Toxicity
A Norman Osborn Fanfic
By Ophelia Fiona Tin

It would seem that I should be used to this sting by now, ever since that night brandy nor anything else has ever tasted the same. Everything holds a acidic flavor, even sweets, it's like a depraved version of the Midas touch. I considered the fact that it just may be age; I am getting on in years…but, frankly I've never heard of someone my age almost fainting from drinking one glass of brandy.

Maybe you're just crazy, Osborn…ever think of that?

I spun around quickly, certain that this time I would catch the owner of the disembodied voice. Yet, once again I only see the high walls of my study and the ghoulish faces of the tribal masks staring at my with unseeing eyes. When I first heard the voice, I was almost certain that there had been an intruder in my house. But now…oh, I believe he may be linked to those damn masks. The man I bought them from was a bit to glad to be relieved of them. An ancient curse perhaps? No, no that's crazy, Norman.

Crazy…just crazy….

I shook that thought from my head. I was not insane. I was still the sound corporate business man I was before all this began. It was someone. Someone was following me, trying to shake me. Yes, that's it. Someone is trying to scare me away from Oscorp, convince me that I may possibly be insane. But, who…

I know I have enemies; if anyone was behind this it would be those bastards over at Quest. Are they really that determined to get rid of me? Do they hate me that much? No, no one would do this to a human being, no matter how much they hated them. No one would say those things…those awful awful things.

I turned away from those accursed tribal masks, an inhuman growl escaping from my lips. Instantly, I clapped my hands over my mouth. Had that just come from me? Had I just growled? This is getting a bit disturbing now. I just want to fade away, make this awful nightmare stop. I want that horrid creature to leave me alone. I want to live my life like before…I want…

I want, I want, I want, Norman. Is that all it's about?

I'm not going to turn around this time. I won't give him the benefit of my answer. If I ignore it, it will just go away. Yes, ignore it. I stepped forward, my legs feeling awfully unsteady all of a sudden. Careening to the side, my brandy glass slipped from my hands and fell to the unforgiving wood floor. Upon contact it shattered into thousands of glittering crystal shards, each filling the air with their own mystical glimmer. Entranced by the momentary beauty of the falling shards, I reached out and gripped one in my hand. The moment my hand closed about the gem, pain gripped the appendage. I growled, that same bestial growl, and viciously threw the glass from my hand. In its stead was a long thin lesion in the palm of my hand, and I was bleeding.

Never before had blood seemed so…incredible. Its viscous feel and metallic smell were almost alluring to my senses. I wanted more…I wanted to see more. Without knowing my other hand began mercilessly tearing at the wounded limb, allowing for more of the fascinating substance to spill freely to the floor. It was astounding, just watching the scarlet liquid drip slowly toward the mahogany flooring. Yet, the instant the blood contacted with the floor, its miniscule cry awakened my senses. What was I doing?

I hauled myself from the flooring disgust, gripping my hand in a vice-like grip to impede the bleeding. I felt an overpowering bout of nausea attack my senses. I hastily turned toward the door, readying myself for a hasty retreat to the bathroom before I ruined my Persian carpet. That was until I saw my reflection in the mirror. There I stood, bedecked in my bedtime glory, my maroon rob hanging lifelessly from my right shoulder. My simple white t-shirt beneath boasted speckles of my precious blood across the chest, and my black sweatpants looked as if they had just been taken from a crumpled pile in the corner of my room. I looked like a complete wreck. To finish the look, a pained expression crossed my dark green eyes, my mouth was contorted into a thin line, and my usually tidy brown hair was jumbled wildly, half of it hanging before my eyes. Oh yes, I was fine…perfectly fine…

Heh. Too much for your sensitive stomach, pretty boy? Don't worry I'll toughen you up good, Norman…real good…

My reflection's frown twisted into a warped grin right before my very eyes. I reached up to my own mouth, feeling the same grin positioned on my own face. Brusquely, I turned away from the mirror. What was happening to me? Who was this…this monster forming within me? Could it possibly be a second personality or was there something inside of me. Something dreadful…something evil.

Hahaha…

The maniacal laughs echoed stridently throughout the large room, blasting painfully in my ears. I dropped to one knee, forgetting the injury on my palm to clasp both hands over his ears. I didn't care that the crimson fluid was running freely down the side of my face, stinging my eye and dripping dangerously near my mouth. I just wanted the laughing to stop, I wanted the baneful cries of insanity to cease. And they did. As quickly as the laughing started it halted all together. I didn't release my ears, however, he was trying to trick. I knew the moment I brought my hands away from my ears he would begin the painful barrage all over again. It will never stop. The laughter will only increase with time…I know…

Maybe I am insane. Anyone would believe it right now if I said it. Here I am, kneeling in my own pool of blood, rocking back and forth like a lost little child. Maybe I have lost it…maybe I should just stop fighting…

Yes…

If so, will the pain stop? Will he accept my full and utter surrender? Will I? Maybe he could help me? Maybe he could make me grow stronger, then I could show everyone how amazing the owner of Oscorp really is. Yes…maybe…

Yes…

Yes…