Peter was at ESU with his friends, the first year there was coming along nicely and probably would be ending pretty soon. A whole lot's been happening and he's certainly enjoyed his time there, even if being Spidey has differently gotten in the way. On top of that, it appeared as if things honestly were getting heated up for real between MJ and himself. Pretty exciting and nerve wracking as well. More than any of his other foes could ever dream of doing.

"Man these assignments keep getting harder! I can't believe how insane they are. My tutor is barely even helping anymore!" Harry exclaimed bewildered.

Peter shrugged. "I could always help you, not the first or last time I'll be offering my services to you."

"Well if you accepted me paying you and to keep your bottom super glued to a chair, I'd gladly do it!" Harry responded sarcastically and smirked at him.

"Perhaps grila glue and some hand ties would work out better." He suggested.

"Or you know, your brilliant girlfriend who is an expert with this stuff." Gwen interjected looking at Harry.

Harry blinked nervously. "Uhh well, wouldn't it be a conflict of interest? Something like that, right gang? Right?"

"That doesn't make any sense at all." Peter admitted.

"Come on! Doesn't it? I've heard that used before."

MJ joined in. "That's only for certain situations, not when studying for classes! Like very serious official kinds of business. I doubt they'd be freaking out if you got help from your girlfriend, not to mention they barely even care if people cheat."

"Really? I didn't realize cheating would be easy!"

"If you weren't with me, it would be easy, but there is no way in hell that I'll be letting you get away with cheating Harry!" Gwen expressed crossing her arms and glared at him unimpressed by his comment, as it was genuine.

"I uhhh, was joking! I swear!"

Gwen glared at him shaking her head. "Couldn't you take it seriously?"

"It's really hard and I'm just not getting it! I've told you that, perhaps this just isn't where my field of learning is?" He suggested trying to be serious now.

"Do it for me then, learn something interesting and fascinating that I like for once." She replied frustrated and looking red in the face.

"Please, just stop fighting you two!" Peter finally said having enough. "I can't stand to see two of my closest friends at each other's throats."

They both looked at him, finding it unexpected he reacted.

"We don't fight that much." Harry defended.

"I agree, we have completely sensible topics of discussion." Gwen added in.

"Sensible? You've gotta be joking right now! Most of the stuff you want to get mad about I could care less about" Harry replied, not grasping his words fully.

She looked angry and was about to start to reply, then turned around noticing some police cars arriving and her father. "Forget it, why are the police and my dad here?"

Peter quickly turned his hand around in every direction wondering if trouble was around and if his spider-sense would be triggering.

"Dad? What's going on?" She asked, calling over.

He noticed her and went over. "Gwen, I'm sorry you had to be here for this."

"What do you mean?"

"Please, just stay back. A murder was commited, that's all I'll say just keep out of the way of this please." He looked at an officer. "Please keep them back."

They listened and did as such, then another started setting up the line.

A murder? Who? Looks like a job for Spider-Man.

His friends, apart from MJ, seemed to be greatly concerned and a coward was starting to form up.

Flash came along too. "Your dad is here? This has gotta be serious!"

"You think it's another mutant freak?" Harry added.

"Max wasn't a mutant if that's who you are referring to." Gwen replied.

Peter creeped off while hearing them talk and went to suit up.

MJ planned on covering for him if anybody asked, she knew he'd want to keep on what was going on.

After a few minutes, Spider-Man arrived to pay a visit. "I heard some crimes were being committed around here. And I happened to be in the neighborhood."

Captain Stacy looked at him and sighed. "I was hoping you wouldn't actually catch wind of his newest problem."

"Yeah Spider-Man!" Flash exclaimed and was clapping.

Stacy cleared his throat. "Come on, we should go inside. Just don't touch anything, it's a real crime scene."

"So, it's true? Someone was murdered on campus? Wait, this is Warren's office? Is he?"

"No, his assistant. We currently believe Warren was in fact the intended target. The assistant happened to bear a resemblance to the man."

Spidey looked surprised, along with disappointment and saw Warren being questioned by the police. "Why would this killer guy kill the assistant then if that wasn't his target, can't be too bright of a person."

"Unforntally, that isn't necessarily true. Which is why I was hoping to keep you out of this, it's a serial killer, no powers as far as we're aware. This is his fifth murder, in 5 days. He's struck everyday with no sign of stopping and a loose partiern of his attacks. We believe it's a new killer, not to mention two others on the loose still. The Punisher and another one called Wraith, all vigilanties technically speaking, giving them a bad name." Stacy explained putting his head in his hands.

"Oh, so very serious then. Could I do anything to help? Like, any signs that I could get on top of his guy?" Spidey suggested.

"He's targeting corrupt people in a position of power. At least, that was the MO we're working with, Warren could fit that, which is extremely concerning. It's very similar to the other two I just mentioned, hell they could be working together."

"For obvious reasons, yeah. If he's corrupt, I'll kick his butt into the next century myself. Do you think he could know something?"

"Let's find out, it seems like we've both got a stake in this now. Whoever the killer is, they clearly are aware of something we aren't. Just, no offense to you, but please just try keeping yourself contained. My fellow Captain, Carter and others are starting to really take a dislike to our partnership."

Spidey shrugged. "Whatever, I don't care what they're thinking. You like me and that's all that matters to me Captain Stacy!"

"Alright, we will question him, together then." And so they did and approached looking skeptical of Warren.

"Gentlemen, you need to ask more questions?"

"Do you know if your assistant was a part of any illegal activities? The kinds that'd get him killed in your office?"

Joining in from the ceiling, Spidey had comments to give. "It's quite strange, old sport! I mean if a smart killer wanted someone dead, why attack the office, in broad daylight! Attacking at home would make sense." Spidey added in suspiciously.

"Perhaps due to my home having a lot of security processions. And for the case of my assistant, I hardly know the man personally. I hired him based on his credentials, along with the fact he bore that similar looking appearance to myself. So it would stand to reason I was the target, as the little I did know he lived in a crummy place due to a low income. I happen to have a lot saved from previous endeavors and a helpful grant from Norman Osborn." Warren replied confident in his response.

"You have answers for everything, don't you Warren?" Stacy pointed out.

"Yes I do sir, now please get me into protection."

Stacy frowned and nodded. "Of course. I'll speak to my officers, come on Spider-Man."

"I've got my eye on you." Spidey said after Stacy was out of ear range.

"And I've got mine on you." He responded sinisterly.

"Excuse me?" Spider-Man asked and went closer, not getting a response so he ignored it for now walking away.

Officer Dewolff entered. "Sir, I thought I should know you know, Captain Watanabe is on her way and unfortunately, she requested to not see Spider-Man here. I apologize to you both, this case seems serious and should be getting all the help possible."

"Hey, thank you Dewolff. And I guess I should be going." Spidey admitted and looked out a window going to head off.

"Keep an ear out, in case we find a lead I want you on it with us." Stacy expressed.

Spidey nodded and them both, departing now.

After leaving, he decided to go check up on his friends first, figuring there wasn't much else to be doing yet. All the while trying his best to keep an ear out for any more trouble in the city.

"Hey guys, sorry for ducking out. What was happening?"

Harry glanced over at him. "Wait, how long were you gone? I kinda got distracted by all that was happening and didn't even realize you did Pete!"

"Oh, well maybe I didn't even leave! I was just testing you!"

His pal stretched his head. "Uh, are you using reverve whatever? Or did you actually leave? Or were you actually here? Oh who cares. At least Gwen's left."

"Hey, be nice to her." Peter remarked and then noticed MJ coming over.

"She was kind of being a major jerk, I mean right? Maybe not, I don't know man. There is a chance I was being too harsh, isn't there?"

Peter nodded. "I'd say so personally."

"Really? I should apologize shouldn't I?"

"Quite frankly, you both deserve apologies! You both have been extremely hard on each other Harry!" He expressed.

MJ came over and nodded. "Total agreement."

"Come on you two, we're not really that bad to each other! Right? I mean, I really really care about Gwen. At least I'm pretty sure about that. She's a great person, maybe not all the time, but I like being around her! And I mean, she's attractive as heck!"

Both his friends rolled their eyes.

"Maybe you two are just friends deep down." MJ suggested.

"It's true, being together might really not be working for you two. I feel horrible saying that, but honestly I think it's the truth Harry!"

He shook his head and turned away. "I, I really don't know! We broke up before and everything was horrible then. Getting back together, we all talked again! Going back to that, it'd suck!"

"Well Harry, she's all of our friends. If you just talk to her right, then you wouldn't have to worry! You both have gotten more mature this past year, surely things won't play out the same as before!" Peter expressed more confident things would work out.

"Yeah, I guess so. Maybe I should talk to her soon about it. Over a nice dinner?"

"Don't think a fancy dinner would be the appropriate time for that. You should just have a serious talk about it." MJ pointed out.

Harry frowned. "You're right, I just don't want to cause trouble!"

"Hey, you gotta do what's best for you both! And being together clearly isn't working out, but you both are going to figure it out. I know you two will." Peter replied putting a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"Thanks Pete. Wish I could talk to dad about this, if only he wasn't even busier than ever! Don't even get why!"

"Your dad should be able to make time for you. Believe me, I wish mine did when it counted back then." MJ responded.

Peter immediately grabbed her hand, which nobody mentioned. Besides the two giving each other a knowing look remembering the past.

"At least Gwen can talk to her dad for a bit, he seems like a pretty swell guy." Harry's face then turned white as paper and he gulped. "Do you think her dad's going to go full on super assassin dad for breaking up with her, again!?"

Both of them laughed at him.

"You really know how to change a mood drastically." MJ remarked.

"Harry, I'm sure he isn't going to kill you! That'd be illegal, though he could always use his police powers to cover it up!" Joked Peter, of course as he wasn't a type of police to do horrible acts like that.

"Oh my goodness! You're totally right! I'm so screwed!" Harry realized it wasn't clear if he was playing along or was serious.

Before the group could keep on talking, Captain Stacy called. As usual, Peter lied and claimed it was work stepping away. "Hello? What's up now? You mustn't have been gone from here too long?"

"We've got a hostage situation. It appears to be this killer, we could seriously use your help. It's more serious than we thought, there are at least three of them." He said.

"Three? Uh, okay. On my way." He replied and hung up heading back to his friends, before he could open his mouth, Harry guessed.

"It's work right?"

"Bingo! Big paying assignment, gotta go fast! Fast fast! Like a flash of lightning or-"

Harry chucked. "I get it buddy, good luck!"

MJ nodded in agreement. "Stay safe and out of trouble."

"I'll try." Peter remarked and left.

Shortly, he arrived at where the party was going down, with police helicopters, spot lights and everything. As one wearing a green mask, boots and purple everywhere else on them, along with the other two.

"Stay back! Or you've got three very dead scum on your hands!"

Spidey approached Stacy as usual. "What's going on? Who are these guys?"

"Unclear, they won't give us a name, not even something to call them."

Dewolff came up to them. "What's the plan sir?"

"Spider-Man, you might be the only chance of stopping anyone from dying today." He expressed looking up.

"Got it. I won't let anyone down."

"Good luck Spider-Man. We've got your back." Dewolff added.

He now leaped onto the building carefully crawling up trying to keep out of view desperately, it'd be a disaster if he got spotted.

Down below, both officers were helping out distracting the goon who kept peaking out.

"Please talk to us! We'll do whatever you want!" Officer Dewolff pleaded.

"We will listen to any demands you give us!" Stacy confirmed, lying.

As they tried to convince the thugs, Spidey made his move flying through the window kicking down the first guy, then webbing up the next two's weapons. "It's over dirty bags! Huh, saying that makes me feel more like a dark knight. Oh well, it's true! Nobody is dying tonight, it's over!" He webbed up the three tossing them together. A forth attempted to get the drop on him, but failed as Spidey moved out of the way of a shotgun blast, webbing it and wacking them in the face with it.

"This isn't over! The Sin Eater will not let the wicket filtih of this city live! He'll clance them of their sins and this city!" One exclaimed.

"The Sin Eater huh? Creepy. So far, I can say I'm more mad, then impressed!" Spidey remarked and freed the hostages.

"You won't find her!" Another claimed.

Spidey looked confused and remembered a few seconds ago. "Didn't your pal just call Sin Eater a he? And now she? Are you guys positive there is only one?"

They all looked at each other now confused.

"Great help everyone." Spidey remarked with an eye roll and then peaked out the window. "It's clear! Bad guys are down!"

The police below listened and rushed inside.

He came down to speak to Stacy about what he now learned, finding officer Carter was around now, along with Eddie Brock behind the police line.

"I heard someone mentioned, The Sin Eater was behind this. Does it ring any bells?"

"No, nobody of that name has been around." Carter said first.

"Did you learn anything else?" Stacy asked.

Spidey shook his head. "Actually, they seemed confused about who they were working for? Unless we have a really progressive villain on our hands."

As they spook, Eddie Brock was calling over. "Who exactly is this Sin Eater? Are they connected to these murders? Is there a cult on the loose? This Sin Eater in charge?"

"No comment, back off, reporter!" Carter exclaimed and motioned some other officers to push him back.

"The people have a right to know what's going on!" Eddie tried to say.

"Keep him back!" Carter repeated.

Stacy looked mad at him. "Stop man handling people, Carter. Abusing your power seems exactly like the sort of thing these people target!" He pointed out rightfully so.

"Yes sir, I apologize. Leave him alone." Carter walked closer and silently passed a note of some kind. Stacy didn't see this, but Spidey did, however wasn't sure of what to make of this sight, so he left it alone.

"You did amazing Spider-Man, thank you for helping to bring them down." Dewolff said as Captain Stacy now seemed to be busy, talking with the other captain.

"Seems like this whole case is serious." He remarked.

"Extremely." She started to whisper to him. "They're thinking someone high up in power is behind these crimes. This might get worse, before it gets better I'm sorry to say."

Spidey nodded. "Yeah, I'm not liking the look of all this. Something stinks officer. And for once, it isn't New Jersey."

"You should keep an eye out, I've got a very bad feeling, Spider-Man. Can't quite explain it, but something is very wrong." Dewolff expressed.

"Ten Four, roger, roger on that. Seriously, thank you officer Dewolff I appreciate the help. I'll be seeing you soon again I'm sure." Spider-Man left, not wanting to anger that other captain anymore. Officer Dewolff was certainly correct, something very weird and very bad was going on right under their noses potentially. His stomach was in knots, even more so after stopping the real danger.

Spidey later went home, as it was starting to become night after all his pondering. He was so deep in thought he didn't realize the time, nor update MJ. Which he'd be doing right now upon swinging onwards home.

Surprisingly before he got a chance to call MJ, his other friend called first. That being Harry Osborn.

"Hey buddy. What's up?" He was quite surprised to hear from him at this hour.

"Man, I can't stop thinking of Gwen! I feel as if I'm going to lose my mind! One moment I'm like, yeah let's break up! Next I'm falling apart thinking it'd be a horrible mistake! Then back again to the other way. I mean, Pete, when I say I really do care about her it's completely true!" He expressed this very dramatically.

"Harry, it's going to be alright, okay? Let's talk about it tomorrow instead. You should do something to, uhh, chill out! Play a game, watch a movie, do both! Oh I'd personally say to throw an emergency dance party."

His pal chuckled a bit. "Maybe I will do exactly that! Kidding obviously, everyone would be dozing off by now to come down and I've barely got another for a party!"

"Very funny pal. Just do something fun! Take your mind off it, you don't gotta worry about it at all right now." Reassured Peter.

"You're completely right, though now you mention my dad's been freaking out more than usual and hired extra security. Pretty weird right? Said he was just feeling paranoid today or something, I wasn't even listening, just thinking of Gwen." He admitted.

Extra security? While a serial killer targeting sketchy people is on the loose? Probably a very good call Norman. At least I don't have to worry about him and more importantly Harry crossing this guy.

"Pete? Are you still there?"

"Oh! Yes I am pal! That's crazy you've got that extra security. Maybe one of them happens to have a fun game playing side?" He then suggested.

Harry slapped his head. "Duh! Of course! I'll try that, I mean someone here has gotta have a funny bone in their body! See you tomorrow Pete!"

After his friend hung up, he couldn't stop thinking of where his dastardly new foe would be striking next. There were a lot of sketchy people in NYC, could've been anyone. He shrugged and hoped for the best, along with keeping his police radio on next to him in case of any trouble being afoot.

Later into the night, after the clock went past twelve, a sinister figure with a green mask and purple outfit creeped through an unsuspecting victim's home looking around at family photos. All the while The Sin Eater was completely calm, not even breathing besides the abusolate required.

Creeping was heard upstairs and the killer got into position knowing exactly where to get a vantage point for a shot. Seeming to imply they happened to be in this home before, planning out this kill exactly.

The unsuspecting man carried a handgun and turned on a flashlight, revealing their own identity. George Stacy, answering the question of who and where. Fortunately being a cop for so many years he managed to narrowly avoid the gun shoot having his own sense of danger and suspecting trouble.

This Sin Eater was a dangerous foe and got into a struggle with Stacy, managing to overpower him by throwing him to the ground. Now, in this horrific point he stared down the barrel of the gun.

Gwen came down the stairs and distracted The Sin Eater for a moment, enough for her father to fight back, now getting the upper hand. It still wasn't enough as The Sin Eater managed to kick him back far enough to fire a undreact shot. Still, it clearly hit him and they fled out the door.

She was distraught and immediately called 911, hoping help would be arriving soon enough. Now holding onto his hand hoping desperately he'd survive his encounter.

Thank you all for reading the beginning of this arc with the shocking ending to start it off. Will Captain Stacy die from The Sin Eater? Who are they? And why would they be targeting him? All will be answered by the end, hopefully with some satisfying answers after the build up here.

Not sure if anyone will believe this, but I always found the Sin Eater semi interesting enough to use even before he was brought back in more recent years. Something about The Sin Eater always caught my attention. My idea wasn't the same, but it certainly was going to be a bold usage and a very twisted plot twist. I'll share my exact scrapped plans at a later date. I changed it because of that tone shift as I've mentioned before, along with the domino effect leading to that shocking turn being changed now. I'm hoping this altered story will still be a pretty good use of the character, along with the other reason I'm bringing them in. I'm not sure if this version will live up to the original idea, but from how I've gone forward, that turn would've made zero sense.

Shadow Strike234 did his own version of The Sin Eater, the whole storyline was very dark and had a interesting enough twist to it. Along with fitting the overall storyline being a very dark one.