Not So Friendly Anymore

Chapter 1: Exposing the Truth and Sending a Message

Peter Parker stood on the rooftop of a dilapidated building, looking out over the city he once vowed to protect. The neon lights of New York flickered beneath him, casting long, jagged shadows across his figure. He could feel the weight of the black suit clinging to his skin, a dark reminder of the symbiote's presence. The wind was cold and biting, but Peter barely noticed. His mind was elsewhere, tangled in the web of memories and regrets.

It had only been a few weeks since he had regained control of his body from Otto Octavius. The brilliant but twisted mind of Doctor Octopus had taken over Peter's life, masquerading as Spider-Man and leaving a trail of chaos in his wake. Now, Peter was left to pick up the pieces of his shattered existence. His friends and family had turned their backs on him, believing he had truly become the monster Otto had portrayed. The city, once his home, now viewed him with suspicion and fear.

Peter clenched his fists, feeling the symbiote respond to his anger. It thrived on his darker emotions, amplifying them, feeding off his despair. He had promised himself he would never wear the black suit again, but desperate times called for desperate measures. If the people of New York thought he was a menace, then maybe it was time to show them just how menacing he could be.

A low growl escaped his lips as he remembered the letter. The letter from Eddie Brock. Peter had found it among his old belongings, a final message from the man who had once been his enemy, then his reluctant ally. Eddie had been dying, his body ravaged by cancer, and he had reached out to Peter in his last moments.

"Spider-Man, if you're reading this, it means I'm already gone. I know we had our differences, but I wanted to tell you... I never hated you. Not really. The symbiote... it changed us both. I made my peace with it. I hope you can too. Goodbye, old friend."

Peter had crumpled the letter in his hand, his heart heavy with guilt. Eddie's death had been a turning point, a catalyst for the symbiote to sense the change in him. It had sought him out, finding him at his lowest, and bonded with him once more. But this time, Peter wasn't fighting it. He was embracing it.

He leaped from the rooftop, his black suit morphing into tendrils that propelled him through the air. He moved with a fluid grace, a shadow blending into the night. The city streets blurred beneath him as he swung from building to building, his mind focused on a single purpose. If New York no longer wanted the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, then they would have to deal with something much darker.

Peter's target tonight was a villain who had capitalized on Otto's reign as the Superior Spider-Man: Shocker. Herman Schultz had thrived in the chaos, knowing full well the truth behind Spider-Man's altered behavior. It was time to make him confess-publicly.

Peter found Shocker mid-heist at a high-end jewelry store. With a burst of webbing, he crashed through the window, landing amidst the chaos. Shocker's henchmen turned their weapons on him, but Peter was faster, his movements a blur. He took them down one by one with brutal efficiency, not holding back his strength. The henchmen's screams filled the air, but Peter felt nothing but cold resolve.

"Spider-Man!" Shocker shouted, raising his gauntlets. "I was wondering when you'd show up."

Peter's eyes narrowed as he approached. "Hello, Shocker," he replied, his voice a low growl. "I have some questions for you."

Shocker fired his gauntlets, sending a shockwave towards Peter. He dodged effortlessly, closing the distance between them in a heartbeat. He grabbed Shocker by the throat, lifting him off the ground with one hand.

"Confess," Peter snarled, tightening his grip. "Tell them what you know about Otto."

Shocker's eyes widened in fear. "You're crazy, man! Let me go!"