To Protect a Monster (Open)

[norman]

Tensions were high. In the wake of the Keene Act being repelled, news stations everywhere had been on high alert. Politicians, Celebrities, and Superheroes from around the world had been taking turns, going on the news to voice their opinions. And, through it all, Norman Osborn had remained conspicuously silent.

Lately, any people had been coming to Osborn with questions about the Keene Act. After all, he had been one of the most prominent supporters of the act and the former Director of the Thunderbolts. There were a lot of people looking to him for answers. But, every time someone brought up the return of legal vigilantism, Norman would simply clam up or change the subject.

But, that seemed like it was about to change. For, Norman had announced a press conference. He’d bought out an entire city street, had a stage built, and had invited people from every major news outlet in the country. It was very large, very public, and very televised.

The turnout was massive, with crowds of people just waiting to hear what Osborn had to say. Whatever he had to say was big, especially if it was worth setting up such a large press conference. And, as Osborn stepped onto the stage, the crowd seem to fall into a hush.

“Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome. I came here today to announce the most ambitious project in the history of my company. A project that will change the course of human history.” Norman started off, getting right into his speech.

“We live in dark times. Crime rates are at an all-time, poverty is rampant, and our country is on the brink of war. In these desperate times, the president has made the mistake of abolishing the Keene Act in hopes that masked crusaders will be able to save the world.”

“But I have come up with a solution. A way to solve all of our problems without relying upon widespread vigilantism. Ladies and Gentlemen, Oscorp is going to save the world.”

---

Meanwhile, as Norman made his speech, a man with a sniper rifle sat perched on a rooftop. His weapon was trained upon the billionaire. With a stoic sigh, he began to take aim on Norman Osborn. He was a man with a mission, willing to do anything for his cause, even if it meant his life.

[Jonathan Ohnn]

Dr. Ohnn was just sitting in his rather large apartment having a cup of coffee and getting ready to read the paper, as he did most mornings. He sat in the black and white living room with nothing but a pair of boxer shorts on, leaving his surprisingly well-toned upper body exposed. He rolled his head a bit, his neck cracking loudly as a result just before he picked the paper up from off the table in front of him.

Jonathan sighed with his eyes closed, bracing himself for the front page that would inevitably have Spider-Man on it. He opened his eyes and sure enough there was the ol' wall-crawling hero of New York City. His eyes narrowed, and then he quickly flipped through the pages looking for something interesting. Ohnn suddenly stopped upon seeing the name Norman Osborn. ~Osborn...? Didn't he hook up with the government to help round up us superhumans back when the Keen Act and Superhuman Registration were still in effect?~[/color] The thief thought to himself. He read on to see that the man was going to be making some big speech today. ~My word. He's taking up a whole street to make this speech.~ The Spot's eyes widened at this information.

"Well, if he's going through that much trouble I imagine what he has to say will probably be worth it." Jonathan thought aloud. He quickly finished his coffee before slipping into his white bodysuit. "Let's see what the Goblin has to say."

In an instant the big black portal on his chest spread into dozens of spots all over his body, including his face, successfully turning Dr. Ohnn into The Spot.
A portal opened beneath the superhuman, which took him into what he called "Spotworld", a place of seemingly infinite portals. He flew through the world for a moment, and then crept through a portal that took him to a building just across the way from where Osborn was about to speak. "This seems as good a place as any." He thought out loud as he dropped down onto the rooftop. He stepped to the edge and watched as Norman came out to begin his speech.

A few moments passed and Mr. Osborn was getting on with his speech. It was interesting so far, but something else was catching Ohnn's interest more. A few buildings away there was a gleam, like the sun reflecting off glass. The Spot moved closer, and focused his eyes on the far off figure. His eyes widened in realization. ~An assassin!~

The Spot shot into a new portal, and then popped out of another one right in front of the sniper. Now, usually Ohnn wasn't much for heroics, after all he was a thief. However, he was rather interested in this man and what he had to say. A white and black speckled hand came rushing out of the portal and yanked the firearm from the assassin. The gun went into the portal along with the arm, and then the portal was gone. Another black, swirling spot appeared behind the man and out came The Spot. "I'm sorry, but I can't have you doing that. You see, I'd rather like to hear what the man has to say." As he spoke a black spot on his arm moved to his palm, and then without warning he threw the black mass at the assassin with enough power to crack solid concrete.

[norman]

Oblivious to the arrival of Jonathan Ohn, Norman continued his speech. He’d been working on this speech for a while and the crowd seemed to be eating it up.

“The problem with superheroes is that we, as a society, have let them get away with far too much. We let Tony Stark hoard technology that could push our world into a new golden age. We let the Incredible Hulk destroy property without remorse. We let the Punisher murder criminals without trial. Why? Because society feels that they need their protection.” Norman said, completely unaware that the Spot was now going after the sniper on the roof.

“Well, we don’t need their protection anymore. Oscorp has been working very closely with the NYPD, the LAPD, the GPD, the MPD, and nine other major police forces. And I am pleased to announce…”

Norman’s announcement was suddenly interrupted by the sudden appearance of a man with spots and a man with a sniper rifle. Norman took a step back as the crowd exploded in shock had what at occurred. It wasn’t hard to recognize the man who had taken down the sniper. After all, they both had a mutual enemy in a certain Webhead…

The Spot. One of the most utterly pathetic human beings that Norman Osborn had ever heard of. From his ridiculous appearance to his sheer incompetence to his stupid name, he was a laughing stock amongst the superhuman community. And he was now going to be known as the man who had saved Norman Osborn.

Still, Norman was able to hide his disgust. It would’ve been a very bad idea to treat the man who had supposedly saved his life by demeaning him. Still, he wouldn’t have gotten to where he was if he hadn’t learned to play nice with people that he despised. Norman Osborn was very good at keeping his emotions hidden.

Several of Norman’s bodyguards leapt into action, grabbing the dazed sniper and dragging him off the stage. Norman stepped forward and shook the Spot’s hand as an act of gratitude.

“Why, thank you.” Norman exclaimed with a smile. “You’ve saved my life. How can I ever repay you?”