Chapter 21: Goblin Nation Part 1: War of the Goblins
A/N: this is it. The beginning of the end. The war to end all wars. After this chapter , Peter Parker's life will never be the same. Before we get to the life changing moments, however, let's take a look and see how the Goblin King became so powerful. I have no excuse for the lateness of this chapter, other than my own ADD, and I offer my deepest apologies.
Seven Months Ago, Coma Ward
In the coma Ward of a New York hospital, Norman Osborn, who had been rendered comatose after a battle with the Avengers and New Avengers shortly before the hostilities between the Avengers and the X-Men last month…opened his eyes. 'Where…where am I?' He thought as he looked around his surroundings. 'The last thing I remember…the Avengers, the Dark Avengers, Skaar's betrayal, them overloading me….' He thought, but when he thought about Spider-Man, his head felt like there were a million knives being driven through his skull. He was trying to think of a name, but couldn't. He felt like he should know the name, but no matter how hard he thought about it, he just couldn't find the name. 'His face…his name…I know I should know this, but I just can't think of it.' He thought, when a doctor came into view.
"Oh, you're awake. Good, now the other doctors and nurses don't have to avoid this ward like the plague." The doctor said. "Y'know, having you here has caused a lot of headaches for us. We've kept your stay here a secret, but that doesn't stop the rumors from flowing. People are afraid to even walk by us. Good to know we can finally turn you over to Captain America so you can-" while most people's muscles would have been weak from lack of use after exiting a coma, the Goblin Formula flowing through Norman's veins made sure his muscles were still as strong as ever. A fact Norman was grateful for as his arm snapped and grabbed the doctor by his neck. He smiled devilishly, before snapping the man's neck with a flick of his wrist. Looking around from his bed to make sure there was no one else, he quickly disconnected the life support machines, and got up from his bed. He quickly leapt out the room's window, which faced a back alley. By the time a nurse arrived and found the doctor's body, Norman Osborn was long gone.
6 Months Ago, Two Days After Otto Octavius Died
Vin Gonzales sat alone in a bar, drinking a beer as he listened to the reports of Spider-Man's final victory over Doc Ock. "Ugh, Spider-Man." He spat out. "Why can't everyone see he's as big a criminal as the ones he fights?"
"Because they're too dumb to know otherwise." A voice said beside him, and Vin was shocked when he saw no either than Norman Osborn next to him!
"M-mr Osborn, you're alive!" Vin said.
"That I am. Listen, Officer Gonzales, I've heard a lot about you. You made a few bad decisions, got kicked off the NYPD, but most importantly? You hate the Spider." Norman said. "You see, I've spent the past month since I woke up figuring a few things out. Some old friends, old memories, new…gifts…and I came to a conclusion: the people of this city, of this country, they're too dumb to realize that masked fools like Daredevil and Spider-Man oppress them, not protect them. I want to change that, and help them realize that life without these costumed phonies is better." Norman said. A decent lie, but it would do to sway Vin to his cause. "But to do that, I'm going to need an army. There are a few HAMMER cells left that are still loyal to me, but they simply won't be enough. I take it you know a few people?" Norman asked, and Vin grinned.
One Week Later, Sewers near Central Park
A woman with black hair and green skin sat next to Megatak and a man with fly-like traits. "I swear, when I get my hands on Venom, I'm gonna rip that alien right off him, and-" Human Fly said, when Lilly Hollister, better known as Menace, cut him off.
"-drench him in your vomit. We know." Lilly said. "He ripped off your wings. You're pissed. We get it!" It had been like this for months. Ever since Lilly had given Harry Osborn custody of their son Stanley 2 years ago, she had been hiding out in homeless shelters around New York, pretending to be a mutant who had been kicked out of her home following her powers manifesting. About two or three months ago, she had come across Human Fly and Megatak, the former of which had been badly wounded. From what the two had told her, they had been working with a new Crime Master when a new Venom waged a one man war on the crime boss, ripping off Human Fly's wings and badly injuring Megatak. "Hearing you bitch about it isn't going to help."
"The data confirms Lilly's statement." Megatak said.
"That's true, Lilly. But I can change that." A voice said that made Lilly's blood run cold, and out from the shadows stepped Norman Osborn, clad in his purple and green Green Goblin attire.
"Osborn, you've got a lot of nerve showing me you face, especially after how you ruined my life and lied to Harry." Lilly said. "Any particular reason me and my friends shouldn't kill you now?"
"Because I can give Stanley a future." Norman said, making Lilly flinch. "Harry is weak, and will only be able to give him a meager existence, whereas I can provide him an empire, where he can have anything he needs or wants. All I need is your assistance. Will you help me, Lilly? Will you help me give your son a future?" Norman asked, and Lilly thought for a moment.
"I will. For Stanley. If you hurt him, or Harry, or my family, I will END you." Menace said, and Green Goblin grinned.
"Excellent." He said, and looked at Human Fly and Megatak. "You two might as well come along. I could use all the help I can get."
"Thanks, but I don't know how useful I'll be without my wings." Human Fly said.
"Don't worry. I have friends who can remedy that situation." Green Goblin said. "Well, what do you say?" Megatak and Human Fly looked at each other, before nodding at Norman. "Excellent. Lady, Gentlemen, welcome to the Goblin Underground."
5 Months Ago, Shortly after Spider-Man's defeat of the Sinister Six
In a secret underground lab that had once been used by X-Men villain Mr. Sinister, Miles Warren sat cross-legged staring at vials full of the DNA of several X-Men. "Oh yes, this will do nicely." Jackal said. "Shame the McGuire boy's little change didn't affect his DNA. Oh well, that's what I get for working outside my comfort zone."
"Uh, Dr. Warren?" The voice of Carrion said from behind him, and Jackal sighed.
"Oh what now Carrion? Can't you see I'm-oh!" Jackal said as he turned around, seeing Goblin King standing behind Carrion. "Norman, a pleasure to see you. What brings you to my humble abode?" Jackal asked.
"Just a friendly visit. I see you've gotten yourself some new toys." Goblin King said, gesturing to the vials in front of Warren.
"Yes, I've never experimented on mutant DNA before. Spiders and humans, yes, but never mutants." Jackal said. "Speaking of Spiders and humans, I have a nice little girl for our mutual friend to play with. It should be nice seeing how he reacts to it."
"Indeed. That is one of the reasons I came to speak with you." Goblin King said, slightly grimacing as he thought of Spider-Man. "I'm gathering an army to fight him, and I need your help. I'll provide you with whatever you need: samples, money, equipment…test subjects. In return, all I ask for is your help when that time comes." Jackal tapped his chin, before grinning.
"Oh Normie. When it comes to messing with Peter Parker, all you need to do is ask." Jackal said, when immediately Norman's mind filled in the blanks it had been trying to fill for the past months. He remembered everything. He remembered who Spider-Man really was, how to fight him, and most importantly? He knew how to HURT him.
3 Months Ago, Goblin Underground, Shortly Before the Fall of Horizon
Goblin King watched as Grey Goblin and Goblin Knight sparred, until Gray Goblin knocked Goblin Knigh flat on his ass. "That's enough, Gabriel. Go make sure those new recruits we got from Mr. Negative's gang are settling in." Goblin King said, and the Goblin Prince looked at his father.
"But father-"
"NOW." He ordered, and Gabriel nodded, leaving to follow his orders.
"Mr. Osborn, I'm-" Phil started to say, before Norman punched him in the face.
"Shut up with your excuses, Ulrich." Goblin King said. "You've done a lot of things to piss me off. You abuse my name to try and actually be a hero, you disgrace the Goblin name by working for Kingpin, and most recently on your long list of failures, you jeopardize my whole operation by running around in front of that little camera, nearly tipping the Spider off in the process." He yelled. "I was forced to shut down our criminal for a whole day, costing me hundreds of dollars! All because you decided to…play…dress up." He said, an idea forming. "Ulrich, find Jack. Tell him I have a job for him."
One Day Later, Brooklyn
Bruin sat down in a hideout he had made, bags of money in his hands. "Oh man, I hit the jackpot! All this tech I got from Kingsley is worth all the money it took!" Bruin said.
"Good to hear you're adjusting to your new role." A voice said, and out of the shadows stepped none other than the Hobgoblin! "But before you go on a spending spree, remember my cut."
"Sure thing. You gave me this suit, least I can do is pay you 25%." Bruin said, and took out a few stacks of cash, handing them to Hobgoblin. "You ok? You sound a bi different.
"Just a small cold. Keep up the good work, Bruin." Hobgoblin said, and hopped onto his glider, soaring out through the warehouses door. He flew to Harlem, before Landing on an unoccupied rooftop. "I got the cash. Blaze, Devil Spider, Bruin…those idiots actually fell for it!" Hobgoblin said, and Goblin King stepped into view.
"Excellent work, Jack." He said, and Hobgoblin peeled off his mask to reveal none other than Jack O'Lantern's scarred face.
"Thanks boss, but as much fun as pretending to be a knock off of you is, I prefer my own clothes." Jack said.
"Don't worry, Lantern. It won't be long now." Goblin King said. "Soon, Mr. Kingsley is going to learn exactly what happens when you diss the franchise."
Two Weeks Ago, Undisclosed Location
"God f**king dammit!" Roderick Kingsley yelled. "White Dragon: arrested; Rhino: arrested; Blaze, Bruin, and Devil Spider: still recovering from that run in with that Spider-Venom…while in prison; Diablo: in federal custody; Beetle: arrested; Mysterion: escaped from his prison transport…only to run into the Punisher." Kingsley said, remembering the news report of Mysterion's brutal death. "My franchises are getting taken down one by one, not to mention that imposter running around. At least I've still got a few guys left. Crime Master, Steeplejack, Tumbler, come in." He said, and on the screens in front of him, the three Supervillains appeared.
"What is it boss?" Steeplejack asked.
"There's an AIM weapons shipment coming in from Madripoor. I want you three to go and obtain it, then sell the weapons to the Maggia." Roderick said.
"On it boss." Crime Mater said.
"And remember, there's someone out there pretending to be me. You give your cuts to this face, and this face only!"
One Hour Later, Shipping Yard
"This the place?" Steeplejack asked as he followed Tumbler and Crime Master.
"Yeah, this is it." Crime Master said. "Look, leave the talking to me. I picked up a few tricks of the trade from the Maggia."
"As long as you don't mess this up." Tumbler said. "Boss has been pissed off lately. Between the other guys like us getting taken out, and that imposter stealing his cuts, he hasn't been in a forgiving-argh!" He yelled in pain as he the ground under him exploded, ending his life in an explosion of fire and concrete.
"It's a trap!" Steeplejack yelled as he and Crime Master took out their guns.
"Who the hell has the balls to attack me? Do you have any idea who you're dealing with?" Crime Master asked, and Jack O'Lantern and Goblin Knight descended from the sky, Jack on his broomstick and Knight using his wings.
"The better question is do YOU know who you're dealing with?" Jack asked. "You got a lotta nerve, wearing that mask. If Kingsley cared about your safety even a tiny bit, he'd have told you exactly HOW much trouble wearing that mask has earned ya."
"So, Jack, ready for some fun?" Goblin Knight asked as he took out his flame sword, and Jack took out his sickles.
"Philly boy, you take the guy with the laser. I got a few personal problems I need to settle with this Crime Master wannabe." Jack said, causing Crime Master to gulp.
"P-p-personal problems? Kingsley never said anything about Jack O'Lantern having beef with the last guy!" Crime Master said, firing his acid gun at Jack, who dodged the stream.
"You misunderstand. I don't have beef with Crime Master. What I DO have beef with is some little arms dealer thinking that all you need to be a big shot is buying a mask." Jack said, and divebombed the fake supervillain. He impaled him with both his sickles, and flew away, dragging Crime Master away.
"So, any last words?" Goblin Knight asked, and Steeplejack responded by firing his laser gun at Goblin Knight. He dodged each and everyone, twisting and flipping through the air, before rushing Steeplejack. He grabbed him by the throat, and flung him across the shipping yard into a shipping container, and walked over to the supervillain. "Hope you're watching, Roddy. After all you've did, letting me keep my old gear and all, it's only fair…" he impaled Steeplejack in the chest with his sword, not even crying in pain as his life ended. "…that I give you my cut!" Phil said. "You know where to reach me. I'll be waiting."
One Hour later, Goblin Underground
Goblin King, Menace, Grey Goblin, Jack O'Lantern, Jackal, and Goblin Knight sat gathered around a table, a sole laptop on it. "Well, Ulrich?" Jackal asked. "Is he going to call or not? I have a…project…that I need to attend to."
"He'll call. No way he could pass up the message I left him." Phil said, when a ringing sound emanated from the laptop. "Speak of the devil, it's him."
"Quiet. Let me speak to him." Norman said, and turned the laptop to face him, clicking the answer button. Instantly, the furious face of Kingsley took up the screen. "Roddy! How good to see you again!"
"Spare me the pleasantries, Osborn. We both know why I'm calling." Roderick said. "You've been disruptin my operation, stealing my cash, pretending to be me-"
"Actually, we took turns doing that." Jack said, only for Gabriel to glare at him.
"-and now you take out three of my men?! If you think there won't be repercussions for this, you're going to find out just how wrong you are!" The original Hobgoblin yelled.
"Well, what was I supposed to do? Let you use my likeness to make a bunch of D-List Supervillains? You have me no choice, Kingsley. Nothing personal, just business." Goblin King said. "I have a way we can settle this like gentlemen. You and me, one on one. No backup, no allies, just two Goblins, settling this quickly and quietly. Winner take all. What do you say?" Roderick looked like he was contemplating it, before nodding.
"Alright. Just tell me when and where."
One Week Ago, Pier 64 Along the Hudson, former location of Horizon Labs
Hobgoblin looked at a banner that read 'future site of Alchemax', before walking past it, looking at the rubble that used to be Horizon Labs. "He picked one weird place to settle this." Hobgoblin mumbled.
"Glad you could make it, Kingsley." Goblin King said, stepping out of the shadows. "Hope you appreciate the week I gave you to get ready. Though I have a feeling it won't help you all that much."
"Whatever. Before we get started, let's get a few things straight: I kill you, I get your little kingdom, right?" Hobgoblin asked.
"Yes. All my subordinates have agreed to recognize you in the unlikely event you win." Norman said. "The same goes for WHEN I kill you. I get control of all your franchises."
"Second thing: take off your mask. I want to be sure I'm dealing with the real deal, not one of your little flunkies like Ulrich." Hobgoblin said, and Goblin King chuckled.
"Very well, but I hope you'll understand if I ask you to do the same. After all, you may have another brother." Goblin King said, taking off his mask to show the original knock off his face. Kingsley nodded, before doing the same, showing that it was indeed him underneath the mask. "Excellent. So, shall we get this over with?" Goblin King asked as they put their masks back on.
"Let's." With that, the two goblins rushed each other. Fists, finger blasts, razor bats, pumpkin bombs…all these were things the two Goblins traded with each other as their battle commenced. If anyone had been around to see it, it would have gone down in history as one of the most glorious superhuman conflicts in history, right up there with the battle between Iron Man and Captain America at the end of the Civil War. The two were equally matched, and their struggle only ended when both punched the other in the face at the same time, causing them both to stagger back.
"Not bad for a wannabe, Kingsley." Goblin King said, spring out a bit of blood.
"I could say the same for a washed up old dog, Osborn." Hobgoblin said.
"It's clear this won't end as easily as I thought. Looks like I'll have to show off a new trick. A pity. I was hoping to debut this one to the Spider." Norman said, the whites of his eyes turning yellow.
30 Minutes Later, Goblin Underground
"Roderick Kingsley is dead." Goblin King said to his followers. "With him gone, there is only one thing standing in our way. The Avengers, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men…none of them will be able to stop us. We are only seven days away from what shall be the beginning of our empire!" Norman yelled. "Contact our brethren throughout the country, and assume your positions among this city! When we are done, the Goblin Nation shall stand supreme!"
Today, 10 Minutes Ago, Apartment of May and Jay Jameson.
May watched the news reports of Stunner's attack on Spider Island. 'Oh dear. I hope Peter's alright.' She though. Jay had gone to get the groceries, leaving May on her own. 'I know he can take care of himself, but that will never stop me from worrying.' She thought, hearing a knock on the door. Hobbling over there with her cane, she opened the door to see a delivery man holding a box.
"Excuse me ma'am, I need you to sign for this." The man said.
"I'm sorry, I didn't order anything. You must have the wrong address." May said.
"Are you May Jameson?"
"Yes."
"Then this is for you. Look, I don't mean to be rude , but I have a bunch of deliveries to make, so could you please sign for this?" The man said, holding out clipboard and one for her.
"Alright." She said, and grabbed the pen and clipboard. Instantly, a gray gas sprayed out of the pen and onto her face, causing her to cough as her vision clouded, and her legs failed her , causing her to collapse.
"Oh, and ma'am?" The man said, and she looked up to see the face of Gabriel Stacy! "Norman Osborn says hi."
Now, Mercy General Hospital
"What was that?" Mary Jane asked as she heard the bridges explode.
"Oh who knows in this city. It could be those costumed crazies going at it again." Her doctor, a bald man in his late 50's said. "Now, we just got your test results back. Now, tell me again about these symptoms you've been having."
"Well, for the past few weeks, I've been feeling sick at the oddest times, throwing up every morning, I can't be around the smell of raw meat…doctor, what do you think is wrong with me?" Mary Jane asked. She had a feeling, but she wanted to be sure. Not after what happened last time…
"Well, Ms. Watson, there is nothing wrong with you. In fact, I should be congratulating you." The doctor said, causing MJ to gasp.
"You mean-?" She whispered, and her doctor nodded. She felt her eyes tear up, both from happiness and fear
"Yes, but I'd like to run a few more tests, given your fiancée's condition." The doctor said, making MJ's eyes widen.
"W-what do you mean condition?" She asked.
"Oh, don't play dumb. I've known all of you since you were in college. You, Peter, Harry, that legless jock who wears that alien now, Gwen…oh sweet Gwen. She was truly a magnificent woman. A shame she died the way she did." The doctor said, and MJ stepped back.
"W-who are you?" She asked, and the doctor grinned , grabbing the side of his face.
"Miles Warren, but YOU can call me Jackal!" He said as he ripped off his face, revealing the jackal like visage of the Jackal!
"Oh god!" She yelled , and ran for the door, but when she opened it, she was face to face with Goblin Knight.
"Ms. Watson, I'm afraid you'll need to come with us." GK said, reaching for his flame sword.
"Careful, Ulrich! I need what she has inside her, unharmed!" Jackal ordered, and Ulrich sighed, taking his hands off his sword.
"Whatever, Warren. Doesn't make a difference to the boss HOW we get her, only that we take her alive." Goblin Knight said, as MJ tried her best to find a way out.
'Out the window? No, they can easily catch up. There's no other way out…I have to call Peter!' She thought, reaching for her spider shaped charm, only for Ulrich to grab her wrist.
"Oh no you don't. We know all about the gadgets your little boyfriend have you." He said, and placed a rag over MJ's mouth, her eyelids growing heavy as she inhaled the chloroform. "Don't worry. You'll see him soon enough."
Spider Island II
Peter's eyes snapped open, the sounds of alarms blaring all over the base as he sat up. 'What the hell happened?' He thought as he looked around, seeing his employees running around. 'The last thing I remember…watching the bus from Jenkintown leave, then…my spider sense went off, and the bridge exploded!' He thought, and grabbed the wrist of an employee. "The bus! What happened to the bus?!" He demanded.
"They're fine." The scientist said. "They had managed to clear the blast range, but the shockwave knocked you out. That girl who helped Spider-Man got the bus to safety and brought you inside."
"Wait, you mean Mania?" Peter asked.
"I guess that's her. She went down into the city to give the NYPD a hand." The scientist said, but Peter had already begun walking away, heading towards his office and pressing his ear piece.
"Call Avengers Tower. Authorization code: Great Responsibility." He said, and not even a second later someone answered.
"Peter? Where the hell are you?" The voice of Edwin Jarvis asked.
"Yeah, it's me Jarvis. What's going on?" Peter asked as he entered his office, removing his torn clothes for his costume.
"Someone placed bombs on all the bridges connecting Manhattan and set them off about an hour ago. Master Rogers dispatched the Avengers to help, and he told me to stay here in case anyone called claiming responsibility." Jarvis said as Peter pulled on his mask. "Rioting and looting have already started all over the city, and the NYPD's already stretched thin."
"Alright. Call Chief Pratchett and ask if he can spare any boats to come and get people off of Spider Island, then call Cap and tell him I'm on my way." Spider-Man said as he leapt out of his office, swinging his way to the city. 'Who could have done this? Terrorist attack? No, then why would they have also blown the bridge to Spider Island? Something isn't here.' He thought as he routed the feeds from his spider bots into his lenses, giving him a view of all the chaos spreading through the city. 'Rioting and looting have already started, NYPD spread thin in only an hour…this isn't a terrorist attack.' He thought as he made his way to the closest bridge. He would have thought more on it, if not for his spider sense going off right before something hard hit him on his side, knocking him onto a roof top.
"Hello, Spider. Long time no see." A voice that made Peter's blood boil said, and he looked up to see that his attacker was none other than Goblin King!
"Osborn! Are you the one behind this?" Spider-Man asked as he extended his legs and activated his claws.
"Got it in one. You always were a smart one, Peter." Goblin King said, stunning Spider-Man. "Oh yes, I know who you are. One of many things I've gained since I fought you and your Avenger buddies."
"So you know who I am. Won't do you much good if I take you out here and now!" Spider-Man said, charging Norman, who simply dodged with his glider. Spider-Man shot a webline at the bottom of Goblin King's glider, and was about to pull, when Goblin King simply reached down and snapped the line with his hands.
"Surprised by my new strength, Mr. Parker?" Osborn asked. "That's not the only thing you'll be surprised about, but more on that later. You and I have been fighting for over a decade. Spider vs Goblin, Photographer vs CEO, scientist vs scientist, Parker vs Osborn! Over time, meme here of my family have been dragged into this conflict. My sons Harry and Gabriel, my daughter Sarah, my grandchildren Normie and Stanley…well, this time around, I decided not to leave your family out of this. Boys?" Norman said, and a man on a gliders wearing a goblin mask flew up next to Norman, carrying a large bag. "Meet me in Times Square by sundown today. I can guarantee you'll have a good time." With that, the man threw his bag on the rooftop, and flew away.
'He knows who I am?' Spider-Man thought. 'This is bad. I need to move before he goes after Aunt May or Teresa, and-wait, is that bag cursing?' Spider-Man looked at the bag, which was violently flailing around.
"Stupid f**ker! When I find him, I'll f**king kill him!" A very familiar voice yelled.
"Kaine?!" Spider-Man exclaimed, using his claws to open the bag, revealing the Scarlet Spider!
"Peter?! What the hell are you doing here?" Kaine asked, getting out of the bag.
"I should be asking you that. How did you get captured by Osborn?" Peter asked, and Kaine looked around, realizing he was in New York.
"Son of a bitch! I KNEW that tip about the AIM cell was too good to be true, but did I listen to my gut? No, I went charging in all by myself! F**k!" Scarlet Spider yelled. "Of all the times spider sense could have come in handy."
"What about Aracely? Did she go with you?" Spider-Man asked, and Kaine shook his head.
"No, she's got a cold, so she stayed home." Scarlet Spider answered. "Wait, did you say Osborn? I thought he was dead!"
"Sorry bro, Parker's are never that lucky." Spider-Man said, and explained the situation to his brother. "All this, the explosions, the riots, are a distraction. All the Avengers and cops are busy helping people at the bridge and suppressing the riots that have started."
"So why does he want you in Time Square?" Scarlet Spider asked as the two began to swing through the city, doing their best to help the cops.
"No idea!" Spider-Man said as he webbed up a store window, keeping the windows from being broken. "Find Captain America or Iron Man, tell them that Osborn is behind this. I'm going to finish this before it can-wait, do you hear that?" Spider-Mam asked, and through the yells of the civilians, heard what sounded like the cry of engines. Three men on Goblin Gliders, pumpkin bombs in their hands, sailed from around the corner.
"You'd best not keep the King waiting, Spider!" One of them yelled. "He gets real impatient when people keep him waiting!"
"Yeah, he tends to start snappin' the necks of pretty blondes!" Another yelled, and they began throwing their bombs. Before Scarlet Spider and Spider-Man could react, six gunshots rang out, and each of the bombs exploded in midair. The goblins looked up to see their attacker, only to be met with webbing to the face.
"Didn't your mothers teach you that it's never polite to throw things at people?" Agent Venom said as he kicked one in the face. He sent out two hammer tendrils, knocking the other two out, before landing on the ground. "That was easy. Amateurs." He said, and looked at the brothers. "Hope you and grouchy over there don't mind me dropping in."
"Watch it, shoulder pads. I can take you any day of the week." Scarlet Spider said.
"Stow it, you two. Work it out on your own time." Spider-Man said. "Venom, what are you doing here?"
"Saw the bridges blow on the news, and I figured you would need help." Called a friend at an army base not too far from here, got me here in an hour." Venom answered. "Besides, I've got a…friend…visiting here."
"Which you and I need to talk about, AFTER I take down Osborn." Spider-Man said. "You two, help out the cops anyway you can." Before either could protest, Spider-Man swung away. Before long, he was in Times Square, Goblin King sitting on the Red Steps.
"Hello, Peter. Glad you decided to hurry up and meet me." Goblin King said.
"Don't even bother with the banter, Osborn." Peter said, landing in front of his enemy.
"No jokes? No witty little banter, or annoying quips? Guess you're finally taking me seriously. That's what I would expect from a so called superior Spider-Man." Goblin among said, removing his mask as he stood up. "Tell you what, Peter. I've seen your new tricks. Let me show you mine." With that, Norman began to change. His uniform ripped as his body grew, his muscles bulged, his skin became green and scaley, his eyes turned yellow, and two green horns emerged from his forehead.
'Dead god, what has he become?' Spider-Man thought.
"Behold, Peter, true perfection! A mere side effect from my time as super adaptoid has become the tool for building my empire!" Norman yelled. "You are the Superior Spider-Man, well, I am the SUPERIOR GOBLIN!"
"You're a lunatic!" Spider-Man said as he activated his claws and legs. "This isn't going to end well for you, you have to realize."
"I beg to differ, Peter." Goblin King said, and dozens of bat cameras, similar to the ones Ulrich used when he was Hobgoblin, appeared. "And soon, the whole world shall see just how wrong you are. Megatak, if you'd be so kind?"
SHIELD Helecarrier Alpha
Maria Hill stood on the bridge of the Helecarrier, feeds from New York displayed before her. "Director Hill, Mayor Jameson is demanding to know when we'll get there." Agent Coulson said.
"Tell him we're about 5 hours out, and that we already have agents down there." Hill said. 'This is bad. If Osborn's involved, then-'
"Director! Someone's hacking our communication feeds!" A bridge tech said.
"Then stop them!" Hill ordered.
"We can't! Whoever's doing this, they're using a code that adapts to whatever we throw at it!" The tech said. "It's almost as if it's alive!"
"That is incorrect, human." A voice boomed over the helecarrier's speakers, and all the screens displayed Megatak's face. "The data is merely too powerful for organic minds to comprehend."
"Director, he's hacked into the communications satellites!" A bridge tech yelled.
"What does that mean?" Maria inquired.
"This guy's broadcasting a signal all over the world. Cell phones, TV's, radios…if it receives a signal, it's seeing whatever he wants it to!"
New York, Times Square
Spider-Man watched as all the screens around him changed to display the image of him facing off against Goblin King. "As Shakespeare once said, all the world's a stage!" Goblin King said. "As I speak, the whole world is seeing my victory!"
"You mean your defeat." Spider-Man said, leaping at Osborn. He swiped with the legs, only for Osborn to grab two in each hand, and ripped them off. Spider-Man tried slashing with his claws, but they didn't even make a dent on Goblin King's skin.
"Pitiful!" Osborn said, punching The Arachnid Avenger in the gut, before grabbing him by the head. "Do you see this, world? THIS is the man you have chosen to defeat me?" He slammed Spider-Man on the ground. "THIS is the man who shall fall by my hand! THIS-" He turned Spider-Man so that he faced the cameras, before ripping off his mask. "-IS PETER PARKER!" He yelled, and leaned in close to Peter. "No more secrets, Mr. Parker."
City Hall
J Jonah Jameson and Glory Grant watched the scene unfolding, stunned by the revelation. "Parker…? Spider-Man…?" Jameson wheezed out, his mind struggling to comprehend it. "It all makes sense now…" he mumbled. For years, ever since the day Peter first came into the Bugle with pictures of Spider-Man, he'd wondered just HOW Peter got all of those amazing angles. He'd always figured there was a connection between Peter and Spider-Man, but now, seeing Peter's bruised face, something stirred inside him. It was…guilt. Guilt for assuming Spider-Man was just some thrill seeker, that he was just a punk trying to get his kicks, but now that he knew that it was Peter, of all that he had gone through, he felt like he had made a terrible mistake. "Ms. Grant? Get me the National Guard on the line."
Alchemax Tower
Liz, Tiberius, and Michael watched the unmasking, all with different expressions: Liz had a shocked expression, Tiberius was grinning, and Michael had a neutral, uncaring look. "It's Peter…" Liz gasped out.
"So, Spider-Man is Parker? Well, that's two problems that'll take care of themselves." Tiberius said, and Michael looked at him.
"You mean we aren't going to help him?" He asked.
"Hell no!" Tiberius said. "Look, Michael, there's a lesson to be learned here: when you pick a side in war, always pick the winning team." Michael gasped, realizing what Tiberius was implying.
"You…you're actually ROOTING for that monster?" He said.
"It's just business, Mike. When the smoke clears and the Goblin is victorious, Alchemax is going to lead the rebuilding effort." Liz said. "That's the deal we made with him."
"You made a deal?!" Michael said, and began storming out. "I quit! I joined this company thinking I could make a difference, but if that difference is standing by while a madman runs rampant, then I won't have any part in it!" He yelled, and left the conference room. 'I left behind everything I knew, everyone I cared about, to stay here and make sure Alchemax progressed the way it should, but if Tiberius is going to let the city burn, then I can't just stand by and watch.' He thought as he ducked into a conference room, removing his suit to reveal the blue and red costume of Spider-Man 2099! 'Sorry, timestream, but there are something's that I have to interfere in.' Miguel O'Hara thought.
Times Square
Goblin King set Peter on his knees. "Stay right there, Peter. The best is yet to come! Ulrich, Gabriel!" He ordered, and Goblin Knight and Grey Goblin both descended on gliders, each with a woman with a bag over her head.
"What are you doing, Osborn? This is between you and me! Don't drag anyone else into this!" Peter yelled, and Goblin King grinned.
"Oh, but this is the fun part!" Osborn said, and Grey Goblin and Goblin Knight took the bags off their prisoners heads, revealing Aunt May and Mary Jane! "One of these two ladies, both of whom mean SO much to you, is going to die. I offer you a choice, Peter. You're going to pick which one I kill!" He said, gesturing to the two. "Which one is it? The loving aunt who raised you as if you were her own son, or your beloved bride to be?" Peter, his shock at seeing the two people he cared about most in the world at the mercy of his longtime foe, tried to move from here Osborn had placed him, but found his muscles would not listen to him.
'What the hell? C'mon body, move!' He thought.
"What's wrong, Peter? Finding it a bit hard to move?" Osborn said. "Understandable, given all that's happened today. I understand it if you're a bit tired!" He said, before cackling. "Choose, Parker, before I make that decision for you!"
"No! Leave them out of this!" Peter pleaded. "They did nothing to you!"
"Wrong answer, Petey boy!" Goblin King said. "Now, let's see, who should I kill? Warren would be mighty unhappy if I killed the Watson woman, but I do so love breaking pretty little things."
"Kill me." Aunt May said, stunning Peter, MJ, Goblin King, Goblin Knight, Grey Goblin, and anyone else nearby. "I volunteer my life for theirs."
"No! Kill me! I'm the one you want, Osborn, so kill me!" Peter yelled, and Aunt May smiled at him.
"It's ok, Peter. I'm so proud of you. So proud of the man you've become, and I know you'll keep making me proud." May said. "I want you to make a life with Mary Jane, and I want you to remember: never forget the type of man you are: a Spider-Man." She said. "I lo-"
*SNAP* her body slumped, Osborn's clawed hand around her snapped neck. "Quite the touching speech, wouldn't you agree?" Osborn said. In that moment, seeing the lifeless body of the woman he saw as a mother in the hand of the man he hated most, and the woman he loved being held captive, something in Peter snapped.
"I'm going to kill you, Osborn! I'm going to make you regret ever showing your ugly face!" Peter yelled, energy filling his limbs. He sprang from his spot, running at Osborn as fast as he could, and delivered a punch straight to Osborn's jaw. The Goblin King was sent flying, crashing into one of the electronic billboards. He chuckled, a glider flying over to him.
"You didn't hold anything back that time. I'm impressed." He said, and Gabriel and Ulrich flew away, an unconscious Mary Jane held in Ulrich's arms. "I look forward to seeing how you and your allies will hold up to my army." Goblin King said as he stepped onto his glider, flying away. "By the time this battle is over, my Goblin Nation shall stand supreme!"
A/N: I'm sorry to do this right at the end, but for the last chapter, I'm not going to follow the main update schedule, mainly because I want to for as much stuff I have planned as possible in. It'll come by the time summer ends, but it will come.
Next Time: Goblin Nation part 2: Spiders vs Goblins.