Author's notes: Once I freshened up "Lock Up", I couldn't help but come up with a second idea. I know "Lock Up" had more angst. I'm hoping to write more action for this one. Enjoy!
Spoiler alert! Regarding Marvel's Spider-Man, the cartoon that immediately came after this USM one, I've only seen a quarter of two episodes.I'm impressed to see old villains like Joseph (no last name given)/Hammerhead and Spencer Smythe to newer ones like Screwball. For anyone who has watched it, you'll understand my choice in writing a certain character as is compared to her (their?) Amazing comics counterpart. It was also great seeing Norman as a villain again. End spoiler!
At SoManyQuestions: I'll answer your questions in the next story. For now, I'll say that I'm surprised that someone recognized the Duel Monster's card. As for the account name, Rubina is a Spanish-Italian feminine name for ruby. I just so happen to come across it while looking at names intended for original characters.
Summary: [Sequel to "Lock Up"] Alternate Universe. The Midtown Marauders are reuniting in the Vault. Now they must face The Goblin before they can gain their freedom.
"Break Out"
The Vault was a maximum security prison that detained supervillains. The main location was in Rocky Springs, Colorado. With new members on the board of committee, a vote was held to open a new location in New York. Apprehended criminals made their arrival and quickly filled up the cells. New additions debarked frequently. Some entered as early as forty-eight hours ago.
The girl with red hair sat by herself in her private chamber. Though the prison was built to keep enhanced criminals, many of them were adults and male. She was underage and female.
On the other side was a boy with blond hair. He, too, was kept in isolation. He was male, but he was also a minor.
They had been retrieved by S.H.I.E.L.D., who handed them over to the Vault. Neither one could do anything against their holding cell. It was built to protect against symbiote attacks.
There wasn't much for them to do. They felt defeated. But such a gloomy atmosphere changed when an explosion erupted.
"What's happening?!" guards shouted. They bolted towards the source.
"Are we under attack?!"
"Inspect the situation!"
Prisoners rushed to the edge of their cells to investigate the action. Some were laughing and cheering on the dangerous event. Others berated the situation, arguing their status as victims under inhumane conditions.
Hobgoblin emerged. But his appearance differed from before. He retained his muscular body and yellow complexion. His eyes carried that fierce red. However, he seemed less ferocious. He seemed more disciplined. He was also riding his own transportation machine. Yet it wasn't a glider. It was shaped more like a snowboard with the ability to glide.
He zoomed through the prison. His red eyes glanced through the cells. Paying no mind to the whooping scoundrels, he was searching for his friends. His troubles stirred when he flew past the guards. Their ray guns disrupted his goal. Though annoyed, he didn't intend to harm them. He shot a few Pumpkin Bombs that emitted noxious gases. Those frightened off the security, who scrambled for safety. They were already familiar with such trademark armaments. They needed to regroup and plan.
As Hobgoblin aimed to finish his hunt, he spotted someone standing his ground. He skidded to a halt and hovered.
"I figured you stop by," the man nonchalantly greeted.
"But how did you—"
"You're my rebellious, headstrong teenage son. You're not that hard to solve."
Hobgoblin growled. He refused to be insulted. "The forty-eight hours are up! You can't keep me locked up any longer!"
When the amount had expired, he had felt his potency return. Controlling his weakened body brought trouble. But his determination had guided him to bust out of his confinement. He never could agree to the terms that his father made.
A new owner of the Vault shook his head. "Once you destroyed the alcove, you went for those shiny toys. Exactly like a child running from his time out and heading straight for the playroom."
"You shoulda done a better job locking them up. It wasn't so smart to use my name as a password. Anybody else could become a Hobgoblin or even the next Goblin."
"Don't be cocky," Norman scolded. "There's no replacing the original."
The industrialist effortlessly altered his form. He grew in height. His ears became jagged, as did his teeth. His complexion morphed into a jade green. When he opened his eyes, he revealed a change to gold yellow. Those same haunting yellow orbs focused on the teen.
Hobgoblin was aware of the raw power The Goblin carried. He was already told of a vicious plot brewing. He didn't grasp this mini mission in stopping him. "Why'd you come? You own this entire facility. I doubt you'll miss a couple of prisoners."
"Not if those prisoners are traitors."
"I'm not doing this for Ock, since you're so concerned with that."
"Don't go giving me lip. I won't allow you to associate with the feeble subordinates any longer. Because I'm your father, I'm going to give you one last chance."
Hobgoblin despised the insult hurled at his friends. He threw a Pumpkin Bomb. "Here's my answer!"
The Goblin moved aside. Despite the explosion, he showed no shift in demeanor. "I see."
He pressed a button on his gauntlet. Out from the shadows came his own ride. He then popped out one of his own Pumpkin Bombs. As Hobgoblin tried to steer away, the older Osborn shot his weapon. The explosion caused the young outlaw to lose balance.
Hobgoblin continued his gliding. He looked back and noticed The Goblin remained grounded. He wholly expected a retaliation. Yet a small percentage of him was still disappointed towards his only family's action. He looked ahead. Avoiding an oncoming wall, he double backed. His Sky-stick swept through the walking path between levels. Though the structure was large, he was still in an enclosed area. He aimed to avoid anymore guards. He didn't want them to get hurt. He still bore trouble controlling his new device. Only a novice, he was no match against The Goblin.
The father watched in amusement. He spotted how clumsily his son was working. "I made The Goblin. I made these toys. I made you. Osborn blood runs through you. The Goblin formula is in you. I know what you plan to do."
He threw another Pumpkin Bomb.
Hobgoblin felt himself jerking from the explosion. He tumbled off his Sky-stick. He skidded against the ground. His damage skin was scrapped.
"Looks like you need a little corporal punishment," The Goblin remarked. He used his gauntlet.
The electricity shocked the yellow body. Hobgoblin refused to give his enemy any satisfaction. He fought his urge to scream.
"See, Harry, if you had stayed with me, you could've had the proper training." The Goblin grinned as he raised the voltage.
The jolt was too much for the boy to bear. He shrieked.
Down in the cellar held a monster with a total of eight limbs. Around each limb were thick binds with even thicker chains connected to sturdy walls. His red mask with white eyelids clung over his face that bore fangs. Covering his body was still the red and blue costume, albeit a bit torn. On his back remained the red arachnid silhouette.
He, too, was handed over by S.H.I.E.L.D. to the prison. There wasn't much the crime-fighting organization could do right away for their once member. His mutation baffled their scientists. Plus to further the chaos, The Goblin and other big time villains were causing problems all around the city. All they could do was have the monster locked away for the time being.
He heard the disruptions on the main level. The noises didn't concern him. Prisoners rioted and made escape attempts all the time. But one particular shout caught his attention. The familiar scream entered the depths of his savaged mind. He also picked up a diabolical cackling. His eyes narrowed.
The voltage against Hobgoblin ceased. He dropped to the ground. Huffing, he struggled to bring himself up. He stayed down. His body ached from the thrashing.
The Goblin strolled to the defeated adolescent. He snatched a handful of his auburn hair. In a low tone, he voiced his discontent, "Your controlling of the serum is inept."
Hobgoblin couldn't respond. Despite his drive, he was still no match against his father.
The Goblin observed the young adult in front of him. He believed it was time to erase one blemish from his perfect life.
"You were born into this world a loser." He held up his electric gauntlet. The glove sparked. "And you shall exit this world as one."
As he was preparing to unleash his fatal attack, he was kicked by an unknown assailant. Such a powerful assault forced him to release his hostage. He was shoved from his place. When he came around, he saw who he had imprisoned earlier. "So it was you who was foolish enough to try and stop me."
Savage Spider-man had broken free. He appeared wrathful. Yet he wasn't snarling like a wild quadruped.
"And for what?" The Goblin mocked. "Someone as worthless as my son?"
The teen beast gave his protection over Hobgoblin, shielding the other boy with his own body. He growled. He refused to lose his best friend once more.
Hobgoblin looked up. Through his hazy crimson eyes, he spotted the extra limbs. He recognized the color scheme. He whispered, "Spider-man…"
Savage Spider-man turned to his friend. His features softened. The creature with the multiple arms offered one to his buddy. He assisted him to stand up. Step by step, Hobgoblin came to his legs.
The Goblin silently watched his enemy aiding his son. He understood the teamwork. He needed to set the field back to his advantage. Looking around him, he generated an idea. "Let's see how you play the game when we add more players."
Standing by a lever, he pulled it down.
An alarm sounded off. Cell doors slid opened.
The duo listened to the cheers that followed.
Racing out were the felons. The hordes broke into separate groups. Their agendas were leading them. Some were looking to escape. Others were gaining up on the guards. And some were looking to release the even deadlier criminals.
Hobgoblin only wanted to free his friends. Looking towards the mutated teen, he watched Savage Spider-man staring at the convicts. But he didn't appear like he wanted to tear off their limbs. Nor did he seem like he wanted to join them. A new responsibility landed in front of them. "We gotta stop them!"
"You're not going anywhere," The Goblin grinned. He was now holding his Bat Razors.
Hobgoblin and Savage Spider-man turned back to their foe. They understood the arising quandaries.
However, unknown to The Goblin, he created his own problem.
Seeing themselves free, the girl allowed her symbiote to take control. Her appearance shifted. Rather than be covered in red and black, her designed consists of red and green.
The blond boy did the same. Rather than become a giant monster, he appeared more solider-like.
The girl saw the Vault guards were struggling to maintain the peace. They were becoming overwhelmed with the amount of rampaging inmates. The criminals formed mobs. With the increase in numbers, they were prepared to start attacking. She raced towards those assemblies. Leaping into the air, she used her own webbings to nab the backs of the guards. She pulled them out of the angered, revenge-seeking crowds. "Carnage Queen is gone for good. Now it's time for Spider-woman to do her part."
The boy witnessed guards being shoved off from the second and third floors. He raced and jumped into the air. Thanks to his magnificent height, he caught them before they could hit the ground. "No need to fear. Agent Venom is here to help."
Meanwhile with Savage Spider-man, The Goblin threw his weapons. The mutated hero propelled his buddy aside. He accepted the rain of Razor Bats. Each one sliced his skin. He cried in pain.
Hobgoblin watched. He couldn't allow his father to continue his heinous acts. He knew he needed to do something. Lifting himself up, he searched for his ride.
As the new heroes took on the onerous situations, a new dilemma began.
From the giant hole in the wall sprung a girl. She was wearing a white jumpsuit with purple stripes along various parts. A white helmet with a matching purple design and a yellow visor covered her head. She openly displayed a wide smile.
"Hey, there, fellow Screwball subscribers!" she spoke aloud. "I'm here live at a maximum security prison. Seems I came for their rec time. Let's get in on some of the action!"
Fearlessly, or perhaps more accurately, foolishly, she entered. She intended to record her stunt through a camera in her helmet. This wasn't the first time she had committed such dotty acts. She had a hit web show that drew numerous viewers. She even had crossed paths with Spider-man, before his mutation. Her views always exploded whenever he tailed her. No regular cop was able to catch her. Her expertise included parkour. She was fast on her feet. She was able to leap. However, her skills wouldn't be much help this show.
"What do we have here?" she asked herself. She noticed strange markings on the ground. They appeared like footprints. But the style appeared scorched, like something had burned through. Captivated, she excitedly shouted, "Let's see where this goes!"
Some of the prisoners noted the newcomer. Feeling devious, they decided to pursue her. Because Screwball was busy filming and hosting, she failed to notice who was hunting her down.
Spider-woman spotted someone in a white jumpsuit. She also observed the many fugitives chasing her. Intruder or not, she knew she had to save her. She shot her webs and came closer. "Hey! You! What do you think you're doing?!"
Screwball turned around. "What does it look like? I'm streaming my show!"
Spider-woman landed on the upper floor. "Don't you see how dangerous this is?"
"That's the fun of it all!" The girl laughed as she raced. She continued to follow the charred footprints.
Spider-woman caught sight of the felons coming towards them. She shot her webs against the walls. The criminals tripped over and began to fall on top of each other. They crowded the pathway. Once they were defeated, Spider-woman resumed to saving Screwball. Unknown to her, another villain also caught the scene.
The Goblin grinned. He jumped on his glider. He guided himself in the direction of the two girls. As he was approaching, Spider-woman was trailing closer to Screwball. She stopped when she felt a strange sensation envelope her brain. Screwball turned around as well. Seeing the danger, her bright smile suddenly dropped.
The Goblin snatched Spider-woman and Screwball.
"No!" Hobgoblin yelled as he witnessed the tragedy.
Savage Spider-man also watched. Ignoring his throbbing body, he ran and jumped. He tried to reach out and save them. But he was beyond the glider's capacity. He came back to the ground.
The green brute laughed. "What's wrong, Spider-man? Unable to save your teammate? It might be the end for them."
The two captives struggled in The Goblin's mighty grip. One was fearing for her life while the other refused to surrender.
"You won't be taking me down so easy this time!" The girl with the symbiote controlled her right hand to form an ax. She smashed it against the glider. Electricity sparked. Her symbiote was peeling off of her.
The Goblin grunted. He began to lose control. "Have it your way!"
He shoved the two off.
As the duo were released, they began to fall. Both girls were unable to grasp their direction. They were becoming dizzy. The possibility of blacking out was nearing.
Savage Spider-man shot his webs. He swung himself up in the air. He caught the girl with red hair.
Hobgoblin, flying on his own transportation mode, followed. He caught Screwball.
The heroes landed in an unoccupied section. They gently set down the two. Mary Jane was recovering from her minor electrocution. Screwball lost her voice as her yellow visor gazed at the other girl. The abrupt movements caused her helmet to sway. Her streaming was interrupted.
Savage Spider-man kept watched over the redhead, worried.
"Hey," Hobgoblin called to her. "You OK?"
Mary Jane groaned. Her symbiote managed to crawl back over her. "Yeah, I'm fine."
The Goblin managed to control his damaged glider. He grew vexed. He eyed the group of teens. All he wanted was his son. Now the masked menace, though physically different, still caused snags in his plans. He drove his ride back towards them.
The Spider-sense activated both for Savage Spider-man and Spider-woman. Hobgoblin recognized their distress. Turning around, he saw The Goblin rushing towards their group. The machine swept past them. The green monster was successful in seizing the mutated teen.
"Spider-man!" Hobgoblin and Spider-woman shouted.
Screwball snapped out of her daze. She became surprised with who was named. She never expected the hero who pursued her was now some sort of creature. Yet he drew no harm to anyone. And now he was in the hands of the dangerous criminal.
The Goblin zoomed around the prison. "You've dashed my plans. You've influenced my son Harry. As Norman Osborn, I didn't let anything stop me. Now that I've evolved as The Goblin, I will be unstoppable."
He rose him up. "You think I plan to be perpetually outdone by you?"
Savage Spider-man stared at his foe. He recalled all the pain and misery both Osborn and Goblin gave his friends. He refused to surrender. He spat. His acidic saliva hit the green beast in his face. Howling in pain, the monster dropped his target.
The hero in costume plunged. He shot a web to save himself. He landed on a wall. He turned himself around so he could survey the area. His adversary was recovering from the attack. He released himself. Using his strength and momentum, he knocked off The Goblin.
The green beast dropped to the fourth floor. He shook away his dizziness. When he came to, he spotted Savage Spider-man zipping towards him. He summoned his Pumpkin Bombs. He thrust his weapons. None of them exploded around the hero. He managed to dodge them all.
The Goblin grasped the unstoppable rage produced by his enemy. He looked to bring back his glider. "We're not done yet, Spider-man. I'll get my son back another day."
Savage Spider-man heard the threat. He forbid that to happen. He prepared his sharp claws. He was planning on slicing his adversary.
The Goblin refused to be taken down. He bat his meaty hands against the web-head.
Savage Spider-man sliced his foe as The Goblin whacked him.
"Spider-man!" Hobgoblin and Spider-woman cried. They both hopped on the Sky-stick. They rode it to aid their friend.
The Goblin recovered from his attack. He searched for his ride. He gasped as his glider swooped towards him. He jumped. The machine crashed into the wall. As he dodged the attack, he dove from his high place. He smashed against the ground.
If the wall-crawler had a theme song, now would be the time to play it. Savage Spider-man controlled all his limbs to shoot webs. These organic ones were far longer and thicker compared to his homemade ones. He webbed him to the wall.
The Goblin was now a prisoner in the Vault.
"Spider-man!" his partners called.
Spider-woman jumped from the Sky-stick. She raced towards the mutated teen. She wrapped her arms around him. Savage Spider-man was too dumbfounded to react.
"Now that The Goblin is tied up, we should get out of here." Hobgoblin looked around. "Where's Venom?"
"Over here!" a teen in a black suit replied. "And it's Agent Venom now. Gotta add the cool title first."
"What about the criminals?" Spider-woman asked.
"Taken care of."
The other two looked and saw giant spiderwebs. Some kept the scoundrels in place against the walls, ceilings, and floors. Other webbings kept them in their cells. None of them looked too happy. They swore and made death threats as they shouted.
"You did all this?" they asked, surprised.
"I had to do something while you guys were facing The Goblin," Agent Venom answered. "I couldn't let these bad guys walk free."
"Speaking of letting go," Spider-woman began. "Where did that other girl go?"
Hobgoblin stepped off his machine. He eyed the spot where he left her. She was gone. "Dunno. She was one screwball."
They no longer paid mind to her. In the state of peace, Savage Spider-man pounced on top of Hobgoblin. He squawked and cooed. He was like an overjoyed large dog.
"Looks like someone is happy to see you," Spider-woman remarked. "We all are. Especially after what happened with… The Goblin."
"Yes, yes," Hobgoblin laughed. "I'm fine. I'm happy to see you, too. Let's get outta here, and then I'll tell you more about what happened."
He stood up, and the group searched for an exit. They realized the one Hobgoblin made when he first entered could work. Using their strength and agility, the reunited quartet made their way towards the exit.
A pair of wrathful yellow eyes watched them.
"Harry!" The Goblin yelled. He was still pinned to the wall. He was using his strength to rip away the webs. Bit by bit, he was gaining his freedom. "Harry! You are an Osborn! You can't walk away from your destiny! Don't think I'll be here forever!"
Away from the chaos stood Screwball. She had safely and inconspicuously made her way out of the Vault. From where she was, she could still see the structure.
The girl removed her white helmet with the yellow visor. Her wavy blond hair cascaded. The beautiful locks flowed past her shoulders. She looked down below with her soft blue eyes. She couldn't believe who she traveled alongside with. Spider-woman and Hobgoblin… Mary Jane Watson and Harry Osborn… Those were her classmates from Midtown High. However, they were no longer her typical peers. And one of those heroes fighting against The Goblin was Spider-man himself. They were all somehow connected with each other.
She reviewed her video. Despite the interrupted show, her camera recorded without fail. The location and fight scenes by superheroes would bring many views. She pulled up the menu. There was the option to upload the remains. The whole world would see it. Every single second.
She pressed delete.
"Liz!" a masculine voice called. "We can't waste this chance! We gotta go!"
"Coming, Mark!"
She had a reason to do what she did. She had hoped to use her views for monetary rewards to either pay for his bail or at least get him a suitable lawyer. That no longer seemed to be a problem.
The girl noticed the burnt footprints in the ground. They were the same ones she spotted earlier. They slowly began to fade away into normal footprints.
Dropping her helmet, Liz faithfully followed her step-brother.
Norman Osborn stood in his home office.
He had escaped the Vault by a hole in the wall that appeared to have been melted. He had managed to shift back into his human form and sneak out before anyone could notice him. And those who did—prisoner or correctional officer, he made sure to silence them for good.
His own land line had been ringing off the hook. No doubt the Vault officials were trying to reach one of its owners and inform him of what took place. He didn't care.
On his desk was a smart phone. It belonged to Harry. Picking it up, he came across a photo. He inspected it. The location was a coffee shop. He didn't know which one. Harry had mentioned the name many times, but he never listened. His mind currently focused on the subject of the image. He eyed the happy teens sitting together as Harry took the selfie. In addition to the auburn, the man spotted one teen with red hair, another with blond, and the last with brown. Their smiles were bright and carefree.
He recalled what the boy spat. "I'm standing by my friends."
The ire within him grew. His son had denied his benevolent reaching out. His son had rejected his prosperous proposal. His son had rejected him. The one who had fed him, clothed him, and kept a roof over his head. The one who had raised him alone after the unexpected death of his wife.
"Harry, you spoiled brat…"
Enraged, Norman threw the phone. The device smashed against the wall. Shattering, the parts sprinkled to the floor. He stood in silence. His mind played and replayed the action down at the Vault. The teen with auburn hair turned his back on family. He chose to follow his fellow outlaws, his friends. He didn't even bother to look back.
Norman squeezed his fists. "How dare they steal my son away from me."
The woods were peaceful. Birds chirped. The sun's rays freely flowed through, only broken by tree branches. A butterfly landed on an overturned log before flying away. The tall grass was a lush green with brown spots scattered.
The quartet sat in a circle. They had managed a clean getaway. They had also managed to snatch a quick meal from a Chinese restaurant. After that intense battle, they scarfed down their food of chicken, pork, and rice all soaked in sauces. Savage Spider-man may have his extra limbs, but he still devoured his food by holding his plate to his mouth.
"Look at you," Mary Jane laughed. "You got sweet and sour sauce all over your face."
Holding a napkin, she gently wiped his face. Savage Spider-man turned and made little noises, like he was embarrassed.
"It's good we got out safe," Harry remarked. "Sorry about everything Norman put you through."
The redhead and the blonde focused on the auburn. They spotted how apologetic and mournful he was. They also knew he was struggling with the fact that his father was a monster.
"Well, you know," Flash causally responded. "That time in prison was like a major detention. It gave me time to think."
He reflected on the mission. Rather than use his athletic ability and his symbiote for evil, he had committed to good. He had his chance to leave. Among the chaos, he could've abandoned his teammates. He had gained his courage because of his hero. He was still growing accustomed to the knowledge that the pipsqueak he picked on was his hero. He needed to make things right.
Looking towards the mutated adolescent, he held up his hand. "Want my fortune cookie?"
Savage Spider-man gazed at the treat. He chomped down and consumed it all. Paper included.
Flash yelped as he pulled away his hand. "So, um, we're cool now, right?"
"It wasn't just your dad, Harry," Mary Jane reasoned, returning to the main topic. "S.H.I.E.L.D. also turned us over. Peter, too. With what happened at the Vault, are we still criminals in their eyes?"
"Does this mean we're on the run?" Flash asked. "I'd like it if we could crash on a bed or even a sofa. Those cots at Midtown High started to get uncomfortable."
"I doubt I could make a room reservation at a resort and spa," Harry shrugged. "I don't have my phone. I figured it'd be best to leave it behind. I got the feeling it's being tracked some how."
"Not to mention money," Mary Jane brought up. "Mister Osborn probably took Harry off his accounts."
"Actually, we may be in luck. I made off with some stuff from the penthouse," Harry explained as he opened his bag. "We can pawn these. And I have a couple of credit cards. We can get the maximum amount for cash advances and then shred the cards. We gotta do it quick before Norman closes them. We should use different ATMs so no one can find us."
"Is that really what we've come down to?" Flash asked. "Hiding? I thought we weren't cowards anymore!"
"What more can we do?" Harry challenged. "Which of us can go back?"
A stillness came over them.
"I can't go back," Mary Jane answered first. "My dad will turn me in for any reward money."
"I can't go back," Flash added. "My dad will whoop my ass."
"I can't go back," Harry answered last. "Norman will kill me."
The trio looked at their mutated friend. They could tell the one with many arms refused to allow his aunt to see him as some sort of monster. One look at him might give her a shock that on the spot could literally stop her heart. They couldn't allow such guilt to consume him.
"Now what?"
That was still the question.
They looked over towards Savage Spider-man. He kept his gaze out towards the city. Something inside of him was tugging at him to go back. A part of him couldn't leave New York City in the hands of villains like The Goblin or Doc Ock and his Sinister Six. But he also couldn't endanger those who stuck by him.
The group would follow his lead. They now had two choices: Return to the city with the attempt to use their curse as gifts and risk getting arrested, or leave everyone and everything behind and be forever on the run.
At least they had each other.
End "Break Out"
Screwball/[real identity yet to be revealed], see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #559, 2008.
Elizabeth "Liz" Allan-Osborn, see Amazing Fantasy #15, 1962. (Properly named in Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #4, 1962.)
Mark Raxton/Molten Man, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #28, 1965. For his USM appearance, see S3 "Contest of Champions".
Vault [Prison], see Avengers Annual #15, 1986.
Author's notes: Thanks for waiting on this one. If there's a pause between chapters or stories, I'm just struggling to write the action scenes. This one really kicked my butt.