Author's Notes: A bit of a mix between the original Amazing comics, the Spectacular comics, and the Ultimate reboot comics with a dash of my own imagination. For the Hobgoblin villain selected here, I'll leave it up to your interpretation of who it is. Enjoy!
Summary: After an unsuccessful battle against a new Hobgoblin, Peter and Harry learn a deeper connection between the Parkers and the Osborns before they were even born.
Lab Partners
"We're arriving closer to his position!" Iron Patriot shouted. He was zipping through the air while dodging looming skyscrapers. Alongside him were Patrioteer and Spider-man.
The wall-crawler was shooting his webs. He bounced off walls and flag polls to pump his momentum. Weaving through the lively city, he merrily sang to himself. "There's the church. There's the steeple. Open it up, and there's the bad guy!"
The trio watched as someone they were pursuing infiltrated a dilapidated place of worship. They followed. Entering through a hole, they landed inside. The area was dark. Only sunlight emitting past the broken roof penetrated.
Spider-man looked around. Beyond the stained glass windows, he spotted a hole in the ground where the criminal could've dropped below. He knew what lay under.
((Remember back when Norman was The Goblin? And he tried to make me a Goblin but somehow I ended up as Carnage? And then Harry became Venom and tried to take down his dad? Well, we're back at that secret hideout. Looks like someone got access to the Goblin serum and is looking high and low for Norman's old weapons. I've seen enough cartoons to know the mouse is already packing something fierce.))
"He must already be in the basement," Spider-man surmised. "Most likely ready to arm himself with the standard accessories. I can stay close to the floor, err, ceiling and catch him by surprise. Patrioteer—"
"Will stay close to me," Iron Patriot decided.
The web-head looked at his teammate.
Patrioteer stayed quiet. He reviewed an earlier mission. When he had teamed up with Spider-man and Agent Venom, he had acted too eager in facing off against Doc Ock and HYDRA. He was aware of the devastating consequences. He nodded.
Spider-man accepted that response. "Ready? Break!"
He leaped closer to the hole. His sticky fingers embraced the ceiling as he flipped. Chills swept down his spine as he surveyed his environment. He saw the hexagon flooring still broken. The monitors coating the walls kept their screens smashed. Wires dangled like dead vines in a jungle. He shivered. "This place kept its creep factor up past ten. Too bad Halloween isn't for months."
Iron Patriot dropped down with Patrioteer right beside him. He activated a flashlight. His scanner searched for any forms of life.
No sooner did the wall-crawler descend to the floor that his spider-sense activated.
A pumpkin bomb sailed through the air.
"Watch out!" Spider-man cried.
His teammates detected the danger. They leaped from their spot.
The weapon exploded. The blast was followed by an unholy laughter.
"Arm yourselves!" Iron Patriot directed to the teen heroes.
From the smoke arose someone riding a glider. Burning red eyes glowed against his sickly yellow skin. Pointy ears shaped the scalp with a forehead that went on forever. A vicious smile revealed sharp teeth. He appeared far more unhinged than the original Goblin. His raspy voice chuckled maliciously once more. "Look who decided to visit my humble home!"
"There's our target!" Patrioteer reported.
"Guests should always knock before they enter. How rude!" The enemy shot another pumpkin bomb. But his aim was off, so the heroes easily evaded the attack.
"Way to entertain guests like this!" Spider-man flipped and landed on the wall. "Whoever this chuckle-head is, he's not as powerful as the original Goblin. He's like a… Hobgoblin!"
He watched as the Osborns ducked from an unconstrained glider. He observed how much joy the madman gained in tormenting them. Using his webbings, he formed a ball. He hurled it towards his foe.
The webbed ball smashed into the back of Hobgoblin's head. His heated red eyes were now set on him. Spider-man shot his web and was prepared to take off. A flying razor bat prevented the web-spinner from moving forward. Hobgoblin lunged towards him. He exposed his knife-like claws. He enacted a powerful slash.
A pained shriek filled the air.
"Spider-man!" Patrioteer cried.
The wall-crawler had been injured.
"Nothing to worry about," he grunted. "Same as a cat. Which means its time for this Hobgoblin to get declawed."
Hobgoblin was nimble. He flipped and landed back on his stolen glider. He resumed his sporadic flightpath. Zooming closer to Spider-man, he was close to knocking his head off.
"Whoa!" the masked ruffian yelped. He ducked. "Glider on the loose! And it's amazing that he's able to fly so freely in a basement this size."
Hobgoblin happily rode around on the machine. The ability to wave through the air intoxicated him. "What a thrill this Goblin path is! You were a fool, Osborn, for giving up all this power!"
Iron Patriot clenched a fist. He refused to be labeled as the terrible green beast any longer. "Only a fool believes this is power!"
He tailed the yellow fiend with his boosters. Patrioteer was close behind him.
Spider-man examined his costume. He noticed the tears. "Great, now I need to re-thread this. And it's so hard finding matching colors."
Once he recovered, he followed.
To rid his enemies chasing him, Hobgoblin hurled another pumpkin bomb. This time, he purposefully flung too wide. Rather than hit the man in the armor, he hit a piece of the building.
The support beam cracked. The sound alarmed the young heroes. Looking up, they pinpointed the problem. The structure above them broke apart. Spider-man and Patrioteer acted. The masked ruffian shot his webs. The teen in the iron suit used his hand repulsors to melt any metal. Their teamwork kept the debris from covering Iron Patriot.
"Nice work, pal," Spider-man complimented.
"Just following S.H.I.E.L.D.'s training," Patrioteer cheerfully replied. He then rejoined himself to Iron Patriot's side. The older Osborn raised his arm to protect the younger one.
Hobgoblin swerved around. He noted how protective Iron Patriot acted towards Patrioteer. The younger one was like a yo-yo. He needed to sever the string. Snatching a piece of debris, he tossed it against the older Osborn.
Iron Patriot raised up both hands. Effortlessly, he caught it. "Nice try! It's gonna take more than that to defeat me!"
"Can't juggle more than you can handle, Osborn!" Hobgoblin teased. He zipped past the older man. He went straight for the younger teen.
Claws slashed Patrioteer. A shout ensued.
The parent in the metal suit saw the assault. He grew furious. He tossed aside the debris and controlled his boosters. "Stay away from him!"
His metal fists bashed right into Hobgoblin's chest. The attack sent the yellow monster flying. He then turned back to Patrioteer. "Are you alright?"
The young adult scanned his suit. "Yeah, everything's still operating."
Iron Patriot was visibly relieved. "Remember, stay close to me."
The order sounded harsh. But it was coming from a caring place.
Spider-man spotted the enemy regaining his balance. He grew livid as the chaotic laughter rang in his ears. "Hey, Hobbie! Are you done pulling these novice stunts?"
The foe heard the insult. He faced the web-head. "What?!"
"You heard me!" the hero yelled. "Your tricks are less intimidating than a kindergarten's haunted house! You trying to be the next Goblin? Ha! You're nothing but a wannabe!"
Hobgoblin growled at the snub. He had uncovered the formula, weapons, and glider. He wanted The Goblin's name for himself. Yet his character had yet to strike fear like the way his predecessor did. He pondered. "If I ever want to make a name for myself, if I ever wish to evolve, I should eliminate what came before me."
Spider-man saw a rise to the challenge. "I don't like the sound of that."
Hobgoblin chucked his weapon. The pumpkin bomb was knocked off course by a webbed ball. It tossed up. When it exploded, the shockwaves weakened the ceiling. Hobgoblin made his charge. Spider-man tackled the yellow beast. The enemy tumbled off his machine.
Iron Patriot witnessed the explosion. Another piece of ceiling was coming down. It would crush the foe but also Spider-man. He used his own repulsor to fix it. Patrioteer followed suit.
The masked ruffian pinned down his adversary. "You're not making a title for yourself that easy!"
The antagonist struggled beneath. He grunted, "You'll see that this Hobgoblin—as you so kindly labeled me—will bring about his own terrors! More than The Goblin ever could!"
He managed to pull back one leg. He kicked the teen dressed in the blue and red costume. The web-slinger groaned as he swept across the floor. Hobgoblin chortled at his freedom.
"Not so fast!" Iron Patriot bellowed. With his son responding to the rubble, he was able to aid Spider-man. He pounced on top of the villain. "I refuse to allow anyone tampering with the remains of the Goblin formula to get away!"
"You'll see that I'm right, Osborn," Hobgoblin taunted. His smile exposed his sharp teeth. "The only true power is from this Goblin entity! And if you reject that, then take your sunny philosophy to the grave!"
He liberated his arms. He pressed a button on his risk guard. The glider reacted to the call. It was speeding on a straight path.
Spider-man's spider-sense went off. The ride was zooming towards them. He rolled himself out of the way. He elevated himself. "Heads up!"
Iron Patriot turned around. He watched in horror of what was coming towards him.
Patrioteer had remained near the ceiling. He was heading towards the bickering adults to give a hand. He sighted the looming danger. "Dad!"
He whisked himself closer. He shoved his father aside. The glider hit against the armor. With its great force, the machine smashed Patrioteer against the oncoming wall.
"NO!" Iron Patriot shouted.
"Patrioteer!" Spider-man cried.
The teen in the armor gave no response. His body remained in place, motionless.
Iron Patriot removed himself from Hobgoblin. He rushed towards the injured teammate and crushed wall. He scanned the armor. "His suit is offline!"
He lifted his silver visor. His blue eyes exposed his worry. "Harry! Can you hear me? Son!"
Spider-man disbelieved the horrid site. Infuriated, he glared at Hobgoblin. The yellow fiend was scrambling to his feet. The wall-crawler sprang closer to him. In his rage, he batted his enemy. Hobgoblin bemoaned. Each pounding fist felt like a cinder block bashing against him. He was no match for an angered arachnid. He knew he needed to leave. He delivered his own punch. The hit was powerful. Spider-man fell backwards as the yellow monster shuffled towards a wide exit.
Even without the glider, Hobgoblin made his escape. His maddening cackle echoed against the decaying church walls.
Spider-man, down on his side, watched. He clenched a fist. "Why that no good…"
His enraged thoughts were interrupted by bellows of anguish.
"Harry!" Iron Patriot ripped off Patrioteer's yellow visor. The young adult's eyes remained closed.
The wall-crawler stood up. He jumped closer. He examined his ally. "We need to get him help."
Iron Patriot clenched his teeth. He knew the web-head was right. "We're closer to the hospital than we are the Triskelion."
Spider-man gave no argument. He positioned his hands on the glider while the older Osborn set his hands over the younger one's shoulders. Using his strength built from concern and rage, the wall-crawler ripped away the cursed machine. He tossed it aside like garbage. The unconscious teen in the metal suit fell into his father's arms.
Spider-man and Iron Patriot took Patrioteer to receive treatment.
The private hospital room was quiet. A father soaked with guilt stood beside a bed. He balled up his fingers and squeezed his fists. The strain from slugging Hobgoblin remained.
"That glider was meant for me. It was supposed to crash in to me."
His emotional blue eyes focused on his son. The teen was lying in bed. He was asleep. His nostrils held clear tubes that granted him oxygen. A neck-brace prevented his head from swinging. Next to him was a heart monitor.
Seeing his boy in the Intensive Care Unit caused Norman's anguish to upsurge. He had trouble bearing that. Instead, what discharged was more anger. "I should've destroyed those cursed Goblin lairs! Neither of those boys should've been there! I should've done the job on my own! This was my responsibility!"
He regretted his time as a Goblin. He believed acting as Iron Patriot would reprimand his misdeeds. Hobgoblin gleefully reminded him of that past sin. He loathed the idea of forever being pulled down by his old identity. Remorse relentlessly clung to him.
A nurse quietly walked into the room. She wore a set of pink scrubs. Underneath her nurse's hat was blond hair kept in a bun. She was the same hospital employee who treated Norman after his run as The Goblin. Now she was fostering his injured son. Her soft blue eyes rested on him. She spotted him brooding.
"Norman," she greeted. Her voice came out with a thick Swedish accent.
The businessman kept his sullen position. By the gentle voice, he knew who came. He whispered, "He's back here… in the hospital… because of me…"
He had been consumed by his greed. That was what permitted the black symbiote to take control of his son. A white one landed that same adolescent in a coma. When he suited up as Iron Patriot, he informed the two teens of his work—to bring in someone who had contact with the Goblin mixture. Spider-man and Patrioteer couldn't refuse the call. He allowed them to come. Now someone who had found the bedeviled Goblin formula had greatly injured Patrioteer with the glider.
The nurse was aware of what admitted the young adult. She knew why he was still alive. She felt the need to sooth the distraught industrialist. "The suit saved him. Your suit saved him."
"From an absolute maniac who's still at large."
Norman was a man of power. He had countless enemies. Many were from his Oscorp empire, business rivals and employees bitter with their position. Hobgoblin had addressed him by his last name. The criminal was aware of who was in the metal suit. Yet it would be difficult to try and identify a single foe. Or if he had teamed up with someone. Questions enveloped him.
"There isn't anymore you can do," she gently insisted.
"I can be here when he wakes up," he countered. He couldn't imagine Harry becoming disheartened to not see his only parent around. He didn't want his son to think he didn't care.
"Nurse Frederickson," a voice called over the P.A. system. "You're needed up front, Nurse Frederickson."
The woman heard her name over the loud speaker. She knew she needed to leave.
"You should get some rest yourself," she advised. "Your son will worry if you aren't taking care of yourself."
He thought about her advice.
"Just give me two more minutes, Kolina," he replied. His tone distance itself from a command. He sounded like he was giving a genuine request. He kept himself in place as the footsteps walked away.
Once alone, he looked back towards the bed. He doubted that such a thin blanket would keep the slumbering patient warm. He removed his jacket. Gently, he placed it over his son.
"I'll be back soon. I promise."
Night had fallen. Artificial lights swarmed the city. A whole new world emerged. Worse, numerous criminals were coming forth to enact their schemes in a coat of darkness. Hobgoblin would be shrouded.
Spider-man stood on a wide roof. Earlier, he had visited Mount Sinai Medical Center. He received treatment for his wounds. He also fixed his costume. He was prepared to return to the battlefield. To him, his injuries were only scratches. They were nothing compared to what his friend had withstood. Standing by statues of gargoyles, his white eyes scanned the cityscape. He wasn't alone. Agent Venom and Spider-woman arrived.
"How's Patrioteer?" the girl asked. They had already been informed about the unfortunate incident.
"Recovering in the hospital," the leader replied. His tone carried no joy.
"And the new criminal?" the tall teen asked. "Hobgoblin? What became of him?"
"Still at large." No quips accompanied the web-slinger's answers.
The terrible scene replayed in his mind. He only stood by and watched the destruction unfold. And he was powerless to stop it. Guilt and rage swept through him like a flood. Forming a fist, he punched a gargoyle. His unleashed strength shattered its head. The cracks split and extended down the rock body.
Agent Venom and Spider-woman were speechless. They knew of his fury and grief that tormented him.
"Do we know what Hobgoblin wants?" the girl asked. "Maybe we can use that to know where he'll strike next."
"NO!" the leader shouted.
Agent Venom and Spider-woman stared at the web-head. Such an outburst was uncharacteristic of him.
"I don't want you guys going anywhere near this mission," Spider-man ordered. His tone grew dark. "Hobgoblin is mine."
Goblins, even Hobgoblins, were dangerous. Like with his original team, he never wanted anyone close to him be in danger because of such criminals. One ally was already paying for that mistake.
Spider-woman stepped closer. "I know it hurts seeing him in the hospital. Doesn't that mean all the more help you need?"
"It's teamwork that makes champions," Agent Venom added.
Spider-man stood firm in his stance.
"You both insisted on going with Iron Patriot," the girl continued. "You went because you wanted to show your support for a changed Norman and the Osborn family. Harry went because he wanted to support his dad."
"I still could've done something," Spider-man retorted. "Patrioteer has improved since he first put on the armor. But I'm still his leader. Hobgoblin showed interest in going after Iron Patriot. He actually knew it was Norman in the suit. I could've used my webbings to have kept that glider parked."
Agent Venom always respected his forerunner. He needed to show him when he was wrong. "Patrioteer saw a teammate in trouble. His coach. He had to take charge."
"His sacrifice was his choice," Spider-woman translated. "Just like what you do."
The masked ruffian permitted the words to sink in. Yet he couldn't fully accept them. "I need some time alone."
He raced towards the edge of the building and jumped. His body embraced the air before he shot his webs.
A part of him was always afraid that he would lose his best friend to some sort of Goblin.
Norman returned to the hospital. He kept his promise in being a better father to his only child. The sun hailed in the sky for only a couple of hours. The long night was tough for the older Osborn. His mind rattled. He worried for his boy's well-being. He questioned what devious plot The Hobgoblin was planning. So far the novice enemy had refrained from attacking his office. He couldn't concern himself with that disquietude right now. He had to be with Harry.
Entering the private room, he spotted his son. The teen was still sleeping. Kolina had informed him that Harry had yet to awaken. Norman felt torn from such information. A part of him felt relieved that his boy hadn't waken up because it meant he could be present. But he worried about how much sleep the auburn needed.
Approaching the bed, he clearly saw the neck-brace and oxygen tubes had been removed. He also noted his jacket he left behind remained over him. However, with the nurses moving the patient to extract everything, the piece of clothing had skewed.
"Lousy interns," he grumbled. He decided to reposition it. That's when someone called him.
"Dad?" a soft voice came out.
Norman froze. He gazed into the young blue eyes. He turned relieved seeing the auburn awakening. "Harry!"
"Where am I?" Harry asked.
"You're in the hospital," the father replied. He watched as his boy took in his surroundings. They were in a small room with a window, a TV, and a vent that blew cool air. It was obvious they weren't in the medical wing at the Triskelion. He had to ease him. "It's going to be OK. You're safe."
"What happened? How did I get here?"
Norman became uneasy; Harry had forgotten what took place.
"Wait…" The gears in the teen's mind began to turn. "We were both in our suits. Spider-man was with us…. Hobgoblin!"
Terror consumed him. The images of the yellow skin and fiery red eyes haunted him. The crazy man absorbed in the Goblin mixture managed to slip away. Harry wanted to sit up. A pain struck his entire body. His torso ached the most. He gasped. He clamped his eyes. He gritted his teeth.
"Don't move!" Norman ordered. He locked his hands over Harry's shoulders. He prevented any further acts.
The patient ceased his roaming. His fingers released his clutched sheets. He slowly relaxed himself.
"You mustn't exert yourself like that," Norman directed. He was aware of the young adult's discomforts. He pondered about his medications.
Harry obeyed. He recalled all that mishap while lying at rest. As a member of a team, he had to know what was happening between heroes and enemies. "Any word about… The Hobgoblin?"
A chill encased the older Osborn's body. He couldn't allow that dreadful thought to consume his child, not while Harry was vulnerable. He replied, "No, but you don't need to be worrying about that. Spider-man is on the case."
The words were supposed to sooth the teen. Instead, they made him anxious. The Hobgoblin was a terrifying villain. His strength was unmatched. His identity was unknown. He had access to the Goblin's weaponry. He could strike at any moment.
Norman noted his son's anxiety.
"Spider-man is well-experienced," he corrected. "He'll have the right strategy to bring in The Hobgoblin."
He had learned to place his trust in others. He wouldn't mind if an ally brought in the enemy. He only wanted the lairs to be taken care of by himself. There were consequences for his negligence. The terrible scene of the runaway glider replayed in his mind.
He looked at his son. Harry had adhered to his direction in staying close to him. He never thought the young adult could take action in that manner. In a serious tone he asked, "Why did you do that?"
"Do what?" the adolescent asked back.
"Take the glider?"
Harry sensed the diverse emotions his parent was undergoing. He smiled. "Hobgoblin was going after you. I had to do something. You're my dad."
"But risking your life?!" The father didn't mean to yell. His anger was the foreground of his worry. His son had a future ahead of him.
Calmly, Harry explained himself. "You didn't let anyone push you around. Even before as Iron Patriot. Neither does Spider-man. I'm not gonna let that happen to me anymore. Not against Ock. And not against this Hobgoblin."
Norman turned surprised by his son's courage. Perhaps placing on the Patrioteer suit—the one he had designed—had truly inspired the young Osborn to develop his grit. Softly, he smiled at his determination. "I see all that S.H.I.E.L.D. studying has paid off."
His fingers brushed the soft auburn hair. He was grateful that his life, and his son's life, had been spared.
Harry smiled at the affection he was receiving. His response was his truth. He never intended to trouble his only parent. But a dilemma was on sight. He did what he could as Patrioteer.
Norman's bright face faded. He debated. He debated if he should pursue The Hobgoblin. If he did, he could catch the madman who harmed his son. On the other hand, wearing the patriotic armor would mean leaving the hospital. He would be leaving Harry behind. He couldn't allow his boy to believe he had abandoned him. He also didn't know if he could part knowing that the teen needed him.
He spotted the auburn flashing his focus elsewhere. The boy's attention fell sharply on the ceiling. Something seemed to alarm him. "Harry?"
The patient snapped out his distracted demeanor. "Sorry. Thought I heard something."
Even though Harry brushed off the incident, Norman remained worry. He didn't know how disturbed his boy became. But it gave him his answer.
"I know you've been working on your application for E.S.U.," he collectedly began.
Harry grew puzzled why his father was speaking about his choice of college. Such a subject seemed arbitrary at a moment like now. But he figured the new topic could put Norman at ease. "Me, Peter, Flash, and Mary Jane have been going over them together. Mary Jane wants to go into Journalism, but she also has her eyes on Psychology."
"She can always get a minor. Or complete a double major."
"Flash plans on getting an athletic scholarship."
"E.S.U. is proud of its athletic department."
"Peter will definitely get some sort of academic scholarship."
The teen thought about what he unfolded. Perhaps the old part of him would've believed that such a grant for the brunet would make the school genius arrogant. But he knew of the hard work Peter placed into his studies. Especially with his unpaid time as Spider-man. He was proud of him and was glad that they would be attending the same school together. He knew he needed to keep up his end with his grades.
Norman was proud Harry would be attending his alma mater. He was aware of his son already looking at apartments closer to the campus. The auburn was planning on rooming with his best friend. He knew he would have trouble adjusting to an empty nest. But he was looking to give all the support he could. "If you two can work together against the strongest of enemies who threaten New York, then living as roommates with split chores should work out fine."
"A chore wheel should help with that. But it's more of how Peter can complete his with all that he has to juggle."
"He'll need to handle that task himself. Just make sure you keep up with your assignments and communicate with your groups and professors. I can tell you from my own experiences in those labs where…" Norman stopped. "I know you don't want to be lectured."
Harry wondered if his father was set to tell him a story. He grew excited. "Is this about your old professor? Stromm?"
Norman became surprised by son's eagerness to hear more. He smiled. He was pleased that Harry remembered the parts of his past that he had shared. He shook his head. "No, that embezzlement incident occurred much later. This was before I officially started working with Stromm. This was a time between me and my old lab partner Richard Parker."
The name caught Harry's attention.
Outside of the room, someone in a red and blue costume was also listening.
Empire State University is a research university in Upper Manhattan, New York City. The school motto is "Excelsior!" Various college programs includes Nursing, Psychology, Journalism, and the sciences. This was a time before the addition of new buildings, like Osborn Hall and Stacy Memorial Dining Hall. So the campus was smaller than what it would be one day. The student body also consisted of unaltered human beings.
The science curriculum was one of the best on the east coast. Lab tables with black counter tops lined the room. Two metal stools were assigned to one desk. Posters of the periodic table, topography maps, famous scientists, and chemical structures adorned the walls. There were a sink and an eye-washing station available for easy access. In front of the classroom was a large green chalkboard. Age was given in that an overhead projector was still used over a computer monitor.
Having outstanding courses also meant having excellent teachers. He was an older man. Winkles already covered his face. He was bald but also cleanly shaved. His eyebrows were like two fuzzy caterpillars. A white lab coat rested over his green shirt tucked into his brown pants. He was a genius when it came to machinery. He would someday be known as The Master of Machines. He would one day seek revenge against an Osborn and fight against a hero named Spider-man. For now, he was a highly regarded professor at E.S.U. His name was Mendel Stromm. And he was trying to work with one of his students. A very stubborn student.
"I don't need a lab partner," a young Norman Osborn declared. Rich auburn color covered his head. His blue eyes held just as much determination. His youthful face sustained no winkles of his own, but stress piled on him just the same. Surrounding his work area were his textbooks and notes. He had adapted to a particular way of working. He refuted any possibility of anyone stopping his goal.
"No need to be stingy," Stromm advised. "You have a brilliant mind. But that will only take you so far."
The young student scoffed. He had made his way into a prestigious university without the help of anyone. Not even his own parents. He believed he only needed faith in himself.
The well-experienced professor had worked with numerous students. Some were starry eyes and overestimated their abilities to change the world. A handful were like the Osborn in front of him. He could only teach his course and give advice.
"You'll eventually need to learn how to play well with others," Stromm heeded. "I'll assign you a student who had late enrollment."
Another young man entered. His dark brown hair was combed back. Brown eyes scanned the space. He carried with him the required textbook and lab workbook. He placed on a charismatic smile.
"He will be your lab partner," the professor directed.
The man looked forward and nodded. He extended his hand. "Richard Parker."
Norman spotted the hand. He knew that if he was to re-claim his place in the world of business he would have to play the game. Reluctantly, he shook it. "Norman Osborn."
Stromm turned to the other student. "Now that you've met your partner, let's go into my office, and I'll give you the class syllabus."
Norman watched as the two left. He returned to his work.
"He won't even last to midterms."
"….What was difficult during those class times was the shown work," Norman explained. "After the lectures and demonstrations, we were given our assignments to follow with questions to complete. My lab partner and I did come to the same conclusion. But the timing of how we came to those answers was different. He wasn't one to simply look over my shoulder and write down the correct answer like some of the other students. It wasn't his mind that vexed me as it was his buoyant attitude…."
Norman ardently worked in the lab. He refused to settle for merely a diploma. He had his eyes set on graduating with the highest of honors. He needed to go further in his education through grad school. He needed to impress future investors and intimidate any competitors. He vowed he would pull up Oscorp from the ground and re-claim all that the Osborn family had lost.
Because he was on good rapport with Stromm, he was permitted to stay in the lab outside class time. He also used the area as his own private study for his other classes. In addition to the sciences, he studied Business Administrations. He kept to himself as other professors and teachers' aides came and went. He loathed being disrupted.
"Norman?" a feminine voice asked.
The scholar whipped his head up. He grew surprised. "Emily? What are you doing here?"
A young woman entered the lab. Her round shoulders hauled a green jacket. She carried a bright and kind smile. "I brought you some lunch. I know you've been working hard. But you can't use that as an excuse to go hungry."
She handed over a paper bag.
Norman was a mulish man. Yet there was someone who broke through his concrete persona. He accepted the food. Touched at the kind act, he smiled back. "Did you have trouble finding the place?"
"I actually had some help," Emily replied. "I asked where the labs were, and two students guided me. They said that they were heading in the same direction."
Norman spotted who else entered. He scowled.
"Got yourself a girlfriend, do you, Osborn?" Richard teased. He was standing alongside a young woman. She had black hair but also caring blue eyes.
"That's the lab partner I've been talking about," Richard chirped to his own girlfriend. "He got every question right on the last test. Even the extra credit questions."
As usual, he carried a bright smile. The pair left as he explained what was in the room. They seemed to be speaking about their own class assignments.
Norman grunted as he disregarded the compliment. Typically what annoyed any grouch was the idealists. Richard seemed content with his own path. Perhaps his personal life was supportive by others. Meanwhile, the young Osborn toiled with little blessings outside his vast intelligence.
"See?" Emily kindly pointed out. "Your brilliance isn't going unnoticed. You'll be able to achieve your dream in no time."
The young man felt his darkness drifting away. "Yes, but no need to grow a big head. I should stay focus on my goal."
"And after lunch, why don't you show me around?" Emily suggested. "I'd love to see what else you've been studying."
Norman turned from his mounting work and gazed into her loving eyes. He slowly relaxed. "Alright, you have me for the rest of the afternoon."
He loved seeing her smile. He could never deny her any of her wishes.
"…. Having the correct partner can make a difference," Norman avowed. "I don't know how I could've made it through those rough years without your mother. She encouraged me to work, but also reminded me to stop and smell the roses."
Harry smiled whenever he heard about his mother. It was through stories and memories like these that he was able to know her and learn about her. He also spotted how happy his father became. Sharing such recollections was no longer a downer.
"I must admit that my lab partner truly irked me," Norman explained. "Of course, I know I wasn't sociable when I was younger."
The teen knew what inhabited his mind. "I know, Dad. You had to work. You had to get Oscorp back on the map."
Norman smiled. While his son shared his drive, he was caring like his mother. He then noticed him shifting underneath his sheets. His jacket slid. He grabbed it and repositioned it. "Is something wrong?"
"Nah, just feeling a little stiff." Harry did enjoy what he heard. It was only yesterday he was brought to the hospital. He was protected by the iron armor. His aching body began waking up. He wanted to stretch.
Norman didn't approve his boy to be moving so freely just yet. "Well, let's try this."
He grabbed a remote attached to the bedside. He pressed a button. The bed slowly lifted. As he saw his son becoming comfortable once more, something occurred to him. "It's been awhile since you've last eaten. I'll go find Kolina. Let's see what'll be good for you. If you were given any medication, you'll need to consider what to eat."
"Can't I have a slice of pizza? Or a coffee and donut from the cafeteria?" Harry appreciated his father's care. He didn't want to be smothered. "You don't have to worry about me this much."
"You can say that all you want. But as a parent I will."
The two exchanged smiles. Harry watched as Norman headed towards the door. The private room was quiet for only a moment.
"You can come down now," he assured.
The grate for the vent was removed. Dropping down was Spider-man. His red boots docked themselves on the sterile floor.
Harry greeted his guest with a smile. Thanks to his S.H.I.E.L.D. education, he learned how to identify someone tailing him. He knew his friend was present the entire time.
"How's everything been?" the leader asked. "You remember what happened? That hit with the glider didn't knock out too many marbles, did it?"
"Not everything," Harry admitted. He turned serious. "It all happened so quickly. Hobgoblin and everything in that lair. I still remember that mess."
"Even what you did for Iron Patriot?"
Harry looked at the web-head. White eyelids stared back. He knew of the inner turmoil he placed in not only his leader but his friend. Confidently, he responded, "I did what I had to do."
Spider-man listened to his teammate. He understood the choice. "Agent Venom and Spider-woman agreed."
The names of the other agents perked up the patient. "We're you guys out all night? Anything on Hobgoblin?"
"Nah. He's gotta be waiting in his little hovel. He's probably using a box of crayons to mark up his next scheme."
"If it's power he's wanting, he'll be looking for more sources. There might be other locations. You know, other Goblin lairs. You and the others should check those out."
The wall-crawler grew hesitant. He wasn't sure if he should allow the other teammates to be involved. But he was intrigued. "Hmm… They could be in Norman's computer. He might've used a different password."
"If it's not my name, try Emily. E-M-I-L-Y."
Spider-man became surprised by the suggestion. "Your mom's name?"
Harry nodded. "She's important to him. She supported him when no one else did."
The one under the red mask knew the loyalty that raced in the young Osborn. "Having a supportive family is important."
The auburn was grateful that his leader saw his value. He knew the extensive labor the notorious web-head did on his own before working for S.H.I.E.L.D. and accepting his teams. He was proud to be striving for the same goals.
The duo became quiet. The idea of Hobgoblin hiding was haunting. One teammate had already been injured. They tried their best to keep up their spirits.
"Dad's been telling me more of his time at E.S.U.," Harry cheerfully brought up.
The other teen heard the side note. He removed his mask. He weaved his gloved fingers through his sweaty hair. "Keeping himself distracted. That's a good strategy for when you're really worried about something or someone."
Harry looked at the brown hair and blue eyes. He assumed his pal didn't want to appear like he was eavesdropping. The brunet needed an invite. Casually, he added, "He was working with this lab partner. Someone named Richard Parker."
The visitor gawked.
"That's the name of your dad, wasn't it?" Harry asked, though his tone demonstrated that he already knew the answer.
"Um, yeah," Peter responded. "But those christen and surnames… They're so common. 'Peter' and 'Harry' are no different."
"Even attending E.S.U.? They gotta be around the same age. You told me that Uncle Ben gave kudos for how smart your dad was. And how he pushed him to go to college."
"Yeah, he had high hopes."
((Uncle Ben and Aunt May did tell me what they knew about my parents. Aunt May told me that while Uncle Ben was courting her that she met my dad. He would tag along on their dates. She said as an adult he always acted so secretly. Uncle Ben said that my dad was always smart but had trouble focusing his energy. They both agreed that he changed for the better after meeting my mom.))
"If my dad worked with your dad… It wouldn't be that farfetched," Peter contended. "It's just unlikely."
He had dedicated time in finding what he could about his folks. What sparked his interest was what he found in his aunt's basement. They were also his parents. Much of their lives was beclouded in secrecy. He was accustomed to dead ends.
Harry knew of the drudgery his buddy placed in towards that goal. Like his own parent and a growing businessman himself, he knew of the profit that could come from taking risks. "I think you should ask him."
Peter debated. He appreciated the input. For now, he had enough talking about his personal life. He had a mission to return to. He placed his mask back on. "Norman will be back any minute. I doubt he'll want you to have any visitors at the moment."
Red gloves opened the window. Red boots stepped on the frame. "Take it easy. I'll fill you in if anything comes up."
Webs were shot, and Spider-man made his exit.
Harry watched as his leader left. He believed in his given advice. He clutched his father's jacket. "You'll never know unless you ask."
The door opened. Norman returned. His eyes landed on his son but caught something disturbing. "Why is the window open?"
He went and shut it. As he turned around, he missed the masked web-slinger totting away.
Harry was aware of Hobgoblin's presence in Norman's mind. He didn't want his father to question Spider-man's visit. He decided to start a new subject. "What did Nurse Frederickson say?"
"She'll be on her way up. I told her if you needed a bath I'd be in charge of that."
Harry felt himself growing embarrassed. He felt he was old enough to wash himself despite his accident. He looked towards the window before looking back at his dad. "What else happened? Between you and your lab partner? Richard Parker?"
Norman was surprised by the inquiry. Perhaps it was a better alternative to thinking about The Hobgoblin. As his son took interest in him, he smiled. "Not much between lectures and lab exams."
"Did he know what he was doing? Was he smart? Or did you tutor him?" Harry knew he was asking a lot. He wondered how identical the man was to his best friend.
"I don't think we had the same majors. I rarely saw him outside class time." An old memory occurred to the older Osborn. "But there was something that has always questioned me…"
The young Norman Osborn was working in the lab on a day with wonderful weather. Many students were on the quad and roamed the malls enjoying college life. He felt no need to be out. The end of the semester was drawing near. He had papers to write and exams to study for. He stopped when he heard something clatter in the next room.
No professors or aides were scheduled to be there. He left his station to go investigate. The commotion he heard emitted from the back storage rooms. He saw the usual shelves and containers. Desks had their own blueprints and other projects the graduates and researchers were working on.
Peeking through the door, he spotted a young man rummaging through a filing cabinet. He eyed the brown hair and a square jaw. He didn't appear to be someone sanctioned. As the man turned away from the cabinet, Norman saw it was Richard Parker. His lab partner seemed to be examining something within the room. What was odd was his appearance. He seemed far more serious than when he was in class. His brown eyes flashed towards the desks. He then focused on the maps. He seemed to be studying.
The other scholar stayed quiet as he watched.
When the young student was finished, he made his exit out the back door.
Norman entered that room. He was puzzled by what he had witnessed. He looked around the area. Everything seemed to be in place. Knowing he had work to complete, he returned to his station.
Harry became surprised by the story. He grew concerned for a motive. "You didn't say anything to the professor?"
"It didn't look like any harm had been done," Norman reasoned. "I didn't like him, but I wasn't looking to be dragged into somebody else's problems. I only attempted to see if he would surrender himself…."
The last day before final exams were completed. The class had become half the size of when it began. Students were receiving their stapled review packets and a quiz from the last chapter.
Norman looked at his results. He had already picked out his classes for the next semester. He was prepared to continue placing in his disciplines to move forward.
"Excellent job, Osborn," the professor complimented. "Perhaps we can work again in the near future."
The man in the white lab coat walked off to speak with the other students. It wouldn't be the last time Norman would collaborated with Stromm.
"Whew!" Richard happily sighed. "That last quiz was tough!"
Norman's eyes caught the high grade. "You seem to have done well for yourself."
"Sometimes you hafta go the extra mile to get the info you need."
"I don't suppose that that would cover cheating?"
Richard, carrying a surprised expression, looked at his partner. Their time together allowed him to become acquainted with Norman. He could tell the other man was searching for something. "Knowledge is power. There is a right way and a wrong way to get it. Cheaters only prosper in the short term. Men like us understand that real profit is brought with effort."
Norman looked at the brown eyes. Something within his lab partner made him see he wasn't a charlatan. He scoffed. He strongly believed he was a level far higher than the other student.
"With great power can come great responsibility," Richard unabashedly added. "That's a philosophy me and my brother share."
The young scholar gathered his belongings. He rolled his eyes at the childish outlook. "You're a regular Aristotle."
"I never saw him again after that final exam," Norman concluded. "I did continue studying under Stromm. Both as an undergraduate and graduate."
Harry nodded. He knew the old professor was no longer employed at E.S.U. He became angry filling out the rest, "And then after you invited him partnership, he stole money from Oscorp to fund his own secret project. So you had him arrested. You didn't ever find out what it was, did you?"
He hated anyone hurting his family. He knew of the great focus his father placed into reclaiming his empire. He couldn't believe a trusted mentor-turned-business partner had betrayed his father.
The older man shook his head. "No. But at least Oscorp now officially belongs only to hands of an Osborn."
He placed his hand on his son's shoulder.
Harry knew what his future held. He would one day be behind the big desk and make all the important decisions. He didn't know where his identity as Patrioteer would go. He was looking forward in continuing the Osborn work.
"Isn't this a family photo op," a new voice chirped.
The two Osborns gazed towards the once again opened window. They spotted the hero in the red and blue costume. "Spider-man!"
The web-spinner stepped inside. "You'll wanna remember these good times when burning the midnight oil at the family-owned Oscorp."
Harry proudly smiled. "And it's gonna stay that way."
"Never plan on coming and working with me after college?" Spider-man asked. "Does 'Parker Industries' have a marketable name?"
"Depends on your business model. But don't think I'll go easy on the competition."
In spite of the battle and injuries, the two friends made their jokes and kept their high spirits.
Norman was unaware of the two teens meeting before hand. He assumed the web-head was present for business. "As for The Hobgoblin?"
"We got a team working on this," Spider-man informed. "Agent Venom and Spider-woman. They give their best for Paterioteer's fast recovery."
Harry nodded. He already understood who was mentioned. If Spider-man delegated the assignment to them, he could also trust them regardless of his own qualms.
Norman spotted his son's response. He pondered the new information. He recalled the advice of his old professor-turned-business partner. Despite that man's corruption, he had his wisdom. Collectedly, he asked, "And what will they be doing?"
"Gave them locations of the other Goblin hideouts," the web-head answered. "A nut job like Hobgoblin will search high and low for more power. We can get a lead if we cut off some of his supplies."
Norman listened. He recalled his own anger, believing he himself was responsible for the destruction of those unholy Goblin lairs. He nodded as he understood. "Alright. But have them stand guard. They are to not dismantle anything within. That will be my responsibility."
The wall-crawler respected Iron Patriot's decision. He returned to the main issue. "Should note that Hobgoblin won't be tickle-pink for blocking his toy chest. After throwing a temper tantrum, he'll be looking for a new source of power."
Harry caught on. "Which means he'll be looking for…"
He turned to his dad.
"Right," Spider-man nodded. "He'll go after you, Norman. And anyone else you care about."
Norman looked at his son. The boy was in no condition to operate his suit. His physique was still weakened. He was vulnerable.
"Then we better prepare ourselves," the man stoutly replied. He protectively placed one hand on the teen's shoulder. "I'll need to transfer Harry. Keep him safe. Away from The Hobgoblin. Even with the Goblin formula somehow altering him a difference appearance, there's no telling what else he's capable of."
He intended on moving Harry to Oscorp. To keep the horrific beast on his toes, he would later switch the teen over to the Triskelion.
Harry sadly turned his gaze towards his sheets. He trusted his father's plans. He only wished he could do something to help out his teammates, his friends.
Spider-man caught that desire. He aimed to ease that pain. "The important thing is that our patient is with family. That's a sure fire way to speed up recovery."
He knew his good buddy tried to help with that earlier. Now with their identities known, they tried to support one another. The white slits met with blue eyes.
Inhaling deeply, Spider-man turned to the older Osborn. "Speaking of family, I was wondering if this man looks familiar to you."
He handed over a photo.
Norman studied the image. He spotted a young man with brown hair, brown eyes, and a strong chin. Those features began to click in his mind. Astonished, he looked back up.
The red mask was removed. Now standing in front of the older Osborn was the young adult with brown hair and blue eyes. His features had changed from that scrawny teen he first met.
"Peter, is this…"
"My father Richard Parker. Next to him is his wife Mary."
Norman stared back at the image. He then collected himself. "I did meet a Richard Parker. He was my lab partner. Back when I was an undergrad student at E.S.U."
Peter smiled. "My dad went to E.S.U. So did my mom. He was studying Biology. I wonder if that's where they met."
"As I mentioned to my son, I wasn't out of the lab when I was on campus. The only few moments was going to the school's library."
"He did see someone rummaging through Stromm's office," Harry chimed in. He understood his pal may not want to seem like he was eavesdropping.
Peter believed he could fill in some blanks. "He might've been looking for something not found in the school's old database. I have no doubts he was completing his own school work. Everyone has a setback when starting out."
He arrogantly smiled, "Of course, not Spider-man."
"You sure about that?" Harry smugly challenged. He removed a pillow behind him and adjusted himself. He positioned his hand on his chin to mimic pondering. "Wasn't there an early adventure for Spider-man you were telling me about? Something about tailing a criminal truck when really it was a lost farmer transferring chickens? And Spider-man ambushed him but got covered with a bunch of feathers?"
Peter felt his cheeks grow hot. He snatched the free pillow and began to lightly hit his friend. "Be quiet!"
Harry grinned from the light attack. He used his father's jacket like a shield.
Norman was visibly puzzled. "What assignment could endorse retrieving that information in such a secretive manner?"
The brunet ceased his play. He replied, "Anyone interested in working for the Central Intelligence Agency."
The head of Oscorp grew bewildered by the response. With wide eyes, he stared at the brunet. "The CIA? Really?"
He turned to his boy. Harry nodded. The best friend was already familiar with his past.
Meekly but proudly, Peter began to unfold more of his story. "My dad Richard worked for the CIA. So did my mom Mary. They were double agents."
The older Osborn was stunned by the revelation. "I take it, then, their jobs were the reason you were staying with your extended family?"
Peter's bright attitude turned sullen. "My parents' real identities somehow got exposed. They were on a plane when it crashed. I found more info as Spider-man. An operative working under Red Skull, The Finisher, got to them."
Norman became shocked.
The brunet understood the reaction. Thinking about his found information and the catastrophic results, he turned angry. "Their last mission allowed for all news sources to assume that they were traitors. That they were working for Red Skull."
He clenched the red mask he held.
"Did that cause trouble for your aunt and uncle?" the older Osborn asked. He didn't mean to pry. But the adolescent he had grown to know was talking about his personal life openly.
Peter remembered all the newspaper clippings he found in the attic. "It wasn't easy. Even Aunt May thought the worst about them when all these headlines came out. And Uncle Ben… He never got to know that his brother was never a traitor to the country."
((After Aunt May found out about me being Spider-man, I was able to say about what I found. I was glad to see that she can now hold a positive view on her brother-in-law and my mom, who she saw as a good friend. Aunt May assured me that my parents would be proud of my calling. I would've loved to have shared what I found with Uncle Ben.))
He heavily sighed. It was painful knowing it was only him and his aunt. He felt a hand on his risk. Looking up, he spotted his friend. He smiled. He knew he had others for support.
Harry understood what his best friend was brooding about. He looked at his own dad and thought about what he had been through. He turned back to the brunet. "Maybe Uncle Ben did know—about his brother's misunderstandment. Like that feeling you get when something is true or someone is innocent no matter how unlikely. He continued to see the best in his brother. He believed but didn't know how to prove it."
Peter looked at his buddy. He thought about their own bond. He grinned. "That's possible. He never lost hope."
"Hope is embedded in the Parker gene. And it looks like that has carried on."
Peter studied his mask, recalling all the foes he fought to keep New York safe. The same as his parents. He nodded. "Yeah, they were heroes."
"So is their son," Harry added.
"And his best friend. Plus his dad."
Norman looked at the two teens. They laughed in such a warm and carefree manner. They had each other's support—both for the civil and heroic identities. He observed how close their bond became ever since that rainy day.
He gazed back at the photo. He never saw that lab partner again. He continued learning under Stromm throughout his university career. He even invited the man partnership in the re-building of Oscorp. That misadventure gave him a step back in trusting others. Yet Richard Parker was different. The other student did work hard in that class. He only missed two sessions for sanctioned reasons. He never thought he would meet someone who was indirectly connected to his past.
Smiling, he mumbled, "Perhaps that Richard Parker wasn't a terrible lab partner after all."
End Lab Partners
Like with the mantle of Spider-Man and Green Goblin, Hobgoblin has various individuals. For the original, see Roderick Kingsley/Hobgoblin, Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #238, 1983.
Kolina Frederickson, see Spider-Man: Revenge of the Green Goblin #1, 2000.
Empire State University, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #1, 1963.
Mendel Stromm/Gaunt/Robot Master, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #37, 1966. As Gaunt, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #411, 1996. As Robot Master, see Civil War II: Amazing Spider-Man #3, 2016. For appearance of death, see Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 5 #5, 2018.
Richard Parker and Mary Parker-Fritzpatrick, see Amazing Spider-Man Annual #5, 1968.
Emily Osborn-Lyman, for initial appearance in a photo, see Spectacular Spider-Man #180, 1991 ("The Child Within: Part 3 of 6"). For full appearance, see Spider-Man: Revenge of the Green Goblin #1, 2000. For her possible return as Emma, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #789, 2018.
Karl Fiers/Finisher, see Amazing Spider-Man Annual #5, 1968.