Harry ran as fast as he could. He wasn't even sure he was going the right way, all he cared about was going as far as away as possible. From the fight, from the Green Goblin, from his father, and from...

Peter.

He gritted his teeth as he grasped the red fabric he held between his hands. He couldn't believe it, how could Peter ever... it didn't matter, for now. He'd get mad at him later.

He rushed out of the old church, bumping into a group of people.

"Harry, wait!"

He turned around, realizing he was facing Spider-Man's team. Peter's team.

"Hope we got there on time. Goblin just booby-trapped the whole street with his bat bots and exploding robot pumpkins, took us a while to get rid of those." said Nova. "Did Spider-Man already finish the Goblin off? Or is he getting clobbered right now?"

"Hold on, Nova," said Power Man, "are Spider-Man and the Goblin inside that building?"

Harry stared at them. They knew who Spider-Man was, they worked with him, they were the ones helping him save the day. They knew he was Peter, and he didn't, he...

"Does this answer your question?" he groaned, showing the costume to them.

There was a shocked silence as the superheroes looked at Harry, seeing what he was holding. Peter lost his costume and Harry came out running, could it mean...

"I know about Spider-Man and what Peter did. Dad turned him into Carnage again. They're on my trail and they're gonna get here soon!"

"What?!" said White Tiger. "Carnage? Is that the name of the symbiote that took over Peter?"

"Yes! He doesn't need Venom anymore. He doesn't need me anymore..."

They heard a sound coming from the old church the Goblin used as his lair. Peter was still in there, they needed to save him.

"Stay safe while we handle this." said Iron Fist. "We promise we'll bring Peter back."

"With what?!" he snapped. "Peter is Carnage now! There's no Spider-Man to save him anymore, all because he..."

He paused, bringing his hand to his face. It was all because Peter was Spider-Man.

For how long was Peter doing this? Why did he do all of this? What was the point of being a superhero when he was hated by the press and his own best friend? What was Peter playing at?

Before he could add anything, a wall nearby was blown up, from the back of the church. Goblin was escaping, and Carnage with him.

"After him!" led Nova.

The superheroes took off, leaving Harry behind.

Everything happened so fast. Goblin kidnapped his best friend, Peter was Spider-Man, Venom came back, and left him for Peter. His dad stole away Peter to make him his son instead. Even as a supervillain, Norman preferred Peter over him. This wasn't fair, this wasn't...!

Harry stared at the mask he carried on him. The same mask Spider-Man wore whenever he caused trouble, whenever he acted stupid, whenever he... whenever Peter came to save him. He groaned.

Peter was an idiot, why bother saving all of those people in such a stupid costume? Risking his life for a team of superheroes that didn't need his help to ruin everything, living a double identity and lying to everyone.

He was probably skipping so many classes because of that, being a superhero. Peter was ruining his life over being Spider-Man, why would he do such a thing?! He who gets so much gratitude from Norman for being an amazing student, he who always strives for the best grades instead of playing superheroes, he who keeps running off when bad guys are in town to stay somewhere safe rather than joining the fight.

He who leaves him and MJ to probably battle some weirdo in costume, he who runs off to risk his life all the time for everyone, he who... constantly gets himself in danger to keep everyone safe. That was what Spider-Man was doing, not Peter.

Peter's not supposed to have superpowers, he's not supposed to spend all day swinging webs at buildings, making lame quips and working alongside S.H.I.E.L.D. or wearing a spider suit. But...

Did he even know who Peter was anymore? Did he know him at all?

"You've been making fun of your father for too long, Carnage. But don't be worried, this only makes me prouder."

Green Goblin sported a devilish grin as he patted the transformed teen's head, who hissed eagerly in response. After that Harry left like a coward and ran into those superheroic brats, Goblin took advantage of the confusion to leave with his latest creation.

He left Carnage the pleasure of getting rid of the evidence. His newest son entertained himself in tearing down the screens and vials in his latest lair, letting loose the symbiote as he tore the place down.

Naturally, Venom failed to stay loyal to him, he couldn't have been as successful as this one. Even as humans, Harry was always a disappointment. Always desperate for Norman's approval, too weak to work on his own like Peter did. Hence why Peter would've always made a much better son.

At last, the boy now joined him, and he'd make sure to make him stay.

He almost didn't want to believe Peter was Spider-Man at the beginning. That kind, smart boy somehow being associated with that annoying web-slinger. Yet it almost made perfect sense they were one and the same.

All of that power, those abilities, that strength. Spider-Man possessed what any vulnerable, weak teen wanted. Being able to leap across town with capacities unattainable to the average human being, possessing the energy thrill that helped that damned spider defeat all of his enemies. It was everything anyone like Peter would've wanted, it really should've been no surprise, especially with all the quips and familiarity Spider-Man allowed himself.

Only someone who acted like they were close would ever attempt to reason with Norman or Harry, just like Peter himself did.

He was amused at the thought this whole time, Peter had the power to fight back from all of those bullies and teenage idiots he usually confronted, but merely relied on Harry's assistance to protect himself. Then again, that was another smart move on his behalf, letting someone else fight his battles without disclosing his true identity.

Peter could live a life as a student, yet use his reputation as a weakling as a mask for his real strength, just like the mask he wore as Spider-Man hid the powerless boy underneath. It pleased him to know how cunning his son could be, but that part of the past didn't matter anymore.

Carnage was now his, and better yet, the formula that made him Goblin came from Spider-Man's DNA himself mixed with Venom. Now that Spider-Man, enhanced by Venom, was on his side, for all intents and purposes, Peter was biologically related to him. He truly was his son.

This would also greatly aid the symbiote in being more obedient. If it sensed them sharing the same blood, it wouldn't leave its host easily, stay home and keep Carnage manageable. It was all so perfect, he'd be killing two birds with one stone.

He looked at the teen gnawing on some scrap of metal he found, inside the factory he'd chosen as his new lair. While the symbiote could make its host lose their mind to the raw energy it brought, Peter carrying the same genes as the Goblin Formula could change his plans. He wouldn't change Carnage into a second Goblin yet, but he could tap into the newfound potential his son had.

With Spider-Man's powers combined to Venom's, Peter's intelligence, the symbiote's instincts, and Goblin's training, Carnage would be able to spread a wave of terror all over New York. And soon, the world.

"Come to me, Carnage."

The symbiote turned around, running on all fours to his creator. Or at least, what he thought to be his creator. The Goblin took him by the waist and raised him into the air like an adult would to a child, observing him with a toothy smirk.

"You've been more disciplined after rebonding yourself, I was wrong to send you after Spider-Man's team. I just needed to give it time instead of rushing you towards S.H.I.E.L.D., you already were part of our family from the moment I made you."

Carnage made a high-pitched hiss, his jagged mouth morphing into a smile at the praise. Earlier that day, he wouldn't be willing to stay put unless his creator forced him to, shocking him and hurting him. He still went after those bugs nonetheless.

Now that his host reunited with him, he felt an impulse... to make his creator happy. He did not know and did not care why, but whatever his host went through, Carnage wanted to appease the Goblin in result. And from what his creator was telling him, he was doing great.

"Once I finish perfecting you, you'll be no match for those superheroes you used to lead. The era of Spider-Man is over, now it's time for you to shine, my son."

The door knocked, she hurried to open it. Though he was in for a scolding, she was still very much worried.

"There you are!" she said. "Oh. Hello, Harry! It's been a while since Peter brought you home."

"Hey, Mrs. Parker." said Harry, inhaling quietly before talking. "Uhm, Peter accidentally brought my chemistry book with him yesterday, and he didn't have it with him at school. I was wondering if I could check his room, because, uh, we're working on some project and I kept my notes in it."

"Sure thing! Why don't you...?" she looked behind Harry. He came here alone. "You wouldn't have happened to see Peter on your way?"

"Uhhh..." he hesitated. "I actually did. We were planning to go to the movies. Today. After school."

He hoped she didn't notice him acting off. "If so, it'll be alright. I'm a bit surprised he didn't come to get it himself, but you kids have your own plans. Come in."

Harry walked into the Parker household, looking around the place. If he hadn't known Peter beforehand, this could've been like a superhero lair to him, or a shelter for a superhero he hated. The problem came with Peter being his best friend for years now.

It was hard to go inside the house knowing that, every time he came to visit before, it was Spider-Man he was visiting. He wasn't sure he could ever see this place the same way again.

"Hope you kids don't stay out for too long, it's gonna get late soon. What movie are you two going to watch?"

"Uhm, we haven't decided yet. We'll see once we get there."

Thankfully, she paid him no mind. He felt a bit guilty about playing on her trust like that, he and Peter haven't hung out in a while. Probably because of his work at S.H.I.E.L.D...

Going upstairs, he took a look at the house. Still the same house Peter used to invite him in for video games, studying, parties, and other stuff. Was it so bad for him to come back after everything that happened earlier?

He needed to get to Peter's room ASAP. If he knew Peter well, he had notes somewhere. Not about chemistry, but considering what he was looking for, it was still science. He wished he could say he still knew him well.

He had the feeling this would last long, and Peter's absence would get noticed starting from tomorrow morning. Peter's Aunt May would know something was wrong, and would ask him about it, could he lie to her about what happened to her nephew?

She already lost her husband, she didn't need to lose Peter as well. Then again, he wondered how she could fare with Peter and his... double life. He had the rest of the evening to look for what he needed, he had time to think about it.

He looked at the window from Peter's room. It was raining, the sky was an upsetting grey. It reminded him of when he and Peter first became friends, Norman already had his eyes on him.

Norman smiled at Peter's arrival, and seeing his dad happy was something rare for Harry. Was that memory now tainted forever? His dad took away his best friend to... replace him.

How was that any normal?

The symbiote looked at his creator while the Goblin was installing screens and his lab items around the lair. His creator said this would be their new home until those bugs came back, or until he owned the rest of the town, make it their kingdom.

This made Carnage happy, the idea that he'd have control over so many people, what they'd do, what he could make them do. And his father was willing to teach him for it, he could make him proud.

Despite his blood lust and excitement, he didn't feel the extreme need to destroy everything like he did before. All he wanted was to satisfy his father. He knew he had disappointed him before when Venom was there, he didn't want to make his father angry again.

An angry father meant he was doing it wrong, and Carnage didn't like disappointing his family.

"Take a look at this, my son."

Carnage turned to the screen his father was pointing at. On it was the image of the bugs they saw earlier. Carnage eagerly defeated them before while inside that building, after beating that man with only one eye. They were after him again, and this time, Venom wasn't there to make him sleep, he could stay and protect his creator against those bugs.

They were a mere annoyance without Venom helping them. Which piqued Carnage's curiosity as he saw Venom on another screen.

He was with the other bugs, near the building where Carnage woke up. This was footage of his escape, right before he sent those bugs after his creator. It was stupid, Venom was the only one who could stop him. It made his blood boil to remember how Venom treacherously attacked his father.

"These pesky superheroes who attacked you today will come back. They won't hesitate before trying to take you away from me again." said Goblin, which definitely angered Carnage as the symbiote's face morphed into an angry frown. "These are your enemies, not your friends. It doesn't matter who Spider-Man was to them, you're the one in charge now."

Carnage roared angrily at the screen, before lunging at it savagely and taking it off the wall, scratching it with his claws. He would not let someone separate him from his family, he was ready to squash those bugs any time soon. Goblin seemed content with seeing him lashing out, until he threw the screen on some of his tech. That was a sign Carnage was taking it too far.

"Stop it this instant, symbiote!" warned Goblin.

He didn't even need to shock him to stop him this time, Carnage froze as soon as he heard him shouting. He smirked.

"At least, unlike Harry and Venom, you don't need me telling you what to do twice. You really are the better son."

Carnage lowered his head as his father patted his shoulder with a green clawed hand. His behavior momentarily upset his father, he shouldn't do it again. At least it seemed like his father enjoyed his reaction, so it wasn't all bad.

Carnage looked at the other screen. An image of Venom was there, on the streets, leaving the scene. Carnage couldn't let Venom disrupt their family, it'd be war if Venom asked for it.

"Don't worry, Carnage. Once I make sure you're ready, you'll be free to destroy them as much as you want. We'll take over the rest of the world once you've put an end to them."

Carnage's toothy mouth twisted into a crooked smile.

"...yessssss..."

"That's all?"

"I've told you, Harry, that's as much as I can say about Spider-Man without endangering S.H.I.E.L.D.'s secrets."

Nick Fury knew he wasn't dealing with the average teenager. The son of the head of Oscorp, a recidivist symbiote host, someone whose father turned into a supervillain and who was willing to sue them if he could. In short, this was Spider-Man's high school best friend, one of the kids Peter spent time with before joining S.H.I.E.L.D. and leading a superhero team.

With Spider-Man's identity known to him, it was impossible for Harry not to come for answers. The teen had asked hundreds of questions from him, many of which he would not disclose the answers to. For a high schooler, Harry acted like a cop. If Oscorp's chief and heir didn't hate them, he'd almost suggest an association, have some agents from their corporations.

He could already hear Coulson's comments about the school's funding and Harry's involvement in it, but that wasn't the reason Harry came.

"Look, I'm tempted to do something crazy if you don't help me out. Peter's trapped in a symbiote suit and my dad's to blame, so if you got nothing else to say, I'll do something I might regret."

An automatic door opened behind them, letting the superheroes in. Despite most of them having their faces covered, Harry could tell they came back dejected. If Peter wasn't with them, it could only mean they failed.

"Goblin escaped... and Carnage too." said White Tiger.

"Have you seen where they were headed to?" asked Fury.

"No, Goblin used all the tech he had available to push us back, we couldn't do anything." said Power Man.

"We'll keep the searches for Goblin and your friend going by tomorrow, Harry." said Fury, getting the team's attention. They hadn't noticed Harry was in there yet. "You can return home, we'll assure you Peter will come back safely."

"No."

Harry glared at the man, who looked back at him with a mix of a confused and wary look.

"Are you really not gonna let me in on this mess?" he asked, frustrated.

Fury sighed. He had a feeling this conversation would keep going unless either of them found a compromise. Spider-Man's presence would've been helpful dissuading him, if only he wasn't gone for the time being...

"Guess I really got no choice."

Harry put his bag down and started digging through his schoolbooks, searching for something.

"Uh, dude?" said Nova. "What are you doing?"

"I told you I'm about to do something crazy, and here it is. When I saw what Peter could do with the symbiote after I learned who... Spider-Man, was... I realized no one else could compete with him." he explained. "So I went to Peter's house and gathered a few things he must've used when he became a superhero."

Something suspicious was coming, Harry had a plan in mind. And no one in the room seemed sure they wanted to know what it was about.

"Being rich and the kid of a CEO apparently does get you somewhere in life, I was able to buy some of my dad's old scientists silence. It should be more resistant to damage, be lighter when worn. Good thing you already gave him better web shooters, or it'd be impossible to pull off."

"You don't think..."

"I do." cut Harry, as he struggled to put the red and blue sock over his shoe. "You always kept Peter away on those missions as Spider-Man. If both of them suddenly disappear, everyone's gonna know his secret. I already got experience with every single time I turned into Venom, I'll get used to this."

He sighed as he put on the gloves. This was a terrible decision, but he had no choice. Peter needed his help, whether he liked it or not.

"No way!" said Iron Fist. "You don't know what you're getting yourself into!"

"I know that Peter needs me. He took the shot for me and became my dad's replacement goldfish as a son. If Peter has to take my role..." he said as he brought down the mask he never thought he'd wear, "...then I'll do him a favor and become Spider-Man."