Marvel - The Blood God

"Blood God, I won't let you get away with this."

Norman Osborn glared at Maverick Cassain with venomous eyes. If looks could kill, Maverick would have been dead a hundred times over.

"Funny, I was about to say the same to you," Maverick replied with a slight smile. He withdrew his finger and let a few drops of his blood fall onto Norman's face. The blood seeped into his skin immediately.

Norman recoiled in shock. "What did you do to me?" he shouted.

"Just a little method of control," Maverick said calmly. "Norman, you have two choices. One, I end you right here and make your identity public. The Osborn family name will be dragged through the mud."

Norman gritted his teeth. "And the other option?"

"Two, you return home, act like the ailing man you are, and sell all your shares to me," Maverick continued. "In return, I'll grant you a dignified end, and no one will ever know you were the Green Goblin."

"How is that any different? I'm still going to die," Norman snapped angrily.

"Of course you are. I can't risk leaving you alive," Maverick said coldly. "But if you choose the second option, your family won't be disgraced, and your son won't bear the burden of being the child of a criminal. Plus, I can promise to help cure your son's illness."

"You expect me to believe you?" Norman shouted. "Once you have my shares, you'll kill Harry too."

"Don't project your own deceitful nature onto me," Maverick sneered. "Besides, Norman, do you really have a choice? What else can you do but trust me?"

With that, Maverick released his grip, letting Norman fall to the ground. For a moment, hope flickered in Norman's eyes as he tried to summon his glider for a counterattack, but he found himself unable to move. Despair washed over him.

After a brief silence, Norman shouted, "Fine. I agree. But I want Peggy Carter to be a witness and guarantor."

"Agreed," Maverick replied, anticipating Norman's compromise. He knew Norman would seize any opportunity to plot his comeback. Surrender? The Green Goblin would never give in so easily.

Just then, Mercury appeared from outside and reported, "Blood God, we've captured all eight enhanced individuals. None of our guards were injured."

Maverick raised an eyebrow. "All captured? I didn't tell you to hold back."

Mercury explained, "We didn't. But as soon as we took them down, they surrendered. Our guards were a bit disappointed."

Maverick shook his head in disbelief. He glanced at Norman and remarked, "Your reinforcements are rather pathetic."

Norman cursed under his breath, "Useless fools."

Maverick thought for a moment and asked, "Do they know your identity?"

"Of course not. They're just disposable pawns," Norman replied dismissively.

"That makes things simpler," Maverick said. "Mercury, I'll take Norman back to his home. You and the guards bring the enhanced individuals to Osborn Manor. I have plans for them."

"Yes, Blood God," Mercury nodded. Maverick placed the Green Goblin helmet back on Norman's head and knocked him unconscious with a swift punch.

As Maverick walked out carrying the unconscious Norman, Max and Natasha approached. Max eyed the Green Goblin in Maverick's grasp and said with admiration, "Mr. Cassain, you're incredible. The Green Goblin was no match for you."

"Naturally," Maverick smiled. "Max, if you're serious about becoming a superhero, today was just a minor event. Think it over."

"This was a minor event?" Max gulped, feeling overwhelmed by the chaos he'd witnessed.

"Take your time to decide," Maverick said. "By the way, once you're cleared, I'll have Trish set up an interview for you on her show. When people understand you, they won't fear you anymore. We can also gauge public support for you becoming a superhero."

Max's face lit up. "Thank you, Mr. Cassain."

"Anyone else ready to shower me with gratitude?" Natasha muttered sarcastically. She then asked, "Blood God, is the Green Goblin dead?"

"He won't trouble anyone again," Maverick assured her with a sly smile. "Let's head back. The Osborn Group is now mine."

"Congratulations, Blood God." Mercury and the guards said in unison. Maverick laughed. Acquiring a major corporation was just another day for him.

Max looked at Maverick with increasing admiration, and even Natasha had to admit there was something undeniably compelling about him, despite his questionable methods.

As news spread that Norman Osborn had sold his shares to Maverick Cassain, it became clear that the Osborn Group had a new owner.

Maverick wasted no time settling into the chairman's office. At that moment, he was interrogating a female assistant who had attempted to steal company data.

He looked at the woman, who was strikingly attractive, and asked, "Felicia Hardy? You claim you were sent by Wilson Fisk?"

"Yes," Felicia replied candidly. "Fisk has an authentic Picasso. He promised to give it to me if I stole the human enhancement serum for him."

She didn't want to endure Mercury's interrogation again. That woman was frighteningly strong; Felicia was sure her jaw was still bruised.

"Fisk is bold, I'll give him that," Maverick mused. "He knows I'm taking over the Osborn Group, yet he still makes a move?"

Maverick scoffed, and Mercury asked, "Blood God, should I deal with Fisk?"

"No need," Maverick shook his head after a moment's thought. He turned to Felicia. "You have a passion for art, don't you?"

Felicia's eyes lit up. "Absolutely. Art is the world's most exquisite treasure."

"Then perhaps you'd like to work for me," Maverick suggested. "Our family has a vast collection—so many pieces we store them in warehouses."

"Warehouses full of art?" Felicia was taken aback, but intrigued. Vampires have been around for ages; of course they'd amass priceless artworks.

"Blood God," Mercury interjected, sensing Maverick's interest in Felicia. "I must caution you—she isn't trustworthy."

Maverick waved her concern away. "Don't worry, I'll make sure she becomes trustworthy. Felicia will be my secretary, not just an assistant. Mercury, recommend some new assistants for me to choose from."

Mercury relaxed slightly. "As you wish, Blood God. But be careful; she's a thief."

"It's fine," Maverick said with a knowing smile. The real reason he chose Felicia was because he recognized her. She was the Black Cat, an anti-hero with a complicated history with Spider-Man.

"Felicia," Maverick continued, "if you agree, you can enjoy all the art you desire."

Felicia smirked. "If I get to indulge in such art, I'd be happy to be your secretary."

"And perhaps find an opportunity to steal them all," she thought to herself.

"Hold on," Maverick said. "If you want to be my secretary, there's a test you need to pass."

He signaled Mercury to bring a cup of coffee. Dripping his own blood into it, he handed it to Felicia. "Drink this. It ensures that if you die, you'll become a vampire. And if I need you, you'll also become one."

Felicia's expression faltered. She forced a smile. "Do I have a choice?"

"Mercury, escort this thief out," Maverick ordered.

Before Mercury could act, Felicia grabbed the cup and drank it in one gulp, coughing as the taste hit her.

"Vampires are insufferable," she thought bitterly.

"Good," Maverick said. "Now, about your test."

Felicia set the cup down and wiped her mouth. "That wasn't the test?"

"Consider it a perk," Maverick replied. "Fisk promised you a Picasso, didn't he? I want you to steal it from him."

"Steal from Fisk?" Felicia was shocked. That was practically a death sentence.

"You have three days," Maverick said coldly. "And don't think about running. I can find you anywhere."

"I'll get it done," Felicia said through gritted teeth. She turned on her heel and left, her high heels clicking sharply against the floor.

Mercury asked, "Blood God, do you want to teach Fisk a lesson?"

"Just a warning. If he takes the hint, we'll let it go. If not, the underworld might need a new king," Maverick said. "Also, this cuts off Felicia's escape route. With Fisk after her, she'll need my protection."

"You're as strategic as ever," Mercury acknowledged.

"Naturally," Maverick replied with a grin. "Mercury, the Osborn Group is crucial to our plans. I need you to pay extra attention."

"I will," Mercury promised, feeling a surge of excitement. The Pureblood faction was finally gaining the Blood God's trust. With the Osborn Group under their control, they could rival Carter's influence in the Council of Blood.

Just then, Natasha knocked and entered the office. "Blood God, NYPD Captain George Stacy is here to see you."

Maverick smiled. "Perfect timing. Send him up."

Soon, Captain Stacy entered the office. He shook Maverick's hand and got straight to the point. "Mr. Cassain, I need you to hand over the man known as Electro, and I'd like more information about the Green Goblin."

"Electro is a troubled soul, Captain," Maverick said, walking over to a bar cart. "He doesn't need to be harassed further. Care for a drink?"

"No, thank you," Captain Stacy replied. "Mr. Cassain, Electro is dangerous. It's our duty to take him into custody."

"He's not a threat," Maverick assured him. "He'll be appearing on Trish's show in a few days to tell his story. Tune in then."

Pouring himself a glass of wine, Maverick signaled for Mercury to place a box on the table in front of Captain Stacy. "As for the Green Goblin, I've taken care of him. He won't be causing any more problems."

"You've... taken care of him?" Captain Stacy echoed. Opening the box, he found the Green Goblin's helmet inside.

"Mr. Cassain, we need to bring the Green Goblin to justice. He's responsible for at least twenty deaths," the captain insisted.

"He won't be troubling anyone again," Maverick repeated. "Captain Stacy, I'd like to propose a deal."

"What kind of deal?" Captain Stacy sighed internally. If Maverick were an ordinary man, he'd have been compelled to hand over Electro and the Green Goblin by now. But Maverick was a powerful vampire and one of the wealthiest individuals in the country. He was untouchable.

"The Green Goblin conducted illegal experiments recently, creating eight enhanced individuals," Maverick explained. "I can hand them over to you, and we can consider the matter settled."

"Eight enhanced individuals?" Captain Stacy was astonished. "What kind of enhancements?"

"Their physical abilities are just a notch below Captain America's," Maverick said. "But they were recruited from the homeless, so their reliability is questionable."

"Nearly as strong as Captain America?" Captain Stacy's eyes widened. With the public's trust in the police shaken due to incidents like the Iron Monger and the Green Goblin, acquiring these enhanced officers could restore confidence.

"And what do you want in return?" the captain asked.

Maverick smiled. "You're aware of our Council of Blood's private security force, correct?"

"I am," Captain Stacy nodded. "But S.H.I.E.L.D. isn't authorized to grant you a license."

"That's why I want you to endorse it," Maverick said, handing the captain a glass of wine. "I hope the NYPD will officially recognize our security force."

Captain Stacy hesitated. "That's not entirely within my power."

"You can agree in principle. I'll handle the city officials," Maverick assured him. "Additionally, I'll donate a fleet of bulletproof vehicles and equipment to your department—worth ten million dollars."

Thinking of the eight enhanced individuals, Captain Stacy nodded. "Alright, I agree. By the way, is there any chance we could purchase some of your company's gliders?"

"They're available, but they're expensive and classified as military equipment," Maverick chuckled. "Not something easily acquired."

Captain Stacy looked slightly embarrassed. Maverick raised his glass. "To our successful cooperation."

This time, Captain Stacy accepted the drink and clinked glasses with Maverick.

After taking a sip, Captain Stacy hesitated. His daughter, Gwen Stacy, was interning at Osborn. He had intended to help her resign, but under the circumstances, he felt awkward bringing it up—especially after Maverick had just made such generous offers.

"Captain Stacy," Maverick said, noticing his unease. "If there's anything else, feel free to follow the proper channels. We're a legitimate company."

"I understand," Captain Stacy replied. He shook Maverick's hand and took his leave. The eight enhanced individuals would be transferred to the NYPD after thorough examinations.

Once Captain Stacy left, Mercury remarked, "Blood God, you were quite accommodating."

"He's one of the few good cops out there. It's worth being courteous," Maverick said casually. Then he turned to Mercury. "By the way, how's Norman?"

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