Author's Note

Hey guys, back with another chapter. Sorry for the wait, juggling real life and doing 8 stories more or less at the same time is more draining than you think. But I am glad I got something out before too long.

The Smartest Introduction

New York City, Daily Bugle. . .

''For the last time, I said out!'' Eddie was forcefully removed from the head office of the biggest news stations in the city. The security guard didn't need to be overly rough with him, he was going. ''You should be lucky you're not getting arrested.''

Growling under his breath like a man possessed, Eddie dusted off his black leather jacket and turned to the somewhat portly armed security guard of the Daily Bugle. It pissed him off to no end; the constant stares from those who knew, the lack of respect whenever he walked into a room, even the bitter sting of seeing couples together, walking about and sucking the faces off of each other. He needed a smoke to calm his nerves. ''What happened to freedom of the press, huh? Ever heard of that; or is your brain full of bacon grease?''

The urge to want to shoot this punk came all too easy, and he could probably justify doing it if he wanted to do it. But no. He was better than this; better than him. Most people were smart enough not to get duped like a rookie, but not him. Combing his mustache with his free hand, the other lightly grazed the holster of his weapon, to support his hand. ''Son, go ahead and do yourself a favor-'' the guard sighed, shaking his head. ''leave, try and actually do something productive with your life.'

Eddie huffed, keeping his eyes on the guard a moment longer. Did he really have the time for a back-and-forth with someone who had no idea what he was going through? None of them did, yet they had to gall to judge him for doing something he thought was right. Ugh, now he needed a drink. ''Whatever,'' Eddie said, walking away to go away and try and salvage what remained of his pride.

For today at least.

When most other people had a bad day at work or failed to accomplish a certain goal of theirs, it often ended up with mild discomfort or pushback. Not Eddie Brock. The news spread like wildfire of him making what would be one of the biggest scandals in recent years, and for it to blow up in his face so spectacularly. Down on his luck, left by the few people who cared about him, and the talk of the town only served to push Eddie to the brink; where few managed to come back without scars to bear, or their minds shambled beyond repair.

The one person who deserved his ire the most would be that damn Spider-Man; the web-slinging 'hero' going out of his way to save New York, to be a beacon of hope to those with unclear goals in life, and to inspire those to fight against the wave of corruption in order to keep close what people fought so hard to have; a life.

Eddie swore to himself, knew in his heart of hearts that everything that occurred was from that accursed Spider-Man and his brand of justice that got under his skin to no end!

''I need to do something, and quick,'' Eddie muttered to himself, his hands tucked deep in his pockets as he went to the one place where he still held a modicum of hope of not getting turned away. The one place where judgment should be blind, and the truth would speak for itself. The air was getting colder; soon it would be winter. Streets would be more silent; the city would change almost overnight, and so would Eddie along with it. His sulking blanketed the humdrum of New York City until he reached his destination.

Every time, the structure of the church always gave him a tinge of a smile at how the design stood the test of time, and in one of the most unforgiving places. Then again, faith could weather any storm or change. The cool metal of the railing was but a dull feeling to him. There were more important things to worry about. ''Been a minute since I came here. Makes me wonder if I'm even still welcome here.''

The doors opened, and Eddie took a moment to admire the view that he swore always changed the few times he managed to drag him to.

The rows of pews spoke to him, in a whisper; to sit. Reflect.

''God,'' Eddie started, paying his attention to the roof, feeling a weight unlike anything he had ever felt before press down onto him, and while not enough to force him to his knees, the pressure was close. ''I know. . .things are; well, things right now. But that doesn't mean much to you, now does it?'' silence claimed the church halls. ''Right; well I need a little bit of help right now. My job fired me, my girlfriend left me, and I'm the laughingstock of the media world. It's not fair.'' Eddie faced the confession booth, feeling the pressure gradually increase before the door opened of its own accord. ''What the?''

''Come in, my child. There is much to discuss.'' Eddie heard a voice come from the booth, fueling his already erratic state.

''What the hell? That's not confessions work.'' Eddie argued, wanting to back away, only for him to be unable to. ''Look man, I'm already not in the best of moods right now, and now you're just making it weird.''

''Funny,'' the voice responded back, with a humorous tone behind it. ''that you would question anything in God's house, that is. You came here wanting something, obviously. All you need do is. . .step inside.~'' A small reverberation came from the voice, drawing Eddie forward and inside the booth. He was sat down, and the door closed. ''Better; now don't you have something to say?''

''Fuck you! That's what! What kinda of paranormal sleaze crap is this?'' Eddie fought to get up, only for his limbs to not respond in the slightest.

''Again, funny that you say paranormal, yet you watch those like Spider-Man, Wolverine, Daredevil, and even Hulk; you seriously think paranormal is the thing to worry about if it's real or not? Shame.''

Eddie huffed, managing to crane his head to the partition, only to see little. ''What do you want?''

''More like it, but the better question is what do you want? Or want to do to those who wronged you.'' Eddie heard the man, who's voice he failed to pinpoint to anyone shuffle around with something before a small viewing door opened, and a business card to be slid his way. ''I know a bit about being wronged, and I believe the both of us working together can accomplish many things.''

''And how exactly, do you figure that? Unless you have cure for my hatred of Spider-Man, you might as well take that card and shove it.'' Eddie felt the glare of the man upon him, and while it failed to intimidate him, it unnerved him. ''That's the only thing I want now; answers, vengance, and power.''

''Well, lucky for you; we have similar goals, but Spider-Man is of little consequence to me in the grand scheme.'' the door opened, and the hold on Eddie was released. ''Call the number on that card when you're ready to take the next steps. You have 24 hours to make a choice.'' Jumping over to the other side, Eddie was only faced with an empty seat as he opened the door.

''The hell? Kind of cryptic bull was that?'' Eddie asked, trying his best to ingore the gnawing feeling at him as he looked where the card on his side was placed. Almost as if it called out to him, needed him. He was the slightest bit curious. ''Oscorp, huh?''