Chapter 8:
Who are we? We're the Spider-Duo!
In the week that followed, me and Mary Jane shared a few more great nights together. That night we shared in the rain, made us feel… how should I put it? Being more one with our emotions and what we desired from each other, like a boundary we've crossed that made us feel more… alive whenever we're together. Any time when we felt we just had to satisfy our inner-spiders, we make love and mate like spider-bunnies.
But either way, we both felt great and were insanely in love.
However… as Thanksgiving Day had arrived… a series of events would occur, enacted by The Green Goblin… which would bring harm to the people we love…
At Harry and Peter's loft apartment
In the kitchen, Peter's aunt, May, was helping Gwen preparing all sorts of dishes for Thanksgiving dinner, with May keeping an eye on the turkey in the oven and a few other side-dishes, Gwen was helping her while making a special Thanksgiving side-dish that her mother had invented, consisting of roasted sweet potatoes and green beans, seasoned with a special flavor.
"That sure looks delicious, Gwen," May said, admiring how good the roasted sweet potatoes were and even smelling good.
Gwen nodded with a smile "It's a dish that my mother had made up some years back. It's what you would call a special 'Stacy-dish'. I'm pretty sure that Harry's dad is going to love it too." She said with confidence.
Aunt May gave a small chuckle "Oh, I am sure he will."
Just then, the doorbell buzzes, making Gwen to gasp, hoping that Harry's dad didn't decided to show up early.
Aunt May opened the door, revealing to be Harry.
"Ah, hey, Aunt May." Harry said with a smile, holding up a bag of green beans that Aunt May had asked for "I just managed to get these green beans in time before the shop closed."
Aunt May smiled as she took the bag "Oh, thank you, Harry. And just in time." She then went back to preparing the meal.
Harry walked over to Gwen and planted a kiss on her lips "Hey, Gwen."
"Hey, Harry…" she answered softly before going back making her Stacy-dish.
Harry looked with interest to her prepared side-dish "Oh, that looks delicious," he wanted to stick his finger into it to taste it, but Gwen slapped his finger away.
"Na-ah! Not yet, Harry Osborn." Gwen warned him, but was clearly teasing him.
Harry gave a shrug "What? I just wanted to see what it tastes like."
"Well, you can find out when Thanksgiving starts." She told him "But, if you want to help around, why don't you start preparing the table?"
"Sure," Harry said, but sighed as he was clearly nervous.
"You okay?" Gwen asked, noticing her boyfriend's uneasiness.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," Harry ensured, but admitted to her while taking some plates out of a kitchen closet "It's just… I hope my Dad will like you."
Gwen nodded while going back to where she'd left of "I hope so too," but then teased him again "But I think you're looking more nervous than I am." Then she wandered "Speaking of which, when will your father arrive?"
Harry said, ensuring that he WILL come this time "He said he had some work to do, but will be on time for Thanksgiving. He also was going to bring a fruitcake."
"Sounds good," Gwen said.
While Harry placed the plates on the table and went back to pick some cutlery, he wandered "Where is Peter, anyway?"
Aunt May answered Harry's question "Oh, I send him to quickly pick some cranberry sauce. Mary Jane went with him."
"Mary Jane?" Harry asked with a raised eyebrow "For something that small?"
Aunt May gave a shrug while forming a small smile, feeling happy for Peter and Mary Jane being together.
Harry then checked the clock "When did they left?"
"About two hours ago," Aunt May said "They sure take a long time to just get cranberry sauce." but then Aunt May gave another shrug "Ah well. It's Thanksgiving, so it's always busy."
Harry began to think what Peter and Mary Jane were really up to, which made him to chuckle.
Gwen raised an eyebrow at him, having noticed that he was holding his laughter as he tried to hide it "Is something funny, Harry?"
Harry shook his head, but still suppressed his smile "No, nothing." However, he mentally thought with amusement while trying to make the table nice 'I just hope you're not doing that while looking for cranberry sauce, Pete.'
Meanwhile - Somewhere else in New York
Several fire trucks raced through the street while sirens were wailing, heading with speed to an apartment complex that was on fire from the top two floors. Arriving at the scene, there were already fireman and woman to put the fire out and evacuate the people trapped inside.
From the entrance, some firemen took some injured out of the complex, with some couching out loud from breathing in smoke, taking them to some ambulances that were there in the street too
But through the crowd, a woman desperately tried to get back inside as she cried out of desperation "No, please, my baby's in there! My baby's in there!" but she was held back by a fireman.
"I can't let you. The roof's about to collapse!" the fireman tried to reason with the woman while dragging her away from the place.
"Please, somebody save my baby!"
Another fireman called to his coworkers "There are still people trapped in there!"
But the fireman that dragged the pleading woman away shook his head "It's too late. The roof's going to collapse."
Again the woman begged "Please, no! My baby!"
But then, a female bystander saw something in the distance, seeing the Spider-Duo web-swinging towards them "Look! Up there!"
Spider-Man and Spider-Woman saw the fire ahead. Without second thoughts, they quickly web-swinged towards the burning apartment complex.
"Save my baby, please!" the woman pleaded out loud.
And with one swing, Spider-Man and Spider-Woman burst through some windows, entering the burning building.
The hundreds of people down the street all looked up the burning place, hoping deep down that the Spider-Duo would be able to safe the other people inside, including the woman's baby.
The woman herself prayed deep down for the Spider-Duo to safe her child.
All the other firemen who couldn't do anything than wait while trying to put out the fire, all hoped too that New York's Spider heroes would be able to do the impossible.
But then… an explosion came from one of the burning apartments, shocking everyone on the ground.
"No!" the woman cried out loud while shattering glass fell on the streets.
A few seconds later, Spider-Woman jumped out of a window, carrying two men that were injured and unconscious , while Spider-Man jumped out of another window in the nick of time before a seconds explosion came, carrying an infant in a beige blanket.
Both Spidey's landed safely on the ground using their webs. While Spider-Woman quickly handed the two men over to the paramedics, Spider-Man carried the crying infant over to its mother, ensuring her "It's okay. Your baby is fine."
The woman looked at her crying child, feeling so relieved that her son was alright, seeing he wasn't even injured. Tears of joy came from the woman's eyes while she hugged her baby, thanking him and his partner "God bless you, Spider-Man. Bless you. You and Spider-Woman."
Spider-Woman joined Spider-Man, telling him "The paramedics told me that those two guys are going to make it."
Spider-Man gave her a nod "Guess we arrived in the nick of time then."
Spider-Woman gave him a smile.
But then, two police officers ran towards the Spideys "Hold it right there!"
"Don't let them get away!" the other officer called.
With a serious face, the first officer told them "You two are under arrest. I'm taking you both in."
The Spider-Duo became deep down frustrated that despite they were saving people, that even these two cops couldn't see that they were heroes and that the Daily Bugle is only spreading lies about them.
But just as Spider-Woman was about to share some words with those two officers, a scream was heard from above in the burning apartments.
"Oh my God. There's somebody still up there!" a bystander said.
The two officers and the Spider-Duo looked up, hearing the same scream from the burning place again.
"We're going." Spider-Man told the two officers.
Both cops shared a glance, knowing that despite they had their orders to arrest Spider-Man and Spider-Woman, they couldn't leave a helpless civilian to die. The first officer sighed and told them "We'll be here when you get back."
Spider-Woman shook her head "Not coming back, chief."
Clearly the two Spideys were not going to let themselves arrested for something they hadn't even done.
This meant that the two officers had to let Spider-Man and Spider-Woman. Both cops knew they hadn't time to wait, with the second officer telling them both "What are you waiting for?! Go! Go!"
Within a second, both Spider-Man and Spider-Woman shoot their web-strings, going way up and then use another web-string to slam inside the window of the apartment where they heard the woman screaming for help.
"Where are you?" Spider-Man called, checking their surroundings of the burning place
A piece of roof began to collapse.
"Where are you?!" Spider-Woman called louder, hoping that the woman would react.
Both then saw a glimpse through the flames, seeing someone with a large blanket over herself, seemingly protecting herself from the flames while whimpering in fear.
"We're gonna get you out of here." Spider-Man called while he and Spider-Woman slammed through a few burning wooden walls, entering the burning room.
Spider-Woman approached the helpless woman carefully, with Spider-Man behind her "Don't worry. It's okay." Spider-Woman ensured.
But just as Spider-Woman was about to reach her hand to her… it screamed while quickly turning to the Spideys, revealing to be the Green Goblin and punched Spider-Woman hard, sending her flying backwards, hitting Spider-Man and sending the both flying through a few walls!
The Spider-Duo slowly stood up, seeing the Green Goblin removing the blanked from him.
"Green Goblin!" Spider-Woman angrily said.
Goblin chuckled evilly while mocking the two spiders "Hahahahaha. You two are pathetically predictable. Like moths to the flame." He then gave a shrug "Well, gladly that you two have accepted my little… invitation."
"Invitation?" Spider-Man asked confused, before realizing that it was the Green Goblin that set this place on fire "So it was you who started the fire!"
"Guilty as charged." Goblin admitted "How else was I supposed to get your attention?"
Spider-Man and Spider-Woman both glared at the Green Goblin for his heartless and selfish act to risk the lives of dozens of people just to lure them into the open.
"What about my generous proposal?" Goblin asked, wandering if the two spiders have taken his offer to join him into consideration and have made their decision by now. Behind his back, he held a pumpkin bomb, in case the Spideys would 'reject' his offer and asked them with a smirk behind his mask "So? Are you two in or are you out?"
"There's no way in hell we'll ever join you!" Spider-Woman called out in anger.
Spider-Man gave a nod, showing he and his girlfriend have already made their decision "Yeah! It's you who's out, Gobby. Out of your mind!"
That made Green Goblin to snap "Wrong answer!" and pressed the button on the pumpkin bomb and threw it at the Spider-Duo, which soon split into several smaller objects, revealing to be Razor-Bats, coming right towards the two spiders!
"Oh shit." Spider-Woman said in shock as the Razor-Bats cut through anything in their way!
With both their Spider-Sense triggering, time seemed to slow down as both Spider-Man and Spider-Woman quickly avoided the Razor-Bats, who would've cut some serious injuries on both of them if they hadn't.
Green Goblin charged at the Spider-Duo, punching Spider-Man, but both had to jump back from some Razor-Bats, before Spider-Man blocked a few punches and kicks from Goblin, giving both him and Spider-Woman an opening and hit Goblin with their firsts before she kicked Goblin away and another few Razor-Bats came towards them!
Spider-Man and Spider-Woman managed to break a few with their fast punches, but one hit Spider-Man's left wrist, hurting him, leaving a nasty slice through his skin!
Spider-Woman then saw one Razor-Bat coming towards her, while her Spider-Sense warned her of another coming behind her! She tried to quickly dodge both Razor-Bats, with one only cutting through a piece of her red hair before both Bats hit each other, destroying themselves!
In a fit of rage, Green Goblin charged again at the Spider-Duo, only meeting with a strong kick from Spider-Man, sending him flying up the air before Spider-Woman shoots a web-string, grabbing him and pulling him hard towards her before kicking him so hard that Goblin slammed through a series of walls hard!
The roof began to collapse even more. Spider-Man and Spider-Woman exchanged a short glance "C'mon, Red. Let's get out of here."
Spider-Woman gave a short nod before both quickly left the burning place.
When the Green Goblin rose, he noticed that the Spider-Duo had already left, leaving him in an angry state, feeling humiliated that neither Spider-Man or Spider-Woman would join him in his plans for the city and the people "NO ONE SAYS NO TO ME!"
Not long after, at another section of the city
Spider-Man and Spider-Woman web-slinged through some streets till they jumped on top of a nearby building, being relieved to have escaped from the Green Goblin.
Spider-Man gave a sigh "That could've turned out ugly."
"You bet." Spider-Woman agreed with her boyfriend, but then said with some anger in her voice "That Goblin was willing to kill people just to lure us out!"
Spider-Man nodded, but placed his hand on her shoulder to calm her down "I know. But at least those people are safe."
Spider-Woman gave a nod, but knew that Green Goblin wasn't going to take it lightly that she and her boyfriend rejected his offer to join him "Yeah. But we better keep an out on Goblin. I'm sure that he'll be pissed that-" but then she saw the bleeding cut on Spider-Man's left arm, making her gasp in shock "Tiger! You're injured."
Spider-Man shook his head, ensuring her "It doesn't hurt that much."
"Well, either way, we need to get some bandages on it." Spider-Woman suggested.
"Perhaps," Spider-Man was about to agree to let his bleeding injury being treated, but then reminded himself "No wait! We still got to get that cranberry sauce!"
Seeing her boyfriend's shocking expression just over some cranberry sauce made Spider-Woman chuckle "Oh, Pete…" but seeing the time, she too knew that they couldn't keep away for too long just to keep Aunt May and the others wait "But you're right. Aunt May and the others would wander why we keep so long."
"Well, better go and get that sauce!" Spider-Man said and was just about to jump off the building, but Spider-Woman stopped him.
"But, Tiger… what about your wound?" she pointed to his left wrist.
"I'll take care of it. I promise." Spider-Man ensured and jumped off the building anyway and began web-swinging away.
Spider-Woman rolled her eyes in amusement and jumped after her boyfriend.
An hour later at Harry and Peter's loft apartment
In the elevator that slowly went up, Norman Osborn groaned while his eyes began to glow yellow, thinking back as how Spider-Man and Spider-Woman rejected to join him, which made him furious.
However, Norman shut his eyes tight, trying to control the Green Goblin inside him as he couldn't risk that anyone would find out who he truly is, not even his son, Harry.
Being able to mute the evil cackling of the Goblin inside his mind, he reopened his eyes, showing it had returned to normal. Norman sighed.
Inside the loft apartment, Harry quickly tried to clean some small mess as his father would arrive soon and worriedly told his girlfriend who was taking something out of the oven "Gwen, will you stop goofing around?"
Gwen chuckled, calming him down as she placed the food on the table "Harry, relax."
Then, the doorbell buzzes.
"He's here." Harry said.
"Are you ready?" Aunt May asked while going to the door.
Harry nodded as he stood ready "Yeah."
Aunt May opened the door, revealing to be Norman Osborn, holding a red package from an expensive bakery. Norman smiled as he entered and apologized "Hi, Aunt May. I'm sorry I'm late. Work was murder," he showed up the package and handed it over to Aunt May "I picked up a fruitcake."
Aunt May friendly nodded as she took it "Thank you, Mr. Osborn."
Gwen readjusted Harry's jacket for him, with him whispering to her "You look great."
"Thanks." Gwen whispered back.
Norman puts of his coat as he walked over to Harry, with Gwen next to him. Intrigued, he asked with a smile, feeling that this was Harry's mysterious girlfriend he heard about "Who is this lovely young lady?"
Harry introduced Gwen to his father "Gwen, I'd like you to meet my father, Norman Osborn. Dad, this is Gwen Stacy."
Norman and Gwen shake hands "Hello, Mr. Osborn." Gwen said with a smile, though she felt a tiny bit of nervousness too.
"How do you do?" Norman said with a smile, already liking Harry's girlfriend "I've been looking forward to meeting you."
"Happy Thanksgiving, sir."
Norman then began to think, as Gwen's family name sounded familiar to him "Stacy. Are you perhaps related to Police Captain George Stacy?"
Gwen chuckled while giving a shrug "Yeah. He's my father, so…"
"Really?" Norman said with a bit of surprised look, but then smiled again "What a small world we live in." he then stated "I've met him during that incident in the lab when Doctor Stromm was… well, you know."
He didn't wanted to start about the murder of Doctor Stromm, when Norman was testing the performance enhancers, which changed him to become Green Goblin.
Norman then asked Harry "I hadn't seen Peter around. Where is he?"
Harry gave a shrug "Oh, he went out to buy something that Aunt May needed. And MJ went with him."
"I see. Well, in that case, we'll just have to wait then." Norman said.
And so, while they waited for the next 30 minutes, Norman was getting to know Gwen Stacy better, being a bit surprised to hear that despite she's a science whiz herself, that she choose instead to take the Ph.D. program for theatre.
Norman then asked her as they sat in the living room "Mind if I ask; why did you choose to study in acting instead of keeping with science? If I remember correctly, your father, when we met that day, said how proud he was at his daughter for being such a science whiz, believing she would do great things in life."
Gwen was surprised to hear that "My… my father said that?"
Norman nodded.
Harry at first wanted his father to stop asking that as he thinks it was inappropriate to question someone's career choice "Dad, please, don't."
Norman gave a glare to his son
Gwen ensured Harry "No, it's okay, Harry," she then answered Norman's question while Aunt May took out the turkey out of the oven "Well, the truth is, Mr. Osborn, I… I did consider to take the same courses that Peter is taking. But I just liked playing in theatre more that I took the Theatre program."
Norman nodded in understanding "I see," he then began to say something as she reminded of himself when he was younger "Let me tell you something, Miss Stacy. When I was younger, I too was a major science whiz in High School, with also a bright future ahead. But, I had different dream," he chuckled when he began to think back of those memories "Ever since I was a little kid, all I ever wanted to be… was a police officer."
That surprised both Gwen and Harry, who sat next to Gwen "Really? Then, why didn't you became one?" Gwen wandered.
"Yeah, and why did you never told me, Dad?" Harry asked.
"Because you never asked, Harry." Norman told his son before telling Gwen "To be honest, when I was in senior year, I was ready to sign myself into the police academy after the summer. But, one week before that, my father… came to my room and he began to tell me something. He said; 'Norman, it's great that you want to do something right by fighting crime one day. But, there are other ways to improve the lives of many.'. He then spoke about how good I was in science and all, telling how that one thing, despite what other people think how boring it might seem, it is thanks to those brilliant minded people that we now live the lives and great things we enjoy today. From the start, he could see that I could do something great for humanity one day, seeing how smart I was. Of course, he said that he wouldn't stop me from what I wanted to become, all that he said that though my own happiness was important, improving lives is also a way to find your own happiness, by bringing happiness to others," Norman gave a shrug "At first, I shrugged it off, as nothing was going to stop me from what I wanted to be," then he began to smile "But that all changed," he then glanced at his son "when I began dating your mother, Emily. In the end, she convinced me to take my father's words in consideration. I first didn't listen and was angry that she choose my father's side instead of mine, which unfortunately upset her."
Norman sighed as he did show a look of regret of what kinds of things he told the love of his life "But after hard thinking, finally taking my father and Emily's words in consideration, finally seeing what they were trying to tell me," he then gave a shrug and smiled "So, I changed my plans and signed myself in at the Empire State University, putting all my efforts in science and how to run a company. And now… here I am."
Gwen was amazed to hear this tale from Harry's father. Harry too was surprised and amazed by hearing this from his father.
Norman then raised his hands and told Gwen "Of course, I'm not going to stop you from becoming an actress or anything. All that I am saying that if you take your talents and putting to the fullest to improve the lives of others, you will find that kind of happiness yourself."
Gwen gave a shrug "Thank you, Mr. Osborn. I'll… take that in consideration."
Harry was feeling happy deep down, seeing that his father improved his relationship with Gwen Stacy.
Just then, the front door opened, revealing to be Peter and Mary Jane.
"Hey, everyone." Peter said.
Aunt May and the others smiled, seeing that Peter and Mary Jane were finally back "Oh, Peter, Mary Jane. There you are." Aunt May said.
Mary Jane explained while Peter held up the cranberry sauce can in his hand "Sorry that we're back so late."
Peter nodded "Yeah, it's a jungle out there. I had to beat an old lady with a stick to get these cranberries."
"No to mention the long line we were in to pay for them." Mary Jane added, clearly going with the little excuse of coming back late while she took of her coat.
All laughed, hearing how hard it was for Peter to just something simply as cranberries during Thanksgiving Day.
Aunt May chuckled while taking the cranberries "Thank you, Peter," she then told the rest "Now, everybody sit down and can say grace."
Peter took off his coat before shaking hands with Norman. Peter and Mary Jane sat next to each other at one side of the table, Harry and Gwen together at the other side, Norman sat at the head side of the table while an empty seat for Aunt May was at the opposite part of Norman. At the table, several great and delicious dishes were already on the table, including Gwen's special Stacy dish and all smelled wonderful.
Aunt May then served the big turkey at the table, close to Norman "There we are."
"It looks delicious, Aunt May." Mary Jane complimented Aunt May for doing a great job on the turkey.
Norman glanced at the Stacy dish, which looked delicious 'Oh, that looks good.' Intrigued, he was to take a finger to taste.
"Norman." Aunt May said strict while giving a slap on Norman's hand for doing that, which surprised him "Will you do the honors?" Aunt May asked him if he wanted to begin cutting the turkey.
Norman took a small taste from Gwen's special dish before he nodded with a smile, taking a big cutting knife and a sharpener, making the knife more sharper so it could better cut the turkey.
Aunt May smiled to see that Norman was going to take the honors to cut the turkey. But then, she saw blood mark on Peter's left wrist "Why, Peter, you're bleeding."
All looked at Peter, seeing that there was indeed blood on his left sleeve.
Mary Jane thought of something quickly and stated "Oh Peter. That must be when that stupid bike messenger clipped you when we stepped off a curb on the way here."
Peter went along with it and nodded "Oh… yeah, it must be."
Aunt May took al look at it "Well, let me see," when she opened the sleeve, she was shocked to see the bleeding cut "Oh my goodness. That looks awful."
When Norman saw the cut, he froze… as that same cut was when… Spider-Man was hit by one of his Razor Bats. All kinds of thoughts went through his mind 'No…! That can't be…!'
While Aunt May went to the kitchen to get the first aid kit, Norman asked Peter, trying very hard to hide his shock "How… did you say that happened?"
Peter answered "Bike messenger. Knocked me down."
What was only a few seconds, was like an eternity in Norman mind. He took a quick glance at Mary Jane, finally seeing the whole picture as all pieces were in place, which shocked him to the very core. Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson… are the Spider-Duo: Spider-Man and Spider-Woman!
Inside his head, Norman could hear Green Goblin's voice chackling "Hahahahaha! Well, hello there… Spider-Man and Spider-Woman."
Norman gave a small gasp as he dropped the knife on the table 'No! Not Peter… not Peter!' Norman shockingly said mentally.
All looked with a raised eyebrow at Norman.
Norman felt he had to get out of here. He rose up and excused himself "I… uhm. If you excuse me, I've got to be going." he went to get his coat.
"Go? But why?" Harry asked surprised.
Norman puts on his coat as he said as an excuse for leaving the Thanksgiving dinner "Something… very important ahs come to my attention." He went to the front door.
"Are you alright?" Harry asked concerned as he too rose up.
"I'm fine. Just fine." Norman ensured before telling Aunt May "Thank you, Mrs. Parker. Everyone. Enjoy the fruit cake." And went out the door.
Peter, Mary Jane and Gwen exchanged a confused and surprised look.
Harry went after him, wanting to know why his father suddenly decided to leave "Dad! What are you doing?" Harry stopped him at the elevator "I planned this whole thing so you could meet Gwen, and now you have to leave?"
Norman really tried hard to control the Goblin inside him and tried to get to the elevator "Please, Harry, I have to go."
Again, Harry stopped him and told "Dad, this girl is important to me."
Norman then snapped "Harry, this is very important!" he then began to say a lot of things "Do you think I hadn't sacrificed a lot to get to where I am so you could have a bright future, son?!"
Harry was shocked to hear that "Dad… of course I do. But-"
"You know, Harry, maybe someday when you run OSCORP, or any kind of company or responsibility you put on your shoulders, then maybe that day you'll finally truly understand what I did for you… and your mother!"
When Norman stepped into the elevator, Harry became a bit angry, wanting to say his piece of mind, having this anger of his father not being there for him when he lost his mother, but he remained quiet.
Seeing that Harry didn't say anything back, Norman asked him about his girlfriend before he stepped into the elevator "Do you honestly think a woman like that is sniffing around because she likes your personality? Believe me, your mother was beautiful too. They're all beautiful! Until they snarling after your trust fund like a pack of ravening wolves. So, a word to the not-so-wise about your dear Miss Gwen Stacy. Do what you need to with her, then broom her fast." He closed the elevator door and pressed the button, going down.
Harry was shocked that his father would say something like that, like if he said that Gwen is not even truly interested in him, hiding what he truly thought about Gwen Stacy.
Back in the room, everyone however could hear Harry's argument with his father, hearing what he thought of Gwen, which made her sad deep down.
Peter and Mary Jane shared a glance of shock, not believing that Norman Osborn would say those kind of things.
Harry returned inside, seeing Gwen sad. He sat next to her, rubbing her back "I'm sorry, Gwen."
Gwen shook her head "Why would he say something like that?! After he…!" Gwen sighed "I thought…"
Though they eventually started Thanksgiving dinner, with Peter's left wrist now with some bandages, the whole mood was spoiled.
Gwen couldn't take a bite and after just five minutes, she rose up "I'm sorry, I just can't, okay." She went to get her coat.
Mary Jane rose up and tried to comfort her "Gwen…"
Gwen shook her head "Please, MJ… I just need to be alone right now."
Harry then went to her, trying to comfort her "Listen, my Dad… he can say a lot of things."
Gwen then looked with some anger at her boyfriend while a tear fell from her eye "Yeah, that creep can indeed say a lot of things, Harry!"
Harry then frowned "Hey! That creep is my father, all right? If I'm lucky, I'll become half of what he is." Gwen didn't listen and went to the door. Harry then shouted with anger "Keep your mouth shut about things you don't understand!"
"Harry Osborn!" Aunt May said, as Harry shouldn't be shouting to Gwen like that.
Gwen opened the door, apologizing to Aunt May that she's leaving "I'm sorry, Aunt May…" and left.
Several hours later – Osborn Penthouse
Norman was panting in his secret Goblin hideout, trying to mute the evil chackling of the Green Goblin while struggling in his mind that Peter was Spider-Man and Mary Jane was Spider-Woman "No! Please not him!"
Green Goblin chackled in his mind "Hahahahaha. Now they will pay for rejecting us!"
Norman shook his head, falling on his knees while burying his head in his hands "NO! Peter… he's like another son to me! I… I can't do that!" he yelled to his Green Goblin mask, like he was directly yelling at the Goblin.
Norman looked away while Goblin said in his mind "Don't you see, Norman? This is the opportunity we've been waiting for. Think about it? Spider-Man and Spider-Woman are all but invincible. But Parker and Watson… we can destroy them."
Norman shook his head, not wanting to hurt Peter, especially not his girlfriend "No…! I can't."
"Betrayal must not be countenanced!" Goblin yelled "Parker and Watson must be educated."
Norman slowly turned to the Green Goblin mask "How… what do I do?"
"Instruct them in the matters of loss and pain. Make them suffer. Make them wish they were dead."
"Yes?"
Goblin chuckled evilly "And then… you grant their wish."
"But how?"
"The cunning warrior attacks neither body nor mind."
"Tell me how!" Norman shouted, still in sadness and shock.
"The heart, Osborn! First, we attack their hearts."
Norman then began to think "Attack their hearts? But how can…?" then he began remind him of someone who Peter and Mary Jane deeply care about. Norman's eyes began to glow yellow as he began to smirk evilly "Yes…. Aunt May."
That same night – Parker residence
In her bedroom, Aunt May was praying at the side of her bed, wanting to pray before going to sleep. A photo of Uncle Ben was on the bed.
Aunt May prayed "Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us-"
Suddenly, the window behind her exploded, injuring her!
Aunt May collapsed on the floor, watching with horror as the Green Goblin flew inside with his glider, chackling with evil.
Seeing Green Goblin's demonic appearance, made Aunt May to scream as she tried to say "Deliver us…!"
Goblin mocked her "Finish it!"
No words came from Aunt May.
"Finish it!"
"From… evil…!" Aunt May said, finishing the prayer before she collapsed on the floor unconscious.
Green Goblin evilly laughed, as attacking Aunt May like this was part of sending the Spider-Duo a message before he flew away.
A few hours later – Forest Hills Hospital
Peter and Mary Jane ran through the hallway together. After hearing that Aunt May was brought to the hospital's emergency room, both rushed to get to her.
In a nearby room, both heard moaning and groaning from Aunt May. Peter and Mary Jane ran into the room, seeing an injured Aunt May while the doctors tried to help her.
"Aunt May! Is she gonna be okay? What happened?" Peter asked concerned, while he and Mary Jane were both shocked.
The nurse nodded to them "She's going to be okay."
"But what happened?! What happened to her?!" Mary Jane asked in shock.
"Sir, Miss, you both have to leave right now." The nurse said while taking Peter and Mary Jane out of the room so the doctors could help Aunt May.
"Those eyes!" Aunt May said, being in shock and traumatized of what happened "Those horrible yellow eyes!"
Hearing that from Aunt May before the nurse locked the door, shocked both Peter and Mary Jane, realizing who attacked Aunt May.
With Peter's back to the wall and Mary Jane burying her head in her hands, Peter said "He… he knows who we are."
Mary Jane shook her head, horrified that Aunt May, who did so much for her and even allowed her to stay after her mother was murdered "Oh no…!"
They shared a glance before embracing in a hug, knowing that with the Green Goblin knowing their secret identities, they'd brought Aunt May in danger.
A few hours later, Peter and Mary Jane were finally allowed to see Aunt May. The elderly old woman was now asleep, with the doctor stating that she needed to stay for some time at the hospital to recover.
Peter and Mary Jane both sat next to Aunt May's bed, looking at her while both were overwhelmed with guilt.
Peter sighed sadly "I'm sorry…"
The next day
Peter and Mary Jane were both allowed to stay at the hospital in one of the guest rooms. Though Peter was the only one related to Aunt May, the hospital staff were willing to make an exception for Mary Jane as she stated that Aunt May was like family to her too. But the true reason they wanted to stay, was to be sure that Green Goblin wouldn't come back to finish the job.
Just then, while Aunt May was deeply asleep, Gwen arrived at the hospital. When entering the room, she embraced Peter and Mary Jane, feeling sorry for them for what happened to Aunt May.
"Is she going to be okay?" Gwen asked.
Mary Jane gave a nod "Aunt May is going to be fine. She's been sleeping all day."
"Thank for coming." Peter said.
"Of course." Gwen answered before looking at Aunt May, feeling guilty as well "I feel bad about leaving Aunt May."
"Don't blame yourself, Gwen." Peter ensured before asking "You okay after what happened yesterday?"
Gwen gave a nod "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just… I just didn't thought Harry's dad was…"
Mary Jane stroke her arm "We know. We were surprised as well."
Peter then saw that Aunt May turned herself a bit while still being asleep. He suggested while he whispered to Gwen and Mary Jane "Maybe we should leave Aunt May so she can sleep?"
Both girls nodded and left the room with Peter quietly, closing the door behind them.
When in the hallway, Peter asked Gwen "Have you… talked to Harry?"
Gwen gave a shrug "He called me, left me an message, saying he wanted to talk to me. I haven't yet called him back."
"Maybe you should talk to him, Gwen," Mary Jane said.
Peter agreed with his girlfriend "Yeah. Harry can sometimes say things when he's upset, but he doesn't really mean those."
Gwen felt unsure.
"Gwen. Harry really loves you."
Gwen gave a sad nod "I know he does…"
That was the moment when Harry walked into the hallway, seeing his two best friends and his girlfriend talking. He stopped halfway, feeling sorry for saying things to Gwen during Thanksgiving.
Peter and Mary Jane saw him, with Gwen glancing at him.
Harry approached Gwen, trying to say "Hey…"
"Hi…" was all that Gwen could say.
Harry sighed before asking "How is Aunt May doing?"
"She's… going to be okay."
"That's good." Harry said with a nod.
"Yeah…"
Trying to get the right words, he asked Gwen "Can I… talk to you for a moment?"
Gwen gave a nod and went out with Harry.
When they were outside, Harry began to tell "Gwen, listen… I'm sorry what happened. When my father is-"
Gwen interrupted him "Please, Harry, this is not about your father now, alright?!"
Harry was a bit shocked that Gwen yelled at him, which frustrated him, but tried to keep it cool.
"I am upset right now because you weren't even there for me."
"But… I am here for you now!"
Gwen sighed "Yeah, that really helps, Harry." She said in a sarcastic way.
Harry really tried hard to control himself as he said "Can we please just talk without arguing?"
"Okay, then talk." Gwen said.
Harry took a deep breath "I am sorry that I wasn't there for you, alright?"
With a sob, Gwen asked him "Then why didn't you even tried to defend me? You just were just standing there with your father and let him say all those things about me!"
Harry sighed again, being a bit frustrated "Look, Gwen…! There are… it's complicated, alright?"
"Complicated?! Is that your excuse?!" Gwen asked with a mixture of shock and anger "Are you afraid of your father that much?!"
"He's been under a lot of pressure since my Mom passed away, alright?!" Harry said loudly.
"And what about you then? Have you ever told your own father your piece of mind?!"
Harry now went quiet, knowing that he'd never confronted his father with what he truly felt since his mother, Emily died, what he really wanted.
Gwen shook her head, being disappointed in her boyfriend "I thought you really cared about me, Harry. But I guess you only try to please your father." she then turned and walked back into the hospital.
Harry wanted to say something, but he couldn't find the words. Frustrated, he walked away, even kicking a trash can in anger 'Dammit! I'm such an idiot!' he mentally cursed himself.
He really loved Gwen, and he hated himself for not having the courage to defend her and confront his father. Deciding he wanted to show Gwen how he cares for her, he took a taxi and drove to his father's house, ready to confront his father.
Later – Osborn Penthouse
Harry walked into the his father's home, searching around if he was around "Dad?"
But then, he heard a large shouting coming from upstairs, followed by an evil chackling echoing from the next floor.
Harry took the stairs and called "Dad? Dad, is that you?"
The shouting and laughing stopped. For a short minute, it was quiet.
Then, Norman appeared, asking his son with a bit of seriousness "What is it?"
"We need to talk, Dad." Harry said straight away.
"About what, son?" Norman wandered, still showing a serious face.
With the courage he gathered, Harry began to tell "You really upset Gwen yesterday, Dad. That's what's my problem." Norman gave a nod "Amongst other things." Harry added.
"Other things?"
"Yes! The things you said about Gwen, about everything. You're wrong about it, Dad."
Norman began to glare.
"All these years, after doing everything to please you, it was never enough, wasn't it?"
"Enough?" Norman asked with a surprise, before he began to frown "I worked myself really hard to give you bright future, Harry-"
"Have you ever wondered why I was kicked out of all those private schools you send me to every time?! Have you ever wondered why I brought myself into trouble all the time?!" Norman waited for what Harry had to say "I was doing those things because you never had time for me! It was my way to finally get your attention for once! You say that you work your ass out at your company to give me a bright future, how much you've worked hard for me and Mom, but you only have used that as an excuse for everything! When was the last time that you had actually spend time with me? Actually talking to me, what kind of problems I'm dealing with, what I really want with my life? No! Ever since Mom died you only pushed me away and only wanted things to turn out what suited YOU!"
Now… it was Norman that remained quiet. He could sense somehow that it was Gwen Stacy that made him to have the courage to finally speak out like that against him. Deep down, Norman felt that Harry was right.
Norman sighed "You're right, Harry. I wasn't always there for you. And it's true…" he looked away for a moment "Ever since… your Mom… Emily died, I… I buried myself in my work… and my company, just to ease my own pain," he then glanced back at Harry "But that's no excuse, Harry. But I want you to know that… I am very proud of you. I am glad that you tell me all these things… to finally having the courage to speak out your mind. I've lost sight of being an actually father to you, but I'm gonna make it up to you, Harry. I promise you… I'm going to rectify certain inequities."
Harry's eyes began to get teary. All his life all he wanted was his father to be there for him.
Norman formed a small smile and embraced Harry in a hug, something that he hadn't done in forever.
Harry returned the hug as a tear fell from his eyes, feeling so happy that the man he'd despised for so long… was finally going to try to be the father he's supposed to be.
Norman sighed as he said while patting Harry's back "You're a lucky man to have that girl, Gwen Stacy in your life, Harry."
"Thank you… Dad." Harry said while giving a sob, holding his father tight.
However, inside Norman's mind, a plan was developing. Norman's eyes turned yellow while an evil smile formed on his face 'Don't worry, Harry… we'll take good care of your… girlfriend. Hahahahahahaha!'
Later that evening – Forest Hills Hospital
Peter was asleep, sitting next to Aunt May's bed with a few books for his homework.
The elderly woman softly stroke Peter's head "Hey… wake up."
Slowly, Peter woke up while he groaned, rubbing his eyes as he glanced at Aunt May.
"Go home, dear. You look awful." Aunt May said with a smile.
Peter sighed "I don't like to leave you here."
Aunt May however ensured her nephew "But I'm safe here."
"Can I do anything for you?"
"You do too much," Aunt May said "College, a job, all this time with me. You're not Superman, you know." she said as a small joke.
Peter chuckled. But then wandered "Have you… seen MJ somewhere?"
Aunt May ensured him "Oh don't worry. She just went out to pick some things."
That was when Mary Jane returned with a bag filled with a few stuff from Aunt May. Seeing her boyfriend awake, she smiled and planted a kiss on his head "Hello there, sleepyhead." She then puts the bag down and took the stuff out "I brought a few more stuff for you here."
Aunt May thanked the redhead "Well, thank you, dear," she then took her hand and said "You and Peter should go home. I will be fine."
"We know, Aunt May. It's just… after what happened…" Mary Jane tried to say.
"It's alright. Afterall, you both have each other."
Peter and Mary Jane shared a chuckle while they blushed.
Seeing them together like that made Aunt May form a smile and told Mary Jane "Oh, seeing you two like that… I still remember when you and your mother moved in next door. And you know what? When you stepped out of the car and little Peter saw you for the first time, he grabbed my hand tight and asked, 'Aunt May. Aunt May, is that an angel?'."
Peter felt slightly embarrassed that Aunt May told that, but Mary Jane was a bit surprised while she formed a smile "Peter really said that?" she glanced at her boyfriend, seeing that he indeed had a crush on her ever since he was 6 years old.
Peter gave a shrug while he blushed "Well… something like that… yeah."
Again, Aunt May said with a smile, ensuring them both "You don't have to worry about me all the time, okay? Go home and get some rest. I'll be fine. I'm safe here."
Peter and Mary Jane shared a short glance. Though they wanted to keep Aunt May safe from any danger, they couldn't force Aunt May that they wanted to stay at the hospital till she's fully recovered.
Peter grabbed his stuff and Mary Jane place a kiss on Aunt May's head, telling "We'll stop by tomorrow again, okay?"
"That's alright, Mary Jane," Aunt May said with another smile.
Peter gave Aunt May a kiss on the forehead too "Bye, Aunt May. See you tomorrow."
"Goodnight," Aunt May said softly.
When Peter and Mary Jane had left Aunt May's room and closed the door, both walked through the hallway, with Peter suggesting while he whispered to his girlfriend "We should still keep an eye if Goblin ever shows up again."
Mary Jane agreed with Peter "I hear you. We should take turns."
Peter nodded.
But as they bypassed a phonebooth, Mary Jane had the feeling she had to call Gwen, seeing how she's doing as she left shortly after she and Harry had talked.
"Hold on for a moment, Pete. I need to call Gwen quick."
Peter gave a nod in understanding "Okay."
After putting a few quarters in the phonebooth, Mary Jane dialed the number of her and Gwen's apartment.
Nothing came through the horn yet.
Mary Jane heard their voicemail speaking "Hi, this is Mary Jane Watson and Gwen Stacy. Speak your song after the beep."
BEEP
"Hey, Gwen, it's me, MJ. Uhm… me and Peter are still at the hospital, but we're going home now, so… you'll see me in a bit. I just wanted to know how your conversation with Harry went… but I guess you can tell when I'm back. Okay, see you-"
Then, the horn got picked up.
"Hello? Gwen?"
But through the phone, an evil chackling was heard "Hahahahahaha." Peter could hear it too. He and Mary Jane froze "Can Spider-Man and Spider-Woman come out to play?" Goblin asked with a sinister voice.
"Where is she? What did you do with her?!" Mary Jane yelled through the phone, causing some people in the hospital to stare in surprise at Mary Jane.
Peter raised his hands to them, ensuring it was alright. But deep down, he felt anger too as Green Goblin most likely now has Gwen too!
Again, Goblin evilly chackled through the phone before saying "Come to the Brooklyn Bridge. Don't keep me waiting." Goblin then hanged up the phone.
Later
Spider-Man and Spider-Woman web-swinged through the air, heading as fast as they could to the Brooklyn Bridge.
After landing on top of one of the bridge's towers, they looked around where Goblin was.
Then, the Green Goblin with his glider appeared, stopping in midair while he evilly chackled "Hello, little spiders."
Both Spideys glared at the Goblin "Where is Gwen?!" Spider-Man demanded.
"Not so fast, Spider-Man," Green Goblin said "If you value your friend's life, you better listen."
"If this is that you'll force us to join you by threatening to kill Gwen, you're fucking wrong!" Mary Jane angrily cursed at Goblin.
Green Goblin only chuckled with amusement "My, my. I never knew that a lady such as you had such a foul mouth. Didn't you mother never taught you any manners, Miss Watson? Bwahahahahahaha!"
That Goblin mentioned her deceased mother made her angry "I'll show you-!" she was this ready to attack him but Spider-Man stopped him.
"No, Red." Spider-Man said, knowing that Goblin still had Gwen hostage somewhere.
Goblin chuckled evilly, before revealing his little plan "Better listen to your boyfriend, missy. Cause, if you hadn't noticed, before I picked up your dear friend, I've planned a bomb your dear university filled with a very deadly gas. If it goes off…" he gave a shrug "Well, use your imagination. Bwahahahaha!"
Spider-Man and Spider-Woman were both shocked and angry that before he kidnapped Gwen, he'd planned a deadly chemical bomb on Columbia University.
"You heartless bastard!" Spider-Woman yelled.
"And here's the twist, Spider-Man and Spider-Woman," Goblin revealed "Where I'd put Gwen Stacy safe and harm, another bomb is attached to her as well," he pretended he was checking his watch "So, in around… ten minutes, both the bomb on the university and on Gwen Stacy will go off at the same time. Wherever the bomb is on your college is up to you two to find out, and as for Miss Stacy… I put her on top of Queensboro Bridge."
Both Spiders exchanged a glance of shook, seeing how far out both Columbia University and the Queensboro Bridge were.
"So? What's it going to be?" Goblin asked with a sinister voice, giving them the choice who to safe "Are you going to stop the bomb on Columbia University and let Gwen Stacy to her fate? Or are you selfishly let those college kids die and safe your friend? The choice is yours, heroes." He then flew away with his glider, giving a loud evil laughter.
"FUCK!" Mary Jane cursed while she panted, but tried to keep herself cool, knowing she needed a clear head on this "We can't let Gwen to die, Tiger!"
Spider-Man shook his head "No, we can't. But if we don't stop that chemical bomb from exploding, hundreds of innocents will die." he sighed deep with some anger and a bit of helplessness, not knowing what to do.
Mary Jane, seeing they hadn't much time, glanced at her boyfriend, suggesting "I hate to say this, Tiger, but… by the looks of it, we have to split."
Spider-Man hated to do this, but knew that his redhead girlfriend was right "I hate this sort of idea myself too, Red… but you're right. I know more about electronics, so I go and disarm that bomb at Columbia University."
"Then I'll go and safe Gwen." Spider-Woman added. But just before they would go, she embraced her boyfriend and softly said "Please be careful, Peter…"
"You too, MJ…" Spider-Man softly whispered back. But then quickly broke the kiss "C'mon, we got to go! We don't have much time!"
Spider-Woman gave a nod and both jumped nearly simultaneously off the tower, both shooting web-strings to cross the bridge, entering Manhatten before swinging in opposite directions, with Spider-Man heading towards college while Spider-Woman made haste to the Queensboro Bridge.
However, Green Goblin had been hiding somewhere, seeing the Spider-Duo splitting up. Under his mask, he evilly chuckled "Yes, go little spiders. But know this; the best surprise is still to come."
- With Spider-Man
As hard as he could, Spider-Man kept web-swinging through the streets. He saw that the university was only like a minute away from swinging too. Along the way, his mind was not only on all those innocent people that could die or what Goblin would do to Gwen Stacy, his mind was mostly on Mary Jane, fearing what would happen to her as he could sense that Green Goblin was most likely set up a trap. But to what, he didn't know.
Finally, when landing on the roof of a nearby campus building of Columbia University, Spider-Man knew he had to think fast to see where Green Goblin could have placed that gas bomb.
'Come on, Peter Parker, think!' he mentally thought 'Where would I put a gas bomb if I was the Green Goblin?' to just even think where he could kill a lot of people gave Spider-Man the chills. He checked his surroundings, using every part of his Spider-Sense to just sense anything that could lead him to the bomb, while feeling he only has like three minutes left.
Then, something came by Spider-Man's mind 'Hold on. When still working with Doctor Connors before my job at the Daily Bugle, he mentioned something about an high-tech air ventilation system that provides the whole university with clean air, locating deep below college grounds. That's where the bomb's got to be! However, that basement is secured with a secured door that's only accessible with a keycard.' Spider-Man quickly thought who else could have a card like that and then web-slinged quickly to Dr. Connor's lab.
Landing on the wall, Spider-Man glanced inside, seeing a bit of sleepy Dr. Connors doing some scientific calculations on his computer. Spider-Man then saw his coat, hanging on a coat rack. Spider-Man theorized that Connors must have the keycard inside one of his coat's pockets.
Seeing a small window open, Spider-Man quickly but quietly crawled inside. Spider-Man crawled over the ceiling, till he aimed his wrist at the coat
THWIP!
He quickly pulled the coat to him and searched all of its pockets, finding the keycard. He then quickly threw the coat back, hanging it perfectly on the coat rack.
Connors could've sworn her heard something and looked around, but didn't see anything, other than his coat on the coat rack. He gave a shrug and went back to work.
Spider-Man had already left his lab, now with the keycard in hand 'Sorry, Doctor Connors. I'm only borrowing your keycard for a minute.'
Making quick haste, Spider-Man web-slinged fast and quietly into the main building, crawling on the ceiling fast across several hallways before seeing the secured steel. He dropped from the ceiling and swiped the keycard at a control panel, which gave a green light and the steel door opened. Spider-Man went quickly inside, going fast down the stairs, finding himself inside a long steel corridor. He used his web-strings to quickly go to the other side, which was another locked steel but had a camera on top of it. Spider-Man quickly shoots a web on the camera lens, blinding it before swiping again the keycard at another panel, opening the second steel door and ran inside, finding to his confirmation the high-tech ventilation system, spotting an advanced chemical bomb attached to it!
He quickly went over to the bomb, seeing on its small screen it was going to explode in 1 minute!
"I got to be fast. That bomb is going to explode any moment." Spider-Man said while opening the cover, seeing all kinds of wires and chips in it, including a strange fuse filled with green glowing liquid.
However, Spider-Man noticed on the back of the cover the name of the company that had clearly made the bomb, saying: OSCORP INDUSTRIES.
"Wait… Is that Green Goblin working for OSCORP?" Spider-Man wandered. But seeing he had a bigger problem to solve, he ignored it and focused on disarming the bomb.
Spider-Man had to use his full mind to disarm the bomb, taking carefully out the right wires, then connected two of them together and then slowly took out a small power battery out of it… a sound came from it as it powered down and the clock stopped, showing it still had twenty-one seconds on it.
Spider-Man sighed in relief "Pfew! That was close."
But then, he felt his MJ-Sense was going haywire, warning him that something bad was happening to his girlfriend. Spider-Man gasped in horror "No…! MARY JANE!" he quickly ran through the steel corridor where he came from, where some security guards were rushing in, being surprised to see Spider-Man, but he quickly web-swinged pass them "Sorry! Coming through!" and quickly exited the main building of the university and web-slinged with haste to safe his girlfriend "Don't worry, Mary Jane! I'm coming!"
A few minutes before
- With Spider-Woman
Web-slinging quickly over the Lower East Side, going through First Avenue, Spider-Woman made haste towards Queensboro Bridge. The female Spidey hoped that Green Goblin hadn't harmed Gwen as badly as he did with Aunt May.
Though having not much time to safe her friend, Spider-Woman blamed herself that with Green Goblin knowing their secret identities, the people close to them were now in danger.
With the bridge in sight, Spider-Woman web-swinged high enough to see a glimpse of Gwen being tied up with chains to an large pole close to the edge of the tower and she had a gag in her mouth.
After a few more web-swings, Spider-Woman jumped high before landing on the tower where Gwen was located.
When Gwen saw Spider-Woman, she looked with wide eyes to her, trying to say something while being muffled.
"Just hang on, I'm gonna get you out." Spider-Woman ensured when approaching her, but Gwen heavily shook her head.
"No! Stay back!" she tried to warn with her mouth still muffled. She looked with her eyes down where Spider-Woman stood, but it was too late as suddenly from the ground, several high-tech electrified poles appeared.
Spider-Woman gasped before the poles electrified Spider-Woman! She screamed in pain "AAAAAAAAH!" after a short 5 seconds, Spider-Woman fell motionless on the ground.
Gwen tried to scream in horror, but because of the gag she couldn't yell out or call for help.
Spider-Woman tried to move, but her whole body hurt.
Then, behind Gwen, the Green Goblin appeared on his glider and evilly chuckled as he jumped from his glider and walked over to a near motionless Spider-Woman "How predictable. So focused on saving those you love, that you don't even think what could happen next, not even checking quickly that the bomb I placed on Miss Stacy," he held the small bomb in his hand before crushing it "was a fake," he then threw the fake bomb away before he kicked Spider-Woman hard in the stomach, hurting her "Don't worry, my lady, I'm not going to kill you now. Not yet. As I have something very big planned for you… and your boyfriend." She then kicked Spider-Woman hard in the face, knocking her out.
Gwen, through her struggle, managed to get the gag of her mouth and screamed to the Goblin "Leave her alone!"
Dragging an unconscious Spider-Woman, he asked Gwen while leaning his face close to her, scaring her before asking "And why should I, Miss Stacy? Cause that'll ruin the surprise." He smirked evilly behind his mask before he tied Spider-Woman together with Gwen to the big pole with more iron chains.
Green Goblin then jumped back on his glider and flew down, heading to a trolly car, filled with a group of children that was halfway to get to the other side. Green Goblin flew close to it, surprising the kids while some thought it was cool to see a man on a flying glider.
Seeing his plan going smoothly, Green Goblin sang a mocking song "The itsy-bitsy spiders went up the water spout. Down came the Goblin and took the spiders out. Bwahahahaha!" he evilly laughed before his glider fired a missile at the trolly car station on the other side, destroying it!
Gwen was shocked what the Green Goblin was doing.
The result of the explosion shocked many people on the bridge with horror and several cars crashed.
At the Manhattan side of the Queensboro Bridge, Spider-Man had just made it to the river side, landing on a nearby building with his web-string, seeing in shock the explosion caused by the Green Goblin.
"Goblin, what have you done?" Spider-Man asked himself.
Then, another explosion from the trolly car station broke the cable with the trolly car with children in it, causing it to collapse down below with the children screaming in horror.
The Green Goblin flew down and caught the cable, dragging the trolly car up while he evilly cackled as it was all part of his evil plan against the two Spiders.
Not having any time, Spider-Man shoot two web-strings on two flag poles, pulling himself really hard before releasing himself and flew hard through the air to the bridge! He shoot more web-strings as he jumped high, landing close to the tower where Spider-Woman and Gwen were both being held hostage.
Green Goblin was there standing in the middle on the tower, holding an large iron chain in his left hand and the large cable in his right hand.
Spider-Woman was able to wake up, but couldn't move as her body was still hurt and also because of the iron restraints. Gwen however was so scared as Goblin held them both now close to the edge down the Hudson River.
"Ah, Spider-Man!" Green Goblin said "This is why only fools are heroes. Because you never know when some lunatic will come along with a sadistic choice!"
Spider-Man looked with horror, as Green Goblin was now only giving Spider-Man a hard and near impossible choice.
"So? What's it going to be, Spider-Man?" he glanced to his left side, to Gwen and Spider-Woman "Let Gwen Stacy die, along with the woman you love?"
While Gwen screamed out of fear that she was going to die, Spider-Woman looked at her boyfriend while she yelled "Tiger!" and struggled to get loose, but her body was still too weak.
"Or," Green Goblin glanced to his right, to the children trapped in the trolly car "suffer the little children."
All the children inside the trolly car yelled for help "Spider-Man! Save us!"
"Make your choice, Spider-Man, and see how a hero is rewarded." Green Goblin said while he evilly smiled.
Spider-Man shook his head "Don't do it, Goblin!"
Goblin gave a simply shrug "We are who we choose to be. Now… CHOOSE!" he released both the iron chain and the cable, letting Gwen and Mary Jane, along with the trolly car with the children fall down!
While only being a few seconds, in his mind, which was like an eternity, Spider-Man looked with horror, not knowing what to do while Gwen screamed as she and Spider-Woman were about to fall to their deaths and the children screaming too.
Spider-Man then ran… and jumped off the tower, grabbing the pole with Gwen and Spider-Woman on it before he shoot a web-string, swinging down the bridge… and grabbed the cable with his feet before shooting another web-string to the bridge and came to a stop while holding both the two woman and the trolly car tight with his remaining free arm and feet!
It was really hard for Spider-Man to keep holding the trolly car with his feet and also holding on to the heavy big pole, but wasn't going to let his girlfriend, his friend or the children to die.
The people on the bridge were watching everything, looking with shock and horror as Spider-Man tried to safe them all.
The Green Goblin looked down, being surprised that Spider-Man was trying to safe them all, making him growl with anger.
Spider-Woman looked at Spider-Man, feeling relieved that her boyfriend was there to safe her and the others "Tiger…!"
Spider-Man glanced at his girlfriend and ensured "Just hold on!"
Spider-Woman nodded while trying to get herself free.
From the distance, a boat carrying a barge was sailing towards them, with the captain calling to New York's spider heroes "Ahoy up there! We're gonna bring the barge right under you!"
Then, all could hear the sound of Goblin's glider from above, with the Goblin flying on it while he cackled.
Gwen gasped in horror "Oh no! He's coming back!"
Spider-Woman was able to get her right hand free, breaking one of the chains, which even loosed Gwen a bit, which made her scream at first.
"Listen!" Spider-Woman told Gwen "I'm gonna lose these chains, but you need to climb down to the trolly car!"
Gwen shook her head as she was so scared "I can't!"
"Yes you can!" Spider-Man said before his web-string began to snap a bit, causing them to drop lower but Spider-Man held tight while both Gwen and the children were scared.
Spider-Woman now said with more calm in her voice to Gwen "Gwen, look at me." Gwen glanced at Spider-Woman "My partner won't be able to hold on for long and I got to help him, but you need to lower yourself so we can safe you all."
Spider-Man nodded "Yes, Gwen. You can do it. You have to. Trust us."
Gwen gave an uneasy nod.
Slowly, Spider-Woman loosed the chain while she grabbed Gwen with her now freed left hand, making sure she grabbed the cable to drop down to the trolly car, but she was too afraid to go down any further.
The Green Goblin appeared with his glider, ready to attack.
The Spider-Duo saw him and Spider-Man called to Gwen "Hurry!"
Gwen shook her head "I can't! I can't do it!"
"Hang on, Gwen!" Spider-Woman called before glancing to the Goblin, who was flying very close now "Tiger, look out!"
But Goblin punched Spider-Man hard, nearly making him loose the cable while Gwen nearly loosed her grip on the cable and the trolly car shook a lot, causing the children to scream in fear.
With all her might, Spider-Woman tried to release the remaining iron chains.
Then, Goblin flew down, and again punched Spider-Man hard, making him lose the cable!
As both his and Spider-Woman's Spider-Sense kicked in, making time to slow down, the trolly car was falling down with Gwen along too! Spider-Woman forced herself free and jumped, grabbing Spider-Man's hand before she shoots a web-string down, grabbing the trolly car!
Gwen fell down further but grabbed the trolly car, being this close to fall into the Hudson!
The people on the bridge gasped in shock, but relieved that all didn't fell down into the river.
The captain of the boat looked with concern, while his helmsman said "They're not going to make it."
"They're gonna make it!" the captain said.
The Goblin flew around them, with Spider-Man and Spider-Woman glancing to each other.
"Tiger…" Spider-Woman said, feeling they were about to die, but wouldn't let go of each other.
Spider-Man shook his head "I won't let you go, Red…"
Spider-Woman shook her head as well "Neither will I, my love…" she then lowered the trolly car more down as the barge was nearly under them.
The Green Goblin chuckled evilly "Bwahahahaha! So much for true love." On his glider then appeared sharp spears "Now… it's time to DIE!" he flew very fast towards the two Spidey's, both looking with horror but wouldn't let go of each other, ready to face death.
But just as the Green Goblin was about to hit both spiders with his glider, he was suddenly hit in the head by a rock, causing him to spin around and missed his two targets!
Goblin rubbed his head before he was hit with more objects. He looked back, seeing it were the citizens on the bridge that were throwing things at the evil villain.
"Come on up here, tough guy! I got something for you!" an angered bystander yelled.
"Yeah, up your freaking ass!" another angered man called.
"Leave Spider-Man and Spider-Woman alone, you freak!"
"Yeah! You're gonna pick on them for trying to save a bunch of kids?!"
Then, a African-American yelled while throwing a iron pipe to the Goblin, hitting him "I got something for your ass! Mess with the Spideys, you mess with New York!"
"You mess with one of us, you mess with all of us!"
The Goblin was angry that the people disturbed his plan, while the two Spideys looked with delight that so many people were behind them and would risk their own lives to help them.
With the budge under them, Spider-Woman easily dropped the trolly car safely on it, saving the children and Gwen Stacy.
The people on the bridge cheered.
Spider-Man then pulled up Spider-Woman, now carrying her in his arm. Both formed a small smile.
"Hi…" Spider-Woman said.
"Hey…" Spider-Man said.
But then both heard Gwen calling to them "SPIDER-MAN, SPIDER-WOMAN, WATCH OUT!"
Green Goblin suddenly flew by and lassoed both Spideys with a cable from his glider, dragging them both through the air with him! Frustrated and feeling vicious, Goblin threw the Spider-Duo into an abandoned smallpox hospital on Roosenvelt Island, throwing them through a wall, inside the abandoned hospital! Falling down, Spider-Man and Spider-Woman quickly shoot a web-string and swing through the air, slamming through an old glass door before crashing on the ground!
Barely having any time to get up, Goblin threw two Pumpkin bombs at them! Though their Spider-senses went haywire of the incoming danger, it was too late as both bombs exploded close to them, throwing them through another wall cause of the shockwave of both explosions "Aaaargh!" and both hit a second wall before falling on the ground!
Both their suits were partly torn, with Spider-Man's mask ripped, showing now half of his true face. Spider-Woman's mask was now mostly shredded, showing her full face. They had cuts and bruises on their bodies, with Spider-Woman having a bleeding cut above her right eyebrow.
When Goblin jumped from his glider, he glared at the Spider-Duo with disappointment while they tried to stand up while they groan in pain "Misery, misery, misery. That's what you've both chosen. I offered you both my friendship… and you spat in my face."
Spider-Woman coughed before she gave a small chuckle and ripped off the last bits of her torn mask "I guess there are some people out there who don't choose the path of the villain, right, Goblin. Face it. You've lost." She said, making the Goblin furious.
Goblin first punched Spider-Man, who blocked the first blow, but then got hit in the chest hard! Spider-Woman tried to attack, but was met with a hard kick from the Goblin in the stomach before he grabbed Spider-Woman and kneecapped her and delivered a fierce uppercut, making her fly backwards and hit the ground hard! Goblin then attacked Spider-Man with a few punches in the face before kicking him in the face, making him to hit a wall hard!
Spider-Woman charged at the Goblin but he jumped high and kicked her back to the ground before punching her three times, with the third causing her a nosebleed! Spider-Man tried to shoot a web-string at Goblin, forcing him to be pulled to him, but was then met with a kneecap into the chest by Goblin and then a kick in the face again, sending him flying backwards.
Spider-Woman tried to shoot many web-strings at the Goblin to trap him, but he just torn them down, stopping Spider-Woman as she charged in with, sending her flying backwards. As Spider-Man tried to attack, Goblin grabbed him and punched him a few times in the face and chest before tossing him over to Spider-Woman, making them crash through another glass wall, falling on the ground together!
When trying to get up, Goblin charged with a fierce kick at Spider-Man in the chest, sending him flying backwards by hitting Spider-Woman first and both hit a brick wall!
Both lied nearly motionless on the ground, feeling pain and exhausted.
With his last strength, Spider-Man aimed his wrist, trying to shoot one more web-string, but Goblin steps on his wrist to keep him from shooting anymore webs, and also stood on Spider-Woman's free remaining hand.
"You've both spun your last webs, Spider-Duo." Goblin said with a mixture of sinister and anger "Had you not been so selfish and had just joined me in the first time around, Gwen's death would have been quick and painless. But now that you've both really pissed me off," he grins evilly behind his mask "I'm gonna finish her, and your dear Aunt May, nice and slow."
Spider-Man and Spider-Woman glared at the Goblin with nothing but hatred.
Goblin held up a weapon that spit into three blades as the two Spideys slowly got back on their feet "Gwen and May will be begging for mercy, once I'm through torturing them, with the knowledge that I've killed you both." Goblin said darkly and heartless before attempting to stab Spider-Woman first, but Spider-Man and Spider-Woman both grabbed it before Goblin could deliver the finishing blow!
"You're not going to hurt anyone…" Spider-Woman said with hatred "…EVER AGAIN!" she yelled before she and her boyfriend threw Goblin backwards so hard he hit a brick wall and fell down.
But just before Goblin could stand up and attack, Spider-Woman fired her web-strings at Goblin, lassoing over him and Spider-man shooting web-strings at Goblin's feet, making him fall backwards. Both Spidey's then shoot web-strings to the brick wall and pulled it hard, making to crash down on Goblin, who couldn't escape in time before being crushed by a whole brick wall!
However, slowly, from the crashed brick wall, Goblin groaned while climbing out of the rumble, feeling hurt and felt dizzy.
The Spider-Duo roared as they simultaneously charged at Goblin, grabbing him and threw him together against a wall! Spider-Woman first grabbed Goblin, punching him very hard in the face, with Spider-Man behind him punching him too, followed by a fierce kick from Spider-Woman and another punch from Spider-Man before Spider-Woman delivered a fierce uppercut at Goblin, sending him flying backwards!
But as Goblin lay on the floor and both Spideys were going to attack him again, he suddenly held his hand up, begging them "Peter, MJ, stop! Stop! It's me." that last line came with a different voice.
Confused, Spider-Man and Spider-Woman shared a short glance before looking back at Goblin, who slowly took of his mask… revealing to be… Norman Osborn.
Both their eyes went wide to see that the Green Goblin was their best friend's father all along.
"Mr. Osborn." Spider-Man said.
"Peter… MJ… thank God for you two." Norman said, seemingly being in control.
"You killed those people on that balcony."
Norman shook his head, trying to plead to them "The Goblin killed! I had nothing to do with it!" he showed lots of remorse, pleading that he wasn't in control when the Goblin killed the board members of OSCORP "Don't let him take me again. I beg you both. Protect me."
While Peter felt some sympathy for him despite his horrible actions, Mary Jane however told Norman with hatred "How could you, Mr. Osborn? You tried to kill Aunt May. You tried to kill Gwen and so many innocent people! And for what? All to make us snap and become monsters like you?!"
Norman shook his head and pleaded "No! That was the Goblin's intention, not mine," he began to sob "It's all my fault… if I just… hadn't experimented on myself with the Performance Enhancers."
Hearing this, began to make some sense to Peter "So… that's how you became like this?"
Norman nodded.
"But why?"
Norman sighed with sadness "I… I was desperate. That General… Slocum… he threatened to shut down OSCORP unless I would finally prove that our super-human experiment would work. I was out of options… so… I decided to test it on myself. Made me into…," he sighed sadly "I had… no control over the Green Goblin. He made me to do… horrible things… whenever I was angry."
Though hearing all this wouldn't justify Norman Osborn's actions, Mary Jane felt a bit of sympathy for him, showing that Norman couldn't control the Goblin inside him.
It all now made a lot of sense to Peter and Mary Jane.
Norman then pleaded again "You two have to believe me…. When I… figured out that you two were Spider-Man and Spider-Woman… I tried to stop the Goblin from taking me over again, to go and hurt your family and friends… and you," Norman shook his head as he glanced at Peter "I never wanted to hurt you, Peter. I tried to stop it, but he was too strong to control."
However, Norman secretly called his glider to him by pressing a button on his wrist, showing that the Goblin was still in control over him.
Norman gave a nod as he slowly stood up "I knew from the beginning that if anything ever happened to me, it was you and Mary Jane I could count on. You, Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson, would save me, and so you have. Thank God for you two."
Mary Jane gave a sigh before she shook her head "It still doesn't justify what you've done, Osborn. You killed people…! And you're not going to get away with this. You're going to spend the rest of your days in prison!"
Afraid, Norman shook his head, while for a short moment his eyes glowed yellow before returning to normal "No, please…!" he pleaded before glancing at Peter "Please, Peter… I need help." He then reached out to him, offering his hand "Give me your hand, Peter. Believe in me as I have always believed in you. I know you're the only one who can fix me," Peter looked at the hand that Norman offered, but seemed to doubt he should trust him. Though he wanted to help Norman, he felt that his girlfriend was right and he deserved to go to prison forever.
Norman gave a small chuckle before he pleaded again, opening his arms "Peter… please. I've been like a father to you. Be a son to me now." He formed a small smile.
But Peter rejected that
But Peter rejected that and said with determination, knowing deep down who his real father is "I have a father. His name was Ben Parker."
Seeing that both Peter and Mary Jane had rejected him once again, made Norman to snap, which made his eye glow bright yellow and his teeth razor sharp "Then I'll see you IN HELL!" he said with an evil grin before the Spider-Duo's senses tingled, making them gasp as behind them, the glider's blades came out and it flew forward to impale them, only for them to back flipped out of its path as it went right for Norman, who couldn't get out of the way in time "Oh." He said before the glider's blades went straight through him, impaling him lethally and the Spider-Duo watched in horror.
Norman roared at first cause of the pain, but then only grunted as life was slipping away. His razor sharp teeth began to turn normal, as his glowing yellow eyes.
Norman then glanced at Peter and Mary Jane with sad eyes "Peter… MJ…" a tear fell from his right eye "Don't tell Harry…" he requested before he breathed out his last and was now dead.
Peter and Mary Jane, though the Green Goblin was finally gone, both felt bad as in the end, Harry's father died along with the green menace.
Later – Osborn Penthouse
The Spider-Duo carried Norman dead body back to his house. Honoring Norman's dying wish, they got rid of the Goblin suit and covered him with a big blanket.
They carefully placed his body on his bed. Spider-Man sighed sadly, while Spider-Woman softly rubbed his shoulder.
But then, both heard someone coming into the bedroom, seeing that it was Harry.
Seeing his father's dead body on the bed, Harry looked in shock before he glanced at the Spider-Duo "What have you done?" but then turned angry, believing that the Spideys had killed his father "What have you done!?" he opened a drawer and took a gun, aiming at the two Spideys… but they were already gone.
A week later – Calvary Cemetery
Poor Harry…. Just as it seemed that his father wanted to reconcile with him and be the father he desired, Norman Osborn in the end was killed. But honoring his dying wish, knowing that the truth of his father being the Green Goblin, me and Mary Jane would never tell him.
When the funeral was about to end and the coffin of Norman Osborn was descended down into the grave, the people began to leave. However, Harry wanted to stay a bit longer.
Gwen embraced her boyfriend, feeling sorry for him to lose his father like that. Thankfully, they'd reconciled and left the whole argument of Harry not standing up for her behind them, seeing that she meant more to Harry than anything.
"I'm so sorry for you, Harry…" Gwen said softly.
Harry gave a simple nod as he returned the hug.
Peter and Mary Jane both walked up to their best friend, giving their condolences.
"We're so sorry for you, Harry." Peter said.
Mary Jane nodded as she said "We know what's like to lose a parent."
Harry then sighed before he shook his head "I didn't lose him. He was stolen from me." an anger began to grow in him "One day Spider-Man and Spider-Woman will pay. I swear on my father's grave that they will pay." Harry said as he swore revenge for his father's wrongful death.
Gwen was shocked that Harry said something like that. But feeling that it was only his anger that was talking and needed to time to process this, she didn't say anything.
Peter and Mary Jane too were shocked, but tried to hide it, not wanting to hurt their best friend even more.
But then Harry looked with sad eyes at Peter and Mary Jane "Thank God for you both, Peter and MJ. You are the only family I have left now."
Peter and Mary Jane gave a nod and embraced Harry in a hug.
Harry then left, wanting to be alone.
Gwen sighed before she shook her head, watching as her boyfriend left "I hope he doesn't mean that. It just… it just doesn't make any sense. The Spider-Duo saved my life again and… all those kids. Why would they then hurt Harry's father?" he asked Peter and Mary Jane.
Mary Jane shook her head, followed by Peter, who said "I don't know. I also doesn't make any sense."
Though the Daily Bugle published that day the article of blaming the Spider-Duo for the death of Norman Osborn, Peter and Mary Jane had ignored it, wanting to use all their energy to comfort Harry in his grief.
Gwen then told them "Just… Harry needs some time and…"
"We understand." Mary Jane said with sympathy.
Gwen then asked them "Shall we go and join the others?"
However, Peter and Mary Jane glanced to another side of the graveyard, feeling they wanted to pay two certain people a visit.
Gwen glanced to where Peter and Mary Jane were staring at. She gave a nod in understanding and went with the rest to the post-funeral gathering, along with Aunt May.
Peter and Mary Jane, walking hand in hand across the many endless tombstones.
No matter what we do… no matter how hard we try… the ones we love will always be the ones who pay.
for ten minutes, stopped before two certain tombstones, standing before the graves of Uncle Ben and Madeline Watson.
Sadly, Mary Jane said "Hi, Mom, Uncle Ben. It's… been some time," words failed her as she sadly sighed "So many things happened since you were gone… but I… I'm doing all that I can to make you proud at me, Mom… at both of us."
Peter gave a nod as he sadly sighed "I'm so sorry that I yelled at you like that, that day… but I won't disappoint you… and I won't forget the many things you taught me, Uncle Ben…. Me and Mary Jane… we'll make you and Madeline both proud."
Wiping away a tear from her eye, Mary Jane glanced at her boyfriend "It's so hard without them…"
Peter nodded "I miss Uncle Ben so much. And your mother too."
Mary Jane then took his hands, and told him "You know, Tiger…. When we were below that bridge… I truly thought we were going to die… and I was not going to let you go no matter what."
Peter shook his head "And I would never let you go either, Red… never… not even when facing death itself."
They both shared a kiss before Mary Jane said "I don't know what our future holds, what challenges or enemies were about to face, Peter. But no matter what… I want to face them together with you."
"And I want you to know…" Peter began to speak with all his heart "…that I will always be there for you… I will always be there to take care of you. I promise you that," he formed a small smile "I will love you and only you…. Till my last breath… I will always love you and only you… Mary Jane Watson."
A tear of joy fell from Mary Jane's eye "Oh, Peter…" and both embraced in a long romantic kiss.
After a minute, both slowly broke the kiss, looking at each other with nothing but love, knowing that they would never leave each other's side and will fight along side each other against whatever they'll face.
Both then began to walk away together hand in hand.
Later that day, wearing their Spider costumes, they glanced down the streets of New York City from above the Empire State Building. They took a short glance before holding hands.
Whatever life holds in store for us, we will never forget these words… 'With great power comes great responsibility.'
This is our gift…
Our curse…
So…? Who are we?
We're the Spider-Duo.
They jumped off the building together and web-slinged across the streets, ready to face whatever life's hold in store, ready to face them… together.
Meanwhile – Rikers Island Prison
A very muscled prisoner, having all kinds of tattoos on his body and had a bald head, kicked another prisoner, Herman Schultz, hard in the stomach.
Grunting in pain, Herman tried to get up, only to be grabbed by the tough prisoner and pinned to a wall!
"Get this through your fucking skull, Schultz!" he reminded Herman with a death glare "This is my prison, you got that?! So that means, you answer to me."
Herman, afraid, nodded heavily.
The tough prisoner then threw Herman to the ground before he chuckled with pride and left, followed by a few of his gang members.
Another prisoner, who had the cell next to Herman's, helped him up.
Herman grunted with pain as he rubbed his left rib, feeling it was bruised "Damn him." he cursed that tough prisoner, showing he was the toughest and cruelest prisoner of the facility
"I know," Herman's cell neighbor said. But then he took something out of his back, revealing to be a small package "Oh, here. The little 'thing' you asked for."
Herman looked at the package, forming a grin "Thanks."
That night, with all the prisoners having returned to his cell, Herman was secretly putting something together in his cell, using any spare parts he could get by doing a few favors in order to smuggle some parts into the prison for his little experiment, which he thought he could use to escape.
When doing the final adjustments with a screw bar, Herman held it up, revealing to be a sort of electrified hand glove. Herman smirked with pride as he puts it on, making his hand into a fist, making the glove showing a few electrocuted shocks. He chuckled evilly "Oh yes… soon this'll become really… shocking…"
A/N: There we go fellas! The first Spider-Man movie parts are finished!
Yes, that's right, the next villain will be… The Shocker! But I guess you already suspected that after the last chapter ;)
See you all then!
