Spider-Man
The Dark Goblin
by Lee Homer
Disclaimer: All rights go to Marvel Comics and Disney. The story is non Spider-Man canon and is based off of the limited series and one-shots of the 80's and 90's.
Chapter Two
Problems and Instincts
Spider-Man had been talking to Gwen's stone for three hours unaware of the time that had passed. He felt so lost in the zone, like the world around him had come to a stand still. His heart released everything, cleansing his soul of all the pain which he concealed over the years. It felt good. Spider-Man sat there gazed up at the sky as he finished what he had to say. I felt that Gwen was listening to him. He knew deep down that she was always in his heart.
"So as you can see, I never got a chance to grieve." he said as he closed his eyes. "I moved on but I had no choice. I never told you my secret because of the fear of losing you. I am Spider-Man. I moved on, I settled down with Mary Jane and we eventually got married. She wants to try for a kid someday and I think I could be a good father. The point is, I've hidden all this pain for years. Between that day and the present, I've had to put on the costume, fight bad guys, tackle slimy alien entities, travel to other worlds so on and so forth. I guess the pain finally reached boiling point that I started having these dreams."
He stood up and placed his hand on the tombstone and took a deep breath. He felt the weight lift off of his shoulders so he knew it was time to go.
"I'll always miss you Gwen." he said as began to depart. "Me and Mary Jane love you so much. Sweet dreams."
Spider-Man took off and swung out of the cemetery. He headed back towards the city and headed onto the Bugle. He was late for work but he felt much happier in himself. When he approached the George Washington Bridge, he suddenly felt a foreboding sensation that made his stomach churn. He felt that there was danger but his spider-sense didn't confirm his instincts.
"Whoa, something doesn't feel right here."he thought as he landed on the bridge. "There's no danger here and yet it's as if there's someone watching me."
He looked up and saw a dark figure staring at him from the top of the bridge with red piercing eyes and a sinister grin. He watched as the figure quickly ascended on a glider and flew off into the city. Spider-Man didn't follow. His gut told him not to.
"That was a Goblin, but it wasn't the Hobgoblin and Norman Osborn is safely tucked away at Rykers." he quickly deducted. "It doesn't matter, I've got places to be."
"For the last time Leeds, I am not having this on the front page!" J. Jonah Jameson growled as he threw the morning edition at Ned Leeds. "The Daily Bugle is meant to expose Spider-Man to the world, not showcase his best moments!
"But Jonah, the people have been use to Spider-Man's exploits for years now." Ned explained. "He's even been offered key to the city a few times and you still think he's a bad guy? Think of the copies we could sell with this?"
"I said no!" Jameson barked. "How long have you been working here, Leeds? My records say Ten years. That means you were here long enough to realise that we run a campaign against that wall crawling menace! Times might have changed alright, but the principles stay the same!"
"When are you going to grow up and realise that The Bugle is wrong!" Ned retaliated as released his anger. "You know what you are, Jameson? A Sulky child who can't accept the fact that Spider-Man is a hero and that you can't find any evidence what so ever to prove that he is a criminal. That's what I think you are."
"So you've grown a back bone have you? Think you are smarter than me?" Jameson said, displaying a sly smile on his face. "Well see if you can stomach this. YOU'RE FIRED!"
Betty Brant heard the commotion from outside as Ned left Jamesons office with a face as red as volcano. He didn't say what had happened. He grabbed a box from under his desk and started putting his belongings into it. Peter stepped into the bustling offices and witnessed the sad event.
"Seriously?" he asked Betty. "What happened here?"
"I'll tell you, Pete." Ned answered as he filled them both in. "Jameson is a childish pig who won't accept the fact that we can't accept what he believes. I'm done working here, Pete. Take my advice. You should leave here too. I mean you're a school teacher for crying out loud! Why do you still have to work here!?"
"Because I need the extra money." Peter simply replied. "Do you want me to have a word with him?"
"What's the point." Betty added. "This place is eventually going to run itself into the ground anyway."
"Your right Betty." Peter said as glanced towards Jamesons office. "His crusade to end Spider-Man is never ending. Just what sort of stunt is he going to pull next?"
Unbeknownst to Peter, Jameson locked his office and switched on his computer. He received an email which was marked, Important. He opened the message and read the content. It said;
"Dear Mr Jameson.
I am writing to enquire if you have any information regarding Spider-Man. I am hiring someone to take him down for the crimes he paid against my family. I know that you have been leading a long lasting hate campaign against him which makes you the perfect guy to ask. If you can help me, I would be more than willing to give you full credit with your assistance as well as a reward for yourself. We now live in a world of fear and I aim to eradicate it. Spider-Man killed my Uncle Norman and Cousin Harry. I want to bring him down. Please reply to this email as soon as possible.
Many Thanks
Dylan Osborn."
Intrigued by the email, Jameson replied with a positive response and an address. He felt that Dylan was going to do the city a favour. He opened up his filing cabinet and removed the Address to Rykers Island.
At the Osborn mansion, Dylan tucked into another glass of dry red wine when he received a reply from Jameson. His eyes widened as the following information blew his mind.
"Dear Mr Osborn
In response to your request, I am delighted to assist you in ridding the world of that menace. Please see attached every available file we have on Spider-Man. As in regards to your Uncle, Norman Osborn. It is my pleasure to say to you that he is alive and well. He currently serving time at The Rykers Maximum Security Facility. Please see attached the address and visiting times.
I hope I was able to help.
Best Wishes
J. Jonah Jameson.
Chief Editor
Daily Bugle"
Dylan slouched back in his chair and pointed his fingers in the shape of a pyramid. A smirked as he had his first steps to carry out his vengeance.
"Oh don't worry." he mumbled. "You were very helpful."
Dylan thought to himself as he tried to put his plan into action. He returned to the secret chamber where the Goblin suit was stored. He put on a pair of white paint overalls and placed on a dust mask. He picked up a spray paint gun and began to paint the costume in jet black paint. It's eye lenses were red. It's image was to convey a message of fear. Dylan loved his work to the Goblin costume. He was almost finished but he knew that there was one thing missing.
"So Uncle Norman is alive! That must mean that there is something in the Goblin serum that revived him. Both he and Harry injected themselves with the serum before they both put on the costume. I was able to fly the glider this morning, that's when I saw Spider-Man. I'm glad he didn't chase me otherwise that would've been it. I need the serum but I don't know how to use it. I need to pay a visit to the prison and see him before The Dark Goblin can truly spring to life."