's roll!"
When boys left the apartment, they didn't notice Ock who had spied on them and started following the plane.
Curing everyone? Oh, I don't think so, Spider-Man. Don't think so.
-o-o-o-
"There they are!", May pointed towards the buildings.
"Oh no, their fight looks so brutal", Norman gulped. He was so worried and scared for Harry.
"I said, obey me!", Ambrose tried to make Toxin listen. "Why aren't you doing as I say?!"
"Because you forgot to add proper sensories! I can control this and I will destroy you!", Harry's voice echoed through the shell.
"Don't be stupid, Harold. You only get hurt."
"We'll see about that!"
"They are heading towards that unfinished construction site ", May said. "I'm starting to get worried."
Norman's heart raced as they kept running. What if Ambrose gets the upper hand and kills Harry? He could not bear the idea.
"SON! Stop fighting!"
But Ambrose and Harry were too high that they didn't hear him. Pieces of glass fell to the ground and the walls got damage as the two Osborns slammed each other against the buildings.
"If they keep doing this, I don't even wanna think about the outcome. We have to think of something", May said, worried. "Can you get Harry's attention?"
"I've tried but he doesn't hear me. I can't take this!"
Before May could answer, the duo heard a loud bang and looked up. Red Gobby and Toxin were now on the construction site and unfortunately, Ambrose had taken the upper hand as Norman feared. He held Toxin in the air by his other hand and squeezed its throat.
"No...", May covered his mouth.
"Come on!", Norman said and ran towards the entrance.
Harry, no no no no...!
"I admire your spirit, kiddo. But as you know, everything must come to an end. Happy landings", Ambrose spun around a couple of times to get the speed and then threw Toxin down by using all of his power. Falling straight through a line of iron barracks, the monster fell to the ground and stopped moving.
"HARRY!", Norman ran in from the gates, May right behind. They ran to Toxin and the older Osborn knelt.
"Son, are you alright?! Talk to me!"
No answer.
"Harry, say something! Anything!", Norman panicked. "Please!"
"He won't hear you. He's dead", Ambrose flew down, stopping a couple of meters from the ground.
"Liar! Son, I know you can hear me!"
Toxin lay still. Norman didn't know what to do and it was horrible. He couldn't lose Harry like this. Just couldn't.
"Harry...my baby...don't leave me like this! Don't!", Norman buried his face against Toxin's chest. This amused Ambrose so much that he couldn't hold his laughter.
"You horrible man! This child is your flesh and blood. How can you do this?!", May stared at him.
"Because he's weak. I spare him from this world where power is everything. You should thank me, son. Now I'm the king of the world! HAAAH!"
"Oh really? Think again, bitch!"
"What?!", Ambrose stopped laughing. To May and Norman's surprise, Toxin jumped used its last powers by jumping up, attacking Reddy, and biting him straight in the neck. A bloodthirsty scream echoed in the air as the madman tried to stop the symbiote from escaping his body.
"W-what is happening?!", May retreated further.
"He's...he's changing back. But how...?!", Norman followed how his father transformed back into his human form and collapsed to the ground, unconscious. Meanwhile, Toxin mourned painfully.
"Harry?!", Norman tried to reach out to him. "Are you alright?! My god, what did you do?!"
Toxin turned around, monstrous eyes looking at him. Some black-reddish slime dripped from its mouth, possibly pieces of Ambrose's flesh.
Oh dear...NO!
Staring at Norman, Toxin continued mourning until fell to the ground again. Feeling desperation and fear taking over his body, Norman ran to it and sank his hands into the red minium.
"Mr. Osborn, what are you doing?!", May gasped.
"I'm not losing my boy to Octavius or my father! I will dig him out with my bare hands if I have to!", Norman answered and kept digging. After a while of searching, his fingers touched something.
"Bingo!", Norman started pulling. The symbiote fought back but he didn't give up.
"Release my son, now!"
*Mourning*
"I...SAID...LET...HIM...GO!", Norman made one last pull and managed to get Harry out before Toxin melted completely, leaving a nasty spot into the mud.
"You did it, sir! What a relief", May smiled happily. "Is he alright?"
"I'm not sure. Harry?", Norman lifted the teen's head. "Can you hear me? I beg you, wake up!"
At first, there was no reaction. But then, Harry started coughing and opened his eyes and lifted his gaze. "Dad...?"
"Oh, my brave little boy! I got you, I got you", Norman buried Harry against his chest and broke down.
"You saved me...I was so scared, Dad! I'm so sorry..."
"Don't apologize. You saved us and I couldn't be more proud."
"I...I did? Oh yeah, I guess I did...", Harry smiled weakly.
"Yes, you did. You changed Ambrose back to his normal form. But how?", Norman wondered.
"I...I think I know. When we fought, I saw something moving in the back of his neck. I think it was giving orders or controlled his body now that he's blind. So I thought that maybe getting it off will destroy the symbiote. But I didn't expect it to work in reality."
"Well, it did. And now he can't harm us anymore. We're safe."
Smiling, Harry rubbed his broken hand and leg. "Ouch, these hurt..."
"They will heal, no worries. Now we must..."
"Look!", May interrupted Osborns. "Goblins are coming this way!"
"Not again...", Harry clutched against Norman. "Where are Peter and Flash?!"
"They are trying to find a way to cure everyone. I just hope nothing has happened..."
"I'm sure they're doing well. But we need to get out of here", Norman lifted Harry up and ran to the nearest car. "Get in, hurry!"
"But Dad, we have to help my friends! I can't leave them", Harry said.
"Don't even think about it. I'm not losing you anymore", Norman shook his head and after locking Ambrose into the trunk, he started driving. "Alright, hold on!"
"Where are we going?"
"You'll see!"
-o-o-o-
Meanwhile, Peter and Flash were in the factory and tried to find out how to turn the powers on. It was easier than it looked.
"Anything?"
"Nope. Jeez, what is this place?!"
"Peace, Flash. We find a way."
"I hope so..."
"Look, soon this case is over. Then we're back to our normal routines."
"You must be joking. How do you think we can live a normal life after everything?!"
"I guess not...", Peter sighed. "I sure didn't expect such a mess when we graduated."
"Life is full of surprises. I just hope this plan of yours works", Flash said suspiciously.
"It will. Btw, Flash. Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Well, it's about Harry. How has he behaved while I was gone?"
"Well you know, the usual. I mean he did miss you a lot and he is truly regretting his actions. I was mad at first but you should have seen his pain. I think you should give him a chance, he was only defending his Pops. And besides, isn't Norman like a father to you? I mean you are very close to him what I've heard."
"Maybe. I...I think about it", Peter nodded. They were just about to continue working when they heard noises.
"What is that?", Flash asked.
"I don't know, but my sense is tingling. Get ready", Peter covered his face as boys came to the corridor. Soon, lights went off.
"Great...a blackout. Can't be a coincidence."
"It's not, Ock must be here."
"So, what do we do, then?"
"Let's investigate this place and lure him out. I'm sure we can outsmart him", Peter said, leading the way. They managed to get into the hall before goblins surrounded them.
"Shit, fire!", Flash activated his weapons. But Peter stopped him.
"No, you can't! Otherwise, we hurt them!"
"But..."
"HEH HEH HEE! In trouble, I assume?", Ock appeared from the darkness.
"When are you gonna give up?! I'm not fighting against you", Peter refused.
"You don't have to. I'm simply making sure no one will ruin my victory. I deserve it!"
"You wish!", Flash started shooting despite Peter's orders. "GO PETE! Start machines!"
"But..."
"No buts! GO!"
"Alright!", Peter webbed back to the corridor and started running. Ock came after him.
"Ain't gonna happen! Give up!"
"No!"
Peter kept running faster. He had already come this far, so he wasn't giving up. Ock would lose and he would pay for his crimes.
"You did this to yourself, Ock! I tried to warn you but you didn't listen! Now you must face what comes of it!"
"Think again!", Ock tackled Peter to the ground and started punching him.
"Hah, does this hurt? Poor Parker!"
"Stop it..."
"Nah, I wasn't even started", Ock answered, wrapped one of his tentacles around Peter's throat, and started strangling. Poor hero started stretching and coughing.
"I should have broken your goddamn neck all those years ago...well, now I'm not gonna repeat that mistake."
Turning blue, Peter felt how his vision started fading. Now he regretted everything he ever said to Harry and how angry he had been at him.
If I'm not gonna make it, forgive me, Har. I know you didn't mean it. I know it now.
"Almost there, almost there", Ock grinned.
"Let him go!", Flash ran along the corridor after getting rid of the gobbys.
"Back off!", Octavius turned around. "Back off or I break his neck."
"You twat! Release Spidey!"
"No. I will make sure this spider won't be in my way anymore. Don't worry, your turn comes next."
Biting his lip, Flash didn't know what to do. While Ock focused on him, Peter turned his head around, ignoring the pain. The panel to control the turbines was right next to him in the monitor room. If only he could turn it on...
Now I got it.
"Hey...Ock...", Peter breathed. Octavius looked down at him.
"What?!"
"Remember one thing I told you once? Spiders might be small but they are always cleverer than octopuses. Take this!"
With that, Peter activated his laser and gave Ock an electric shock. Yelling in pain, the baddie released his tentacle a bit, which made moving easier.
"Now, Flash! CATCH!", Peter took the test tube from his pocket and threw it through the air. Octavius yelled furiously and tried to grab it but Flash was too fast and besides, he knew sports and the best moves. So he simply dodged him and jumped, grabbing the tube tightly around his fist and landed in front of the monitor room in handsome double volt.
"Hah, gotcha! Sorry Ock, this sure isn't your day."
"Arrr...give it to me, you cursed brat!", Ock made a rampage towards the young man.
"Hah, try me! Man, I have always wanted to say this...AGENT VENOM RULES!", Flash threw the tube right into the turbines down below and used his webs to start them. Screaming, Ock could only watch how the cure was released in the air and one by one, the gobbys in the factory turned back.
"WELL DONE, FLASH!", Peter cheered and got up. He and Flash surrounded Ock who glared at them both.
"Once again, we did it, Ock. Your game is over. Now, will you come in peace or do we have to drag you?"
"I can't believe this...what did I do wrong?! I planned everything so well! And now...", Ock collapsed to his knees.
"It happens when you believe blindly in evilness. I tried to make you see otherwise. You should have listened. Now you are gonna face a long time in prison", Peter tied Ock up. "Maybe then you're ready to change for good."
"Hah, you can hope whatever you want. Goodness..tsk!"
Shaking his head, Peter rubbed his hair. Finally, this mess was over.
"I'm going to turn the wind turbines on so that the cure cloud well get into the city. Meanwhile, take a good break. You deserve it", Flash patted Peter's shoulder and left the room. Wanting to have some privacy, the tired hero walked to the corridor as well and landed to sit. It was truly over. Finally. Finally.
I can't wait to see others...and there are still several things to do. Now I just wanna rest...
"CRASH!"
"What?!", Peter jumped up, looking around. Then, he spotted a big door where this weird sound was coming from. Sense tingling, he approached it.
Now what?!
When Peter reached the door, he was hesitant to open it. It smelled so bad...
Hold on a minute...I hope...
Gathering his courage, the boy took a deep breath and pulled the knob. When the door opened, his eyes widened and he had to grab his nose with both hands.
"OH MY GOD!"
-o-o-o-
"Huh?!", Ambrose woke up. "Where am I?!"
"Good evening, Father", Norman said angrily. "Did you sleep well?"
"What happened? Where am I?!", Ambrose tried to move but he couldn't.
"We're in the central prison in Boston. You slept when we arrived here."
"Prison? Hold on, where is my body?! My tail?!"
"It's gone forever. Your time as a free man is over."
"What do you mean?! What the heck have you done to my beautiful looks?!"
"I didn't do anything, Harry did. He saved us from your insane murder attempt. You nearly killed us."
"Oh that brat...yes, I should have! I was way too easy on him! Now, where is he?!"
"You won't see him ever again. Neither me. This is the last goodbye", Norman answered. "You will be charged with all of your crimes and according to the judge, the sentence you get is going to be a very long one. Thank god for that."
"Charges? Hah hah! My dear boy, what proof do you have? I could easily tell a thing or two about your doings", Ambrose said mockingly.
"You can try, but I assure they won't work. I have committed my sins. But you won't come near my family ever again, I make sure of it. Take care", Norman turned to leave.
"You won't get rid of me that easily! I'm your father, no matter what! Norman! NORMAN!", Ambrose yelled furiously as he was left behind. When Norman walked out of the prison, he closed his eyes before continuing.
Goodbye, Ambrose. I hope we don't meet again.
*Parker residence*
"Aunt May, there they are! Look!", Harry said happily.
"Oh, my poor heart...Flash!", May felt relief when The Spider-Jet landed on the street and Agent Venom came out.
"Flash!", May hugged him. "Are you alright?!"
"Yeah", Flash smiled. "We did it."
"Really?!", Harry asked. "You mean you cured everyone?"
"If you don't believe me, see for yourself", Flash said. "Hop on."
"Where are we going?", Harry asked while May helped him to sit.
"To The Triskelion. Others are already there."
"Others? Pete too?"
"Yep."
"How about Ock? What happened to him?"
"Everything is fine, don't worry! Now, hold on!", Flash turned the plane towards the destination. "We're going pretty fast!"
"Hey, I can see people down there! You did it! WOW!", Harry gasped in surprise. "You actually did it!"
"Told ya. Wait until you see Fury and others. It's going to be one hell of a party!"
*Soon*
When Flash, May, and Harry arrived at The Triskelion, they could see Peter talking to Fury as well as other Academy heroes and students.
"Impressive Parker, impressive. So I could say you saved the day once again."
"Now now Fury, I don't..."
"Listen! I'm proud of you. Despite being a fresh graduate, you managed to beat Ock once more. I say that makes you even more Ultimate than I first thought."
Blushing, Peter thanked when Fury left him alone. He was so happy to see everyone that you can't even imagine that joy.
"Well done, webhead", Sam pushed him. "Good work."
"Indeed. You saved us from eternal darkness. Namaste", Danny bowed.
"It wasn't just me, Flash and others helped. I wouldn't have done it alone."
"Hah, true. We know what kind of princess you are", Scarlet said when he walked past the group.
"Nice to see you too, Scarlet! Don't laugh too much!"
"Be quiet!"
"Ignore him. You did a good job. Great work, Parker", Ava pushed Peter on the shoulder and Luke shook his hand before the old team joined Fury to celebrate their freedom. Next on the list were The Web-Warriors.
"Howdy! How are we today?", he greeted Cho and Miles.
"Fine, I guess. So you did stop Ock? When will he learn?!"
"Someday, I hope. Or not. But Miles, how are you?"
"Fine, I guess. That medicine was awful..."
"Good. Since there is someone else who wants to talk to you", Peter noticed Harry and Flash coming towards them.
"Hey! Good to see you, everyone! You can't believe what has happened!"
"And time to go", Cho slipped away.
"Hey, come back! I wasn't even started", Flash ran after him.
"Flash...", Harry chuckled, then he turned to Miles. "Hey, Miles. Look..."
"I get it, Harry. Peter told me what happened. It's fine."
"You sure? Because I truly wanna apologize."
"Yeah. If Peter believes you, so do I. So we're good", Miles smiled.
"Okay, thanks", Harry said shyly. Smiling once more, Miles left the besties alone. An awkward silence surrounded them.
"Um, wanna talk behind the building? There we aren't interrupted", Peter suggested a moment later.
"Okay, but I need help. As you can see, my leg...", Harry pointed out.
"Sure thing", Peter helped Harry to walk. While moving towards the "backyard", they met Alex and Toomes who were now cured as well. After short greetings, boys found a proper spot and sat down, watching the ocean.
"So...", Harry started. "You did it."
"No, we did it. We beat Ock, thanks to our teamwork."
"Where is he, btw?"
"Avengers will take care of him. But he ends up in jail, along with Kraven and Taskmaster."
"Oh. Well, that's a good thing, right?"
"Sure it is. And your grandfather?"
"In jail as well. Dad is bringing him there right now. But he's in Boston."
"I see. Norman wants him far from you?"
"Yeah, something like that. I just don't wanna see him ever again."
"Me either. I still wonder how did he know..."
"Good question, but he's a lunatic. He fooled us all."
"Yep. But Harry, listen. There is something I need to tell you", Peter started.
"Okay...?", Harry raised his eyebrows.
"I...I'm sorry about my reaction. No matter what you did, I don't hate you. Flash made me realize how stupid I was and I now know you had no choice. Injecting yourself proved it."
"Thanks, I'm happy you understand. I never wanted to hurt you, I swear. If I could take my actions back, I would."
"I would have done the same thing for Aunt May. Norman's panic showed me how much we need our families. Without them, we wouldn't be here."
"You're right. We should be thankful that we have such caring relatives. And I learned that past doesn't make us who we are. I need to let go of my traumas and enjoy Dad's company and attention. I almost lost him, thanks to my selfishness."
"I bet he feels the same. I heard how he saved you from the symbiote and how bravely you fought against Ambrose. I'm proud of you."
"Same. You believed in goodness and it worked. I have a lot to learn from you, we all do."
Smiling, Peter was silent for a moment until his expression turned sad.
"Pal, let me ask you another question. About those sleeping pills and your..."
"Please, don't say it. I'm scared already."
"Okay. But promise, don't do that again. I need you."
"Of course I won't. Thanks, Pete. Will you be my best friend again?"
"Always."
"Then we're agreed", Harry smiled, giving Peter a fist bump. Boys watched the ocean for a minute until got up.
"As much as I would love to celebrate, but I promised Dad to come home. He wants to spend quiet family time. I hope you don't mind", Harry rubbed his plaster.
"I can take you to him. But if you could wait a bit, I have, ummm...", Peter blushed.
"Oh I see, someone's got a date. Don't worry, I can wait", Harry smiled teasingly.
"Good. This won't take long, I promise", Peter put his mask on and ran to greet MJ. When Harry was left alone, he watched birds and the waves. Wiping his eyes, he couldn't wait to put these nightmares completely behind.
-o-o-o-
"And here we are", Peter landed the plane on the roof of Osborns' penthouse. Norman was already waiting there.
"Hey, Dad", Harry waited until his father put his arms around him and supported so that he didn't fall.
"Hey. Did you boys have fun?"
"Yeah. Fury and others are doing fine, Aunt May dates Coulson...wait that's not good. But as a whole, we're back to business", Peter said.
"Good to hear. And Octavius?"
"Behind bars. So it's finally over."
"Thank you", Norman closed his eyes. "I thought this was never going to end."
"It has not yet. We found something in the factory. It was..."
Before Harry managed to hear anything, Norman put his hands against his ears.
"Hey!", the young man yanked them off. "I didn't hear anything!"
"Exactly. So, will he be in charge of that as well?"
"I'm not sure. One of the famous scientists of NYC had gone missing a few months ago, so I guess it wasn't Crossboness after all..."
"Oh my", Harry nearly threw up.
"I told you it's best you won't hear details. And I'm still thinking about your return to The Academy. One step at a time", Norman said.
"Okay, fine! At least Ock and Ambrose are gone and we are free. Finally, free."
"Mm-hmm. I was so scared during this case. I thought that..."
"Dad, don't. Let's just be happy and that we're all together. Forever."
Smiling at Harry, Norman and Peter turned to see Oscorp's ruins that glimmered in the sun. All of them had changed a lot since this mess began but it sure had made them stronger. And even though this story might be over, for now, remember what one wise spider once said.
"This isn't the end, this is only the beginning."
THE END
***Bonus***
Some weeks later, Norman was once again visiting at Emily's grave. Their lives were anything but normal and the healing process was still ahead. But at least the worst was over.
"Here you go, sweetie", he placed roses on his wife's grave. "I know I promised to visit more often. I'm sorry it took so long..."
What journey this had indeed been. Ambrose and Ock faced several charges and their time in prison was going to be a very long one. His father tried to contact him and command Norman to visit and get him a milder sentence but of course, the man didn't agree. He didn't want to have anything do with that monster.
Never again. NEVER! NEVER.
"Yes Emily, I know. I should have told Harry about my father and other things a long time ago. I wanted to protect him from the truth but I guess I wasn't ready to face it either. But now that I have...I actually feel lighter. I think I'm finally able to let go."
*Wind*
Of course, some things were still making his heart skip a beat. Harry's fight with Ambrose scared the hell out of him and Toxin he transformed into reminded him of those horrible days when Venom controlled his son. He was really close to losing him.
"I promise it won't happen again. I will keep an eye on him better than ever. I swear, Emily. But I'm afraid..."
No, he couldn't admit it. Not here, not now. But he knew it would have to be done. He just didn't want to say it in front of his wife's last resting place.
"I...I have to go now. Until next time."
With that, Norman turned around and walked out of the graveyard. His limo waited in the parking lot and Harry sat on the back seat, door open. He was playing some video game, as usual.
Typical...
"Hey, son. I hope you didn't get bored while waiting."
"Nope, I'm trying this new game you bought me. It's kinda cool."
"I'm happy you like it. Is James preparing for the dinner?"
"He said he would. I think it's nice to have him around, now I have company when you work."
Norman felt guilt arising in his mind. He walked to Harry and looked at him.
"Harry, look at me."
Lifting his gaze from the game, the teen looked up. "Yeah?"
"Now, I want you to listen very carefully", Norman knelt since his son's leg was plastered. "I promise to be there for you even better than I've been. I lost you so many times and it was always so close...so close. It means we have to be a team and family more than ever."
"Sure, Dad. But why do you look so worried?", Harry was confused.
"Because I am. A couple of months ago I couldn't have even imagined that I would come face to face with my past all of a sudden. My life...it has changed. In good and bad ways."
"I can't blame you. My roots are...I don't even know what to think. I have spoken with Pete about it but as you wished, I kept some parts a secret."
"How are things at your school? Has he told anything?"
"Something. Fury has given everyone some time to cope before The Academy goes back to normal routines. Ock's stuff and what's left of the minerals were picked up from the ocean and the gorge. They are behind locks at S.H.I.E.L.D. since Connors wants to investigate them better before they are destroyed completely. Peter also mentioned that Ock's iland is searched carefully in case something is found in there."
"Wise plans. Luckily those stones are now liquid, so it's easier to get rid of them. I'm so glad I didn't have to build those weapons..."
"Yeah, it would have been a disaster. And Flash is demanding some extra attention but hey, you know him."
"I guess I do", Norman smiled a little. "Oh, I spoke to your friend Alex and I said he can start working in my lab as my apprentice. If you don't have anything against it."
"No, not at all. He deserves it after his hard work. We wouldn't be here without him. I wouldn't have found you without him", Harry's hands trembled a little.
"Are you feeling alright?"
"I guess so, I'm just still so frightened. And Dad, may I tell you something? I hope it remains just between us."
"Of course. What is it?"
"Well, when Peter said that I care for you more than others, I said I do. And I wasn't lying. The idea of being alone with that sadistic lunatic and how Ock did this all just to play with us...", Harry had to wipe his face. Norman put his arms carefully on his son's shoulders, wanting to avoid hurting or hitting his plasters.
"Cry, it's alright. I'm glad to see you pushing such feelings out. And I'm here, right here."
It was easy for Harry to show weakness in front of his father. Despite their cold relationship before, Norman understood his son better than anyone, along with Peter.
"Thanks. But are you sure your past will not come back to haunt you? You spoke so confidently earlier."
"It will need some working but I'm sure things will get better. I was devastated to hear about my mother and all of those other secrets my father had hidden. But you made me understand that I was a victim and I couldn't have done anything to save her or stop my father from doing bad things. I will be forever thankful that I had the courage to leave, met your mother, and that we had you. You give my life a purpose."
Harry looked very happy. The more Norman said like that, the more they bonded. And the young man also knew what was coming next.
"Dad, when we were in the labyrinth, you said wanting to move on. Are you still sure about it?"
"Yes, I am. I will cherish your mother forever in my heart but we have to continue our lives. And I think I'm finally ready to let go."
"Sure?"
"Mm-hmm. Everything I went through as a kid had a meaning. And it was becoming a father to the most wonderful son you could ever hope. And I will hold on to that treasure she left me."
"Thanks, Dad. It means a lot to me. And believe me, one day Oscorp is back up again. Stronger than ever."
Smiling at each other, Osborns prepared to go home. When the limo started driving towards their apartment, Harry heard his phone ringing.
"Hey, Pete! Wassup? Oh, really? Sure you can come over, Dad bought me a new video game I want us to try. Let's see if you can stand a chance against the Harrynator! Yeah, fifteen minutes is just fine. See ya then."
"Sounds you and Peter are friends again", Norman smiled. "I knew would solve things out."
"Yeah, we talked and everything is fine. And I swear not to believe Ock or other madmen ever again. Especially when I return to The Academy", Harry put his phone away.
"As I said, I'm still thinking about it. But maybe if you behave."
"Dad!"
"Fine, I was just teasing you. As long as you won't do anything reckless, you may go."
"Me? Hah, not ever!"
"Obviously not", Norman smiled and looked out of the window. When the limo arrived in the city, Osborns spotted a robbery taking place in a nearby shop.
"Wow, a robbery! Look at that!", Harry pointed out.
"Stay still", Norman commanded. "Those thieves can carry guns."
"I wouldn't worry", his son answered. "Look up there! It's Pete!"
"Hmm?", Norman focused on the buildings above and yes, Spidey was standing on one of the flagpoles and was clearly ready to attack. When he spotted the limo, he waved.
"Heh, looks like fifteen minutes will be too short time", Harry waved back before his bff ran to fight. "But I can wait."
"I'm sure you can", Norman nodded when they continued driving. Watching the sunset, he smiled once more.
I know we both can.