note from author: Hello everybody. RyokoMist here. Sorry it took so long for this update, so i will make this short. Now, I'm sure you all remember my friend from The Hunted who told me that i shoulda ended the story with Max and Terry becoming enemies...well, i made a bet against him about something and lost, so i had to put a lil something interesting in this chapter: some girl stuff between Max and Nyra...now i didnt know wat to do so hopefully its sufficient for him, and lame to you guys HAHAHA! anyways, this chapter starts off with a flashback then jumps back to the original story. I wanted everyone to get a lil more understanding as to the way Max thinks, and possibly understand why she's so angry with Terry/or moreso his existence LOL. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. PLEASE REVIEW! it makes me world go round LOL ^_^

All Falls Down

part two

FLASHBACK

It was supposed to be a nice day: the students were at the beach on a "fieldtrip" for Biology to study marine life for the weekend at the Gotham Marine Zoological Reserve up north in no-man's land away from the busyness of the city. After a morning of observing dolphins, starfish, sting rays, and a thousand different assortments of fish, the sixty selected students were relaxing on the nearby beach for the afternoon. And while everybody else was having fun, they weren't!

Max, donning a dark blue bikini (the top having a fitting turtleneck, sleeveless with an oval shaped hole in the center showing off her cleavage), storms through the sand angrily, brushing past anybody in her way. "Max!" a voice calls her name. But the almond toned teen ignores this and keeps parading through the sand feeling all the more pissed off at the urgency in his sound. The voice calls again, closer this time as a hand firmly grabs her arm and yanks; making Max turn unwillingly with full force and stare into the eyes of Terry…her best friend. "Damn it Max!" he exclaims breathlessly. "Would you just talk to me?"

Max snatches her arm out of McGinnis' grip and glares at him angrily. "Would you just leave me the hell alone?"

Terry shakes his head wearily while he gives his dearest friend a pleading look. "C'mon Max. I didn't do anything-," but his sentence is immediately cut off by Max's ferocious dispute.

"Liar!" Gibson yells as she firmly slams her balled fist against McGinnis' bare chest and shoves. Of course her blow didn't really show much attempt against him – the boy was buff, her little slaps couldn't really do much harm – but she didn't care about that at all. It didn't matter how little the girl could hurt Terry; she just wanted to punch his face in! "You are such a liar!" she continues. "You know good and well I'm talking about last night." Her voice levels down to a hissing whisper. "You asked for my help, then you freaking drugged me! What kind of bull is that?"

Terry narrows his brows at Max's accusation. Neither appears to notice the fellow students watching them intently, or the fact that they were here together on a beautiful beach at the water's edge. Last night had been a real rollercoaster ride. Gibson had an old acquaintance who intended on joining the Jokerz. Naturally, Jokerz initiations were dangerous and often fatal. This guy was going to help the insane clowns assassinate Commissioner Gordon as a "rite of passage" into the gang, the one person other than Batman who had the power to wipe out the gangs once and for all. Terry hadn't been wearing the suit for long and he was still learning many things. Max was positive that she could convince the guy not to do it; so convinced that after Terry had Max track down Gordon's location he had to knock her out. If he had been more experienced and less cocky he might have actually taken her option into consideration, and perhaps things wouldn't have turned out so badly. When Max had awaken this morning and went on the fieldtrip with the clique she was blatantly pissed and confused by Terry's completely unnecessary stunt and why he refused to tell her the outcome. Out of everything about Terry that frustrated Maxine, his new role as Batman was quickly becoming one of them. She and Terry had known each other since they were kids. It was true that once they started high school and Terry got involved with his illegal season that the two had drawn apart, practically forgetting the relationship they once had. But despite this, when they were together, Terry and Max never kept secrets from one another. It was bad enough he stopped talking to her once he got the bad boy reputation, but now that he was a hero…it made things worse in spite of their reconnection.

But not even ten minutes ago as the group left out of the lobby where their rooms were to head to the beach it was all over the news: and Gibson learned that her acquaintance had been shot down and killed by officers. Although Max wasn't having a nervous breakdown it hurt her; Terry's lies and the boy's death reigniting her despise of emotional attachment – because once again she was the one who suffered. McGinnis replies softly, "I was just trying to protect you."

Max raises her eyebrows in angry shock. "Protect me? I don't need you to protect me; especially when you don't trust me."

Terry throws his hands up in exasperation as the cool tide of the water begins to rise and lick across their feet. "I do trust you."

"No," Max contradicts, raising her index finger to stop Terry. "You trust me to do your homework, babysit Matt, clean your wounds, make-up excuses to your mom and Dana while you run around with a cowl playing hero all damn night long! But not when it actually counts."

"You're being ridiculous," the young hero yells, shooting her a dirty stare. Yeah, she was probably right but that didn't mean he had to accept it. If there was one thing McGinnis hated it was being wrong.

"I can understand why you have to lie to them…but me?" Max questions as she slams her palm against her own chest in indication. "We've known each other too long for this shit Terry! I thought our friendship was important again. I thought we were done with this! I thought we could pick up right where we left off after you left. I thought I mattered to you!"

Terry releases an aggravated huff, squeezes his eyes shut and pinches the bridge of his nose. Yeah, he wanted things between them to be right again. He couldn't blame Max for being so hurt – he did after all abandon her; and that had to be the greatest pain he inflicted on Max...so far! Seeing her lonely face at school, walking past her in the halls or pretending she didn't even exist…how he could have been such an asshole he didn't know – but she couldn't grasp why he did it – she never would. Maybe he was wrong but there was no way he would admit it. The teen had enough problems to deal with, Max only made it worse. Often times he found himself pondering over ending his relationship again with Max, being free from all the drama (drama that he had simply inflicted upon his self. "Forgiving you was the easy part – regaining my trust with you is something completely different," Max had once told him one night as she patched him up from a battle). Without thinking, Terry betrays what he didn't want to say. "Oh yeah? And what makes you think you're so different from anybody else?" The sharp gasp makes the future Batman open his eyes…and regret immediately washes over him. Max stood there looking at him with her expression pained, her arms instinctively wrapping around herself in a self-embrace – something she usually did to offer some form of comfort after having been really hurt and subjective to pain; to ease that heartache and feeling of emptiness. Terry hated when she did that ever since they were kids…it made him feel like he was the worse person in the world if she could still feel alone. "Max," Terry begins weakly, extending his hand out for her.

But Max pivots her body to the side and takes a self-conscious step back to avoid his touch. Her gaze averts to the water, watching the movement of the waves as tears being to form in the beauty's eyes. "You're…using me again aren't you? I don't matter after all. I'm so stupid for believing you had changed. Once a liar, troublemaker; always one," she murmurs.

"No Max. I didn't mean-."

"Fuck you," she says in a barely audible whisper.

"What?" Terry asks incredulously. "Max-," he begins as he grabs both of her arms and forces his best friend to look at him.

Meanwhile, somewhere behind them, Chelsea, Dana and Blade watch on. Dana lets out a weary sigh. "There they go again," she chides, resting her shaking head in her palm.

Chelsea comments with a smirk (only she could enjoy a good fight), "They're like an old married couple. Those two fight more than you and Terry do!"

Blade takes a sip of her soda and places a hand on her hip, adding slyly in that smooth voice of hers, "And believe me: that's a lot!" Chelsea and Blade snicker as Dana rolls her eyes and slaps both of their arms.

"Oh shh," Chelsea exclaims, pointing. "Here comes the good part!"

Max snaps her head and gives Terry a burningly hateful stare. "I said," she yells loudly, "Fuck you TERRY!" The brown beauty pulls away from McGinnis, ignoring his look of absolute shock and the form of an approaching chaperone that had become worried at their dispute and wanted to calm things down, and continues furiously, "I'm tired of this! I'm tired of you! I don't want to see your face ever again! Don't call me, don't talk to me, don't come to my house…just –," Max commands as she backs away, "-just…GOT TO HELL!" Without another word she turns and runs down the beach trying desperately to wipe the tears from her face and leaving McGinnis standing there helplessly besides the chaperone, who apparently asked if everything was ok. The young Batman merely closed his eyes, shrugged, and walked away down the other end of the beach towards Dana. He wasn't sure why he went to her when he really just wanted to be alone. But Dana doesn't scold him, no, she wraps her arms around him in a comforting embrace; understanding how much this had truly hurt her boyfriend. For a month, Terry obliged her wishes – ceasing all contact with Max. It was hard, but even though they had made up, the arguments got worse and the lies kept flowing. And slowly but surely Max began to question the relationship and fall into the darkness of betrayal, pain and resentment.

PRESENT

Chelsea runs forward and leaps upon Max joyously, wrapping her slender legs around Gibson's waist and clamping her arms around Max's neck. Nearby guys whistle at the motion and high five. Girl action – you could never get enough of it. Maxine spins lightly before letting Cunningham set her feet back on the ground. "Oh my gosh Max!" Chelsea squeals. "We missed you!"

Dana hugs her best friend and declares, "Where the hell have you been?"

Max blushes, extending her arm to the side as a sign for the bodyguards to lay back, sensing them tensing up at her friends' approach. "Working," the queen answers simply.

Nelson gives Max a high five before intertwining his fingers through hers and leans down to for the girl's face. "Give me a kiss hello, baby girl," the jock states coyly, enough to make Gibson smirk. Why did they not get along at first? Max had to admit, at first she couldn't stand Nash – egotistical, perverted…he was pretty much the epiphany of what she hated in guys (or people period) but for whatever reason Nelson always managed to stick by her side even through all her lashes out to him. They started hanging around in school and people thought that perhaps it was simply because the star player was paying the brainiac money for doing his homework. And Max had pondered this as well. But eventually she came to realize that he just liked being around her, and she liked being around him – so they pretty much became good friends. Terry of course hated it; McGinnis saw it as a slap in the face for drifting away from he and Max's friendship. It wasn't long before the threats started flying between the two boys: Nelson warned Terry to stay away and not hurt Max anymore; Terry warned Nelson the same and if he ever found out Nash was trying to do something dirty to Gibson he would have the jock's head. Good times.

The Kobra operatives however aren't so joyous about the red-headed boy's comment and let out a growl, moving forward in an intimidating manner. Nelson recognizes the movement and rises quickly and exclaims, "You got a problem?" Terry presses his way through the crowd quickly in case a fight breaks out. This could turn real ugly, real fast.

But Max lets out a sigh of agitation and faces her men with aggravated annoyance. "Knock it off!" she commands. "Give me some space!" Almost immediately the black suited operatives back away, disappearing into the crowd with a bow of the head in respect and acknowledgment. When irritated Max could be a real threat. The last thing they wanted was for her to give a command for someone to be killed – like the last time.

Blade pops her gum and questions with a slight smirk, "What's with the guys, Maxie?" She jokes with her hand up to her chin, "They your slaves or something?"

Max fights a smile, shifting her weight to the side and placing a hand on her hip. "Something like that." But her focus is immediately detoured as Terry steps through right before her, anger and longing in his perfect blue eyes. That look – how she hated it. That boy could always wear the most interesting expressions. "Hi Terry," Max whispers with a mixture of annoyance and unwanted emptiness. She couldn't understand why she felt so embarrassed about being in front of him. Yeah she had vanished without a word and joined a bunch of maniacal killers…so what?

"Max…" Terry murmurs in response. Seeing her here – it was painful and so refreshing. He grabs Max and pulls her into his arms, embracing her so tightly Max can feel her breath catch in her throat. God no; not again. She frowns at the series of emotions that begin to flood throughout her body: sadness, regret, love, hatred…she was mad at him; she wanted to forget that the two ever had a relationship and her conflicting feelings for him. But being in Terry's arms, seeing the expression of the young Batman, made that seem impossible. Max was right back where she started – she despised herself, and Terry, more than ever for that; for her weakness.

"Ah Terry!" an accented voice rings cheerily. McGinnis takes his self out of the hug and turns eyes to Zander with his hand extended warmly. As much as the secretive Dark Knight wanted to pound in the face of Kobra's leader the once troubled teen plays it cool and shakes the proclaimed King's hand.

"Zander," Terry acts happily surprised. "What's up? I thought you ditched out on us."

The terrorist smiles. "I'm just here on business. Max's here for pleasure," he indicates with a wink. Gibson gives a crooked grin and folds her arms at the gesture. Leave it Zander to ease her worry! Ever since she joined Kobra, Max was happy to say that she managed to give the stiff ruler a bit more excitement. He wasn't always so serious; he could actually live a little. And she was even shy to admit that Zander did something for her. His very presence at the end of the day was the perfect remedy to any stresses she might have had. Max was actually happy being near him. The past few months proved that Zander wasn't the heartless power hungry asshole she had once thought he was; and not only did that surprise her – but it also pleased her.

"She always did have a knack for games," McGinnis agrees.

Naturally, with Terry nearby there was no such thing as being at peace. His presence always equaled frustration – their lives pretty much revolved around conflict. Max gives her once best friend a cold stare, replying with a hidden accusation, "You played them better than I did." Terry rolls his eyes.

Dana flicks her "on again – off again" boyfriend's arm and declares, "Don't start. We're just seeing Max again; don't run her off with your crap." The Asian then notices a lovely girl hiding out behind Max looking scared and questions, "Who's that?"

"Oh," Gibson answers while reaching back and grabbing her servant's hand, gently pulling her outward towards the group, "this is Nyra. She's a really close friend." Max's eyes grow gentle as she coaxes with sympathy at the fellow Kobra member's fear, "Say 'hi' Nyra. These are my friends."

The red-head grins sheepishly, giving a slight wave. "Nice to meet you," she mouths. Nyra had never been in the outside world so all the buzz was purely petrifying. But seeing the group of teens standing there welcoming and kind made the servant realize why her Queen was so attached to them despite her fear of emotional closeness.

"And um," Blade questions, biting her lip and easing her way over towards Zander while giving that seductive look of hers, "who's the cutie?"

Zander is immediately taken back by Blade's advances, beginning to fall into her web. The Kobra King swallows nervously as Blade grows close enough to kiss him. "My-my name's Zander," he stutters.

"Zander hmm? That's so exotic. I'm Blade."

Max growls deep in her throat and plants her hands on her hips in aggression for reasons that she was not even completely sure about. Terry narrows his brows at this action, not fully understanding why his best friend would become so defensive over the man who kidnapped her! Zander coughs taking a step back from Blade after nearly crumbling under Gibson's threatening look. Nelson whistles, "I think you better back off Blade. Looks like he's taken. I on the other hand am free."

"Please," the white haired teen scoffs, "you won't be tonight. I know what's in your pocket."

A buzz sounds within Gibson's back pants pocket. That line was reserved for Big Time. He would only call to make sure that they were in place. Max inhales sharply, giving Zander an exasperated expression while reaching back and pulling out the pager-like device. Max reads the words on the screen mentally and frowns: R U IN PLACE? Zander lowers his brows. He knew what that look meant. Big Time was really starting to push the boundaries of Kobra's patience; a ridiculously foolish act. Max turns and spies one of the guards. With a slight indication of her finger, she motions for him to approach. Terry observes this completely, taking mental notes for when he called the old man. He watches as Gibson whispers something in the man's ear, he nods, and departs back into the crowd. Eagerness immediately plays across Max's features, putting the new Batman on edge. She was ready to leave…but why? But before Max can open her mouth to excuse she and her guests Chelsea gasps and grabs the beauty's left hand, gazing star struck at the shining gem on her finger. "No way!" Cunningham declares with sheer disbelief. "Explain this!" she commands.

The group grows quiet and Max blushes nervously. For some reason she didn't want them to know this. She had been praying that she and Kobra wouldn't run into them! But it was a Friday night…this was just destined to happen. From the corner of her eye the girl recognizes absolute horror on Terry's face; and this not only makes her feel ashamed but it also pisses her off. Just what the hell was he getting upset for? He left her alone – did the hero think that Max was just some majorly lonely puppy whose life revolved completely around the existence of she and McGinnis's friendship? Well, he would probably be right, but that was why she wanted to disconnect from him in the first place. Max coughs in her throat and manages to find her voice as she responds with a boldness that she didn't feel, "Yeah – I'm married. Zander's my husband." She blushes. After joining Kobra it became pretty much self-explanatory that in order to lead by his side she would have to marry Zander. The wedding was big and extravagant, completely Egyptian themed. The girl didn't know how to feel about it; but in time Kobra just grew on her. Of course there was the whole "heir" issue. But Zander didn't push Max – he could understand her whole hesitation about that. So even though they sleep in the same bed Zander has never touched Max, claiming that he would wait until she was ready – until she could feel totally comfortable with him. That probably was what made the Queen really start to like Zander. How could you not like somebody who respects you to that extent?

Terry is speechless; the anger building so fast within that his breath begins to grow shallow. Her husband? Zander? There was no way that Max would just up and marry somebody like Zander…Zander! That snake-loving, terrorist ruling, dinosaur splicing son-of-a-bitch! Fury and heartache washes over the Dark Knight with the realization that he was beyond jealous – he had feelings for Max; and no matter how much he tries to push that thought away it always comes back like a moth to a flame. He doesn't reject the idea because he doesn't want to be with her – it's because he didn't deserve to be with her. All the suffering that he induced upon Max was beyond comprehensible – there was no way he could ever be with her. He wanted to keep his best friend safe (he failed miserably so far) and falling prey to the emotions that now rose inside could only lead to the opposite of what he wanted. But he couldn't stop himself from remembering everything about Max that just attracted him to her in the first place: the way she moved, spoke…everything. And then he feels guilt. How could he let them take her? Why was he so useless? He couldn't look at her – couldn't even be near her. "You guys," McGinnis says, shifting the backpack weight on his shoulder, "we need to head over."

Max becomes immensely aware of the backpack and furrows her gaze. Of course he would have it; and this made things all the more difficult. How was Kobra supposed to handle their business with the damn Batman around? Terry wasn't dumb (a little technical deprived perhaps, but not dumb nonetheless); and Max was sure that he would be able to connect the dots. If it were just Gibson and Nyra (and maybe Zander or a couple of guards) the evening could be passed off as a simple night on the town (Max wasn't one to be cooped up for long). But with pretty much all of fucking Kobra surrounding them Terry was bound to realize that their presence had to be due to something that Batman would need to handle. She's on the verge of calling off the whole thing; but then Zander would get curious (why the hell was she still trying to protect him?) and McGinnis would more than likely follow the group back to base, where he'd probably get killed (oh great, now she protecting Batman and Kobra! Why couldn't she just make up her mind and choose a side already? Slaggit!) It would better to ride this out: chances were when everything went down Kobra could slip out in all the confusion. Terry would put the safety of his precious Dana and the citizens ahead of everything else. Max asks cautiously, "You plan on working tonight Terry?"

Terry's face becomes serious as he responds in a tone that was strictly "Batman"; enough to begin goading Max's anger, "Not unless I need to." In other words: "With Kobra around, hell yeah."

Dana recalls, noting the tension flowing between the M.I.A. teen girl and her boyfriend with a nervous glance, "Yeah, we need to head on over to Club Goth-Em." She winks, "Ladies get in free until eleven."

Gibson grits her teeth and grows tight-lipped. Oh joy, now they were going too? Things were not turning in Max's favor at all tonight. Zander eyes his wife and says smoothly, "What a coincidence – that's where we're going."

Chelsea links an arm through Max and Nyra's and exclaims with untamable excitement, "Well let's go! You've been gone a long time Max. We've got some partying to do!" The others agree with a loud cheer as the group leaves the VR-ROOM and heads for the street, around the corner, to the club spot. Max doesn't say anything, just giggles. For once she feels terrible since reconnecting with her friends. She felt bad for misleading them and giving the impression that she had returned…she wasn't staying – in fact she wasn't supposed to see them ever again. As much as it would hurt she had to stay away, cease all contact. She was a part of this new and dangerous life now; there was no way that they, the people she loved, could ever be involved in that. Terry watches Max cautiously, both dually noting the sea of Kobra guards trailing behind them.

****A large truck weaves its way through the streets of downtown Gotham steadily, its windows tinted and exterior covered in bulletproof steel. As the glow from the streetlights shine through illuminating the inside Big Time sits in the back nervous; and he had every right to be: he heard about Kobra's reputation. They might follow through on their deals, but at the end of the day there was a great possibility that Kobra would exterminate loose ends…destroy all evidence. And if their Queen's attack on him last night was any indication Big Time definitely had something to worry about. Max didn't hesitate in not only defending herself, but her love-struck husband as well. She didn't seem fazed by him at all. And although Big Time found Max's lack of intimidation to him quite sexy, it was also bothersome to the point that he was actually scared. The only good thing that had come from the felon's new grotesque form was the power – and by power he meant the fear he had over others. But now that there was someone – scratch that – an entire society of bad ass killers who did not see the mutated beast as a threat, Big Time was terrified of what could possibly happen at the drop point. For all he knew they could kill him off right there at the spot; which was why he made sure to bring the people who did still cringe at his sight.

"Hey Big," a man with a full mustache states from the front seat. "We're about thirty minutes out. We got to pick up the rest of the crew."

"Fine. Just make sure everything is set. If anything goes wrong I say take out that bitch they call a Queen first."

The man chuckles, "I thought she was your type?"

"She is. But if something stinks my type is the dead type."

"You're the boss," the man finalizes.

****It was dark save for the multi-colored spotlights flashing through the air. All around teens danced: some like complete idiots, the others more reserved – or at least as reserved as a bunch of adrenaline pumped teens could get. Across from the booth the Kobra had divided and were spread out around the club premises, always watching…waiting. Terry makes his way through the crowd of kids from the bathroom. He had called Bruce and the old man insisted for McGinnis to be ready and keep an eye open; positive that something was sure to pop off that night. Terry spots the booth and takes a deep breath in an attempt to steady his nerves. He was pissed – obviously – but he needed to play his cards right; which was beyond difficult with the emotions that flared. Bad guys, murderers and maniacs he could handle – Max was something entirely different. Max and Terry had known each other since they were kids, but despite this the hero could never quite figure the girl out. Yeah she had problems with her family (she still wouldn't confide in him about the real depth of that) and a lot of pressure – but she also had major trust issues. Issues that seemed to deepen when he abandoned her for the wrong side of the law. Max had always allowed people in to her life at an extent. And the knowledge of this did nothing but make McGinnis feel even worse. When it came down to it, after everything was said and done Terry knew for a fact he was the worst friend in existence. He hurt his so called "best friend" more times than he could count but the vigilante still couldn't find the strength to walk away from their intense yet severely dysfunctional relationship…and he was always even the more surprised that Max still managed to stay by him through all the anger, fights, lies…The longer she stayed the worse things got – and now look at what it had come to!

Terry approaches the crescent booth before sliding in next to Dana who was giggling with Chelsea about something probably idiotic. Zander sat near the edge of the booth beside Max and Nyra, looking around the club with pure intrigue. Nelson was leaning over against Blade at the center, still trying to get a hook-up…looked like he was succeeding. Nyra seemed absolutely lost, clutching Max's arm for dear life. It was then that Terry actually noticed the red-head's outfit: a dark green triangle-cupped bikini top and heavy cargo pants with a black ribbon tied on the left thigh and black enclosed slip on shoes. On her right arm was a black band very similar to the one Max used to wear, and she had on black wrist gloves with the fingers cut out. She was dressed club appropriate – but her nervousness made the girl seem out of place.

Max's head bobs up and down slowly to the beat of the loud music. She appeared relieved…but then again the brown lovely was phenomenal at keeping her emotions locked up. "So Max," Terry asks casually, "where've you been?"

Gibson immediately realizes McGinnis's approach: find out as much information as possible so Batman can try and track her down later. She wraps her long fingers around the base of her Green Apple Margarita and sips it slowly, letting the taste linger on her tongue before answering, "Around."

McGinnis narrows his eyes annoyingly. Funny girl. He remains silent for the moment, knowing that once Max kept her mouth shut, it was shut. He could only hope the alcohol would get the better of her.

Max rests her chin her right palm while tracing lightly the rim of her glass. Where the hell was Big Time? She wanted the freak to hurry up so she could leave. Having to stare at McGinnis every minute was unnerving! Especially when he was the one guy Kobra wanted out of the way. She could always just tell Zander…but then Terry would be killed! Max gives herself a mental slap. Not that she would care…or at least supposed to care. If she told Zander then Mary McGinnis and Matt could end up hurt or worse. Yeah, that was the real reason. It was a pitiful attempt of convincing but it did the trick. Terry would never forgive her if harm befell his mother and kid brother. The last thing she wanted to do was cause him pain. Max inhales sharply through her nose: again? Why was still trying to protect him? Out of all he had done to piss her off! Beyond relished Max faces Nyra and asks, "You wanna dance?"

Nyra bites her lip and looks down in shame. "I," she stutters quietly, "d-don't know h-how…" The sharp gasp at the table causes the servant girl to squeeze her lids shut tightly.

"You're joking," Max exclaims. She leans over to Zander and whispers, "You don't have a Kobra Shuffle or anything?"

Zander stares at his forced wife as if she were speaking a foreign language. "Shuffle? What's that?" he whispers back.

"God what have I done?" Max questions aloud, rolling her eyes. Terry smirks. The Kobra Queen grabs Nyra's hand and begins to pull her out of the booth and onto the dance floor. "C'mon, you're dancing."

Nyra's eyes widen in panic as she cries, "B-but I don't know how!"

Max stops in the off-center of the floor, close enough for her friends and the bat to watch. "It's not about knowing how," she explains. "You don't learn to dance, you feel it." The current song was ending but Gibson was going to use those last few minutes to get in a quick lesson. "Close your eyes." Nyra obeys nervously. "Listen to the sound; hear the music and vibe around you. Feel that bumping in your chest? That's the bass. Now focus on that…can you feel the need to move your body – like you'll explode if you don't?" Nyra nods. She could feel every instrument inside of her. Something was building – some type of emotion. Max smirks and commands, "Open your eyes." Immediately her orders are followed and Nyra looks at her surroundings in a new manner – urge rather than fear. "Now follow my movements." And like a mirror Nyra does so, raising her hands up slowly allowing her finger to trace her waist, stomach, neck, cheeks, even run through her hair – just like Max was showing her. Next, the teacher slowly sways her hips from side to side. When Nyra completes this well Max states, "Now put it together." Together they complete the motions as the previous song concludes and a new one begins: a throwback from the 21st Century – Avril Lavigne's "Hot".

Max throws her arms in the air in exultation, hopping from one foot to another in excitement. She couldn't explain why but she loved this song; it just made her want to move. Max executes a slight spin and grabs Nyra's hand, who seems to also feel the music as they begin to dance as the first verse resounds. Terry spreads his arms along the top of the booth and watches with a faint smile. He often remembered how after a long night's work he would sit outside Max's bedroom and watch her dance to the oldie. It didn't seem like her type of music but the girl enjoyed it nonetheless. He would always laugh at her for liking such an old song…but before long he often found himself humming it on late nights whenever she was on his mind. Max bobs her head to the left, then the right with the beat and rubs her wrists up her neck before going through her pink hair and making her hands sway in the air above her. This was what it was all about. This was living. Nothing mattered more to the African beauty than being able to have fun and freedom. Whatever heart-wrenching emotions had surfaced here were gone – and Max regretted the fact that once the song was ended her pitiful reality would regain.

The flashing of the club lights, the vibe, it felt so good. Zander looks on in strange interest as his wife and servant dance in such entrancing ways. He can hear the murmurs of her "friends" behind him, whistling and cheering them on to be a bit more radical. Radical? What could be radical about dancing? Clearly the King knew nothing about teen life – he knew nothing of the world period. This was part of the reason as to why he wanted Max so badly. She was the one thing in the world that seemed untouchable not only to him but to anyone in existence – and this made him proud to say that she was his; though she was far from tamed. Then again, he wanted her to stay the way she was…real and brutally honest. Of course upon joining Kobra she had become quite dark. Whatever vast amount of anger she had had in the world had allowed her to conform to Kobra quite easily. Even he was often appalled at how heartless and cruel she could be. In the past couple of months she had found traitors within the ranks. Ten men were executed – seven of which she had killed herself without a second thought or sign of hesitation. Her fighting skills had also become a popular topic among the servants of Kobra. Who would've known that she could hold such strength and agility? And then her knowledge in weaponry was also exceedingly beyond sufficient. Of the weapons manufactured Max only used three: the retractable spear/sword that she had attacked Big Time with last night, a gun she called "Thorn", and the occasional bazooka. The Queen truly was something to be feared, no one dared challenge her…and live.

Nyra bounces her body back and forth at the second chorus, turning her body around before raising her arms to the back of her head and throwing her head back, pumping out her chest. Queen Max was right! It was almost as if the servant's body had a mind of its own; moving out of a burning desire. This song was heating her insides up in a bursting flame cutting off her breaths, making her want to scream. Only movement helped…motion was the answer. Nyra opens her eyes and watched her mistress dance before her – rolling her wide hips in such an enticing motion. The red head wished she could move like that with such…grace it seemed. Nyra extends her cream toned hand out and interlocks her fingers with Gibson's. They bounce up and down, letting the electricity of the music flow between them.

With the end of the song approaching Max could feel it going to end with a bang. "Kiss me gently, always I know. Hold me, love me. Don't ever gooooooo….YEAH!" Max grabs Nyra's forearm and flings her out into the watching crowd. Yet before she can get out of reach, Nyra smiles and lets her hand trail down Max's brown extended arm into the Queen's hand. Bound together by their enclosed hands Max then yanks, pulling Nyra's body back towards her own. The back of Nyra fits together perfectly against the front of Max, both girls smiling as they slowly rock their hips from side to side in unison as if an entity, in sync with the final chorus as it echoes and repeats, "You make me so hot, make me wanna drop. You're so ridiculous I can barely stop. I can hardly breathe, you make me wanna scream. You're so fabulous. You're so good to me!"

The music cuts. Terry and Zander look at one another, blushing surprisingly as both girls run back towards the booth giggling in sheer embarrassment. They didn't mean for it to go that far but hey, go with the flow right? Nyra beams; it was so much fun! So exhilarating! So this was what it was like to actually take part in the real world? This was freedom? What joy it was! Nyra encloses her arms through Max's, hugging the Queen's arm and gently laying her head on Max's shoulder. Gibson smiles and rests her own head on top of Nyra's – almost sensing the gratitude that her servant was trying to portray. Before anyone can really comment on what they had just witnessed there is a loud sound of tires screeching somewhere outside. The group looks at one another as they can hear the sound of yelling and screaming. Max narrows her brows…no way, there was no way…

A wall in the corner completely blows up, the guests screaming in terror as the dust finally settles. Terry jumps up from his seat, straining his eyes to see what was going on. He takes a sharp gasp as the large deformed figure of Big Time steps through the opening cackling, "Knock, knock." Almost immediately the club clears out, Dana and the others ditching without much thought and vanishing within the crowd. Living in Gotham it pretty much became an unspoken rule: You see danger you run, no questions asked; no hesitation, if you wanted to live. Terry manages to slip away unnoticed, unzipping his back pack.

The Kobra guards pull out their guns, standing ready, practically appearing out of nowhere. Zander shakes his head and states, "Honestly, where is your head?"

Big Time smirks and steps towards the King. "My apologies your highness, but I want my money and I want it now. I've waited long enough don't you think?"

A guard hands Max the metal pole of her sword/spear and she growls, "Just what the hell are you thinking Big Time? Do you want the cops to find us?"

"I told you before," the monster says, "they won't make it down here – not right away at least. Now, let's get down to business: you got my money?"

Zander leans against the booth and questions, "You have the rest of our equipment?"

Big Time nods his head and motions with his large fingers for one of his men carrying two large sacks to step forward. The man sets the bags before the King and Queen's feet. Max kneels down and unzips the first package, smiling at the sight of the guns glistening; the smell of metal making her mouth water. "Good job Big," she compliments. "75,000 credits you have to your name."

"About that," Big starts in a tone that causes Max to look up frown. "There's been a change in plan. You see, you've been a total pain, and I want to make sure you guys keep your end of the bargain."

"Kobra always keeps its word," Zander says grimly.

"Nonetheless, the price just went up to 750,000 credits."

Max stands up quickly. "That's blackmail!" she screams. "Our agreement was 75,000 credits for each drop you make. We've done that so far up until now, and that's the way it'll stay."

Big Time smirks and folds his arm, extending his leg and placing it down firmly on the bag of weapons. "Sorry cutie - but no dollar, no deal."

"We've made our deal," Max says sharply, reaching her hand down and grabbing the handle of one of the bags. But in that instant, so quickly that no one can follow it; Big Time swings his leg and tries to kick the Queen. But Max leaps away with a backward flip and, once she regains her footing, extends her exposed weapon, running forward and slamming the metal bar downward at the monster's head. The mutated teen stumbles back under the surprising force of the blow, yet regains his footing and swings his large fist straight for Max's beautiful face. Max narrows her brows, bracing herself for the impending attack.

Something whizzes through the air, striking Big on the hand as he gives a yell of pain. All eyes immediately turn to the ceiling of the club to find Batman standing there with another Bataraang ready in hand stating, "Tsk! Tsk! Didn't you kids ever learn how to play fair?" His white eyes settle on Max, noting fully the look of disappointment and fury on her face and the weapon in her palm. Just what the hell kind of merchandise was Kobra making now-a-days? This would be interesting.

Batman leaps down and lands stealthily on the hard ground. "What do you say?" he asks. "Shall we shake hands and call this a day?"

Zander states, "We will not leave until Kobra has what is rightfully ours, or whoever stands in our way is dead."

Max faces the Dark Knight and points her weapon towards him, knowing that Bruce was probably telling him to watch his back. "Whichever comes first," she adds slyly.

Big Time gives a loud guffaw and declares, "Let's do this then." He swings his fist for Max, who leaps to the side out of the way, striking the electric sword/spear against his ugly head. Batman runs forward, punching Big Time in the stomach without much result. While they duke it out, Max eyes the bags. Big's men and the guards of Kobra rush one another, fighting with fist and bullets and knives; this had turned into an all out brawl. Zander shoves one of Big's men to the side, just as another lifts the King up and throws him over the bar, jumping in after him. Max grits her teeth. If she could just get her hands on that weapons bag. The Queen runs, letting one leg collapse underneath her and sliding to the ground. She grabs a bag, but surprisingly, Batman has his hand the handle as well. "Don't do it," he threatens.

But Max scowls and rolls her body over, planting her palms firmly on the ground for support and swings her right leg upward and around, slamming straight into the jaw of the hero. How happy she was to finally lay a blow to him. The joy that surged through her body had to be illegal…then again most fun things were. But just as Terry is out of the way, Big Time reaches down and grabs Max by the throat, pulling her up with such force she loses her grip on the bag. The malformed creature cackles until Nyra leaps forward, kicking him in the balls. Big Time lets out a wail, dropping Max, and swings his hand causing Nyra to fly ten feet back onto the ground and move no more.

The three opponents: Big Time, Batman, and Queen Max face each other, standing in a triangle; all of them wanting to take down one another. Batman flexes his fingers; Big Time cracks his knuckles with a beyond cocky grin, and Max reaches inside her boot pulling out Thorn and holding her sword/spear ready as the electric current dances along the bar visibly. This ought to be fun…

TO BE CONTINUED…