Chapter 15: The Uncertainty Principle
Hey everyone, I'm back with a new chapter. I'm glad to see my last one got your attention. Needless to say, things are gonna be intense in this chapter. Hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
It was the night before Halloween, and Spider-Man and Miss Martian were once again on patrol.
Swinging and flying through the streets they were on the lookout for the Green Goblin or any other supervillains but the whole town was quiet.
Meeting on the rooftop, the two of them sat down.
"Anything?" Miss Martian asks.
"Nothing. Which is weird." Spider-Man said.
"You'd think this Goblin Guy would be causing chaos all the time but we can't find him anywhere." Miss Martian said.
"I guess we can call it a night." Spider-Man sighs. "So you ready for your first Halloween?"
"Let me see if we got this right. Tomorrow every October 31st, people dress up in masks, costumes, or whatever they want and they go around asking for sweets." Miss Martian starts.
"Correct." Spider-Man nods.
"But we do that every day." Miss Martian giggles making him chuckle. "Well minus the sweets part."
"Yeah well for non-heroes, they only do it once a year. But it's fun. And every year there's a Halloween Carnival. There are games, rides, tons of tasty food, and everyone has a good time." Spider-Man explains.
"That sounds like so much fun. We should go." Miss Martian said eagerly.
"It is a lot more fun when you go with others but I gotta check with Gwen first, she's been wanting me to talk to Harry lately but the dude never sticks around long enough." Spider-Man sighs. "What is going on in that guy's head to make her this concerned?
"Well, I could always read his mind if you want?" Miss Martian offers.
"Save the mind reading for the criminals but thanks for the support. Maybe you should invite someone to spend Halloween with." Spider-Man suggests.
"Not a bad idea." Miss Martian said getting an idea.
Meanwhile, in outer space, we see the space shuttle orbiting through outer space.
Fortunately for the Justice League, Batman made sure that it had a strong enough cloaking device so the astronauts didn't accidentally stumble upon it.
Inside the shuttle, John Jameson and his crew were in the middle of an online interview.
"Hello Colonel Jameson, this is Clark Kent of the Daily Planet." A voice said over the microphone. "Thank you for taking the time for this interview."
"Not at all Clark," John said.
"So Colonel Jameson, Halloween is coming up. Think you'll get any trick-or-treaters up there?" Clark asks.
"Hope not, we're fresh out of candy." He jokes. "But seriously, I still remember my first Halloween. I was an astronaut, big surprise, right? As much as I love the tranquility of space, I'm glad we're landing tomorrow to see the costumes of the next generation of dreamers. Plus, this year, my astronaut costume rocks." John grins when suddenly from out of nowhere an asteroid hits the shuttle causing the alarms to go off and ending the interview.
"Life support's still up, but otherwise." One astronaut starts.
"Otherwise, it's Houston we have a problem." John declares.
The next day this detail made it back to Earth and needless to say every news network was in on it. Especially one in particular.
At the Daily Bugle, we see Jameson and his team watching the news footage.
"Although Colonel John Jameson maintains his sense of humor the real question on everyone's mind is will he be able to land the shuttle safely? The damage to the Heat Shield followed by the loss of the navigational computer greatly increases the hazard." The news anchor said.
"We heard from Foswell?" Jameson asks.
"Already in California, awaiting the shuttle's landing," Joesph informs.
"Assuming it does land," Ned mutters to Betty.
"We'll just get out of your way Mr. Jameson. Shout out if you need anything." Betty said pushing Ned out before Jameson heard him say that.
With his eyes glued to the TV, the only thing on Jameson's mind was that his son would return safe and sound.
Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Mr. Hammerhead was being driven down the road when something flew in from behind.
Before the driver could react, something slashed the tires causing the car to swerve out of control and crash against a light post.
Taking out a gun, the driver steps out ready to protect Hammerhead, but she doesn't expect the attacker to be none other than the Green Goblin.
Cackling, the Goblin took out one of his pumpkin bombs and threw it at the driver sending her flying back and smashing against the wall knocking her out cold.
Flying in, Goblin was about to strike her down when suddenly the door swung open knocking Goblin off his glider.
Stepping out, we see Mr. Hammerhead with two knuckledusters on his arms. Cackling Green Goblin was amused by this.
"Keep laughing Kermit. I hear green is the new black and blue." Hammerhead threatens before charging in.
Jumping out of the way, Hammerhead ended up ramming headfirst into the wall but was still standing.
"You should be green. With envy. Because you lack my fashion sense." Green Goblin mocks jumping back onto his glider.
As Hammerhead charges in, the glider sprays knockout gas causing him to fall over.
"And built-in gas mask." Green Goblin laughs.
Eventually, Hammerhead regained consciousness. And when he did, he noticed he was in an empty steel mill and chained to a chair.
"Goblin. Know you're out there." Hammerhead calls out.
"Out there, in here, everywhere." Goblin cackles flying in. "Soon this will be my town, Hammy. And I could use a good right hand."
"Not gonna happen. You think I'm afraid of a goofball dressed for Halloween? Can't be afraid of what you don't respect. And I've only respected one man enough to fear." Hammerhead states.
"The Big Man. Alias, L. Thompson Lincoln." Goblin answers. "See I've already peeked under his mask."
"Lincoln is the mask. The Big Man is Tombstone because that's all that's left when you cross him." Tombstone warns.
"Well if that's true then surely a man like you would have acquired, life insurance." As a blade extends from his glider, it stops inches from Hammerhead's throat.
At Midtown High, several students were watching the news story.
"The astronauts have done all they can to repair the damage. No word on whether the Justice League will come to the shuttle's aid. Therefore Colonel John Jameson will have to manually pilot the craft to reenter the Earth's atmosphere and precisely the right angle or they'll burn up on reentry." The news anchor explains.
As Gwen sat in the back watching this, she turned her head and noticed Harry walking down the hall. Curious she gets up to follow him.
At his locker, Harry opens it to reveal a beaker.
"What's that, Harry?" Gwen asks surprising him.
"Nothing. Just a new soda." Harry said trying to play it off.
"Then you won't mind giving me a sip," Gwen said reaching out for it.
"No!" Harry said pulling it away from her immediately.
"This is why you were passed out that night. Harry whatever that stuff is you need help." Gwen realizes.
"This is the help," Harry emphasizes. "4.0 GPA, football stud, in-crowd, all thanks to the Green." Harry grins opening it up.
"Harry no!" Gwen tries to stop him but Harry pushes her back and chugs the whole thing down.
"A few blackouts are a small price to pay, so spare me your concern. My life's great." Dropping the beaker on the floor, Harry walks to the door just as Jaden walks in.
"Hey, Harry I—" Before Jaden could finish Harry walked past him and out the door.
Glancing to Gwen, she narrows her eyes at him.
"Jaden." Gwen starts.
"Let me guess, Harry." Jaden assumes gesturing to the door.
"Please, go talk to him." Gwen pleads.
"Really, this again?" Jaden asks.
"This is serious, Jaden. Harry might have a real problem and he won't listen to me." Gwen said.
"So what makes you think he'll listen to me?" Jaden asks.
"Because you're his best friend." Gwen points making Jaden deadpans.
"Sometimes I hate how you're always right about this stuff." Jaden sighs.
Smiling Gwen was happy she at least convinced someone to listen today.
A few hours later, at Tombostone's office building, the Big Man himself enters his office.
"Dial Hammerhead," Tombstone said into his phone but ended up hearing a ringing from his desk.
"Sorry, Hammerhead can't come to the phone. He's a bit tied up." Goblin laughs revealing he had Hammerhead's phone and was sitting in Tombostone's chair. "Gotta love the classics."
"Hammerhead can take care of himself," Tombstone said approaching him.
"And you as well apparently. He had a portable USB drive with enough incriminating evidence to put Mr. Lincoln behind bars for life. Not to worry, the drive's in little old Gobby's possession, now." Green Goblin grins.
Growling Tombstone was about to move in but Green Goblin leaps back.
"Ah ah ah. I don't have it on me, but I will have it tonight." Green Goblin points out.
"When tonight? Where?" Tombstone asks demanding an answer.
"Believe me, you'll know." Green Goblin responds.
"I know a trap when I hear one," Tombstone said when suddenly Goblin's glider flew through the window and Green Goblin hopped on it.
"But that's what makes it fun. Besides, what choice do you have? Oh and come alone." Green Goblin cackles flying out the broken window.
A few streets away, we see Spider-Man swinging through the city to meet up with Harry.
'Honestly, Gwen seems to get involved with as much trouble as me. And she doesn't even have powers.' Jaden thought when he noticed a familiar glider flying by.
"Sorry Harry, guess you're gonna have to wait," Spider-Man mutters before turning his attention to the Goblin.
Firing a web, it latches onto the glider stopping him in his tracks.
"Whoa, now that's a catch." Spider-Man jokes.
"Who's caught who?" Turning around, a blade came out of the glider and Goblin flew towards him forcing Spider-Man to bend backwards to dodge but he was still holding onto the web which meant he was yanked into the air as Goblin flew away.
"Where you been Gobbie? I was beginning to think you skipped town." Spider-Man calls out.
"And miss our little get-togethers? Not a chance. I even brought you a present." Green Goblin said as multiple bombs flew towards Spider-Man.
"I don't suppose you kept the receipt for these!" Running along a building Spider-Man dodges the attack and leaps forward riding the explosion.
As Goblin turns around Spider-Man punches him in the face.
Cringing, Green Goblin grabs Spider-Man and traps him in a hold.
"We both want the same thing. Tombstone out of the picture." Green Goblin said trying to talk Spider-Man into something.
"Yeah for totally different reasons." Breaking free from his hold, Spider-Man and Green Goblin exchange punches and kicks.
"Oh details, details." Knocking Spider-Man off, Goblin looks down to see Spider-Man hanging onto the bottom of his glider. "And speaking of details, I have a drive that can take Tombstone down for good."
"Great, how an exchange? My lousy pumpkin bomb present for that thumb drive." Spider-Man suggests popping his head out.
"Ah, ah, ah. I don't have it on me. But I'll have it on me tonight." Green Goblin said telling Spider-Man the same thing he told Tombstone.
"When tonight? Where?" Spider-Man asks giving the same answer.
"Wow talk about Déjà vu. Believe me, you'll know when you see it." Green Goblin said slamming on the breaks sending Spider-Man flying off and crashing atop a building.
Groaning in pain, Spider-Man looks up to see Green Goblin cackling as he flies away.
And to make matters worse, he still had to go talk to Harry.
That night, Spider-Man landed on the building across from Harry's penthouse.
Taking off his mask, Jaden was about to change into his normal clothes when he noticed something.
Flying in from above, the Goblin's glider was flying around the building.
Gasping Jaden put the mask back on and swung in to make sure Harry and Norman were okay.
Landing on the penthouse, Spider-Man slowly crawls in, not seeing any sign of the Goblin anywhere.
'This wouldn't be the first time a villain has gone after Norman.' Spider-Man thought when an old artifact opened up revealing a secret entrance and Norman steps out. 'What the?' Jaden had come to this place many times but he never saw that door.
Pausing Jaden was beginning to question things. 'Wait could Norman be? No I mean Goblin has been stealing from OSCORP, so there's no way…but what if that was how he threw off suspicion?' Spider-Man thought when he heard the door open.
"Dad, I'm home," Harry calls out walking into the main room.
'Oh no, Harry. How am I gonna talk to him about all this now? Especially if the Goblin could be in the next room?' Spider-Man thought before crawling out of the building. If he couldn't go in, Harry would just have to come out.
However, once he left, Harry took out another beaker of Green and chugged it down when his phone suddenly rang.
"Hello?" Harry answers.
"Hey Harry, Happy Halloween," Jaden said on the other line.
"Jaden, what's up man?" Harry asks.
"Listen can we talk?" Jaden asks.
"Sure what's up?" Harry asks.
"I meant face to face," Jaden said.
"Fine, come up to my place," Harry said.
"Uh actually, I was hoping you would come down and we talk," Jaden said and Harry began to catch on to what was happening.
"Why? So you can give me an earful for Gwen? No thanks." Harry brushes off.
"Look Harry, I don't know what's going on that has Gwen so worried, but she's only looking out for you. I mean look if you don't want to talk about it fine, but just hear me for a few minutes. As your best friend that's all I ask." Jaden said worried about him.
"Fine, I'll meet you at the Bleaker Street Carnival in an hour. I gotta put on my costume anyway." Harry said before hanging up.
Sighing Jaden realized he was better than nothing.
"I gotta find M'Gann. If Goblin is waiting for me, I'm gonna need backup." Jaden realized before putting on his mask.
At the Halloween carnival, we see Midtown High had a booth set up where Liz, Glory, and Sally were handing out baked treats to buyers. Glory was dressed like a cheetah, Sally was a belly dancer, and Liz was a pirate.
"Thank you for supporting Midtown High," Liz said handing treats to a kid. "Uh I mean aarrgh matey. Enjoy the cookie." She said trying to sound like a pirate.
"Mind if I get one?" Walking up to it, Liz saw Jessica Cruz in a green long-sleeve shirt under a black jacket and jeans.
"Enjoy," Liz said handing her one.
"Jess, there you are." Turning around Jess saw M'Gann in zombie makeup startling her.
"Megan wow. That's uh…" Jess pauses taking it in.
"I know right? Jaden told me people love scary makeup." Megan smiles.
"Well, you nailed it," Jess said fixing herself.
Behind her, Gwen was walking by.
"Hey, Gwen was it?" MJ said walking over dressed like a vampire.
"Hey Mary Jane. I'm looking for Jaden, have you seen him?" Gwen asks.
"I was gonna ask you," MJ responds.
"He said he was going to talk to Harry but—" Before he could finish the entire football team came out dressed like cheerleaders.
"Lean to the left, lean to the right! Stand up! Sit down! Fight! Fight! Fight! Go Mustangs!" They all chanted.
"What the heck?!" Jessica bursts into laughter.
"Whoo! Go Mustangs!" Liz and Glory cheered.
"Wait, are they mocking us?" Sally asks.
"Oh yeah, I forgot, Tiger's bet." MJ snickers.
"What do you mean?" Megan asks.
"At the Fall Formal, Flash lost a bet to Jaden and that means he had to come to Halloween dressed like a Cheerleader. And it looks like Flash dragged the whole team in on this." MJ said making the girls snicker.
"Yeah, that sounds like Jaden alright," Gwen said amused.
"I should come here more often." Jessica snickers as Flash walks over to MJ.
"So, you as dangerous as you look?" Flash flirts.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" MJ smirks.
Nearby Randy had his eyes glued to his phone.
"You haven't complimented my costume yet," Sally said walking over to him.
"Trying to get updates on the shuttle," Randy said his focus not on her.
"And I should care why?" Sally asks annoyed.
"Maybe because John Jameson is like an older brother to me and because he might not make it," Randy said in a worried tone.
At the Daily Planet, we see everyone had their eyes still glued to the TV.
"NASA is reporting that they will not be able to track the shuttle as it enters the atmosphere." The news anchor said.
"Whatever happens Foswell. You give it to me straight." Jameson said over the phone.
"Straight. You got it Chief." Foswell replies.
Up in space, the shuttle was about to make its descent.
"Alright, get ready folks. It's gonna be a bumpy ride." John said about to fly in when suddenly they heard a knocking noise scaring them.
"What was that?" One asks.
"Trick or treat." A female voice calls out making all the Astronauts gasp in disbelief.
Down at the landing area, we see Foswell eagerly awaiting the shuttle's return with all the other reporters.
"Nothing yet boss. Nothing…I'm sorry boss." Foswell apologizes before noticing something. "Wait! There it is!"
Looking up they saw the space shuttle was being flown in but it had some help.
"Keep it steady! We're almost there!" Supporting the space shuttle from both sides, we see Superman and Supergirl flying in revealing they had come to help guide the shuttle back.
"Easier said than done! This was lucky it didn't burn up!" Supergirl said.
"Colonel, engage the parachute now!" Superman orders as John presses the button and activates the landing gear.
As the shuttle safely pulled in the two heroes let go.
"Superman helped John bring the shuttle back! They're safe!" Foswell declares as the crowd burst into cheers.
With the ship landing, the two Kryptonians flew up to the window.
"Thanks for the save Superman." John smiled as they took off.
"Thanks for the help, Kara." Superman smiles.
"Hey, beats sitting around wearing this for trick-or-treaters." Supergirl smiles. "Any chance I can join you guys on League missions?"
"Maybe someday, but for now you're going in the right direction." Superman smiles making her night.
At the Daily Bugle, everyone was cheering with joy.
"My boy…he made it back." Smiling Jameson hung up the phone overjoyed to have his son back before acting like his old self. "Hey! Hey! I'm not paying you bums to watch Television! That's the scoop of a lifetime! Superman saves a Super Man! Get me a story or you're all fired!"
Immediately all of them ran around the office getting back to work.
Meanwhile, at OSCORP, we see Norman walking in through the front door much to the front desk guy's surprise.
"Mr. Osborn, didn't expect to see you back tonight. And through the front door no less." He said.
"You wanna rule the world, you don't punch time clocks," Norman said going up the escalator.
Entering his office, Norman began typing on his laptop when he suddenly heard an explosion.
Running outside, Norman saw his employees scrambling towards him.
"Mr. Osborn! He took it, he stole it!" A scientist said.
"A thief? Here? What did he steal?" Norman asks in disbelief.
"The inhibitor prototype!" He declares.
"Freeze dirtbag!" A security guard said before he was knocked against a column.
Flying in, we see Green Goblin holding a new high-tech OSCORP weapon and cackling like a madman before he flies through the glass ceiling.
Back at the Halloween Carnival, Spider-Man was swinging through the rooftops.
"I gotta find a place to change," Spider-Man mutters when his phone rings. Looking at he saw it was from Gwen. "Hey, Gwen."
"Jaden, finally. You talked to Harry yet?" Gwen asks.
"I'm meeting him at the Carnival," Spider-Man said.
"You are? Where are you?" Gwen asks walking right below him.
Gulping Jaden prayed that today being Halloween would be enough for him to get away with this.
"I'm right here. Where are you?" Jumping down behind her, Spider-Man casually walked out and Gwen looked at him.
"Jaden?" Gwen said surprised.
Taking off the mask, Jaden revealed his face.
"Cool costume right?" Jaden said pretending that's all it was.
"I'm gonna cream Osborn. Little man was supposed to be the top of our pyramid." Flash growls before noticing Jaden in his suit. "Hey look it's the Spectacular Spider-Loser." Flash laughs but that causes the pyramid to collapse on him.
'Uh, Jaden why are you?' Megan thought allowing him to talk through their minds.
'Play along, pretend it's a costume.' Jaden pleads making her nod.
Looking over he noticed Jessica.
"What are you doing here?" Jaden asks not expecting another hero in the city.
"Megan invited me." Jess gestures.
"You suggested that I spend it with a friend and you guys are some of my best friends," Megan said hugging the two of them close.
"Gotta say Tiger, you fill out that costume nicely." Mary Jane said approaching him.
"Very nicely. You can web me up anytime Jadey.' Liz flirts making Jaden blush.
"Well uh thanks," Jaden said nervously not used to this kind of attention.
"What? Cooper looks nothing like Spider-Man! I should have been Spider-Man!" Flash said getting in between them.
"Well then maybe you shouldn't have made that bet with me," Jaden smirks making Flash growl. "But if it's any consolation you definitely have the legs for this costume."
"Why you—" Before Flash could say anything fireworks shot into the sky and while everyone was amazed Jaden noticed several orange jack-o-lantern fireworks shoot into the sky making him glare.
'Goblin.' Jaden thought before turning to Megan and Jessica. Gesturing with his head both hero girls knew what he was saying.
"Jaden we should go and find Harry," Gwen suggests but when she got no answer she saw that Jaden along with Megan and Jessica were gone.
Following the fireworks, Spider-Man, Miss Martian, and Limelight arrive at the Steel Mill to see Tombstone walking in.
"Oh great him too." Spider-Man groans.
"What's going on?" Limelight asks.
"Long story short, there's a supervillain in that mill who allegedly has dirt on that guy. Goblin knows I'm going in there but not you guys. We can use that. Just lay low until the time looks right." Spider-Man suggests.
"Sounds good to me." Miss Martian nods.
"And Limelight. I really appreciate you coming." Spider-Man said turning to her.
"Hey, us Justice League Rookies need to stick together." Limelight smiles.
Swinging down, Spider-Man joins Tombstone.
"So you got the invite to the same party huh? Trap?" Spider-Man asks.
"Trap." Tombstone nods.
"Figures. Let's get this over with." Spider-Man said as the two of them walked inside to see Hammerhead dangling over a large container of molten metal.
"This is so embarrassing." Hammerhead groans.
"And disappointing. Did you really think you needed a thumb drive to protect you? Did you really think a thumb drive COULD protect you?" Tombstone mocks.
"Aw come on boss. You can't have fallen for that. There's no drive with incriminating evidence, there never was." Hammerhead said.
"So then that means…" Spider-Man pauses when his spider-sense suddenly goes off and multiple bombs are thrown in exploding around them.
"Yes, yes. I'm a big fat liar." Green Goblin's voice cackled through the mill as a container of molten metal moved towards Spider-Man and Tombstone. "Come on, you two had to know this was all just a trap."
However, before the molten metal could be dumped on them a giant pair of green gloves stopped the container in its tracks.
"Oh, I did. That's why I brought friends." Spider-Man said as Limelight and Miss Martian flew in.
"There's more of them?" Tombstone said surprised by this.
"Aww, that hurts Spidey. You chose two green girls over me?" Green Goblin said in a hurt tone.
"Show yourself Goblin." Miss Martian orders.
"If the lady insists." As a bomb flew in it exploded near Limelight causing her to cover her face. While she was distracted the metal container spilled down below them causing the catwalk they were on to melt.
"Little help here!" Panicking Miss Martian grabbed Spider-Man while Limelight lifted Tombstone onto another catwalk.
However as Miss Martian grabbed him she felt the intense heat from the Molten Metal and began to pant.
"M'Gann?" Spider-Man said concerned.
"Sorry…I'm not used to so much heat." Miss Martian said sweating heavily.
"Martians can't handle intense heat." Spider-Man realized.
"Welcome to the Green Goblin's House of Horror!" Green Goblin declares flying in. "Or should I say Refinery of Revulsion!"
"Guys! Incoming!" Limelight yells as multiple Razor Bats fly in. While the heroes dodged a few and hit Tombstone in the back, the villain boss was still standing pulling them out of his back.
As Goblin flew past him, Tombstone picked up a broken bar and ran after them.
Flying through the air, Goblin shot at Spider-Man and Miss Martain. Acting quickly Spider-Man got in front of her and took the hit making her gasp.
"Spidey!" Miss Martian said as he leaned against her.
Flying in, Goblin's glider blade shot out about to impale them but at the last second Tombstone threw his bar knocking Goblin away from them.
"Uh, thanks?" Spider-Man said not expecting help from him.
"Take down the Goblin or at least unmask him and we'll call it even." Tombstone bargains before running to deal with Hammerhead.
Flying in, Limelight created a baseball glove with her ring which caught the bombs Goblin threw at her. Using it again she turned it into a boxing glove and punched him with it.
"Ooh, not bad." Green Goblin grins looking at her ring. "Nice ring by the way."
"Like you could ever be worthy of this ring." Limelight glares.
"You go help with Goblin I'll be fine as long as I'm not too close to the heat." Miss Martian said wiping sweat from her face.
Nodding Spider-Man fires a web and swings out to help fight.
Running to the control room, Tombstone fiddled with the controls so that Hammerhead was moved away from the molten metal container and towards the edge of the catwalk.
Once he was close enough, Tombstone jumped onto the cable and pulled Hammerhead from the hook.
Seeing that the Big Man was trying to escape the Green Goblin flew at them but Spider-Man intercepted him and delivered a double kick to his chest.
Crashing down on a pipe, Limelight creates ropes to tie him to it.
With Goblin out of the way, Tombstone throws Hammerhead onto the catwalk before the two of them make their escape.
"Next time you throw a Halloween Party Gobey, put out some snacks or even some music. Your guests might stay longer." Spider-Man jokes making the girls giggle.
"Oh, how embarrassing. Luckily, I brought plenty of party favors!" Cutting himself free from the ropes, Goblin jumps on his glider and throws a switch causing at least a hundred pumpkin bombs to rain down on the three heroes.
Acting quickly Limelight flew over Spider-Man and Miss Martian and made a green dome around them as the bombs bombarded them continuously.
As the explosions went off all over the steel mill, Hammerhead and Tombstone made their escape.
Back at the carnival, we see Mary Jane and Flash looking at the award-winning jack-o-lanterns.
"Terrifying huh? Or is nothing scarier than me in a skirt?" Flash asks.
"The skirt looks good. I know you lost a bet, but at least you made the best of it." Mary Jane said.
"Glad you feel that way. And you know, since me and Liz have split up." Flash hints leaning in but MJ pushes him back.
"Whoa, keep the pom poms to yourself, big guy. I like you but I won't be your replacement girl. This redhead is a free agent and plans to keep it that way for a while." MJ said walking away leaving an annoyed Flash.
"No Harry, no Jaden. Someone is so getting the look." Gwen said crossing her arms. "Hey, where did Megan and her friend go?" Gwen asks noticing they were gone too.
At the Steel Mill, another explosion went off and Limelight collapsed against Miss Martian, and Spider-Man tired from deflecting all those bombs.
"Who is this psycho?" Limelight pants.
Before Spider-Man could answer, said psycho flew in and tackled Spider-Man through the window.
"Why don't you just give up?!" Goblin said punching Spider-Man and sending him crashing onto the rooftop.
"Because I know your secret. I know who's behind that mask." Spider-Man accuses.
"We all wear masks, Spider-Man. But which one is real? The one that hides your face or the one that is your face?" Green Goblin asks throwing bombs at him.
Leaping up, Spider-Man dodges and fires a web at him.
"I know you're Norman Osborn!" Spider-Man declares as the web grabs Goblin's glider allowing Spider-Man to pull him in.
"Am I? That's some impressive webbing. Now try mine." From a hatch at the bottom of his glider, the gun he stole from OSCORP reveals itself and fires a green version of Spider-Man's webbing at him forcing Spider-Man to let go so he can dodge it.
Chasing after him, the Green Goblin fires multiple blasts until one finally ties up Spider-Man.
"Gotcha!" Grinning Green Goblin flies in to grab him when at the last second a large metal pipe is thrown at him forcing him to fall back.
Roaring in determination, Miss Martian punches Green Goblin in the face.
As he flew back, Limelight who was atop a structure created a giant cannon with a scope.
"Eat this!" Limelight yells firing at Goblin forcing him to flee.
Using this chance, Limelight flew down to Spider-Man.
"Hold still, I'll get you out in a second," Limelight said making a machete.
Raising it upwards she slams it down on the goblin webs freeing Spider-Man.
"Thanks a lot," Spider-Man said standing up.
Up in the air, Miss Martian was chasing after Goblin. Now that she was away from the heat, she had most of her strength back.
"You know I've always wanted to see what makes an alien tick. Perhaps I should dissect you." Goblin said as his glider blade shot out.
"I may be green but I'm not some lab frog." Miss Martian said dodging the attack.
As she flew at him from behind a bomb shot out and exploded in her face sending her plummeting.
Gasping Spider-Man swings in and catches Miss Martian before she crashes.
"I knew you would do that. Heroes, so predictable." Goblin said flying at them just as they landed on the roof.
"This better work!" Running in, Spider-Man fires his webs at each other to make a web shield. Holding it up the bomb bounces off the shield and explodes right in Goblin's face causing rubble from the mill to fly everywhere.
Bracing themselves the shockwave knocked all three heroes back.
Groaning Spider-Man was the first to get up.
"Miss Martian! Limelight! You guys okay?!" Spider-Man calls out as both girls are slow to get up.
"We're fine." Miss Martian groans.
"A little dizzy but I'll live." Limelight assures.
Slowly turning to Goblin, Spider-Man saw Goblin hold his leg in pain as he slowly limped to his glider.
Aiming his arms, Spider-Man tried to fire a web but was out of fluid.
"Aw man, of all the times I needed to reload," Spider-Man said before charging in.
Grabbing his glider, Goblin took off into the air.
"You can run but you can't hide!" Spider-Man declares.
Loading in some new web cartridges, Spider-Man knew just where to find him.
Racing back to Harry's place, Spider-Man opens the door to see Green Goblin sitting on the couch.
"I knew it!" Spider-Man said as Green Goblin pulled his mask off to reveal it was Harry, not Norman under that mask. Leaving Spider-Man speechless. "Wha? You're the Green Goblin?"
"No. Th-This isn't my costume. I'm a cheerleader." Harry stands up to try and defend himself but falls over. "Aah, my leg!"
"Harry! What's going on?" Walking in, Spider-Man saw Norman in his normal business suit walking fine. "Harry? Spider-Man, what's going on?" Norman asks.
"You're not limping." Spider-Man noticed.
"Why would I be limping? Why is Harry wearing that?" Norman asks before noticing a vial of green on the floor. "Where did this come from?" Norman asks picking it up.
"Dad I can explain!" Harry panics.
"What's going on? What is that?" Spider-Man asks having no idea what was going on.
"Blobyulant Green. An early stage, experimental performance enhancer. Highly unstable and addictive. You stole it from OSCORP didn't you?!" Norman accuses picking his son up. "Why would you do something so dangerous? So stupid?"
Hearing this an evil look appeared on Harry's face. Grabbing his father by the arm, Spider-Man looked in horror at what he was witnessing. "For you!" Harry declares throwing his father against the wall and smashing against one of the masks hanging on the wall.
Firing a web, Spider-Man quickly caught him before hitting the floor.
"You told me to man up! So I did! I took the Green to become the son you always wanted me to be. To become a man, like you." Harry declares before groaning and falling backwards luckily Spider-Man caught him.
"Hey, are you okay?" Spider-Man asks as Harry's face returns to normal.
"I must have blacked out again…I-I don't remember anything. But I can't be the Goblin, can I?" Harry asks terrified. Looking at the vial of the green, Harry throws it against the wall in anger "I never should have taken it! I ruined everything! I'm sorry." Harry said limping to the couch.
"This doesn't make any sense. If he's the Goblin, why did he attack the Big Man? Why attack OSCORP?" Spider-Man asks trying to piece this together.
"I've had "dealings" with the Big Man but when I tried to cut ties with them, I was threatened by his stooge," Norman explains.
"Hammerhead." Harry groans.
"Harry must have overheard. Under the influence of the green, his subconscious created someone who could take the Big Man down. Now as for why he attacked me—" Norman starts.
"Maybe I have some anger issues," Harry said with a mad look on his face.
"I can't allow this," Norman said grabbing Spider-Man by the shoulders. "I'll say I was the Goblin. After all, I invented the green so I'm the obvious suspect."
Horrified, Jaden thought he had gotten this completely wrong. He thought Norman was the Goblin and yet Norman was willing to take this on to spare Harry from this mess. Despite learning from Batman one of the best detectives in the world, Jaden could have made a HUGE mistake.
"No…he needs you. You shouldn't be locked away from a crime you didn't commit." Spider-Man said.
"Didn't I? This is all my fault. I drove Harry to this. I swear I'll get him all the help he needs. If you'll let me." Norman said looking at Spider-Man.
"Me?" Spider-Man said confused.
"If the Big Man learns Harry was the Goblin, he won't survive the night. Please, he's my only child." Norman pleads.
'And my best friend.' Spider-Man thought. "The Goblin disappeared after our fight. And his whereabouts are forever lost." Spider-Man declares.
"Thank you," Norman said as Spider-Man left.
As Spider-Man lands on a building he takes off his mask and sits down over the edge.
Flying in, Miss Martian and Limelight joined him.
"You're okay." Miss Martian smiles.
"Did you stop the Goblin? Is he done for?" Limelight asks but all they heard was a choking noise. "Spidey? What's wrong?"
Turning around the girls saw a look of anguish and sadness on Jaden's face.
"I got everything wrong. I thought I knew…I was wrong. So wrong. I almost arrested the wrong person. I'm the worst detective ever," Jaden choked as tears poured down his face.
Surprised, Limelight never thought she would see who she thought was the happiest member of the league in tears. It was the scariest thing she had seen all night.
Doing the only thing she could think of M'Gann hugged Jaden from behind.
"It's okay. It's over now." M'Gann assures as Limelight joins in the group hug trying to help him through this.
"I've made mistakes too as a hero. It'll be okay." Limelight assures.
However Jaden was still feeling like the worst friend in the entire world right now.
The next morning, Jaden had somehow made his way back to school.
"Hey, Tiger." A familiar voice calls out.
"Oh hey, Mary Jane," Jaden said before briefly snapping out of it. "MJ?" Looking up he saw Mary Jane sitting by the fountain. "What are you doing here?"
"I got to school here now. Midtown's Theater Magnet accepted me. I wanted to tell you but you disappeared. As usual." Mary Jane said as Jaden sat down next to her.
"Sorry, I was trying to find Harry but I never found him." Jaden sighs.
"Then you probably haven't heard," Gwen said walking over. "Harry's taking a leave of absence to travel abroad. And get the help he needs." Gwen mutters that last part.
"Good for Harry…I guess." Jaden frowns.
From the front gate, Megan looked at Jaden with a worried look. One thing was clear to her, she never wanted to see Jaden like that again.
Meanwhile, at the landing bay, we see Foswell and John approaching the shuttle.
"So Colonel Jameson, good to be home?" Foswell asks.
Approaching the shuttle, John notices two sludges stuck to the ship, one was black and the other was red.
"Yep, good to be back on solid ground." John reaches out to touch them but the sludges move towards him forcing him to pull his hand back. "Where it's nice and safe."
Zooming in on the strange creatures, the Goblin might not be a problem but more dangers were on the way.