Author's notes: I was debating if I wanted this fanfic to be a one shot. Then I thought it'd be best to expand it for a dramatic, adventurous story with three chapters but plenty of pages. I apologize for any delay between installments. Enjoy!
Chapter 2: Scion of The Goblin
Peter's mind raced. His heart beat with grief and anxiety. His best friend had been kidnapped and held prisoner by Goblins. They were ruled under a tyrant, Norman Osborn. And now that vicious cult was intending to make Harry a premium member. He would be given the title The Goblin Prince. A ceremony with an unknown time slot would arrive. The sand in the bottle of time dropped grain by grain.
Harry spotted how worried his friend became. To his knowledge the brunet only dealt with school bullies. The boy's worst problem was finding a date. The world of Goblins was out of his league. He had his aunt to return to. Bearing in mind their friendship, Harry decided to make an important verdict. "Pete, you gotta leave. You gotta get outta this damn tower while you can."
Confused, Peter looked at him. "What?"
"I can't let my dad do anything to you. For once it's me he wants."
Peter saw the courage rising in his pal. Once more Harry was willing to sacrifice himself to keep those around him safe. Peter couldn't allow a critical arrangement possibly result in the end of a life. He firmly replied, "Then let's find a way out together."
"You gotta leave on your own."
"No way! I'm not leaving you behind!"
"You shouldn't be here. You're not a Goblin."
"Neither are you."
Harry gave no response. He wasn't a green monster. Yet. Time wasn't on their side. Harry had already been marked. His tattooed area remained in agony from that sharp needle delivering green and gold ink. He vowed no matter what the brunet said he wouldn't allow him to impede.
Peter was aware of the constrained schedule. He permitted himself to be kidnapped to infiltrate the decaying warehouse. He stayed in the Tower. He refused to surrender his good pal to his hated foe. Keeping his faith, he added, "There's gotta be a way. I mean, someone like Spider-man will come."
He couldn't leave Harry alone. It may take more physical force to escape the growing Goblins. Such an effort may need to arise from a superhero. He needed time to change outfits. No privacy was available in the compact cell. He debated if now was the time to reveal his dual identity.
Harry raised an eyebrow and asked, "Why would Spider-man drop by at a place like this?"
"Uh, because he's a hero. He stops the bad guys."
"My point exactly." Harry then sighed. "If anything goes wrong, if someone like S.H.I.E.L.D. comes and arrests everyone… I don't want you to be at fault. You could be charged with trespassing, and conspiracy, and who knows what else. You got too much to go for to have a criminal record on you."
"So do you."
"It doesn't work that way. I'm an Osborn. My dad is The Goblin."
Peter clenched a fist. He hated how much authority Norman held over Harry. He was aware of how much pride his pal held in his lineage. However, he believed Harry shouldn't be controlled like a puppet. He made his point public. "You have the same last name as your dad. I know you had aspirations to be like him. But you don't have to. You shouldn't have to. And you shouldn't have to worry about Spider-man bringing you in. He's helped you before. He'll know you're innocent. This isn't guilt by association."
"Spider-man has helped me and my dad. But he's been following S.H.I.E.L.D. Like everyone else, he only has one type of view."
The brunet noticed his companion lowering his head. Concerned, he gently asked, "Harr, what do you mean?"
Harry reflected on his life after the horrible beast took control of his family. Such a monster brought misery but also created opportunities, no matter how dark. The green skin was now a piece of his heritage. Despair overtaking him, he shut his eyes. "Osborn, Goblin… It doesn't matter anymore. One will always be part of the other. They're synonyms of each other."
Peter couldn't believe how defeated his buddy sounded. Usually his pal fought for whatever he believed in. But the teen's desire to please his father trumped everything else. Peter needed to remove Harry from Norman's nefarious clutches. He had left him alone before. The reason was heavy; he could feel the costume underneath his everyday clothes. He grasped he couldn't leave him behind now.
"Look, Harr, I hear what you're saying. About Spider-man, your family, and Goblins. With Spider-man protecting you guys… there's something I've been meaning to tell you—"
"Well, well, look what the Goblin-cats dragged in," a feminine voice interrupted.
Peter ceased his disclosure. He recognized that alluring, vapid voice. He turned and spotted outside the bars a blond girl. "Lily?!"
The teen maintained her usual human appearance, her olive-colored skin, her full lips, her white teeth. Except for a pair of dark brown horns sprouting from her head. She confidently approached the bars. She didn't seem afraid of the situation. Or her condition. She actually appeared quite content. Her unruffled voice was proof of that. "Hello, Peter. Fancy meeting you here. Shouldn't you be out in the threadbare suburbs reading a chemistry book?"
"You're a Goblin?" Peter asked. He was genuinely surprised. He recently became aware of her membership. He didn't expect her to have had taken the formula.
"Love the new look?" she asked, flaunting her flashy appearance like a runway model. Someone who held as much refinement as she did could easily recruit the weak minded into the cult. Perhaps that was why there were as many members as there currently were.
The brunet quickly glanced to Harry before returning to the blonde. His shock brushed over. He curtly replied, "What a way to stay in season."
Lily unlocked the cell. She casually walked inside. Being the daughter of the city's district attorney, she had grown accustomed to entering unsanctioned places with little trouble. No doubt she had developed her sleuth skills to stay out of the paparazzi when she needed to. She seemed to be just as comfortable in the warehouse and Goblin Tower as she was in the boisterous city.
Quietly, Peter watched. He then switched his eyes towards his buddy. He could see Harry still taking in her beauty despite her minor alteration. He recalled how much time they used to spend together. He would see them sitting so closely together at the coffee shops. They had shared inappropriate laughs in the darkness of the movie theaters. One was always with the other whenever the brunet visited the penthouse atop of Oscorp. Those happy moments had shattered upon their break up.
In a breezy manner, she approached the young Osborn. Her green eyes were locked on Harry. She smirked. His eyes met with hers. He tried to step away, walking backwards. But the limited space caused him to stop. His back aligned against the cold wall. He was like a big mouse cornered by a small cat.
"I can't wait for the banquet. I'll be the best looking Goblin there," Lily declared. "Well, aside from the upcoming prince."
Her fingers with a slight extension of the nails tickled the auburn's chin. Harry kept his arms cemented to the wall. He leaned his head back. He stiffened. But as the petite tips brushed him, he felt that familiar dance he had done with her before. He closed his eyes.
"Hate to interrupted your reunion," Peter edged in sharply.
Lily stopped her physical teasing. She looked behind her. She saw the rage in the blue eyes. Based on their own history together, she derived the anger stemmed from somewhere else. "Oh, Peter, there's no rule saying Harry can't be a Goblin and your friend. No need to be jealous of this powerful couple."
She wrapped her arms around the auburn's.
Peter glared. He spotted how his pal tried to remove himself yet wanting to be kept attached. He didn't know the entire story. But he was the only one Harry turned to after the horrendous separation. He argued, "There isn't going to be a prince, Lily. Harry's not gonna take the Goblin formula. That fairy tale ceremony ain't happening."
Harry ceased his spirited grapple with the blonde. His eyes moved from her to the brunet. Peter stood so tall. He was more accustomed to seeing his pal stuffed into lockers and tripped in hallways. He was used to hearing how they shouldn't sneak into clubs or concerts. Their peers dubbed Peter as Midtown High's Professional Wall-flower. He questioned where all this courage originated.
"How can you be so sure?" Lily questioned. "Are you in charge of the Goblins? I've learned first hand from The Goblin King. He wants nothing more than for his son to join him, to be by his side. I'll be there for the crowing of the prince."
A small sound escaped from Harry's throat. He had been by himself for days in his penthouse. He was kidnapped by his ex-girlfriend. He was thrashed by his own father. He couldn't believe Norman simply and suddenly wanted him back.
Peter noted the title. He knew his enemy held no end to his arrogance. He spotted the other boy's reaction. He refused to allow his best friend to be manipulated by anyone. He questioned back, "Is that how it is? Get to know every grubby Goblin? Reconnect with Harry to get through the ranks?"
"Looks like someone doesn't believe in true love," Lily spat. She then rolled her eyes. "Not every girl you meet will be attracted to you. Get over yourself."
"Just like I'm sure not all men will grovel at your perfectly pedicured feet. What about your dad? He's running for mayor. I bet this won't be a good image for him."
Lily released herself from Harry. She clenched her own fists. Her shoulders stood up in ire. She was clearly outraged, but she also seemed deeply hurt. She shrieked, "Can't I do this for both the men in my life?!"
Peter stared at the girl. He spotted her green eyes glowing. A twinge of guilt arose for making an acquaintance teary. But the brown horns prevented him from delivering too much sympathy.
"I'm doing this to help Daddy become mayor!" Lily confessed. "I bet you never thought twice about the growing criminals. Sure, Spider-man and S.H.I.E.L.D. can simply lock up the bad guys. But what about all the craters in the streets and demolished public buildings? Who has to pay for all that? I'm sure you shed a tear or two if anything happened to your precious public library."
Obviously the girl was oblivious to the brunet's double life. Spider-man wasn't one for politics. But he did stand for what was sanctioned. The web-head used his powers for justice, unlike any Goblin imitation. Refusing to give in, he retorted, "Right. And letting The Goblin take control of New York will magically be the solution. So what about Harry?"
The brunet's nonchalant attitude irked the blonde even more. "Making me the bad guy? Because of this split? Have you ever thought that I never wanted to break up with Harry in the first place?! A nobody like you—you wouldn't know what it's like having to be in the limelight or being Miss Perfect all the time!"
Peter examined her explanation. He tried to see the best in everyone. But between the separation and the sudden Goblin appearance, he had doubts. He calmly challenged, "Is that really what this is? Or are you looking to raise your own status?"
Lily had never seen the brunet act this disorderly towards her or anyone. She wondered if he was treating her harshly because of something else. She huffed, "Don't drag me and Harry into this just because your love life hasn't worked out."
Break ups always entailed lines to be drawn and sides to be chosen. Peter endured his own struggles of the heart. He felt lucky to have his true companions remain with him.
"Oh," Lily began after she collected herself. "And as an F.Y.I., your old girlfriend is doing much better without you. In fact, being here, she's realized her full potential."
Peter and Harry gasped. Of course Lily Hollister would still have contact with her. They were best friends prior to meeting Peter and Harry. Sisters, even. Questions arose in their minds. Before anything could be asked, the trio heard the gate creek. They all turned their heads and saw another teen boy with black hair.
Peter recognized the visitor. "Vin?!"
The other boy noticed the new prisoner. He declined to give any proper acknowledgment. They had their own battle for someone's heart. And Vin had lost. Keeping his gruff demeanor, he announced, "Goblin King demands the presence of the so-called prince."
Harry and Peter froze. There wasn't more that could be said. It seemed the sand falling in the bottom of the timer had surrendered its last grain.
Lily smirked. "Excellent."
She turned to the auburn boy. "Time to go, my love."
Harry felt his legs stiffen. His body still ached from the last thrashing he received. His mind was still disturbed from seeing a man die. No, murdered. He was helpless against his father. He couldn't win against him. Believing there was to be one final task to take care of, Harry turned to Vin. He had to place aside his own disdain for the sake of his buddy. In an authoritative voice, he said, "I have a favor to ask you."
"You're not crowned yet," Vin snubbed. "I don't gotta listen to you."
"Just hear him out," Lily directed and rolled her eyes. "We don't have time for this petty squabble."
Peter wished they did. He wished there was a commotion, a disturbance, any distraction so that he could change into Spider-man and get Harry away from Norman. He waited to hear out the appeal.
Vin was reluctant to give in. He was aware of the consequence for denying a high ranking Goblin's request. He sighed. "OK, what?"
The auburn looked at his best friend. He recalled the chatty lunch breaks they shared, the fun weekends over in the unruffled suburbs, the dreadful tutoring sessions, and the conversations after break ups. He then looked away. "Get Peter out of here. Out of this Goblin Tower."
"Wha?" Peter gasped.
Harry fully turned around. He coldly added, "An egghead like him won't survive in a room full of Goblins. He couldn't handle himself against two lowlife Goblins that brought him in. He'd be torn to pieces in a matter of seconds. He doesn't belong here. Let him go back to Forest Hills. I'm sure he has a date with his chemistry set."
Peter's eyes widened as his mouth fell open. He had never heard his pal launch harsh words like that about him. Sure, the wealthy teen delivered his hatred against Spider-man. And, sure, they had their share of teasing and friendly jeering. But Harry was one who hadn't bullied him like many of their classmates had. His chest stung. He couldn't believe what his buddy was accepting.
"Harr, please," Peter implored. "You don't mean any of that. This is all because of your dad. Don't let him control you. You can't go through with this. You can't become a Goblin."
The other boy heard the pleading. He said nothing. Instead, he lifted one arm. He allowed his ex-girlfriend to escort him. She happily accepted the invite.
Vin stepped aside as the couple made their way out of the cell.
Peter felt his heart race. His imagination picked up. He envisioned Harry walking down the same path as Norman. He couldn't believe that the fair flesh would become a sickening green, and his blue eyes would become an arrogant yellow. The other boy would grow claws for hands. His ears would be jagged. He would be transformed into a monster. Peter quickly went after his best friend. "Harr! No!"
He was stopped when Vin blocked him. The other boy used his bulk body as a blockade. Because he had his own enhanced muscles, he put up a good fight. Even if he didn't know it.
"Get outta they way, Vin!" Peter demanded. He didn't expect to be facing someone so strong. He grunted. He forced himself to push forward to no avail. He felt like he was in a cross between a football game and a wrestling match. But he had to get to his goal.
He stretched out one hand. He discreetly shot a web from underneath his sleeve. The white vine hit the wall. Yanking on it, he pulled himself forward. He shoved aside Vin. The other boy tumbled. He rushed past the bar gate. He dashed towards another door. This one was closed. Establishing his hand on the handle, he pushed it down. He placed his side against it and used his weight to swing it open.
Once he left, he stopped. He saw no one else within the corridor. No clues gave the whereabouts for the young Osborn and his captivating escort. He couldn't even remember the way he came after his kidnapping. He began to panic. He began to believe his buddy truly was on the path to becoming a Goblin. But not just any Goblin. A Goblin Prince.
"Forget it, Parker," Vin announced from behind. He picked himself up and chased after him. He set his hand on the brunet's shoulder to prevent any further struggle. "You'll never find a way through this setup. The Goblin King gave his orders. I guess I can swallow my pride this one time and follow the unfit prince. Maybe I can get back in time for the after party."
Anger began to overtake the fear within Peter. He clamped his eyes. He squeezed both fists. He couldn't forget the lies he told as Spider-man to keep the Osborns safe. They had shared their defeats and triumphs. He refused to allow his enemy to prevail. Should Harry not live up to Norman's rigid standards, The Goblin may do more than simply toss aside his own son. Peter already lost someone close to him because of his inaction.
"He won't win," he avowed. "I know I've let Harry down before. I won't let that monster Norman hurt him anymore. Starting now!"
He elbowed Vin right in his stomach. The Goblin teen didn't expect such a potent jab. Especially from a scrawny classmate. Gasping for air, he released his prisoner. His stunned face was then met with a fist. Peter used one foot to knock his ward off his feet. Vin dropped to the ground. He groaned. Strikes of webbing covered his torso and legs, gluing him in place.
Peter looked down at the old classmate. He couldn't believe what drove a previous lab partner to joining a terrifying force. He saw someone who enjoyed baseball and wanted to be a cop throw everything away for a false promise. All courtesy of The Goblin. For protection, Peter quickly said, "Looks like Spider-man is already here in the vicinity."
He stared down the corridor. He had to act fast. Sprinting into the cell once more, he hurriedly changed outfits. No longer was he the weak adolescent who was held prisoner. Now he wore the red and blue threads with matching boots and gloves. He placed the trademark mask over his face. Shooting a web, he brought himself out of the dingy cell.
"Hang on, Harr," he mumbled. "Spider-man is on his way."
Hopping to the wall, he began to crawl his way around.
Harry stood on an extensive stage. He was high above the large assembly. His face was stoic. Underneath his façade he was turbulent. His past choices left him in disarray. He was surrounded by crowds of Goblins. Some were placing together ceramic plates and glass goblets on a long table. A feast was in order, an honor for the new prince. Others continued to glare at him, exhibiting their distrust. Lily proudly stood next to him. Her lips curled up in a fashionable manner. She carried her head tall. She waved to them like she did for her father's campaign. An array of excited voices chanted. Even with the commotion, the young Osborn was lost in his own world. He replayed what he last said about his best friend.
Shaking his head, he had to let go of the past. He had a future to manage. His blue eyes moved away from the sea of green. He couldn't make a dash for an exit; Goblin guards were on both ends. Guilt chomped down on him. He used to get along with everyone at Midtown High. Everyone knew his name. Or rather, his last name. His peers expected him to foot the bill and arrange free transportation. Peter was different. He didn't know if he lost his best friend with all he had said. He would ensure no harm would come to him nor his aunt when he came to power.
Lily took notice of her one-sided date. She was more accustomed to him displaying a haughty attitude, enjoying the limelight, like herself. She leaned towards him. "This whole celebration is for you, Harry. Don't be so quick to judge anyone. Parents do what's best for their kids. You don't want to disappoint anyone close to you again, do you? What gives? You don't seem happy."
"Why should I be?" Harry questioned. He passed on the lecture and focused on his agony. "I can't believe what I did. I dumped on Peter, my best friend. I sent him packing like someone with head lice. Hopefully Peter made it out alive, and he and his aunt will be OK."
"Like you said, he wouldn't last two minutes here. He's back where he belongs. Those weekends when we were in the suburbs were nothing but a bore. Waiting for my nail polish to dry was much more thrilling."
The boy scowled at her. He clearly disagreed with his ex. Spending time with Peter and his extended family gave him warm memories. No one worked in the dead of night. They all participated in games, and movie nights, and conversations. Everyone was present around the dinner table. He always felt welcomed.
"Never mind Peter. Besides," the girl added, "you have so much to look forward to."
Harry eyed the syringe. The needle rested on a purple lacy pillow on a lectern. He saw the haunting green color held within the glass tube. His heartbeat increased. His shoulder, now bearing the tattoo, stung. He knew his life was about to change forever.
A set of heavy footsteps rumbled the stage. Harry broke away from his somber thoughts. He knew what was coming. He felt the blonde's arm confidently wrap around his. He sharply inhaled, shoving aside any lingering remorse. He made his decision. He had to cut ties with his outside life. He was prepared to face who was arriving. He exhaled.
Murmurs fell over the crowd. All ceased their preparation. A hush came down. The entire atmosphere became surreal; a chaotic horde entered into order.
The green beast towered over everyone. Harry couldn't help but stare in awe. This was the same man who ordered his kidnapping and the murder of another member. This was the same man as his father. He tried to keep his composure.
Cheers rang. It was though a rock star had arrived. The members had done their prepping. They had hoped their great power would grant them their great reward.
Yellow eyes stared down at the young Osborn. Even before Norman gained his substantial height, Harry was already familiar with the man's powerful glare. He always felt like an insect whenever his father scrutinized him. The transformed industrialist seemed less than excited to have his son present. He wasn't boasting his arrival and the boy's awaiting ritual. It was like he was disappointed the teen stood in front of him. Harry didn't understand what he did wrong.
The Goblin turned to the crowd. "I'm sure you all are awaiting for the ceremony to begin. To see my son become your Goblin Prince."
The crowd followed whatever their leader presented. They had already witnessed the deadly consequence if they interfered. Those who doubted the choice hid themselves. They had no intention of drawing the monster's wrath. Unsure of what reaction The Goblin King was seeking, they applauded anyways, aiming to keep the head of the cult happy.
"It's every father's dream to have his son run a business besides him," he continued. Norman Osborn always had a way of using his rhetoric towards others. His pride had increased when he became the horrid beast. Which explained his sudden change in tone. "Of course, a father and son need to have their trust. And I understand my son has been keeping a secret from me."
Harry turned confused. His only contact with his father occurred a mere couple of hours ago. He then spent his remaining time locked in a cell in the Tower, far away from everyone. When he was at the penthouse alone, he didn't stray too far from his original routines. He received no invites for group activities. He didn't even receive a single phone call.
"He should've known that there are no secrets between us," The Goblin announced. He sounded like he was publicly shaming him.
The auburn felt irritated. His father was connected to the realm of criminals. The man broke many promises to adhered to his wicked work. Yet he never said a word about his covert lifestyle. He awaited to see what aggravated his dad now.
The Goblin looked towards his boy. He revealed the root. "To my understanding, Peter Parker is here."
Harry became astonished. He couldn't believe his father was bringing up his best friend. It seemed even with a celebration held for his honor Norman focused on the Parker boy. Maintaining self-control, Harry answered, "He was. But he's gone now. He's going back to Forest Hills without another word."
"And this was your decision?"
"Yes," Harry replied. He stood in silence. As a growing businessman, he understood he needed to stand by his choices. Especially ones made with the well-being of others in mind.
"You fucking idiot!" The Goblin yelled. He bat his hand against the teen.
The impact was great. The powerful force sent Harry flying. (Lily had released her grip and fled thanks to her enhanced speed.) He slipped against the floor. A wave of dizziness washed over him. His whole body began to ache, especially his tattooed area.
"How can you send Peter off?!" The Goblin demanded to know. He was far from angry. He was swarmed with his usual disappointment in his son. He roared, "If Peter had been present all along, I should've been notified. I would've made him the next heir. Instead here I am wasting my time with you."
Harry grunted. He writhed in pain. His tongue picked up the taste of blood. Yet he still heard the disgusted tone from his father clearly.
The leader of the cult watched dissatisfied as the young Osborn failed to fight in turn. He concluded how unfit the crown would be over someone who couldn't hold it up. Norman was a businessman. The Goblin noted a problem, and he needed a solution. "Perhaps if he hasn't gone too far, I can get him back."
Harry had done what he could to protect his buddy. He shoved aside his physical pain. He couldn't allow his father to torment his best friend. Especially since Peter had once become Carnage with Norman's appalling attempt to make him a Goblin. Harry had to use his own persuasion. "Why… why would you want Peter? For something as heinous as this cult? He's a runt. Everyone at school can see it. Everyone in this cult will see it. They barely want me. What makes you think Peter will be a better choice for them?"
He saw that himself. The young Parker was shoved into lockers, was tripped by other students, and was often picked last for sport teams. But it wasn't the misguided brainy power or the lack of brawn that made the two friends. There was a reason he stopped the limo to pick up the class genius on that rainy day.
"This isn't about the other members," The Goblin declared. "I'm the leader of this cult. The members will want what I tell them to want. This is about what I want. And I want Peter."
Yellow eyes stared down at the aching teen. He recalled seeing his own son lying in a hospital bed. Harry was unable to control the black symbiote, a sentient creature yearning for a host. He doubted the boy's ability to even run a lemonade stand, let alone a growing cult. The giant beast was done with his son bringing shame to the Osborn heritage.
"Those who work for power are more likely to appreciate it than those born into it."
Spider-man continued his crawling. He felt like a videogame character. He maintained the high walls to avoid any roaming Goblins. Fortunately, none were in sight or ear shot. He was in no mood to fight against any mini bosses. He moved his heinie as quickly as possible.
"I wonder if all those Goblins flocked to the main room for the ceremony," he pondered aloud. "Harry and Lily gained a head start. Meanwhile, I was delayed because of Vin. There's no telling how much time went by between then and now. I'd hate to be fashionably late to such an important commemoration."
He knew he was nervous. Fighting against a Goblin was never easy. The first one had managed to take down a S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier. Handling extras seemed like a daunting task. From what he gathered from the associates who captured him, some were even around his age. Harry accepted that fate. To be a second in command. A prince. His mind replayed what the auburn boy had spat.
"I know Harry didn't mean any of that," Spider-man mumbled. He turned sympathetic. He had time to digest the taxing situation. "He had to say all that mean stuff. To make it look like he wanted nothing more to do with me. As Peter. He already hates Spider-man. He had to give a convincing act. Almost deserving of an Oscar, even."
The words stung. Those insults imitated how other students viewed him—Peter Parker, Midtown High's Professional Wall-flower. He wasn't built for gym. He found comfort in the school's lab and library. He often ate his lunch in the cafeteria alone. The young Osborn weaponized those observations. For a while Peter had harbored his own dark thoughts. He had more than enough reasons to seek revenge against the student body. He loved learning. But attending his classes in a toxic environment made it challenging. He chose not to take that path of vengeance. He was aware more of a similar abuse taking place on top of Oscorp. A part of him wished he could've done something to step in.
His nose soon picked up an interesting smell. It was rich and inviting. Immediately he thought of food.
"Seems fitting to have a banquet. At least I have a closer guide. And maybe I can have a bite to eat in between punches."
He pushed himself to move forward. If the reception was being served hot, then the ritual was set to begin. He shot his webs and swung through the corridor.
"Let's see how Norman likes a fist to be served right in his face."
Harry was in a bind. His father no longer wanted him to serve as The Goblin Prince. His father deemed him unworthy. Rage began to build. He was sick of being shoved aside in favor of his best friend. At times he despised Peter for that. How he loathed being invisible in his own home, by his only family. But he knew the meek brunet wasn't at fault. Sitting himself up, he ran some plans through his head. He couldn't allow Norman to get a hold of Peter. Perhaps he couldn't change the man's mind, but perhaps he could delay his overall course of action. Despite his pain, he attempted to lift himself.
"Forget it, Dad," he groaned. He persisted to display his backbone. "You started this scheme with me. You ordered my ex-girlfriend to kidnap me. You called for my old lab partner to keep me locked up in the stupid Tower. You always taught me the importance of keeping commitments and seeing things through. That's what I'm here to do."
The Goblin watched as the teen struggled to stand. The back of his brain, the part that was still human, recalled a baby learning to preserve his balance for the first time. Such a moment was washed away. He then remembered standing next to a bed with a woman underneath its sheets. Overrun by his longtime aversion, he retorted, "I can see not all my lessons eluded your stolid brain."
Harry understood he had his chance to escape. He had no interest in becoming The Goblin Prince or any type of Goblin. But with his best friend now a prime target, he had to do something. He spat, "If you want someone to be your Goblin Prince, then you'll hafta choose me."
The Goblin studied the boy. Norman always hated what was out of his control. Harry brought him an interesting complex. He wanted a son who would never surrender. He wanted a son who would obey him. He barked, "You already screwed things up! Keep your fucking trap shut!"
"No, Dad!" Harry shouted back. "I'm not an Oscorp employee you can fire! I'm not your business partner you can pay off to leave! I'm not some science experiment where you throw out whatever didn't work! I'm your son!"
He limped towards the lectern holding the syringe. His body screamed in pain. He saw the green liquid resting inside the clear tube. He resented having the evil serum run through his veins like a gushing river. But he must accept it if he wanted to keep his best friend out of danger. He was set to grab hold of it.
The green beast clenched a fist. He appeared to be calculating. Using his immense speed, he raced to the lectern. He snatched his boy's hand, preventing him from taking the needle. His child looked up at him, surprised. "You have been a true pain in my ass."
He swung the teen high in the air. He ignored his son howling in agony. "Perhaps you can still be of use. A Goblin's appearance frightens others. Peter became Carnage already. Perhaps I can fix that. He has that damn moral compass. He may come more willing if his best friend is in danger."
Harry fearfully listened to the hypothesis. He did recall how the innocent brunet ended up as a symbiote. It was through Peter that Harry decided not to fight against his monstrous father. With all that has happened, he questioned that decision. He wondered what the ferocious beast had in mind.
The cult leader hurled his son. Harry flew from the stage. He smashed into the decorated table. Plates, goblets, and silverware crashed to the ground. The injured boy stayed down.
The Goblin jumped off from the stage. Even fulfilling mundane tasks, he always found a way to show his power. The horde quickly and fearfully parted. He marched towards the bashed scenery, keeping his eyes forward and his posture straight. From experience as a businessman, he knew to nip a problem before it grew out of hand. He refused to permit a heedless child to best him.
Before a green hand could reach his son, The Goblin felt something coming his way. Murmurs filled the area. A new excitement filled the air.
"Spider-man!" members gasped.
The Goblin turned from his pitiful boy and noted who arrived. He eyed the red and blue fabric. Already had he encountered New York's new hero on multiple occasions. How the wall-crawler tried to prevent him from taking back what—rather, who—belong to him before he traveled underground. Norman and The Goblin detested defeat. And he detested who delivered his setback. He growled.
Spider-man swung across the spacious area. He was glad to have left the maze and find his way to the correct room. He saw the numerous people persuaded into joining the cult. He looked around the warehouse. "OK, gotta find my his best friend. Don't see anybody wearing a crown. That's a relief. But then, where's Harry? Norman always displays his disappointment in him. So what's The Goblin capable of to disclose that displeasure?"
He turned back around to do another take. He noted who else was present in the warehouse. He also kept an eye on his main opponent. A man he now hated.
"How did you find this place?!" The Goblin demanded to know. His booming voice reached the top of the warehouse.
"I was following the yelling," Spider-man answered. Having worked as a superhero, he learned to use his diaphragm to get his words across any battlefield. It was important to communicate between teammates and provoke his adversaries. "You seem ready for a party. You screaming for ice cream?"
Although the power of flight was not listed under the wall-crawler's amazing abilities, he still held the advantage of utilizing his webs. He could stay above the ground where the members gathered. He also could stick to walls and high ceilings. He only needed to avoided the gaping holes from the structural problems.
The Goblin saw his foe was out of reach. He would need to assistance of his glider. "You should've never been permitted to step foot inside! My fortress should've been impenetrable!"
"Maybe you should've updated the employee handbook. It must be tough writing or even typing with your burly hands."
"Just wait until these burly hands are wrapped around your scrawny throat!"
"I hope you washed them first."
As the hero and villain squabbled, Harry had been lying in place. No member bothered to keep him prisoner or guarded. He sensed something was wrong. His father had yet to pick him up. Unless something else drew the businessman's attention, The Goblin should've finished his punishment. Perhaps that was happening. He heard the commotion. To see what was taking place, he tried to lift himself up. His vision was blurry. His head was rushing. His body begged to stay unstirring. But he heard a new voice. His heart raced as he panicked for a moment. He barely spotted something against the ceiling. Something was moving and crawling, like a spider. At least it wasn't his best friend.
The smaller Goblins noted the unwelcomed foe. They had watched in the shadows a war between their leader and the web-head. Because Spider-man was The Goblin's enemy, he was their enemy as well. The horde grabbed what they could—rusty pipes, split lumber, trash. They threw their projectiles. It was as though the red spider on web-slinger's back made the target.
"Whoa!" Spider-man gasped. He was already accustomed to New Yorkers throwing their own garbage at him whenever he drew their ire from him performing his job. Fortunately, neither group displayed good aim. He swung himself while remaining close to the ceiling. Those who remained human were unable to gain the height they were seeking. The hero needed to dodge the objects slung by those who took the formula.
"Take that!" they screamed.
"Your head's gonna be mounted on a wall!"
"Squash the bug!"
The war cries caught the young Osborn's attention. The banging of various objects filled his ears. Slowly, Harry brought himself together. He had managed to lift his shoulders from the ground. He observed all the members were facing in one particular direction. He followed. As he saw the red and blue costume, he realized who entered the warehouse. He dove behind the flipped table. It served as a good shield. As he lay low, he quietly asked himself, "The fuck? Why is Spider-man here? Did Peter convince him to come?"
He kept himself low. He thought about the conversation he had with his departed buddy. He wondered if Peter managed to contact his favorite hero. He felt guilty for deriding him to force him to leave. Yet the brunet did what he could to save him. He felt like he didn't deserve the friendship.
The white slits in the red mask noted the sea of green. The masked champion couldn't lower himself yet. He had to find Harry. As he searched, he saw what was most likely the banquet table. No food had been served. All the cutlery had fallen. He could see someone attempting to keep himself hidden. But a pair of blue eyes stared right back at him. Spider-man didn't wish to draw attention to the auburn. He spotted some crates.
"Ah, that's something I can use," he mumbled to himself. He at last permitted himself to drop. He landed near the giant cubes. He picked one up with ease. "Nice packages, Osborn. I can't imagine the shipping rates to a rat-hole like this."
He chucked it towards the horde. He predicted he could scare away any amateurs. The box flew and crashed into the ground. A loud bang erupted. The crowd departed, racing away like frightened mice.
"Perfect." The hero used the distraction to his advantage. He shot his webs and lifted himself into the air. He had to give a little disappearing act. He landed behind the broken table.
Harry spied the whole event. With the arrival of the teen hero, he could see how bitter his father became. He watched as members fled. He could barely see some exiting the warehouse in fear. Including ones who doubted his leadership. He pondered where his father vanished to. He saw Spider-man coming towards him. Thinking about the hero's responsibility, he prepared for the worse.
The web-slinger at last found whom he was searching for. He brushed aside all the negative remarks the auburn served to Peter. He had to stand by Harry. He knelt beside him. Blue eyes gazed back at him. He gave a quick analysis. To his relief he didn't see any green. But he did noted some red and dark blue against the fair complexion. He knew what caused it. He felt his rage rising. He needed to hold the older Osborn accountable. For now, the teen under the stretchy fabric wanted to check on his best friend.
"Hey, there, Harry." His greeting was still cheerful despite the gristly situation.
The auburn heard his name. He glared at him. He recalled how many of his problems stemmed from the web-spinner. "What are you doing here? Your fanboy Peter Parker is already long gone. Leave before you get your ass handed to you."
Spider-man sensed the hostility. The young Osborn always disliked him since Norman's disappearance and transformation into the disreputable Goblin. The last the two had any conversation was after the web-head rescued Harry from Doc Ock and his symbiote experiment. He explained, "There's a gang of Goblins in the area. This seems to be my call."
Harry grunted and looked downwards. He couldn't argue with that logic. Knowing that the wall-crawler was a member of S.H.I.E.L.D., he worried other heroes may drop by and make his family business their concern. He became tensed with how much of a threat his father became.
Spider-man tried to keep himself hidden. Since The Goblin had yet to make a noise, he assumed the man was plotting something. He couldn't let anyone interfere.
((I understand Harry's dilemma. As per the conversation he had with Peter back in the Tower. There's a leader of the Goblin cult to stop. But that same leader is his dad. As Peter, I had hoped the two would be able to patch up their estrange relationship, to be in a good place for the both of them. Except, it looks like Norman has no interest. As disappointed I am with the results, I do know Norman has no right in hurting other people. Let alone his own son.))
"I get this isn't easy for you," he began. He brought to mind the young Osborn carried about his presence. He tried to sound sympathetic. "I know you got nothing to do with this Goblin cult. Your penthouse was a total pigsty when I was investigating The Goblin. This is all something your dad had schemed. He may be the one behind it all. But I get the feeling you're not for it. You don't have to be if you don't want to be. Err, not that you should. A father doesn't get to choose his son's destiny."
((That sounded deep! Maybe after all this is done I can write sympathy cards. Make some extra cash doing that side hustle.))
"I'll distract The Goblin," the wall-crawler directed. He stood up, ready to expose himself. "Things are gonna get ugly before they get better. Kinda like everyone's mug around here. You find a way out."
He fought to keep his best friend safe. A war between goblin and spider was beginning. Unlike when he was Peter back in the Tower, he didn't give Harry a chance to argue. Spider-man held that authority in which Peter Parker didn't.
The young Osborn kept his eyes on the hero. Peter was right; Spider-man showed no interest in arresting him because of his connection. The web-spinner was even permitting him to leave. No stipulation attached. He took a moment to think. He didn't know if he could leave his father. The man had expressed his disinterest in him once again. He figured even as strong as Spider-man was taking on a Goblin wouldn't be easy.
"Wait!" Harry called.
"What?" Spider-man asked.
The auburn looked at the web-head. He dropped his aggression. He placed on a grave expression. "There's something else you should know. The Goblin didn't give me the formula. He's looking for an heir. He wants your fanbo—He wants Peter Parker."
The hero took in the unexpected revelation.
((I'm surprised but not surprised. The information had come to Peter on multiple occasions. Norman had wanted me in place of his son. My time as Carnage attested to that. Thankfully it was Harry re-taking his role as Venom that he saved me. I don't know if I could've escaped that slimy symbiote without him.))
He gazed at the blue eyes across from him. Anyone else would've only monitored a serious contortion. The best friend, however, understood the hurt. The rejection a father gave his own son. "Wow… Uh…"
He couldn't allow his pal to be tormented about his civilian identity. To Harry's knowledge, Peter had been tossed back to the busting city, the unobtrusive suburbs. Perhaps the auburn feared that Norman had already ordered a swarm of Goblins to retrieve him. Harry had given him a piece of information. Perhaps the favor needed to be returned.
"You might not hafta worry about Norman's twisted aspiration," Spider-man began. Earlier Peter had been tempted to reveal himself back in the Tower. Spider-man was aware of the members hanging around. He wondered if he could lift enough of his mask to only show his face.
"There he is!" voices shouted. The group had uncovered the web-head. Not everyone took off from the artificial attack. They proceeded to toss their items towards him.
"Don't worry about Peter!" Spider-man hurriedly assured Harry. "Norman's not gonna get a slipshod hand on him! Meanwhile, you get out! Maybe you two can meet up later!"
He dashed from Harry. He had to draw attention away from the young Osborn. Shooting himself up towards the ceiling, he became out of reach once more. He doubted any member would harm the upcoming prince. With the new report he received, Norman now aiming to track down Peter, the case may have changed. He hoped he could depart as well and reconnect with his best friend over pizza.
"You slobs ready for round two?" Spider-man taunted. He crawled from one end to the other. He created a sporadic pattern to confuse his adversaries. Of course, many of them were not a threat. They had yet to possess the strength, speed, or even height the Goblin formula granted. Perhaps he could tire them out.
"Maybe I can also take away their toys," he thought to himself. He glued his back to the top. He shot his webs, creating a small net. He whipped it. Catching the rusty pipes and other items, the web acted like flypaper. The web-spinner turned pleased with his idea. "You can get these toys back if you can prove you won't use them for evil. And also give an apology. My feelings got hurt."
His happiness in his achievement didn't last long. His spider-sense went off. A true peril was coming his way. A Razor Bat followed him. He managed to dodge it. The sharp metal sliced the ceiling of the warehouse. It stayed in place. Spider-man shuddered. "I'd hate to see what that would've done to my good-looking body."
He looked around. Someone might have had the muscle to have thrown something a great distance. Someone like The Goblin. He heard a cackling. He heard a machine rushing. He spotted his true adversary.
The Goblin held a weapon in his hand. His feet were attached to a glider. A much larger one compared to what he rode previously. He grinned. "A new ride for an old enemy."
Spider-man listened to the applause below.
((Perfect. I now have an air-borne monster to elude as well as the deluded members. I was worried about the cult as I approached the Tower. I know I can't handle this amount of Goblin roadies. At a glance I can't tell which ones are fully human and which ones took the formula. Can't risk using my extra fortitude on the more vulnerable people. I gotta do what I do best: Mocking my enemies.))
"What's going on, Norman?" Spider-man asked. He still needed to create distance between himself and the original Goblin. He carefully moved himself backwards. "I've reached the high ground to avoid these minions of yours. You letting your mini boss squad do your work?"
His goal was to rise the arrogance out of his adversary. The rage would make him act sloppy. He noted a change in the industrialist's face. No longer was it a grin, but a scowl.
"Enough!" The Goblin shouted. "Everyone, cease your activity!"
The members halted their throwing. All eyes were now on their leader.
"No one is to battle against this arachnid brat," The Goblin commanded. "This wall-crawler has been a pain in my ass since his arrival to New York. I've had my unsavory share of battles against him. It is my pleasure—no, my right—to be the one to beat him. To humiliate him. It's my job and my job alone."
The members completed his commandment. Immediately, they dropped their objects. Some were secretly relieved. Tossing items towards an evasive target was tiring. Perhaps now all they had to do was sit back and enjoy the show.
Spider-man was glad to see his plan succeed. His foe had garnered his rage. He could avoid attacking any of the lowly associates. He shot his webbing and lowered himself to the ground. "I'm honored, Gobbie, that you wanna handle this so personally. Too bad it isn't gonna work that way—"
"Let go of me!" a masculine voice shouted.
Spider-man picked up the cry belonged to Harry. He gasped. Turning towards the direction of the hollowing, the web-head saw the other boy was unable to escape. Another boy was holding him in place. He was someone they had conversed with back in the Tower.
"Hey, wait a sec," he addressed to Vin. "I tied you up. Back at the holding cell."
"Yeah, you gave quite a sneak attack," he coldly answered. "Coward."
"Coward? Me? I'm facing a squad of Goblins. Not looking to become one."
Vin grew annoyed of his captive trying to shake loose. He twisted Harry's arm behind him even more. The young Osborn bellowed in pain. The arm that was held down was the one with the tattoo. Using his exceptional vigor, Vin forced Harry down to his knees. Harry was unable to stand. His beaten up body couldn't do so.
"That's enough!" Spider-man shot a web towards a high railing. He swung himself to the air. As he attempted to reach his best friend, another Razor Bat sliced his web. He shouted as he tumbled towards the floor. His woozy head tried to locate the obvious culprit.
"At least someone is able to do his fucking job right." The Goblin rode himself through the air. He could see the web-slinger had a focus on Harry. He had to stop his path. "Don't think I didn't noticed you speaking with my son beforehand. I won't allow an enemy to pollute his mind. Or use him as leverage against me."
The beast saw the wall-crawler jump to his feet. The masked champion sprinted towards the two boys. The Goblin refused to allow Spider-man to steal his son once more. He pressed a button on his gauntlet. A Pumpkin Bomb popped out of the glider. He tossed it towards a steel railing. The firing broke it, causing it to fall. Unfortunately, affiliates of the cult were underneath it. They had no time to move. Perhaps that was the monster's plan.
Upon hearing the cries, Spider-man stopped. He saw what The Goblin had schemed. He couldn't allow him to bring harm to other people. Even if they were his cronies. Taking action, he knew Harry wasn't one in immediate danger. He bolted towards the unlucky group. He shot more of his webbing. He managed to get enough to prevent the railing from falling over anyone.
"Get outta here!" he warned the associates who were nearly squashed. "This Goblin cult isn't what you're looking for! Get out now before Norman kills you!"
The Goblin became displeased. He watched as groups rushed towards the double doors. To prevent anyone else from escaping, he flung another Pumpkin Bomb. The explosion blocked the exit. Scaffolds collapsed. Chunks of walls broke and tumbled. People cried out from the injuries.
"No one is to wiggle their way out," The Goblin directed. He refused to allow an inkling of his plan to surface until he was ready. He had to keep mouths shut. Some could be paid. Others needed to be silenced. He turned back to Harry. He may have wanted a different heir. But he declined for his enemy to take away what belonged to him. He raised an arm to give his command. "Keep my ungrateful brat away from this pesky hero!"
Despite his agony, Harry refused to be placed away like a child. He lowered himself down, trying to make himself heavier. Vin scowled. His opponent was swaying from his grip. He soon had assistance. A blonde took hold the auburn's other wrist. Both Lily and Vin grabbed Harry by his shoulders and arms. "You heard your dad. We're taking you back to the Tower."
"No!" the auburn boy yelled. He struggled in their death grips. "I won't go!"
Spider-man watched the duo of his old acquaintances forced Harry to his feet. The young Osborn couldn't compete with their substantial energy. Especially since his body had been thrashed. He saw his best friend being hauled away. "No! Harry!"
He tried to go after him. His red boots moved him quickly across the dusty ground. But he soon faced a giant, green blockade. He could no longer hear his friend's cries. Spider-man knew whom he was about to go against. He had to be prepared to fight against a brute. Unlike some of his other adversaries, The Goblin possessed a brain, albeit an insane one.
"I know your plan," The Goblin boasted. "You want to bring my son to S.H.I.E.L.D. You want to see if he'll crack, tell you anything he knows. Well, I've got news for you, Spider-man. Even if my dullard son knew anything, Harry won't betray me. He's an Osborn."
Spider-man turned irritated with what he heard.
((Norman's always placed his pride in his heritage. No doubt this monster instilled his distorted beliefs into his son. Which could explain why Harry also carried that glory and permitted them to drive his actions. Not only his actions, but also his esteem on himself.))
"You won't keep Harry trapped forever," the wall-crawler taunted. He placed his fists up. "Yeah, you're his dad. But he has friends on the outside. Friends who care about. If I don't break him out, he'll find the strength to do it on his own."
"We have done battle before in the city," The Goblin noted as he hovered. "It was difficult to face you and your team. I see you're alone now. Much to my pleasure."
"My team has helped me. In a lotta ways. You won't sway me into thinking I'm helpless. Like you did with Harry. You've been beaten before. So I know it can be done again."
"Your secured spirit has served you well. But you forget one thing: You're in my world now, wall-crawler." The Goblin grinned. He threw another Pumpkin Bomb. His aim was opposite from the web-spinner. He shot it at the affiliates. Shrieks of agony filled the air as did the blast.
Spider-man gasped. He couldn't believe how anyone could strike down innocent people, let alone minions who unquestionably followed their boss. Norman's ego had inflated to the size of the Goblin's massive body. The hero could feel rage coursing through him. He shot his webs. He had to move himself away from his enemy so he could strike. His webbing latched on to girders. "We have faced each other before! S.H.I.E.L.D wanted to lock you away! I fought for you to be with your son! I tried to reach through to your humanity!"
"That feeble Norman is gone," the green beast retorted. He saw his opponent moving. He kept his yellow eyes on the red and blue costume. "All that's left is his ultimate form! I am The Goblin King!"
The web-head flew through the air. He noticed none of the underlings moved. Some even attempted to camouflage themselves. Perhaps he needn't to worry about them interfering nor their safety as much. He placed himself on a second story catwalk. He spotted a set of empty oil drums. Sprinting towards them, he knocked them over. The barrels toppled downwards like snow. Or rather, hail. He became entertained seeing his enemy fending them off. "Goblin King, huh? You earn that title by collecting cereal box tops?"
"You watch your fucking mouth!" the green monster ordered. He flung another Pumpkin Bomb in the wall-crawler's direction. "This will be the name you and everyone in New York will bow down to! I will be the greatest ruler the city had ever seen! Both the citizens above and every crime circle below!"
The catwalk was damaged. It was falling apart. Spider-man shot his webs to lift himself. "Oh, I see. This is all a way to fulfill your inferiority complex. You were scolding Harry for his alleged inept behavior when all this time you were upset about yourself. Great parenting, Norman."
The Goblin became irked with how his foe continuously avoided disaster. He also opposed any criticism. No one knew of the struggles he endured growing up. His pride was damaged. He roared, "Don't talk to me about raising children until you have one of your own! But don't count on that! You'll be dead before you can plant your seed from your loins!"
"OK, gross." Spider-man raced away. He continued to hear the over-sized glider humming behind him. He understood he would have trouble competing with a machine. As his spider-sense went off, he zigged-zagged. Another Pumpkin Bomb detonated in his direction. He leaped and tumbled. As he cartwheeled his way through, any Goblin member dashed away from him. Almost like he was diseased. They obviously refused to appear like they were breaking The Goblin's orders.
"Gotta admit, it makes the war much easier when civilians aren't involved." Spider-man looked behind him. He could see the mutated man rushing after him. He muttered to himself, "Peter knew Norman as a hard working man. Running Oscorp, and raising a son, and everything. But I don't know where all his darkness had stemmed from."
He leaped and landed on a crate. He only wobbled a moment. Thankfully, the box was sturdier compared to the other ones. He had to be in a spot that would be challenging for The Goblin to approach, glider and all. As the green beast sped towards him, the wall-crawler bolted upwards once more.
The Goblin became confused. His machine rode past the tricky web-spinner. He lost sight of him for only a moment. He forbade him to out do him. When he felt someone on his back, literally, he knew who it was. "Get off of me, you bastard!"
"Why?" Spider-man questioned. He pushed his boots against the monster's shoulder blades and set one hand on the broad shoulder. "I never knew what a view you got from riding this thing. You know, you could make some extra change charging people for rides."
"I am The Goblin King! I don't need petty handouts!" The mutated man controlled his machine in an attempt to rid himself of his unwanted traveler. He flew around the warehouse. He zoomed by rusty support beams. He ventured straight up and attempted a tail spin downwards. Nothing worked.
"Right, I've been meaning to ask about that," Spider-man replied. He held on throughout the rumble. "What's the tragic back story? Every villain's got one. What's yours? Did your dog run away from home? Were you snubbed at a school dance? Have your parents forgotten to pick you up after a recital or soccer match?"
"Don't you dare mention my father!" The Goblin roared. His enmity exploded. As his emotions frayed, he raced towards a high raised girder. He ducked while the web-slinger grabbed it. He successfully shook the hero off.
Spider-man released his grip from the metal. He shot his webs and managed to catch himself. He picked up the tone. It was filled with resentment. But it was different from the anger the monster was displaying earlier. This one was filled with hate. And the hero had no time to delve into the maddening mind of a monster. "Stay away from the 'F' word. Got it."
The Goblin doubled backed. He made eye contact with the hero. He slowed down his ride. His rage was like surfaced lava, cooled but still hot to touch. "Since you have such an interest in my family, my son, let me tell you that he is responsible for everything."
"Really, Norman? Everything? Exaggerating much?"
"I was married. To a wonderful woman named Emily Lyman. We were childhood sweethearts. She supported me as I was rebuilding Oscorp. She was the only one whom I could trust. She was my best friend."
Spider-man carefully listened to his foe. The woman's name was familiar. Peter had seen photos when Harry shared them from an album. He wondered if he was speaking to Norman and less of The Goblin. He picked up a genuine tone of loss. He permitted the beast to talk so he could think of a plan.
"Then we had our son, Harry," The Goblin continued. His tone darkened. "Emily died a year after his birth. She wasn't strong enough to have him. He came along and killed her."
The white slits in the mask widened. The teen was aware of some of the Osborn history. He always wondered why a father would constantly disapprove of his only child. His heart delve sympathy towards his best friend. He became shocked at the revelation. "You can't seriously believe that!"
"He has no idea of her sacrifice!" the monster retorted. "He insults her for every failing grade he brought home! His laziness and incompetence mock her magnificent strength when she carried him!"
"Well maybe if you opened the doors a little…"
"Don't go telling me what I can and can't do to my son!" The Goblin disposed of another Pumpkin Bomb. "You are not the family's therapist!"
Spider-man sprinted. He evaded the ignition. "Like you would've followed any of their advice. Harry wanted you to forgo your Goblin persona! I fought to save you against S.H.I.E.L.D.!"
The Goblin began chasing the hero once more. "A lesson you should've learned a long time ago: Kindness is weakness."
Spider-man understood how much darkness claimed Norman's heart. He recalled that act of kindness when Harry picked Peter up on that rainy day. He jumped to a wall. He watched as the glider passed him. "So where does that leave Harry? From what he told me, you're looking to swap his Goblin Prince role with Peter Parker."
"None of your concern! He's my son! I own him!"
"You already mentioned that you wanted Harry to be this Goblin Prince. What if that serum kills him?"
"Then he'll have proven that he was never worthy of being an Osborn."
Spider-man disbelieved the answer. His anger exploded. He fought against everyone aiming to assassinate Norman. He retained his code of no killing. But he was more merciful towards the corrupted industrialist because that vile man was his best friend's father, his only family. He pushed himself from his position. He tackled the enemy. He managed to knock his foe off his glider.
The Goblin fell to the ground. He became surprised by the sudden strength. He observed the outburst. He grinned, "I wonder what a Spider-Goblin would be like?"
Spider-man removed himself from the fall. He turned disgusted. He couldn't risk the Goblin formula. He didn't want to become Carnage once more. He raced towards the altered industrialist. "Keep your hypothesis to yourself!"
The Goblin saw a kick coming his way. He ducked. His yellow eyes watched as the hero slammed himself into the weakened wall. Taking advantage of the teen's disorientation, he bashed a fist into the wall. Particles fell. So did girders and oil drums. They covered the hero. Spider-man had trouble lifting so much off of him. He worried about all those he was failing.
"Just wait and see, Spider-man," The Goblin laughed. His feet marched towards his hated foe. "Once I have my next kin, all of my followers will be ready to attack New York! There won't be a damn thing you can do to stop it!"
Spider-man heard the maddening chortle. He could also hear the old screaming of injured Goblin members. He heard the plea for his safety from his readheaded friend. He heard his best friend's courage in accepting his destiny. He had a city to protect. He had someone to rescue. His arms began lifting himself from the floor. He vowed that neither he nor his brother would be a scion of The Goblin.
To be continued…
Amberson "Ambrose" Osborn, see The Spectacular Spider-Man Annual #14, 1994. See also What if? Infinity Dark Reign #1, 2010.
Emily Osborn-Lyman, for initial appearance in a photo, see Spectacular Spider-Man #180, 1991 ("The Child Within: Part 3 of 6"). For full appearance, see Spider-Man: Revenge of the Green Goblin #1, 2000. For her possible return as Emma, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #789, 2018.
