106: Do you... know The Emperor?

Nighttime outside OsCorp.

A manhole cover shook before a battered green figure crawled out laboriously - Norman Osborn. His exoskeleton had reverted and his face was human again.

Lying back, he panted heavily. Regenerating from the explosion into scraps and squirming here had exhausted him. But Norman laughed wildly in relief. "Hahaha! I survived!" That was all that mattered now. 

His expression warped again as Green Goblin sneered, "Norman, for your merits tonight, I grant you freedom briefly. But call on me if blood is spilled!"

Calm again, Norman replied, "Don't worry, I'll leave you the dirty work. That wonderful feeling of killing is beyond you." If overheard, such mad self-talk would terrify any observer. 

After catching his breath, Norman knew he had to return and dispose of Jack's corpses in his lab, or face complete ruin if discovered. Still, entering OsCorp in this state would draw notice.

Focusing his thoughts, the exoskeleton shifted into a security uniform, allowing Norman to stride inside without suspicion. Soon he reached the lab, wrinkling his nose at the bloody stench within.

"It smells wonderful~" Green Goblin remarked eagerly. Frowning, Norman suppressed him, "Quiet, I must tidy up first." After sealing the lab, Norman ignited green flames that flash-froze then shattered the bodies into icy shards.

Admiring the convenient new power, his vision suddenly went pitch black, as if covered by a dark veil. Norman tensed warily. "Who's there?"

A chilling, fanged smile answered from the void, sending Norman kneeling as he resumed his Green Goblin guise. "Master Mephisto, you've come!" 

Indeed, Mephisto had arrived from Hell, scowling at their cheerful tones. "Surprised I didn't rescue you?" he challenged cruelly.

Green Goblin abased himself, insisting no blame or doubt, only faith in his master's wisdom. Mephisto smiled, satisfied at the obeisance and asked for details. Norman recounted the night's events.

"The Emperor...not of the Sanctum after all," Mephisto mused, conceding Ancient One had spoken truthfully - he had underestimated Earth!

"Sanctum?" Norman had never heard the term. It sounded mysterious. 

Mephisto seethed hearing Andrew had arrogantly awaited him. But Norman pleaded, "Master, will you deal with him yourself?" 

Green Goblin desperately hoped Mephisto would slay the Emperor himself, the root of his trauma and fears. Only that could restore his confidence. 

But Mephisto regretfully declined, bound by his pact with Ancient One. Crestfallen, Green Goblin despaired - who could challenge that devil with Mephisto barred?

"But I have come to aid you," Mephisto assured him. At first believing Andrew linked to the Sanctum, he'd advised hiding. But now...

In the lab, a plot against Andrew slowly took shape...

At Andrew's apartment, he and Pikachu awaited Gwen's return to the balcony. Removing her mask, Gwen carefully inspected Andrew. "Andrew..." she spoke his name tentatively. 

Surprised, Andrew responded, "Yes Gwen?" She scrutinized him closely before asking outright, "Do you know the Emperor?"

To be continued...

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Small Chapter, Busy Today with Assignments and Labs. 😴 

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