Misery Misery
I didn’t want to wake up, I barely wanted to get out of bed as I had to deal with the repercussions from furious investors and Senators who wanted their money back for all the trouble that Otto had caused. They had no sympathy for him, not a single shred of care for his death. He died for them! He nearly lost his wife and dearest friend Rosie!! I LOST A FRIEND!!
But despite my rage, I kept calm even when I was tempted to scream bloody murder at them, demand them to leave me be and let me grieve! Let me miss my friend.. He was gone. At least that’s what I thought.
I lost track of time as I was swept into calls and meetings with my lawyers, investors, and ill tempered Senators. I wanted to silence the world, just leave it behind closed doors. But I couldn't. I needed to keep going, if not for myself, for Harry and for dear Rosie. I visited her as often as I could, which admittedly wasn’t as much as I wanted to. But each time I saw her it was like looking at a statue. An immortal, unchanging being whose beauty was frozen forever. She was practically in purgatory, stuck in a coma barely changing. She was stable, but barely alive. Oh god, if she was awake she would understand my pain more than anyone, she’d let me cry with her, fall into pieces in her arms as the grief and pain of losing our dearest Otto would consume us. But, I would never hear her sweet voice speak comforting words to me in hushed whispers. All I was left with was deafening silence and a deep unforgiving sense of guilt. She was here because of me, Otto was to be buried deep into the dirt because of me, all because I missed something in those damn calculations.
“Sigh, I need you Rosie, more than ever. I just.. I know you shouldn’t forgive me, I don’t deserve that I just.. I thought I could change. Really Change. But I guess I’ll always hurt the people I love. Emily, Harry, innocent people! And now! Now you and Otto all over again, but this time.. I can’t fix it.. I’m sorry Rosie.” I sighed and gave Rosie one last glance before I left her room, hallways and residents fading by me like ghosts as I made my way outside, barely paying anything any mind. Bernard was waiting for me by the car, looking over me with concerned eyes, though he didn’t dare say anything. He knew I wasn’t okay, so what was the point of asking me. He quietly opened the car door and quickly closed behind me as I settled myself into the leather seats. The car ride back home was relatively quiet, the radio murmuring the daily news being the exception. I paid little attention to it as I looked out the window, watching the beautiful scenery pass by, buildings blending together as my vision unfocused. The only thing to snap me out of my trance was the persistent buzzing of my phone. I rolled my eyes, sighing heavily, very much not in the mood for a phone call. “Sigh, This better be important.” I groaned as I dug out my phone from my pants pocket, glaring at the screen. It was Harry. “Strange, isn’t he supposed to be in class at this hour?” Goblin commented, just as confused as I, but I just rolled my eyes. “He’s probably in trouble or something. I’ll call him later.” I replied as I put my phone away. But he wouldn’t stop calling me! And it was starting to get on my nerves. Luckily the car ride didn’t last much longer. Bernard turned into the driveway, let me out and drove off to park the car. I finally answered my phone, making my way into the house and slamming the front door behind me. “Harry what is up!? You’ve been blowing up my phone, did something happe-” “DAD!!Have you seen the news!?!” He blurted out, stopping me in my tracks in the foyer. “What? No, I haven’t. I’ve been very busy, Harry!” “You need to look! Now!! I-I can’t e-explain it I just-! You need to look!!” He sounded frantic, it worried me. He hadn’t been like this in two years. I tried to calm him down as I made my way to the living room, grabbing the remote. “Harry, Harry, calm down, breeaathh~ I need you to take a deep bre-”
My voice got caught in my throat as my eyes snapped to the screen, a News Reporter announcing the most disturbing news, “People of New York, a strange man with mechanical arms was seen robbing The First National Bank on Madison Avenue, in which Spider-Man intervened with a struggle. This dangerous individual, whom some are calling Doctor Octopus, took an elderly woman hostage and dragged her outside and up the building, even dropping her as Spider-Man got closer, luckily she was caught safely by the vigilante, but Doctor Octopus escaped the scene. Through some analysis it has been confirmed that the culprit is none other than Doctor Otto Octavius. Nuclear Physicist who was recently claimed dead..” The rest of Reporter’s words started to blur, becoming a muffled noise as the world around me started to spin. “Otto’s.. Alive?” Goblin couldn’t believe it either. My mind raced as memories of the other universe began to flood my mind, seeing Otto with those horrid arms, how he had changed, because the chip had gotten damaged.. I had helped make Doc Ock, I didn’t stop fate, I was just a puppet in its sick plan.
I don’t know how long I stood there, staring at the TV in horror and disbelief. Frozen in complete horror. Harry had hung up at some point, leaving me alone with my thoughts until Bernard came in, calling out to me out of concern. I snapped back to reality when he tapped my shoulder, asking me if I was alright, but all I could do was breathe and look at him, only managing out a small “No” before I looked down at my phone and began quickly dialing Peter’s number, hurrying to my office for privacy. RIIING RIIING RIIING, CLICK! “Hello? Mr.Osborn?” Peter asked into the speaker, he sounded tired which didn’t surprise me with today’s escapades. “Parker! I’m sorry to call you at this time but I need to speak with you about Otto! I know about the Bank heist and I’m just as appalled and worried as you might be but-” “Might be!?! He’s supposed to be dead! He threw a safe door at me, Osborn!!” He exclaimed. “I know, I know. But Peter, that’s not Otto, the chip must’ve gotten damaged and he’s lost himself to the arms a.i! Trust me Peter, Otto would never do this intentionally, he’d never harm a soul!! But with the chip being damaged he’s losing himself! Please Parker I know this is much of me to ask you, but please, please! Save Otto! If not for me, for Rosie. Please..” I pleaded to Peter, my hands shaking, making me grip the phone tighter. Peter was silent for a while, his breathing the only sound coming through. After a minute he solemnly said, “Fine. I’ll save him.” He was stern but I knew he was just as worried about Otto as I was. I smiled and nodded, thanking Parker for listening to me, welcoming me reluctantly before hanging up, leaving me once again alone in silence. I plopped the phone on the desk before falling back into my chair, sighing deeply and feeling absolutely exhausted. Glancing at the photo of Otto, Rosie, and I in college, my heart filled with worry, silently praying for Otto to be saved. I couldn’t lose him, not after getting him back. I just.. Couldn’t.
Weeks passed, crime rates were rising but Otto hadn’t been caught yet, Parker had gone silent and wasn’t returning any of my calls. Harry had explained to me over lunch that he wasn’t doing so well after losing his job and after hearing Mary Jane had gotten engaged, and especially after Otto’s accident. Harry had tried his best for Peter but nothing was working, he just put up a wall, only confiding to his Aunt May, which I found understandable. But, I understood Harry’s concern, he cared about Peter and wanted to help him so badly, he’d bend over backwards just to bring a smile to Peter's lips. All I could tell him was to be patient with him, give him space but keep offering help, he’ll really appreciate it. Harry nodded as he stared into his coffee, a defeated look clear on his face. A feeling I knew too well. All I could do was offer him an understanding smile as we went on to talk about nothing in particular for a few hours before Harry needed to go.
And I just went back home. Going over paperwork and doing crosswords to bide my time. I had looked over the designs for the a.i chip, seeing if there was a way to repair it. All the materials would be expensive and some of the materials Peter 1 had used weren’t available or simply didn’t exist yet which was infuriating. I’d just have to use what I could get my hands on, making orders and hoping they would come in time as I worked on the base in the secret lab by using some of the materials from one of the gliders. I wasn’t going to be using them so at least now they were serving a purpose.
It was about 5 PM when my phone buzzed, after checking it I saw it was the Hospital. My heart bounded with joy but my stomach twisted with fear. I took a deep breath as I raised the phone to my ear, pressing the answer button. “Hello? Norman Osborn speaking.” I answered quickly, a young woman's voice coming through in response. “Hello Mr.Osborn, this is North Shore University Hospital, we are contacting you to let you know that Mrs. Rosie Octavius has woken up and is stable.” She reported with a chirp in her voice. I couldn’t stop the chuckle escaping from my lips, elated to hear such wonderful news! “Oh my God, thank you so much! I-I uh, is it alright if I come down to visit her?” The girl hummed positively, “Yes of course sir, she might be a bit out of it but she is open for visitors.” “Good, thank you so much!” I replied, feeling more relieved. “You’re welcome sir, have a wonderful night Mr.Osborn.” She replied before ending the call, but for once the silence wasn’t bad, it was oddly comforting now. “So are we gonna go oooor?” Goblin chimed in, taking me by surprise for a moment. “Of course we are, visiting hours end at 8 so we have plenty of time to talk.” I responded as I made my way out of the lab, grabbing my keys and a jacket to throw on. “Good, because you have a lot of explaining to do. She needs to know.” Goblin stated, his tone serious as I made my way down to the garage. He was right, so much had happened and she deserved to hear it explained from a friend, no matter how terrible it was. “I know.” was my solemn reply before unlocking my Porsche, sliding in and making my way down to the Hospital, the radio playing smooth jazz to help keep my nerves at ease. Only half an hour passed due to classic New York traffic, but as soon as I turned the car off I rushed into the crowded waiting room, exchanging a few words with the receptionist and making my way up to Rosie’s room. I opened the door slowly, peering in to see Rosie’s form, her face exhausted but eye’s glistening with tears as she was reading a Get Well Soon card, a few others resting on her lap. I couldn’t help but smile, pushing myself further into the room, the click of my shoes alerting her to my presence. She quickly looked up at me with surprise, quickly softening with saddened joy. “Norman.” She exclaimed softly, her voice weak and cracking from lack of use. I smiled softly to her, coming closer as she reached for me, bending down to hug her gently. “I’m so happy to see you.” She said softly next to my ear earnestly, tugging at my heartstrings. “I’ve missed you too Rosie. More than you can believe.” I replied just as earnestly, earning me a small chuckle in reply. I parted from her, letting her relax in her bed and pulled up a seat. “How’ve you been feeling?” I asked plainly to which Rosie sighed and shrugged. “Alright I suppose. Beyond the aches and exhaustion, I’m right as rain thanks to you~” She said with praise, alluding to the accident, making me feel a tad bashful. “Oh yeah! I suppose so. It was nothing really!” I retorted humbly. Rosie laughed weakly, placing her hand atop mine with a kind smile as she spoke. “There’s no need to be humble now Norman, you saved my life! I am forever in your debt.” She insisted I took her praise and I obliged, happy to see her acting like herself. It was comforting. “But,” She started, her tone low and more solemn. “I can’t help but worry about Otto.. He took so much of the shock! And I-! I haven’t had the heart to ask any of the staff about what happened. I’m just so.. So worried about him, Norm! So please, tell me. What happened to Otto? Is he-” She paused, her breath suddenly short and tears peeking through her lashes as she looked at me, worry so clear in her eyes as she asked with resolve. “ Is Otto alive?”
The question filled me with dread, shame crawling into my mind as memories of the past month coming to light. I sighed and grabbed her hand gently, looking her in the eyes as I said with as much compassion I could. “He is, but he’s.. Not well Rosie.” She looked confused, grasping my hand tighter as she searched my eyes for answers. “What do you mean?” She begged. I took in a breath as I explained, “Rosie, When Otto was struck by that bolt of electricity it should have killed him, but it didn’t. He somehow survived but..” I paused, the words becoming painful to speak, but Rosie was restless and begged to know more. “But what!?” “..The chip was damaged and his mind got.. Clouded.” I paused and Rosie was stunned, growing silent as realization set it. I continued. “The ai.. I don’t know what they’re telling Otto but he robbed a bank! I saw it on the news, he nearly got people killed, he held an old woman hostage as Spider-man fought him! He dropped her Rosie! He dropped her 20 feet in the air! She was lucky Spider-man was there to catch her but.. I couldn’t believe my eyes Rosie..” My voice started to give out as I kept going, Rosie’s expression becoming more and more horrified. She knew Otto best, she knew Otto wasn’t the violent type and he would never do any of that. “Oh my God..” She muttered in disbelief. “Otto.. my dear Otto.” She whimpered, leaning closer into me for comfort. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close as she silently cried, her shoulder shaking under my touch. ‘I’m so so sorry Rosie, I wish it wasn’t true. I truly do.” I whispered low.
We sat there for a few minutes holding each other over such horrid news. Rosie eventually pulled away, wiping away tears from her cheeks and regaining her composure, looking back to me solemnly. “This is so terrible.. It must have been so painful to watch that. I’m so sorry Norman, you didn’t deserve that.” She was trying to comfort me. ME! She shouldn’t be doing that when she just had heard how her husband had lost his mind and was committing crimes! I’m supposed to be comforting her! I shook my head, uncomfortable with her words. “No, I did Rosie. I was supposed to be checking everything! Every design, redesign, calculation, measurement, everything! Because of me, I nearly got you killed and drove your husband, my best friend, to madness!!” I was shaking, anger, hatred, and disgust overtaking me. I didn’t deserve her kindness, she should be mad at me! Furious with my existence! She should be yelling at me, telling me how awful, irresponsible, and disgusting I am! How she never wants to see me again! THAT I DESERVE TO BURN IN HELL!!
Softness on my cheek, her touch snapped my attention to her. I hadn’t noticed the tears running down my cheeks until she wiped away some with her thumb, smiling so kind and loving at me. Sympathy. Pure unadulterated sympathy. It truly was her super power, and I hated it. I didn’t deserve to have sympathy, to have someone look into my soul and understand my pain. I didn’t. And yet here she was, once again using all her sympathy to understand me and my pain, to look at me with such love and care. “Norman..” She said softly. “You’re too hard on yourself. You did nothing wrong. I know it because I know you. You’re hard working, and pay attention to everything when it comes to science, it’s what made you and Otto such good partners. I know you did everything in your power to make sure everything was safe, that was Otto safe. As much as I love Otto, I know he can be a danger to himself. He’s prideful and obsessive. And that’s what caused the accident, he was too stubborn to listen to us, despite the danger! You did everything you could to save him, but in the end you’re only human Norm.” She spoke almost poetically, her words stabbing my heart and earning a few more tears. I hated how she broke me down, but I also loved it, she made me feel seen and loved despite everything. I reluctantly nodded and hugged her again. It was a short one, both of us pulling away to wipe away our tears with awkward smiles, feeling a bit more at ease. “I’m working on a replacement.” I stated bluntly. Rosie perked up, a tad confused. “What?” “I’m working on a replacement chip, it’s taking a while but I just.. Want to help him.” I replied, watching her reaction. She seemed confused but relieved. “Norman that’s.. That’s so sweet. But, how are you going to get it on him?” She asked. I just sighed, slumping my shoulders. “I’m.. not sure. But I’ll figure out a way.” She smiled letting out a small chuckle and touched my hand again. “You always have in the past, so I have no doubt you will. Thank you.” I nodded with a smile and looked at the time. It was 6:45 and Rosie looked more tired than ever. With one final hug I bid her goodnight, promising to visit her soon. The car ride back was calm and quiet, allowing my mind to wonder, “Where could you be Otto?”
SPIDER-MAN NO MORE. Horrid words to find on the front cover of The Daily Bugle. “What the hell?” was my first reaction when I saw the paper on my doorstep. I instantly tried to call Peter but got nothing. Just straight to voicemail. At first I was confused, then in denial, then I was pissed. It made sense, crime rates were skyrocketing and Otto still hadn’t been caught for weeks! Peter had given up, he broke his promise. I thought he cared about Otto, why would he quit now!?!
Hours passed as I sat in my bitterness, drinking some scotch to drown out the night. I planned to stomp over to him and Harry’s place and have a stern word with him. He can’t just walk out now! People are in danger! Otto is in danger!! I grumbled as I peered over at the paper, taking another swig from my glass. “Bastard. How dare he abandon us.” Goblin hissed, just as upset as I was. I grabbed the paper in a flurry of rage and threw it across the room, I didn’t want to look at that stupid mask anymore.
I looked over to the balcony, the night sky was filled with clouds, not a single star to be seen. How appropriate. The bustle of the city streets and traffic were my only comfort. With a huff I hoisted myself up and walked out on the balcony with my glass in hand. The night air was only a tad chilly, the city lights beautiful and mesmerizing to watch. But there was something.. Thudding. It was distant and hard to make out.
Thud Thud. Thud Thud. Thud Thud. THUD THUD. THUD THUD.
Lightning flashed, thunder boomed all around! The thumping was intense and heavy, each one shaking the foliage more and more. “What the hell is that!?” Goblin blurted out, worry clear in his voice. I was worried too, looking around the balcony cautiously, trying to see the root of the ominous thudding as it got louder and louder. Then it stopped, the last thud sounding far too close for comfort. With a deep breath I cautiously made my way toward the edge of the balcony where the thud seemed to stop. My movements slow and steady and I came closer and closer to the edge. I was so close to peering over when SCHINK!! A metal claw flew toward me and pushed me hard backward before I could react, only able to let out a startled yell. My drink flew out of my hand as I fell back, landing square on my back. I quickly looked up to see another claw perfectly catch the glass without shattering it, recoiling back to the perpetrator! It was Otto. He was hovering over the edge, actuators holding him up with mighty strength. “Hello Osborn.” He greeted me so casually, a coy smile on his face as he took a sip of my scotch. I could only utter out, “Otto..” As I stared at him in shock.
He was now fashioned with a new jacket and black sweater, his eyes were obscured by a pair of sunglasses, his hands donned with leather gloves. He looked just like he did in the other dimension. “What do you want?” I blurted as I started to sit up, worry and fear taking over my nerves. Goblin was telling me to run! To get the hell out of here! But I couldn’t. I was frozen in place. “That precious Tritium.But I need more of it this time.” He answered bluntly, the coy smile fading away as a more serious tone crept in. He began to rise, using the actuator threw the glass away, shattering loudly on the ground. He moved closer, and I started to crawl backward, worried and scared by my dear friend. What he was asking for.. “More Tritium? Are you crazy!? You’ll destroy the city Otto! It isn’t worth it!!” I pleaded with Otto, hoping that he’d hear me and be sensible. But he wouldn’t hear me, he just edged closer, swiftly removing his glasses, revealing dark circles clear to see. He launched one of the actuators right at me at ridiculous speed! Without thinking I flung to the side attempting to crawl away, but I wasn’t fast enough. The claw gripped onto my ankle, squeezing hard. I exclaimed loudly as the limb harshly pulled me up into the air, swinging me over the edge of the balcony, holding me about hundreds of feet over the ground. He was threatening me. I kept yelling! Begging, pleading to Otto! “STOP! STOP! YOU DON’T NEED TO DO THIS!! OTTO, PLEASE LISTEN TO ME!! ROSIE IS ALIVE!! SHE NEEDS YOU OTTO! SHE MISSES YOU SO MUCH AND I CAN HELP YOU!! I HAVE CONNECTIONS! I CAN CLEAR YOUR NAME OTTO, I PROMISE!! PLEASE! LISTEN TO ME!!”
Otto grimaced at me, rage and bitter hatred consuming him. “YOU’RE LYING!!” He violently retorted, throwing me against a wall, bricks cracking from the harsh force. I slumped harshly on the floor, groaning from the immense pain. Nothing seemed to be broken but I definitely had several bruised ribs. Otto made his way to me, the whiring and thunking of the actuators nearly drowning him out as he yelled at me furiously, “I WILL NOT BE MADE A FOOL AGAIN YOU DISGUSTING HACK!!” I peered up confused, hissing with pain as I tried to sit up, I looked up at him, exclaiming, “What are you talking about-” I was cut off by an actuator flying toward me, hitting the wall with a terrifying force, nearly hitting me. “Don’t act naive!! You conspired against ME!! You hired that damned arachnid to destroy everything I worked for! To destroy my LIFE’S WORK!!” His chest rose and fell hard as he loomed over me, staring me down with twisted hatred in his eyes, consuming his being. If I wasn’t careful, the next strike with those powerful limbs would be fatal. I slowly rose up, pushing down my pain with a hiss, keeping my eyes unwavering from his. I raised my hands above my head, speaking low and calm. “Otto. I promise you I’m not lying to you, please believe me. I know in the past my word meant nothing, but that was then! I’ve changed, you know this. I came to you, asking for forgiveness, for a second chance! And despite everything that happened, the pain, the betrayal.. You gave me a chance! And all I wanted to do was repay your kindness, by helping bring your dream to fruition.” I stepped closer, slow and steady. He seemed.. Wary, cautious, but listening. “What about your friend Spider-man.” He prodded with a growl, stepping closer. I paused, trying to think of a good answer fast. “Spider-man.. Is not my friend but he isn’t the enemy either Otto. He tried to save you! To stop you before things got worse!-""I had everything under control!” He pressed, cutting me off and waning my patience. “No you didn’t Otto! The fusion became unstable and was growing at a dangerous level! You know this!! If it wasn’t for Parker we would be dead!!” I blurted out, not thinking on my words before it was too late. My mouth dried up, my heart racing. Oh no.. Otto’s attention had peaked at my little slip, his brows furrowed with confusion. “Parker?”.... “Peter Parker.” Chills ran up my spine as Otto looked me deep in the eyes, cold calculated hatred filling his soul. I started to shake and back up, trying to get words out of my mouth. But my mind was too frazzled, Goblin was practically screaming at me, demanding to run, leave, attack, do something!! “O-Otto, please, h-hear me out-” “NO!” He barked, cutting me off once more. “I don’t think I will. I finally get it.. Why you called me after all these years. Why you decided to fund my project, to get me to trust you after so long. You wanted to take me out. Because you can’t stand competition. You never have. So you used your pretty little words and face to worm your way into my life, but most importantly into my lab. And when things are going smooth, opening day is just right around the corner, you bring in Peter. Parker.” With one swift move he launched an arm at me, claw clutching tightly around my neck, squeezing hard, cutting off my air. I gasped, clawing at the cold metal limb, desperately trying to pry the horrid claws from my flesh. “A smart boy with so much potential, a boy I could see myself in and feel sympathetic for. You hired him to befriend me, trick me into trusting him, into seeing him like a son! But really, he was there to tamper with my machine, so when I presented I’d make a fool of myself in front of the entire City!! All because you can’t stand competition. You always have to be top dog.” I felt my body being lifted, and pulled forward. Otto hovered over me, another claw wriggling and hissing at me. “Well, it didn’t work Osborn. I will take that Tritium even if I have to kill you.” He hissed as the claw squeezed tighter and tighter, my head getting lighting and my lungs burning, begging for air! He wanted me to give in, to agree to his delusional request. I wouldn’t! I couldn’t! I made a promise to never harm another person, to save Otto. I tried to speak, to yell but my voice was lost, my world fading out into darkness, limbs numbing. “No. No, no, no, no!!” I tried to scream but it was too late, I was falling, my world growing cold as another took my place by force. Goblin.
“Then you’ll have to kill me.” He hissed at Otto, gripping the claws tighter with our hands, growling as he pulled and pulled and pulled! The metal digits waned under his strength as he pulled, the actuators hissing at the new rising threat. His unending anger was his fuel he drew from as he screamed like a banshee, pulling the claw off, denting the metal with our fingers. Otto only managed a frustrated growl as his prey escaped his grasp. Goblin dropped down, quickly talking Otto before he could react, body falling hard on the floor with a loud thump. Goblin wasted no time and lifted himself up, lifting his fists and started wildly pummeling Otto as fast and as hard as he could, a war cry escaping from our lips nearly drowning out Otto’s cries of pain. Otto struggled under us, thrusting an arm around our torso and throwing us across the room. Goblin hissed as he felt a rib crack from the impact, cursing low under his breath, sounding more animalistic than human as he glared down at Otto. He quickly picked himself up, throwing two actuators at us, trying to pin us. Goblin ducked and dodged at blinding speed, running wildly at Otto who was still throwing the arms at us, desperately trying to strike us down. Goblin quickly slid on the floor as he closed on Otto, grabbing the left lower arm, planted his feet and swiftly pulled! Otto topped over, Goblin holding tightly onto the arm as it wriggled and writhed in our arms, quickly pulling on the limb to swing Otto hard into a pillar wall, his back facing us and stunning him, giving Goblin a perfect opportunity. He skidded onto our knees, desperately manhandling Otto’s many collars until he could get a good view on the chip, raising our fist and with one swift move struck it as hard as he could manage.
“AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!” Otto let out a horrific blood-curdling scream as he desperately clutched at the chip, his body convulsing violently, actuators screaming in painfully high-pitched voices. Goblin covered our ears, the pitch too much to handle. Otto violently lashed out, an arm taking Goblin by surprise, striking us in the stomach and throwing us back onto the floor with a loud Thud! Goblin growled low, his anger making our blood boil, but by the time Goblin got up, he was gone. That now familiar thudding getting more and more distant. “Did.. Did we win?” Goblin wheezed out, exhaustion finally catching up with him as we laid prone on the ground. “No.. I don’t think so..”
“Where the hell could he be!?” I exclaimed with frustration, tossing my newspaper hard against the modern style coffee table. A heavy sigh slipped from my lips as I laid back down on the couch, letting out a hiss from the large bruise on my side. Otto had fucked us up pretty badly, leaving us with 4 bruised ribs and two cracked ones. Honestly, I was happy for once that the healing properties the serum left in my body was still active, without it I’d no doubt be hospitalized, and that’s not something I needed. But, I was still in bad enough shape where I had to stay home under Bernard's persistent care. It had been almost two weeks since Otto had attacked us and my worries worsened in that time. It seemed as if he’d dropped off the face of the Earth soon after. No one had an eye on him which made no sense to me. How could a man with four huge mechanical limbs just vanish? Peter hadn't reported back to me and whenever I asked Harry he just said Peter was “going through something” and he’d barely seen the apparent ex-vigilante. Great.
“You’re going to give us a headache if you keep thinking so hard.”Goblin chimed in sarcastically. He was just as skeptical as I, but knew that if I kept obsessing it wouldn’t do me any good. I closed my eyes, the morning sun bothering my eyes as I let out another exasperated sigh, mumbling “I know..” under my breath. I needed to get my mind off of Otto for a little while, maybe some TV could help? “Fuck it,” I huffed out as I sat myself up, suppressing a pained groan, and promptly grabbed the remote. “Might as well catch up on Scrubs.” With a click of the remote the TV came to life with bright colors and loud noises. And with my wonderful luck, Tragic Breaking News. A Young woman dressed in a white dress shirt, and matching gray business skirt and jacket spoke clearly to the shaking camera, as a catastrophic scene of a destroyed Bistro sat behind her, crowds of witnesses and civilians milling about and gawking at the destruction. “People of New York! This is Rebeccah Kaling on the scene of the attack where Doctor Octopus was seen as the culprit. Witnesses say he had thrown a car through the window, nearly killing two civilians, a man and a woman. The man and woman have been identified as Peter Parker and Broadway actress Mary Jane Watson. The two of them had luckily dodged out of the way of the vehicle, where then the culprit had barged into the establishment and began interrogating Mr.Parker and Ms.Watson. Mr.Parker was physically assaulted and buried under rubble by the criminal and Ms.Watson has sadly been kidnapped by the criminal. Now some say that as Doc Ock was making his escape, Mr.Parker had burst through the rubble and ran after him, disappearing in the crowd of screaming civilians. Police are trying to locate and track this devious criminal and bring Ms.Watson to safety.” I was stunned, horror dawning on me. No, not Mary Jane. She wasn’t involved in this, why go after her!! I knew why. To goad Peter out and take him down once and for all. Dammit! I tried to call Peter multiple times but got nothing, just went straight to voicemail. I wanted to find him but I was in no condition to fight, plus I didn’t know where to start. All I could do was watch and wait. Hours passed as I flicked between News channels, hoping for any sign of progress. It wasn’t long before some had reported spotting the masked vigilante swinging in the streets which put me slightly at ease. But there still was no sign of Mary Jane. Flipping over more channels I landed on one reporting Live on what seemed to be Spider-Man and Otto fighting above them near the Westside Tower. The camera was shaking as the cameraman desperately zoomed in on them as best as he could while they swung around violently. I was sitting at the edge of my seat, my heart beating like a drum as I watched them attack each other so fervently. Otto was like a wild animal as he desperately swung at Peter, who hit hard, clearly enraged at his idol for kidnapping his longtime crush. Otto pulled off scaffolding and swung hard at Peter, sending him falling off the building. But Peter was quick with his webbing, catching the dangerous debris and throwing it back at his enemy. Otto weaved and dodged, ripping off more metal and throwing at the arachnid who weaved and dodged effortlessly around all of it. But Otto was clever, he was overwhelming the boy and at just the right moment he jabbed him hard in the chest, causing him to fall back hard and desperately fling another web, only for it to land on Otto and drag him unwillingly along with him as they both began to free fall.. I gasped as they fell, but it seemed that fate was on their side as a train flew by under him, giving them both a rough place to land. But the train was too fast for the poor bumbling cameraman to follow. Their figures disappearing in the blink of an eye. Oh no. I flipped channels fervently but got nothing! Minutes felt like hours as I flipped between channels, my heart feeling like it would explode out my chest if I didn’t see what happened next. I didn’t know which train line that was so it wasn’t like I could grab my glider and go, all I and all of New York could do was wait. Wait, and pray that Spider-Man was safe. After 30 minutes the same young woman reporter popped up with news of the train Peter and Otto had landed on. “People of New York! This is Rebeccah Kaling on the scene of the train heist and battle between Dock and and our beloved Spider-Man. Eye witness reports have come in that the two men had landed on the top of the train and began desperately fighting each other, Doc Ock doing most of the damage to the train itself. He had even captured two passengers and had thrown them at the vigilante, but were safely caught. In a last attempt to rid of the vigilante the criminal knocked out the conductor, escalating the trains speed, and breaking off the brake handle, dooming the passengers on board. He quickly fled the scene, leaving our remarkable hero to save the passengers by using his webbing, but it seems doing so was too much for our hero and he passed out in the passenger car. And just when things seemed to be looking up, Doctor Octopus reentered the scene and captured the unconscious hero and left promptly after. Police are desperately looking for the culprit, but please if you see anything, please report it. Help us save Spider-Man.” Rebeccah gravely remarked, worry clear in her face. My heart sank as I looked at the screen, the damaged train filling the space and Rebeccah’s voice becoming background noise as reality set in. Peter was captured with no clue to where he could be.
I had to go on with the rest of my day at Oscorp. Tending to the stocks, the lab results, and any issues that had come up in my absence. But I couldn’t get the accident off of my mind, checking my computer for any updates and getting more and more frustrated and worried as nothing changed. I tried to ease my frustrations by working on a new project. Though I wasn’t alone, everyone in the city was scared about the fate of our beloved Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. All we could do was wait and pray. Eventually my day was done and I bid everyone goodnight, heading home in nervous silence as I watched the city pass me by, hoping to catch a glimpse of Parker’s flashy costume. But I saw nothing and grew more worried for him. “Where are you Peter..” The house was deathly quiet as I made my way upstairs to my loft, telling me that Bernard had left for home early, which was fine. I tried to eat something but my mind was racing a mile a minute, trying to figure out, to rationalize what had happened to Peter and MJ, what Otto had done with them and if they were.. No! He wouldn’t kill them, he captured them for a reason. Is he using MJ as leverage against Peter? To get him to help him somehow? Or was he hurting her, to get vengeance against the poor boy? “We need to do something Norm.” Goblin growled low. I could only shake my head, retorting back sharply. “I know! But we have no idea where Otto is hiding them or what has happened, so our options are kinda limited here!” I shook my head, running a hand through my hair as I stood feeling utterly useless. But my self-pitying wouldn't last as my phone loudly rang. Quickly I checked it to see it was Harry. Hope rose in my chest, had he seen Peter? Without a moment to lose I picked up, speaking quickly into the speaker, “Harry! Oh thank god, did you find Peter? Is he okay, is he hurt? Harry?” I expected to hear Harry’s voice but instead I was greeted with the sound of whistling wind and loud, familiar, metallic thumping. My blood ran cold as that thumping no longer was on the phone but in the far distance, each thumping getting closer and closer. I slowly lowered the phone, turning toward the balcony as anticipation grew more and more. I moved slowly, carefully as I crept to the cold fireplace, stooping low and carefully grabbing a fire-poker, gripping it tight as I stood back up and my way slowly and carefully toward the balcony, all the while keeping my eyes fixed on the darkness that taunted me. Readying myself I called out quietly, “...Harry?” Nothing. I kept going, stepping into the darkness and observing my surroundings carefully, feeling more and more paranoid as nothing but the sounds of the city and those horrible distant thumps greeted me. I called out again, “Harry?” Still nothing. I could feel Goblin getting more and more impatient which wasn’t helping. “Let me take over, I can take him, you know I can Norman!”With a roll of my eyes I swept the balcony again. “No, not yet, we don’t know the details yet and I don’t trust you to be delicate with this.” And just like that the incessant thumping suddenly stopped, and I didn’t like it one bit. RIIING RIIING RIIING!! My phone rang, catching me off guard and startling me a bit. I quickly turned back to my loft, only to be faced with horror.
Otto stood there with a wicked grin, my son’s phone held delicately in his hand, and.. And Harry and Peter wrapped tightly in those horrible arms, snaking up their torso’s and wrapping around their mouths to muffle them. Peter was in terrible shape, his suit ripped and barely holding together, but his fighting spirit was burning hot as he glared at Otto. But Harry.. Harry was shaking with fear, staring at me with wide, terrified eyes. Otto’s grin grew as I looked at the horrid display, mocking me in a sarcastic tone, “You really should answer your phone, could be important, Osborn.” He chuckled as he tossed Harry’s phone to the side, and all I could feel was my blood boiling as anger flooded my senses. “You son of a bitch!” I stomped toward him, my grip on the fire-poker tightening, denting the poor tool like an impractical stress toy. “Let them go now Otto!” I hissed out, ready to swing at him but just as quickly as I raised my arms, the other arms rushed forward, hissing and flexing the claws out to appear bigger and to intimidate me like snakes. “Ah ah ah~ Norman, I’d be careful right now if I were you. Wouldn’t want anything.. Bad to happen,” The arms tightened around Harry and Peter, squeezing them harshly as they audibly groaned and winced around their metallic muzzles. “,Would we?” He stated in a cold tone. I froze, torn between my mind and my instincts. He eyed the poker and the floor, gesturing me to put it down. And with an angry huff I complied and to which he loosened his grip on the boys, smiling at me with snarky confidence. “Good, very good.” “Otto-” “Silence! If you want these boys to live you will do what I ask, do you understand?” I stood there in silence, trying my best to keep myself calm but his patience was growing thin, his arms circled around me, eyeing me hungrily. He stomped forward suddenly, growling harshly at me, “I said Do you understand!!” I closed my eyes, collecting myself as I let out a low, “Yes.” Not even trying to contain the venom in my voice. “Good~ Now, give me the Tritium and I’ll let them go, okay?” I offered devilishly. I looked at Harry and Peter, both looking at me with similar expressions telling me not to do it, knowing how dangerous this was. I frowned, hoping they would understand later. I sighed and looked Otto in the eyes, hoping for some part of him, the old him was in there as I spoke softly, “You’ll really let them go?” He smiled, giving me a small nod. “Yes, I’ll let your poor son and your spy Parker go. You have my word Osborn. And you know I don’t go back on my word.” He hissed out, metaphorically twisting a knife into my heart. But he was right, and all I have now was his word to go on. “And Mary Jane?” “The red-head? She’ll be let go as well, don’t worry.” “You can’t do this Norman, it's too dangerous! You know what he’ll do!!”“I don’t have a choice! And if I don’t then.. Then Spider-Man won’t defeat him.” “But Norman, then he’ll-” “I know.. I know.” I sigh, closing myself up and nod, agreeing with his terms. “Alright, I’ll do it.” The boys let out muffled yells as Otto smiled a crooked twisted grin. “Good~ Now be a good boy, and go get it.” He ordered in a mocking tone. I turned around walking past the other arms and to my vault, quickly twisting the rotary lock. The door swung open, the Tritium glowing brightly, almost effervescent. I pushed myself to grab it, knowing what I had to do, despite how much it would hurt me and poor Rosie. I quickly grabbed it, turning on my heels to face the smiling devil. I held it out to him, watching him quickly close the gap between us and grabbing it from my hands fervently, hissing under his breath with such excitement, “Yes~” He walks away from me with his undivided attention directly solely at the Tritium. “There, now let them go Otto.” I demanded, standing my ground to the monster before me. He looked at me, annoyance clear on his face before he looked at the boys, the actuators whirring and clicking at him and he seemed to.. Understand them, listening to them intently before looking back at me with that devilish grin. “Alrighty Osborn, a deal is a deal. Now.. CATCH!” And without warning he threw Peter at me, the boy crashing into me and knocking us onto the floor. He quickly made his way to the balcony with Harry still in his grasp, screaming as much as he could around the arm. I scrambled around, desperate to get Peter off me to stop Otto, I screamed desperately at him, “Wait!! You promise to let them both go!! Let him go Otto!! NOW!!” He turned back to me with that horrible smile as he lifted himself higher into the air. “I did, and I will Osborn. But I never specified a time.” He laughed maniacally as he turned and ran away with Harry in his clutches, while I was too late to get up and scramble to the balcony edge, screaming so desperately at Otto and Harry that my voice became hoarse a few seconds in. Tears ran down my face as I watched in horror my only son dragged away by a monster of my own creation. “YOU BASTARD!!! YOU SICK SON OF A BITCH! I.. I.. I’m gonna..” My voice boomed like thunder, mighty and strong but died down to a mousy whimper. I wanted to chase him down, to beat him senseless. But I couldn’t. It wasn’t my fight. But I knew who’s fight it was. I turned to Peter who was struggling to hold himself upright, body clearly beaten and exhausted beyond belief. It pained me to look at him in such a state but I had to press on. I closed the gap between us fast, grabbing onto his arms to get his full attention. “Peter, we need to go, now!” “What!? What do you mean we need to go!? You created him, you gave him the Tritium, that’s your problem!” He retorted bitterly. “Because if we don’t he’ll finish his machine and destroy the whole city!! Mary Jane will die Peter, Harry will die, EVERYONE WILL DIE! So if we don’t go now then New York is DOOMED.” I desperately explained, my voice straining as it rose in volume, desperation and anger practically pouring out of me. My hands shook as my grip tightened, quickly I ripped my hands away, placing them to my sides firmly. “If we go now, we can stop him for good.” I firmly stated, staring Peter hard in the eyes. He sighed reluctantly before asking, “What about saving him?” I swallowed hard, my eyes unconsciously looking away from Peter as I answered, “It’s not our top priority Parker.” Silence sat for only a moment before he asked reluctantly, “Alright.. How do we stop him?” And so with a deep breath I explained everything, that I would get on my Glider and fly with him to make locating faster, we would use small radios to communicate so once we’d find him I’ll gather MJ and Harry so I can get them to safety while he fights Otto, but I will return as fast as I can as backup if needed. Peter was reluctant to have me fight by his side, which I understood but there was no time for arguing. So with that we proceeded on. We left in a hurry, searching the city all over. We both decided that checking any abandoned buildings we came across would be our best chance, so we did that, checking any and all that would be large enough to hide Otto’s machine. And- “Wait!”
Peter exclaimed, catching both Norman and Otto off guard. They had both made themselves comfortable at Peter’s side as Norman recounted in great what had happened when he had returned. Peter couldn’t believe it, so much and yet so little had changed in this Universe. It almost sounded made up at first, but as the hours passed the more it sounded true, more familiar, as though he had lived through it himself. He swallowed hard as Norman and Otto stared at him. “What is Peter?” Otto asked in a soft voice, worried for the young man's health. “Is it too much? Should we give you a break to process all of this? I completely understand if that’s the case my boy.” Otto reassured. Peter just shook his head, his eyes darting slightly as he sat in silence, gathering his thoughts-no- his memories of that night. “I think.. I know what happens next.” He announced slowly. “Oh. Well then, would you mind telling us Peter?” Norman asked softly, cautious curiosity clear in his voice. Peter nodded, taking in a deep breath, “I had managed to make my way to the way despite my condition. I spotted a disheveled building on one of the abandoned docks. The place looked like a strong wind could take it down, a place where very few would stay. But there were lights glowing through the broken windows. It fit the profile so I snuck in, where I spotted Harry and MJ with their hands tied up and chained to the floor.. They were both panicking, yelling at Doc to let them go but he- well you,” He gestured at Otto who just nodded, “You weren’t listening, you ignored them as you prepared your machine to activate the Tritium. I couldn’t believe it so I quickly messaged Norman where I was so he could get them out. But he was too far, practically on the other side of the city. He told me to wait till he got there, but we didn’t have any time. So I snuck in, climbing on the walls as I silently watched Otto turn on the machine, igniting the inductance field inside the towers, then the plasma igniters light up one by one before simultaneously firing onto the tritium. It was the perfect opportunity, I slipped by silently getting closer and closer to Harry and MJ. Once I was above them I climbed down, alerting them and telling them I was gonna get them out but I got cut off by Otto. He threw a metal beam at me, but I managed to dodge out of the way. He was pissed that I was there. I tried to tell him to shut the machine down, that he would get more people hurt if he didn’t, but he didn’t care, seeing it as a risk he was willing to take. I knew I had to unplug it, it was the only way to safely stop him, his actuators went to strike at me like snakes, but I dodged out of the way and quickly shot a web at them to tie them up. But he caught me before I could get too far, flinging me out through the roof. I desperately shot a web at the roof and swung myself through the windows but.. He was gone. Nothing left but the sparks of that Sorcerer's magic, I was so confused but I had no time to lose, I had to stop the machine and..” Peter stopped, his eyes unfocused as he looked at nothing. “I.. I’m not sure what happened exactly, it’s gets a bit.. Fuzzy. Heh, sorry.” He apologized, feeling awkward for suddenly losing his train of thought. Otto nods and scootches closer, rubbing Peter’s arm gently. “It’s alright Pete, I can take it from here.”