Warning: Story contains scenes of manipulation and abuse.
Summary: [slight Alternate Universe] Loyalty between family and friendship is explored one late night.
Loyalty
"Peter Parker is Spider-man."
A teen with auburn hair froze in place. He stood in his living room immersed in darkness. Only the silver moon paraded from a window outlined the ritzy furniture. The pale outdoor light danced over one huge beast. Harry couldn't believe the statement. The account sounded too bizarre. It was unrealistic. But the source rose from someone he had trusted all his life. Up until recently. His whole body soaked in disbelief. His blue eyes overwhelmed with bewilderment stared ahead at unnatural green skin.
"What?" was all Harry could respond.
The Goblin's yellow eyes covered by a high-tech visor stared down towards his lanky boy. Again and again he held disappointment in his son. The teen was unable to maintain his grades in school. He would only prove to be a disgrace to Oscorp, the building they currently resided in. Harry was, however, friends with his enemy. Best friends. To the one masking himself as Spider-man. Perhaps Harry could be of some use.
"You heard me," The Goblin said. "Peter Parker, your school chum from Midtown High, is Spider-man."
Harry turned his disquiet gaze towards the ground. He placed one hand near his temple. His heart hammered in his chest. The one in front of him delivered perplexing news. It couldn't be a lie. The father and son had their rough patches. Should the truth come around, the results were always heavy. His entire world was shaken. "Peter is… He can't be… No! This doesn't add up!"
"That isn't surprising. Math has never been your strong suit, either." The monster who was once human was still the teen's father. He could see denial taking control. As his father, he needed to guide his son out of ignorance. His large feet began circling around Harry. His movements mimicked a vulture. "I know your bond began when you invited that little twerp in to our limo that rainy day."
The younger Osborn grew confused. While he stood in place, he attempted to preserve his father's pacing. Never before had he heard him belittle Peter. Norman had always praised Peter, particularly for his bright mind and gift for science. Something had definitely changed that partial perspective. The older Osborn had been gone for weeks, leaving his son alone and unable to form his own guesses. He kept his eyes on his mutated parent as he continued his motion.
"You became his friend," The Goblin went on. "Stood up for him when he was being picked on. Offered our wealth when he was short on cash. Brought him into our home. Supported him when he needed you the most after the death of his uncle…Which I'm starting to think he had a greater tie-in than what he led on."
Harry gave no response. Everything his father had listed off was true. His pal bore trouble against bullies, specifically Flash Thompson. Peter and Harry would spend afternoons in the upscale Osborn penthouse. Some were for tutoring. Some were for watching movie marathons. Most of all, he recalled the distress and anger his friend underwent when Peter's beloved uncle passed away. He, however, didn't see any correlation.
"And how did that Parker kid repay you for your kindness?" The Goblin posed. He clearly wasn't interested in a response to his hypothetical question, for he answered harshly, "By keeping you in the dark. By lying to you. By making himself appear weaker and timorous than he truly is. By choosing his S.H.I.E.L.D. teammates posing as new high school students over you."
His jagged teeth flashed as his lips glowered. His tone shifted. The industrialist began to show his resentment and agitation. "Despite my dissatisfaction in you, I forbid others to hurt you. They have no right to wound my little boy. They have no knowledge of the stress and pain that comes with being an Osborn."
Harry failed to notice his father's growing paranoia. Instead he reviewed his and Peter's gatherings. Whether after school or on weekends, Peter would leave early or arrive late. His excuses were outlandish. At times the school genius made private meetings with those newly settled in classmates. Harry didn't understand their sudden connection when Peter was a social outcast. Harry hated the exclusion. Should he accept the bizarre news of Peter and Spider-man being the same person, it would explain the unusual happenings. However, it was hard to digest a weakling like Peter displaying the grit and power Spider-man brandished while facing various villains. Including his father. He tightened his fist. If what was said was true, he didn't understand how Peter could attack his father, a man who showed favoritism towards him. He began to grow dizzy.
The Goblin ceased his movement. He observed the shock and declination running through Harry's mind. He noticed a sliver of anger. Though the adolescent physically stood in place, his heart was spinning rapidly like a raft caught in a stream. The truth had impaired him greatly. The Goblin narrowed his yellow eyes behind the visor. Harry had no siblings. The two boys held a better connection with each other, one where they told each other everything. Perhaps he was jealous of that bond. No kinship should be stronger than one between family. He sought to break theirs. "I bet when you first had that repulsive symbiote you told him at once."
Harry shrunk. His father's assumption was true. He never intended to put others before family. He was aware of how much effort went into raising a child alone. However, at times he felt Peter to be like family. Softly, he replied, "I did tell Peter at the start. I didn't think twice about the consequences."
He looked at his only parent. The giant beast had ceased his walking. Harry had yearned for an honest relationship with his old man. He had to speak of where his heart occupied. "But, Dad, you gotta believe me. I did want to tell you. I wanted to surprise you. I wanted to show you what I was capable of. I didn't think controlling Venom would've been as hard as it was. Peter tried to warn me about that. But I blew him off. I guess I shoulda listen to him."
The beast took in the confession. He didn't expect the revelation to be about him. Yet the conversation steered back to the peeving brunet. He found his temper once more. "You told Peter. And what did he do after you became Venom? Did he stop you from becoming that loathsome symbiote's host? Or was he more interested in protecting his own identity?"
Harry silenced himself. He tried to fathom past incidents: The enormous party he threw at the penthouse, and Spider-man happened to be there when the symbiote broke out. He, Flash, and those new students were ordered to attend a special Gym class obstacle course on a Saturday, and Spider-man conveniently dropped by. He and Mary Jane were with Peter supplementing their science lab course work, and Spider-man saved them and Principal Coulson from The Lizard. And now his father had become this horrific creature known as The Goblin. Harry wondered why he wasn't informed about the situation. He had tried contacting Peter, and for three days after Oscorp was found under fire, he couldn't reach him. He began questioning how much, or realized how little, he mattered to him.
The Goblin noticed the little incisions he was making enlarging. After uncovering the truth behind Spider-man, he wasn't looking to demonize his son. The masked ruffian was the enemy. He had to destroy the web-spinner's spirit. He knew the path to take to achieve that target. "But look at me, Harry. I came searching for you after my own transformation. You are my son. And unlike your best friend, we have no secrets between us."
The auburn looked back up at the giant monster. His father, after being cured of his Goblin side and debuted as Iron Patriot, had somehow returned to his Goblin state. Perhaps he was focusing on the wrong matter. His only family needed help.
"Dad, let's forget about Peter and Spider-man and whatever… You've become The Goblin again. Why not let Spider-man and S.H.I.E.L.D. cure you? They've done it before. They can do it again." His heart recalled the hardships he endured whilst his father was absent. He couldn't bear the idea of losing him once more. "Please, Dad, you're not well."
The Goblin turned irritated. The grasp he held on his boy slipped. He refused to allow any plans he formed to be foiled. "No! Osborns don't need assistance from S.H.I.E.L.D. or anyone else! I won't take the risk in losing this new power I've re-acquired!"
He studied his son. The boy was shaken by his fierce response. He wanted the wall-crawler to be absolutely destroyed. To accomplish his wicked intention, he needed to inform his son of the truth. "You may not believe me, Harry, but S.H.I.E.L.D. is not the all holy force they advertise themselves. Their director wanted to lock me away. For good. On their prison located on the moon."
The two gazed towards the giant sphere in the sky. The younger Osborn stared in awe. How easily his eyes could stare at the large rock. From the distance he could grasp it like a marble. Norman had gone on business trips around the world. Even when Harry wasn't permitted to attend, at least they were on the same planet. Having his only family move to another world allowed more separation anxiety to sink in. The natural satellite would always be orbiting but never touching.
"Now that I've become my true self," The Goblin added in a pastoral voice, "S.H.I.E.L.D. won't risk another chance to go against me."
The father and son returned their view at each other. Though the two had their disagreements, the older Osborn had to admit he did enjoy bonding with his son. A force was ready to disconnect them. They had little time, which brought an important matter to his mind. "Spider-man will be here soon. He plans to fight me. He's going to try and convince you that he thought what he was doing was for the best. A rather selfish intention if you ask me. Doubting your ability to take care of yourself. Believing highly of himself and less of you. Harry, you are my son. We mustn't allow Spider-man or any member of his team tear us apart. They aren't family. Families are the ones who remember your special day."
He held out his hand. Strapped between his hefty fingers he was holding an exquisite wrist watch. Light from outside bounced off the invaluable metal. He saw the boy's eyes widening. He grinned, "You didn't think I'd forget your birthday, did you?"
Without force, he grabbed his son's wrist. He placed the band around him, clipping the clasp. The size seemed more fitting for a human than a Goblin.
Harry looked at his inordinate gift. He thumbed the round face. He could hear the ticking of the hands. His fingers wrapped around the band. His father had gifted him many presents, usually to display the money he earned as a provider. However, no matter how busy Norman became, he had never forgotten his child. Turning his gaze away, Harry realized he hadn't received a phone call or even a text about his special day from Peter. Yet his only parent, who obviously had better days, still dropped by to see his son.
A monstrous hand rested on the teen's slim shoulder. Trusting blue eyes looked back up at him.
"He'll be here any moment. I must know where your loyalties lie."
Spider-man huffed as he shot his webs.
"Gotta get to Oscorp," he muttered. "Can't let The Goblin beat me there. Gotta get to Harry. He might be in serious trouble."
Webs shot between buildings. The white color highlighted against the darkness of the night. Breath panted underneath the red mask. Spider-man thrust himself forward. His mind buzzed with his latest battle against his enemy, The Goblin. His heart was in anguish. The man who turned into a beast was his best friend's dad. His body ached from the thrashing he endured earlier. He knew his enhanced speed and method of transportation were dwarfed against a glider. But he pushed himself anyway.
The city was brimming with lights and neon signs. He passed over apartment complexes and stores. As the notorious wall-crawler, he had saved the inhabitants below him. He had sacrificed his time together with friends and family to perform his job. His responsibility. Totting himself above buses, taxis, and street lights, he eventually reached the business he was heading towards.
He arrived at Oscorp. Surveying a darkened window, he vaguely spotted movement. At once he could tell activity was taking place on the top floor. He had no time to be subtle or employ his stealth. Creating a ball out from his webs, he thrust it with all his might. The pane shattered. He entered shortly after without cutting up himself or his costume. His red boots docked themselves on the ground. The entire penthouse was covered in darkness. As his eyes adjusted, he noticed how trashed the prestigious home had become. Premium furniture was overturned. The swanky TV screen had been smashed. Any prolific books or precious art works were smashed. Nothing had been spared.
"No!" Spider-man gasped. Immediately, he feared the worse. The Goblin had uncovered his identity. The terrifying beast had threatened him, everyone who was close to him. That included family and friends. Dread began overflowing his mind. His heart raced in his chest. "Harry? Harry!"
His eyes searched the tarnished room. The previous battle appeared to have ended. The remains of a ravaged strife were eerie. Everything was quiet. The only sound the web-spinner heard was the ticking from a luxurious wrist watch followed by a groan. "Harry?!"
On the floor he noticed a body. Nothing moved. None of Oscorp scientists or investors were expected to reside in the excessive penthouse. Especially not late at night. He quickly observed the auburn hair. "Harry!"
His red boots bolted towards the fallen boy. Each step fueled his anxiety. He stopped when he reached the lying adolescent. He gazed down at his friend. He spotted the disheveled hair. He saw the multiple bruises across the fair complexion. Those dark spots varying in coloring and sizes covered his arms and face.
"Harry... No…" Spider-man knelt down next to his beaten buddy. He tried to make sense of the horrifying situation. Something else could have caused this tragedy. Surely a father would never commit such a heinous act against his own son. Spider-man examined the injuries, trying to judge their severity. He placed a hand on the other teen's back. "Harry, anything feel broken? Anything feel outta place?"
A groan escaped the auburn's lips. He was still conscious. He could feel the body heat of a hand setting against his tender back. Slowly, he lifted his aching head and his throbbing upper body. He faced the visitor and saw the red mask. He met the hero with a burning glare.
The wall-crawler was taken aback by the searing rage. With what had happened to Norman, he expected his pal to hold on to his resentment against him. He placed aside his own uneasiness. "Thank goodness you're alive. Here, let me help you—"
The young Osborn smacked away the hand. "I don't need your help!"
He noticed the stunned reaction beneath the mask. He didn't care. He didn't care if he sounded aggressive or coarse. He didn't want to be anywhere near the dishonest web-head. Turning away, he tried to lift himself to his feet. The task was arduous. Every part of his body screamed in agony. He grunted. Never before had he received such a trouncing. (The black symbiote took most of the drubbing when facing against Spider-man and his team.)
Spider-man dismally watched his friend ride out his despair. He couldn't permit the struggle to go on. "Harry, you're hurt. Badly. I should get you to the hospital."
"I said I don't need your help!" Harry shrieked. He proved himself correct, for he managed to bring himself straight up. He glared at the wall-crawler. "I'm an Osborn, dammit! We can take care of ourselves!"
Spider-man silently studied his friend outlined in the moonlight. He could hear him panting. He spotted the temper against him. He knew the auburn teen was never a fan of Spider-man. He knew his anger stemmed from what happened to Norman despite his own innocence. Now wasn't the time to explain how he was uninvolved. The other boy needed medical attention. "Listen, Harry, you can't stay here. It's not safe. Let me take you to S.H.I.E.L.D. You'll be out of danger there. I know this all must be tough and confusing. Once we get there, you can contact some of your friends to let them know where you are."
One of those words rubbed the young Osborn the wrong way. He discerned what the web-spinner was spouting wasn't genuine concern for him or his well-being. He barked, "Friends? That's a laugh. There's not a single one of them who cares about me."
"What are you talking about? I've seen some of your fellow high school buddies hanging around here. There's that redhead who interviewed me. And that loudmouth quarterback who's my self-proclaimed number one fan. I've also seen you hang around one of the school's geniuses Peter Parker. He seems like a good guy—"
"Cut the crap, Peter!" Harry yelled.
The two silently stood in place.
Despite his exhaustion, the young Osborn glared at the one in front of him. His heart felt heavy. He could feel himself shaking. A truth had been disclosed. A conversation was long over due. Even with his underlying misery, sorrow, and grief, his anger came forth. He shouted, "Your stupid charade has gone on long enough! I know it's you!"
The white slits in the red mask widened like dinner plates. He became truly astounded. After donning his costume, he placed in great effort to keep his identity a secret. He pretended he was still the scrawny teen everyone at school picked on. He gave whatever excuses he discharged to go off and bring justice to the city. Now his best friend had figured out his new role. It was no wonder he was acting more hostile. It wasn't to the mask; it was aimed at the one underneath it. The web-slinger had to deflect. "Uh, what? Peter? Me? You got the wrong guy!"
He could see how upset his friend was. He hated the lies. Harry had been hurt, both by an unlikely fact and a disastrous battle. The wall-crawler worried how his pal came upon the unknown component. Before he could finish his canard, his spider-sense went off.
"Oh, I don't think so," a voice from the shadows declared.
Spider-man heard the familiar voice. He looked towards the sound's direction. He saw a horrible monster emerge. He quickly glanced at the younger Osborn before returning his gaze to the older one. He clenched a fist. "You!"
The Goblin gave a rashly grin. "That's right, Spider-man. Or should I say, Peter Parker?"
The wall-crawler took one more look at his best friend. All the bruises and marks on the auburn's body were quite large. It was obvious the other teen took a beating rather than embrace a slip and fall. Spider-man felt his blood boiling. Facing his enemy, he shouted, "Did you do this?! To your own son?!"
"Indeed, I did," The Goblin nonchalantly answered. "He is, after all, your best friend."
The news took a moment to hit. Then, a cry burst out of the web-spinner's lungs. A self-proclaiming prophecy came into fruition. The whaling caught the attention of both Osborns. The Goblin seemed amused by the pain. Harry, on the other hand, dropped his heat against the teen hero for a moment. He could hear the anguish within the web-head he had met before.
"Norman! You creep! You scumbag!" Spider-man shrieked. White eyes glared at the green brute. Red boots at once dashed for him. They had crossed paths many times before. The spider was more determine than ever to take down this goblin. "I don't care if you got your glider or Pumpkin Bombs or some new glasses! Your latest fashion accessory isn't going to save you!"
The Goblin was prepared for the oncoming attack. He saw a fist aiming for his face. Fighting an enraged arachnid was what he had been preparing for. He dodged. He then used his large hand to swat away his foe. He managed to land the blow against the web-head's torso, sending him flying across the room. Spider-man smacked against the wall and landed on the floor. He panted.
"You best watch your temper," The Goblin teased. He enjoyed the upper hand. The web-head was notorious for mocking his opponents. He managed to use the same trick against him.
As the teen hero was recovering, The Goblin pressed a button on his gauntlet. Parked in darkness was his glider. The silver machine shined in the moonlight. He hopped on it. Searching around the grand living room, he spotted all the furniture. He spent years acquiring luxurious items to display his wealth. None of that matter anymore. Everything was replaceable. Except for one person. He set his visor on his son. He sped towards him and picked him up with ease.
Harry became stunned seeing the anger arise out of Spider-man. He had witnessed firsthand his speed and strength. The Goblin was a feasible foe. His ear noted the sound of an engine roaring. He couldn't avoid his dad aiming for him. As his father snatched him, his giant green hands pressed against his freshly formed wounds. He cried out in pain.
The Goblin ignored his child's howling. His hatred against Spider-man trounced his attentive parent side. He had a plan to implement.
Spider-man felt his own body aching. He tried to brush aside his dizziness. He had no time to address his individual wounds. His ears picked up a distressed voice. He had to save his best friend. He had enough of what the older Osborn was delivering. The man had run out of chances for redemption.
"Norman," the web-slinger huffed as he slowly picked himself up. He always looked to save the innocent. He had a job to perform. He would take all the pummeling he could handle if it meant following his responsibility. "You've made up your mind. You decided being a Goblin and going against me is more important than your son. But leave Harry outta this."
The auburn boy in the captivity of his dad heard the plea. He worked around his pain. He opened one eye. Through a blurred vision, he watched the battered masked ruffian. His own body took a beating. He couldn't imagine what the web-spinner bore through. His rage against him started because his father became a hideous beast. But he never wanted the hero to be killed.
"Dad," he called. "It doesn't matter if it's Peter. You made your point. Let him go before S.H.I.E.L.D. shows up."
The Goblin monitored the attention his son gave Spider-man. He observed the anger slowly dissolving, being replaced with sympathy. He couldn't allow their flames of hatred to be quenched. Spider-man was the enemy. It was the arachnid hero was stopping his plans. It was the pesky web-head who had hurt his son. He wanted the masked champion to be completely defeated. He rebutted, "It doesn't matter? Of course it does! Because of him, evil has tracked its way into our humble home. Or did you forget Otto Octavious terrorizing us or Venom's control over you?"
Spider-man heard the persuasion he was attempting on Harry. He felt a twinge of regret. He had to fight back. "Yeah? And who trapped Doc Ock in the first place?"
He knew of the liability Norman should carry. The blame game was too easy. Both times Harry had been caught in the middle. Spider-man was only looking to rescue others, even enemies. He added, "I saved him from an underwater lab cave in. I saved you and Harry when he attacked the both of you. I didn't have to defend you, Norman, the first time around you became a Goblin. And I protected your son, too. That's what I've trained to do under S.H.I.E.L.D. To be a hero."
Harry recalled the horror he underwent. As his father spoke to the teen hero, he wondered how much connection Norman truly held for everything. Spider-man didn't appear like he was fully condemning the older Osborn. Peter had mention his disinterest in using his giant brain to place together revenge recipes against school bullies. It could be the same pattern to villains as well. He began questioning if his best friend under the mask was still truly his friend. He wanted to speak, but no words came to mind, which remained in a slight haze.
The Goblin refused to fall for any tricks. "A hero?! What a misuse of the word! What type of a hero spits out lies?! How can a hero keep a secret from those close to him?!"
Their war has been intense. Their battlegrounds have taken place on Midtown High's campus, around the city, and even between dimensions. A final act has brought them to the Oscorp, the home of the Osborns. "Two of us in this room know of each other's identity. I, Norman Osborn, am The Goblin. I revealed myself to my son. But his best friend? He made a fool of both of us. And that's a heinous crime in which cannot be forgiven."
He glared at the wall-crawler. "No more charades, Peter. Show my son who you truly are. Take off your mask."
The web-spinner grasped his foe's tactics. He kept his focus on the kidnapped auburn. He tried to deflect the command. "Enough of your arrogance, Norman! Can't you see how injured Harry is? We should take him to a hospital."
"They're mere bruises. Those can heal. This matter is far more important. Friendship or family, having a circle of trust is vital between members. To keep a connection. I wouldn't want my son to think of me as a liar. Unlike you. Now take off that mask."
The hero stood in place. He refused to be used as a toy in his enemy's plot.
The Goblin could see the teen wouldn't budge. Adolescents were always so stubborn. "Alright, I guess we'll be doing this the hard way."
His giant green hands gave his boy a good squeeze.
A cry of pain escaped from Harry's throat. He was already banged enough. A set of pressure pressed against his already bruised body. His howling echoed against the walls. Tears threatened to cascade down his cheeks. Only one act would make it halt.
Spider-man gasped. He couldn't believe a father was hurting his own son. Norman may have developed into The Goblin, but Harry was only human. The auburn didn't have the strength to fight back. Spider-man was aware of his fading speed and muscles. He had chased his adversary through dimensions. He had battled against Pumpkin Bombs and gliders. He was almost at his own limit. And his own inhibition was harming someone close to him.
"No! Stop! I'll do it!"
The Goblin heard the agreement. The voice had morphed from the one who taunted him. Every word carried panic. He ceased his squeezing. The shouts of pain stopped. Those turned into panting. The Goblin thoroughly enjoyed the torment his foe was undergoing. As he faced the wall-crawler, the teen hero kept his arms away from his head.
"Well? Go on. Don't keep us in suspense."
The white slits in the mask fell on the vulnerable auburn boy. His hanging head slowly lifted. Blue, teary eyes gazed right back on him. Spider-man was trapped. The race against The Goblin had ended at Oscorp. There was nothing more he could do. His own heart pounded. He took a breath. One gloved hand dangled above his head. Fingers tightened around red fabric. He pulled up his cover.
Harry's eyes cleared as they widened. He had never seen Spider-man without his mask. The one under it was a boy with brown hair. Just a typical boy. But it wasn't just any boy. He was the boy who kept to himself during breaks on campus. He was the boy was deemed the school's wall-flower. He was the boy he invited into his limo on that rainy day. Taking in the revelation, Harry quietly gasped, "Pete? You're Spider-man?"
The brunet couldn't face his best friend. All the lies he chattered. All the times he left their arrangements so he could be a hero to city. All the adventures where he kept his identity. Moments he could've chosen to tell the truth but refrained. Feeling the weight of his choice, he turned his eyes away.
A maniacal cackle filled the room. "What did I tell you, my son? Peter Parker is Spider-man!"
Harry had no more to say. His father was right. The proof was standing there in front of them. The lanky boy from Midtown High wore the famous red and blue costume. And it wasn't one borrowed from the school's theater department. There were no smoke and mirrors. He didn't know how his dad uncovered that exposé. He couldn't understand why his best friend kept it from him. Unsure of how to handle the report, he turned his own eyes away.
Guilt washed over the brunet. He had great power that resulted in so much great responsibility to rest on his shoulders. He knew the consequences of his inactions. He already lost his uncle because of his irresponsibility. His uncle, who was his best friend until he reached high school.
The Goblin grinned, satisfied with the turn of events. "To give credit where cried is due, Peter, you have put on quite a show. Despite all my money, despite all of Octavious' work, none of us ever would've suspected you. It's almost a shame the chase has ended. But this is a fine way of unraveling what's been in front of us the entire time. A spider caught in his own web of lies."
The words from The Goblin delivered a blow much like his fists. After uncovering the identity to his adversary, he intended to exploit his weakness. Peter knew this. "Norman's not gonna let it end here. I can't surrender. My best friend is in the hands of my enemy. A father shouldn't be treating his son like this. No way I'm gonna be vulnerable any longer."
He studied the battlefield. He looked behind him. From his S.H.I.E.L.D. studies he learned to seize opportunity when it came his way.
"Hey, Gobby!" he shouted. His voice caught the Osborns' attention. The brunet quit his moping. Hope burned in him once more. "Here's a science newsletter for you: Spiders can't get caught in their own webs! They have special oils over themselves that let them walk over their own webs as they please to get to their preys!"
The teen hero vaulted into the air. He shot his webs against his foe. He then chucked something from behind his back.
The Goblin expected the wall-crawler to kidnap his son. He expected white strains of webbing shot in his direction. He moved himself on the glider. What he was not expecting, however, was to be smacked in the face with one of his many priceless vases. He screamed in pain. His visor protected his eyes, but the shards sprinkled over his molded cheeks. His green skin felt the mild cuts. His nose took the brute of the force. His sense went wild. As his whole face was throbbing in pain, his hold over Harry loosened.
"You miserable, little…!"
Spider-man was expecting that reaction. He could fight dirty when he needed to. After he tossed his artful weapon, he webbed his best friend. He yanked Harry out of The Goblin's massive hands. He grabbed him before Harry could smack against the ground. All in one swift motion. The two boys landed opposite of The Goblin.
Harry felt his own mind in a daze. Not matter how many times the web-head pulled him out of danger, he never grew accustom to the sudden rush. He pushed aside his own lightheaded sensation. Once he regained his balance, he looked at the one he was leaning against. The moonlight glowed against the other boy. Harry had seen the red and blue costume a number of times from a distance and up close. He recognized the brown hair. The pair of blue eyes typically holding reluctance and insecurities were burning with rage. It was more than when Peter glared at his school bullies. Whenever they roamed the school halls, he did nothing. As the city's crime fighter, he stood up for himself. Now Peter Parker was fuming. He held such hatred against his own dad, The Goblin. He was fighting for himself. He was fighting for someone else. All doubt had been removed. Only Peter Parker would refer to science in the midst of a war.
"P-Pete? That really you?"
The brunet knew how tricky his ploy was. He was grateful for his quick thinking. All his newly developed skills were thanks to S.H.I.E.L.D. And he joined the organization after his best friend became a casualty of war. But he still played by his own rules. He set his sights against his enemy, all his seething focused. Yet the quiet query broke through. Turning to the direction of the question, he saw the shocked expression of his best friend. They were standing side-by-side without his mask. He knew he owed him an explanation. He knew he owed him an apology.
"Yeah, Harr, it's me."
That was all the conversation the two teens could exchange. The unmasked web-slinger examined his friend's expression. Moments ago he was hot with animosity. Peter couldn't blame Harry for his deception. Meanwhile, the younger Osborn observed the web-head's actions. The teen hero chose to reveal himself in order to save him. His eyes saw the face of a friend wearing the cobweb spandex. His eyes traveled away from the face. A red glove kept itself near his wrist where his new watch rested. He became aware of all the sacrifices those close to him made. His best friend and his father.
As the pain was surpassing, The Goblin cracked one eye open. Underneath his visor he at once saw the unmasked wall-crawler and his son. His enemy had successfully captured his boy. He was ready to explode. He couldn't lose now. "Let him go, Peter! Harry is an Osborn! He is my son!"
Peter gave his attention back to his foe. He glared at him. Sustaining a grip on his pal, he barked, "No way I'd release anyone to your grubby Goblin hands!"
"Hmph! You have no right in removing Harry from my care. Partaking in forming teams and earning a little role as a trifling leader… That doesn't replace the weight of responsibility in being a parent."
"Responsibility, sure, because keeping that Father of the Year mug on your office desk is proof enough."
"You weren't the one who fed and clothed him!"
"So you want a parade for doing the bare minimum?" Peter heard the other man's arguments. He disputed, "I'm not a parent myself, but I'm not blind to the great sacrifices parents make for their children."
He thought about the kindness from his aunt May and the courage from his uncle Ben. They took him in after the death of his own parents. He was always appreciative for their endless generosities.
The Goblin grew irritated. His adversary, though showing mild deterioration, retrained his sharp tongue. He hated losing score. He hated being ridiculed for his parenting skills. He then switched his focus on his boy. "How can you keep your trap shut, Harry? You're just gonna let your best friend continue insulting me? Your own father?"
His yellow eyes narrowed. "It would seem like a second round of corporal punishment is in order."
Peter heard a low whimper from the auburn teen. Harry had always been a proud, confident teen. He took a risk in controlling Venom to grab his father's attention. He was left on his own after Norman returned to his Goblin form. The young Osborn was similar to his father at times. They kept up with appearances. They used their wealth. They went for what they wanted. At other moments the father and son were complete opposites, for Harry was the one to invite Peter into the limo on that rainy day.
Spider-man and The Goblin's umbrage ruptured like a volcano. Their battles involved Oscorp, S.H.I.E.L.D., and New York. Innocent bystanders were nearly smashed like insignificant insects. Those who knew of the teen's job worried about him. The auburn brood over his missing dad. None of that concern mattered to The Goblin. The arachnid hero had to end the war now. He permitted himself to explode first. "No!"
He shoved Harry to the only upright couch. The other boy had no time to respond. He landed safely among the cushions. Once Peter was free, he raced towards his adversary. He prepped a fist. He slammed his balled up hand against The Goblin. His speed and strength were amazing.
"You jerk! You creep! You piece of scum!" His blows kept coming against the green skin. "I've had enough of your threats! You can bash me all you want! I won't give up fighting the likes of you! But my team?! My aunt?! Mary Jane?! My best friend?! Your son?!"
Harry attempted to lift himself. His torso and shoulders fought to stay down. But he knew he couldn't stay in place. When he brought himself upright, he watched the unbelievable altercation in astonishment. The one who was picked last for Gym and who always made Honor Roll was battling against The Goblin. This was far different from any schoolyard fight. The brainy brunet who took comfort in science labs fooled everyone.
"Enough!" The Goblin roared. He swatted his hand against the red and blue costume. Using the brief pause of bombarding fists, he snagged an end table. He thrust it towards his enemy. Fortunately, the piece of broken furniture missed its target. The green beast bellowed, "I won't go down like this! I won't allow you, Peter, to defeat me! To humiliate me! Not until I know where my son stands!"
His visor fell on the auburn teen. "Unless I came all this way only to learn I was wrong about you being an Osborn."
Harry froze. He always felt pride in his inheritance. He worked hard to bring up his grades. He tried his own hand at superhero work and failed. Though he demonstrated his anger towards his fibbing pal, he had yet to raise a finger against him. He had even defended him. Which in turn made him go against his dad. Upon hearing the doubt from his father once more, his mouth fell open. He had nothing more say.
Peter could feel his own body wanting to give in. Fighting evil was always tough work. It was both physical and mental. Physical for the fight. Mental for the tactics and endurance. However, he saw how much the remark cut his best friend. The two spent hours completing their homework and attending tutoring sessions. Peter knew how much Harry wanted to raise his average for Norman's approval. The application for approval was always rejected.
The Goblin saw he had the duo's attention. Hopping off the glider, he stayed in place but continued to tower over them. At arms length he held a Pumpkin Bomb. The orange globe appeared menacingly in both sunlight and moonlight. He began his threat, "It's getting late, and growing boys need their shut-eye. I'm not leaving until Harry shows which side he's on—his loving father or his lying best friend. So how about we speed up the process?"
Peter gasped. "You can't be serious, Norman! A weapon like that could cause more than paint damage!"
After seeing the injuries done towards Harry, Peter couldn't risk a bluff. He refused to bend towards his opponent's will. He cried out once more. Fiercely, he raced towards the brute. He gave a swing and missed. He tried again, kicking and thrashing. His attempts fell futile as The Goblin dodged his moves. Placing pressure on the delusive brunet gave him joy.
Harry continued to sit on the couch. His whole body was throbbing. In silence he witnessed the unyielding muscle and smarts Peter displayed. He saw his father's large feet shuffling on the ground. The battle would rage on until someone lost. Neither side was prepared to end it. As the hero and villain fought, they stepped around the busted field. That's when Harry spotted the coffee table. He recalled the times he, his father, and his best friend played virtual board games. He knew one thing could never return. He glanced at the birthday gift around his wrist. He eyed his own reflection in the watch's face. He knew what he had to do.
Painstakingly, he lifted himself off the sofa. His own beaten body screamed. His mind ached while his sides stung. He ignored the anguish. Neither sides of good and evil noticed his action. Darting towards the giant table, he pushed it. He grunted as he strained himself. His whole body was sore. But he knew he couldn't stop. He had to finish his plan. His tired legs pushed and pushed.
The Goblin kept his yellow eyes on the raging arachnid. "Is this all S.H.I.E.L.D. taught you, Peter? To fall apart without any teammates by your lonesome side? Your role as a leader is a joke. That whole headquarters should be under new management."
He began laughing as he moved backwards, evading each assault. The weapon in his hand remained. The pesky wall-crawler was nearly at his end. Before The Goblin could get another word out, he hit a roadblock. The back of his thickened legs collided against a coffee table. He began losing his balance. He looked over his broad shoulders. He saw his child had moved the furniture behind him.
"Harry!?" His view changed from his son to the ceiling. He lost his balance. His enlarged back smashed against the dusty ground. Fortunately, the Pumpkin Bomb failed to explode.
"Who says I'm alone?" Peter saw his opponent in a vulnerable state. He was given an opportunity to work with. Finding one last ounce of strength, he shouted, "You know what they say, Gobbie: The bigger they are, the harder they fall."
He leaped into the air and shot his webbing. White vines covered the green beast like a blanket. Those prevented any form of movement. The Goblin was captured like a fly. The wall-crawler safely landed on the ground. His enemy was stuck to the floor.
The hero huffed. He recalled all his foe had spat at him. He accepted his faults. "Yeah, I may have told a few white lies. Those aren't my best moments. But I never did what you've done to Harry!"
Nearly all silence fell over the room. The Goblin grunted as he attempted to break free of the webbing. He had no access to his glider nor any other weapons. Peter worked on catching his breath. His endurance had changed for the better. Some battles remained tougher than others. Fighting against a major enemy like The Goblin was one of them. This should be a victory. The city of New York was safe for another night. However, there was one person who hadn't made a peep.
Peter looked at his best friend. The other boy did something heroic. He had a difficult decision ahead of him. He made his choice. Before the hero could say anything, he noticed Harry swaying. He was unwell. Clearly, his mind and body had endured all they could take. "Harr!"
He bolted from his spot. He managed to grab his buddy before he could hit the ground. He placed Harry's arm behind his neck. Bruises on the auburn's face were slowly healing. The who room fell into silence. All that could be heard was a few groans and a ticking watch. He knew his pal needed medical attention.
"Hang on, Harr. I know you didn't ask to be a part of any of this. You brought me some help. Now I'm gonna do the same."
He placed his mask back on. His world was slowly coming back together. Setting his pal against him for support, Spider-man shot his webs and left Oscorp.
The medical wing was quiet. Currently, no other patients needed bedding. Agents under S.H.I.E.L.D. worked around the clock. But those who endured a tough battle paid little attention to anything else.
Blue eyes belonging to a young auburn somberly stared at a wrist watch held between fingers. His birthday gift. It was a celebration he never expected to experience. The world around him had been flipped and turned inside out. His father had become The Goblin. The man's visit was the most painful one he had ever bored through. His best friend was Spider-man. He never realized how blind he had been to those around him. His eyes narrowed. No, they lied to him. They chose to keep him in the dark. He sought connections but was thrown aside. Only one bothered to share the truth.
Upon hearing footsteps approaching him, Harry looked up. A visitor had dropped by. He spotted the other teen wearing the red and blue costume. It could've been a friendly face. However, he saw the mask covering the whole head.
The wall-crawler entered the medical bay. He saw a set of blue eyes on him. The other boy turned away, expressionless. Spider-man felt a tad shameful, yet he became sympathetic towards him. He noticed the dressed wounds. He could only imagine what was going through his mind. "Rough night, huh?"
He received no answer. The younger Osborn wasn't part of his team, so there was no need for analyzing the past physical encounter. He could only guess all the psychological development forming beneath the auburn hair. He didn't have proper training to handle the mental wounds. He believed it was best to allow his friend to take in the situation at his own pace. He was about to take off when he heard, "What became of…"
Harry trailed off, unable to finish his question. He knew of the numerous faceoffs The Goblin held against Spider-man and S.H.I.E.L.D. One was seeking power, and the other was seeking to stop his unethical methods. It was their world. He didn't know how much he was a part of it, if at all.
The hero understood. A simple question held heavy in the other's heart. Choosing no more lies, he directly reply, "Imprisoned."
The other boy took in the honest response. It seemed his friend was no longer keeping any secrets. Now only honestly was between them. The Goblin was his father. The man needed to deal with the consequences of his unholy actions. Geographically, the two weren't far from each other. He nodded.
The web-head sighed. He couldn't leave his buddy in such a vulnerable state. He had reasons for his absence, but those still left marks on his companion. He placed down his mask. The mystery had been removed. No longer was it the hero who swung over New York. It almost looked like a high schooler wearing a theater costume. The clock hadn't struck midnight, so he explained, "I was going to text you a happy birthday. As you saw, my hands were tied. And it wasn't just from all that webbing."
Harry kept his eyes off the visitor. Every inch of his body continued to ache—his head, his chest, and his arms and legs. Softly, he answered, "Yeah, I'm guessing Spider-man has his P.S.A. against texting and webbing."
Peter hoped the little jab meant his buddy regained a sense of humor. He hoped they still had a bond. He thought about those in his lives: Aunt May, Mary Jane, and his best friend. He dropped his tiny smile. Remorse returned. Now that they were removed from the battlefield, he sought to explain himself. "Harry, about the whole secret identity thing… You gotta understand. It wasn't about feeling superior to anyone. It's the opposite. I never wanted anyone to get hurt. Not because of me."
The auburn inhaled and exhaled to the best of his ability. His chest still hurt. He understood how much his pal had on his plate. The past war played in their minds. It wasn't one like participating in a school field game. "Yeah, wearing spandex is a lotta work. Not much time for anything else. You can get your ass kicked easily. So… I think I've proven I'm no hero."
"No hero? Harr, I saw what you did over at Oscorp. You really had my back. I've gotten stronger thanks to S.H.I.E.L.D., but I can't do these missions alone. Not that stopping your dad was a mere mission. It couldn't have been an easy choice to help out because, well, he's your dad. But I've seen what you're capable of. You just need some guidance. Like I do."
He then smiled, "I think you could make an amazing hero one day."
Harry became surprised hearing the compliment and the belief in himself. Peter had always been a supporter for him, even when he openly displayed his hatred against Spider-man. He offered his criticism; however, he was looking to advocate a friend. Unlike Norman and his constant barbs. Harry clasped the watch. A slight pit formed in his stomach. He turned away and nodded. "You can get going. The city needs you. I'll just be here… resting up."
Peter heard the soft voice. He wondered if the other teen had accepted what happened, understanding of his decision. He believed his friend needed time alone since his father had been jailed. He was never looking to replace a parent. But a part of him saw his best friend as family. He nodded. Placing back his mask, he shot a web and exited the room.
Harry was left alone. All he could hear was the ticking of his wrist watch. The recent conflict replayed in his mind. He thought about all he and his dad debated. He thought about his disputes with Spider-man. Or was it Peter? Everything was bewildering. His head spun. He lifted his watch one more time and saw his own face. He observed his own eyes and the wounds on his cheeks and chin. He felt his body seeking to turn in for the remainder of his birthday. He knew, though, of one last task he needed to complete.
He pressed a button on his gifted watch. A glow began to pulse.
He set his tired hands down. His heavy eyes fell onto a medical cart next to him. He spotted his own reflection in the chrome poles. He could see his yellow blotches. His blue eyes slowly closed, and he lowered himself onto his back.
"Spider-man. My best friend is Spider-man. How about that?"
A private cell housed a giant green beast. His battered body rested against the cold, sturdy wall. Opposite of him fortified glass allowed any roaming agents to see their newest (or rather, returned) prisoner. Cameras recorded him at all times. The organization took no opportunities for mistakes. His chances of escaping were almost zero.
The private cell was quiet. The green monster had yet to make a roaring peep. Defeat was something both Norman Osborn and The Goblin bore trouble accepting. Spider-man had interrupted his plans along Doc Ock and Oscorp. He had faced the miserable web-head before in countless styles. Despite his brute force, he also had a brain. He analyzed this past thrashing. He never realized how much the hero was holding back. He understood the true power the amazing arachnid held, especially when it come to those he cared about. He would have to watch himself the next time they fought. His time was limited. S.H.I.E.L.D. scientists took his blood sample. They were working on a cure. He needed to spring his intention into action quickly. He only waited for the right moment.
A glow began to pulse on his visor.
The corners of his mouth turned upwards, exposing his sharp teeth.
"That's my boy…."
End Loyalty
Author's Notes: I've been hopping around and skimming through the original Amazing Spider-Man comics to read certain stories. It's tough seeing how manipulation and abuse controls people. Even without reading Spectacular Spider-Man #200, it's sad how much Harry permitted Norman to rule his life. Never mind his caring (ex)wife and loving son, an ex-girlfriend he made up with, and his so-called best friend—in what nearly contributed to his end, he chose his father. Questa è la vita.