The return of Librium was certainly a surprise to many, and no one knows what they could be plotting. The only lead the police had shot himself before he could get specifics. They're working on getting answers, but it looks like the leads are all dead ends.

"Watch over things for me. I'm getting some air." Ray said as he let his coworkers handle things. He climbed up to the roof, but he didn't really need air. He went up there and saw Spider-Man was there to share knowledge.

"I came as soon as I got your message." Paul said. "The guy really shot himself?"

"Yeah. A typical movement of the Librium to avoid having people talk." Ray said. "The sad part was that this guy did it on his own freewill."

"Did he say anything?" Paul questioned.

"He tried passing it off that Balancer wasn't behind this, but who else does Librium answer to? If he's behind this, I have no idea how he pulled it off from behind bars." Ray said. "He did say that all the money they stole from that armor car is to be used for their resources. Looks like Librium is making some sort of comeback.

"But they need to bust Balancer out to do that." Paul said. "Anything about the armor car itself?"

"We did find it, but all the money in it was already long gone by the time we got to it. We already alerted Ryker and told them to keep a close eye on the Raft, especially Ling." Ray said. "He did talk about something else. Something called D-EL8."

"Is that some sort of code or label?" Paul questioned.

"I don't know. That was when the guy made his move, took my gun, and shot himself to avoid talking." Ray said. "I don't know what it is, but it can't be anything good if Balancer and Librium are after it."

"Something's going on out there." Paul said as he stared out into the city. "If Librium thinks they cane just walk back in and cause some sort of trouble, they got another thing coming. Sometimes, you got to go straight to the source."

"Wait. Are you thinking of talking to Balancer himself?" Ray said. "There are different kinds of problems with that. For one, you can't just go in as Spider-Man. Some people would prefer if you walked in there and stayed there. You don't even know if Balancer is the one in control. The agents there have been working to keep him in check, and his counterpart might not even know anything. You know how split personalities are."

"Spider-Man might not be able to walk in, but Paul Porter can." Paul claimed. "That is assuming if an old friend who is also a cop can pull some strings so a mere citizen like Paul himself can just walk in." Ray had a feeling he might go there. This sounds like a bad idea, but also there only idea.

...

The Raft

The Raft was a part of the prison on Rykers. It was where the more dangerous criminals were being kept, especially the ones with superpowers. Since Paul couldn't just walk in as Spider-Man, he walked in himself. Paul came walking in with Ray. It would have been less suspicious having a police escort walk an innocent person in.

"Officer Ritsin, this is highly unregular." A fellow agent said.

"I know." Ray said as he wasn't looking forward to this. As Ray and Paul were made sure they were secure, they walked into a room. Once they were there, a couple agents let in Ling Leng. He came across as a great man, Paul's mother worked for him, and he ran the homeless shelter. However, he suffers from a separate personality and that other personality is Balancer, a violent crime lord with dangerous power. In truth, he's the adopted son of a villain named Mister Negative and he is the reason for Ling's suffering. As he came walking in with restraints, he seemed rather pleased to see Paul.

"Paul... This is a surprise." Ling said as he had a seat on a table across from them. "I haven't seen you in so long. How have you and your mother been?"

"Fine, but we're not here for a social visit." Paul said.

"I brought Mr. Porter here because I understand you were quite close to him and his mother." Ray said. "I'm hoping you would be willing to speak with him."

"Of course... What's going on?" Ling said as he didn't understand what was really going on.

"Librium is in action again." Paul said with Ling being surprised.

"Hey, I'm the cop here." Ray said. "Librium stole an armor car with tons of money in it. They had quite the weapons and it seemed like everything was perfectly well planned. One man, before killing himself, says that money was to help them gain access to the resources you had before."

"Well... I'm shocked about all of this." Ling said as he didn't like how any of this sounded until he realized what it meant to him. "Wait. You think I'm the one behind all this. How? I've been locked in here all day. You two are the only visitors I've had in a long time."

"What about Balancer?" Ray questioned.

"He's been in check." Ling said as he was getting scared and upset. "He hasn't been able to do anything."

"Or maybe you don't know about what he's done." Ray said.

"No! That can't be!" Ling said.

"Ling, you're sick. You do need help, but I do know you're a good person." Paul said. "My mother had a lot of respect for you, so I know she feels the same. It's that other side of you that's the problem, but you are not responsible for what he's done."

"Paul, I swear if I knew anything, I would tell you." Ling said.

"What about this thing called D-EL8? Do you know anything about that?" Ray asked.

"No. I never heard of it." Ling claimed, but they weren't really sure if they could believe him. This whole thing was greatly upsetting him. If he does have a part of this, he feels great guilt. "Oh god... Am I ever going to be free? Is there just no hope to make all the wrongs Balancer does right? No way to balance it all out?" He certainly feels shame for what Balancer does, like he did it himself. Ray and Paul could see it. Once they were gone with him, Ling was taken away.

"You think he's telling the truth?" Ray questioned.

"Maybe, but it could be he just doesn't know what Balancer has done." Paul said.

"Well, even if Balancer is the one behind this, we still don't know how he could have contacted his men from the outside." Ray said. Paul knows something is going on, but he's not sure if Ling really is the one pulling the strings. If it's not him, then who?

...

Paul

After failing to get the answers he was looking for at the Raft, he decided to just head home. He still tried to figure this out, but he wasn't coming up with any answers. When he got there, he saw Sabella was there and helping herself to some tea.

"How did it go?" Sabella questioned.

"Not well. I'm not sure Balancer is really the one behind this." Paul said. "Still, who else could Librium answer to? Things are already not making sense on this."

"Ling's darker side is taking over again? That is such a shame." Paul was surprised as he turned around and saw his mother was there. "Mr. Leng is such a good man. I hate the idea that a man like him is suffering mentally like that."

"Mom? What are you doing here?" Paul questioned.

"Why else? I'm paying a visit to this girlfriend you neglected to tell me you had." Trisha said as she sat next to Sabella with her own cup of tea. From how they sipped tea together, the two seemed like they were already getting along. That was good for Paul. Wanting to know more about what is going on, he grabbed a chair and joined them in a conversation that was long overdo.

"Mom, what are you even doing here?" Paul asked.

"You can't always count on you for something later. With you swinging over everyone's head and helping people, it's hard to tell when you'll actually have the time." Trisha said.

"But how did you even find this place?" Paul asked.

"I beg your pardon. I am not that old." Trisha said. "I just simply remembered where this place was and took the initiative. Though, I feel like a fool for not seeing Sabella here was your girlfriend. How could you keep this lovely lady a secret from me for six months?"

"It wasn't exactly intentional, and I told you about how she's trained to be an assassin earlier." Paul defended himself. "It doesn't bother you."

"Paul, if you trust and like this girl, there's no reason I shouldn't." Trisha said. "You've always been a good judge of character. Besides, she and I did some talking and she explained all that. It sounds like you've a rough childhood, my dear."

"It certainly wasn't easy, but I was fortunate to meet your son when I did." Sabella said. "His words changed my life. I would have been a cold killer if I hadn't met him. I do believe your son is something special."

"You don't have to tell me that." Trisha said. This all looked like it was going well. Trisha seemed to like Sabella and they were getting along rather well. It would seem Paul had nothing to worry about. "If I might also say, you dating an assassin is sadly not the weirdest thing that happened to you, Paul. You certainly know how to attract trouble."

"Hey!" Paul said.

"You also seem to find a way to attract some interesting women." Trisha said.

"Mom, not here." Paul said as he could tell what she was implying.

"No, you're right. I'm sorry. I'm sure Sabella certainly doesn't want to hear about your past relationships." Trisha said.

"Actually, I would. I would like to know what they're like so I know my competition." Sabella said. "Paul certainly has an effect on women that leaves quite the impression. He and I met years ago, but I never stopped thinking about him."

"Well, the biggest one was Monica, who you already met. Those two dated for years, but you are doing rather well." Trisha said. "Paul's had a few serious relationships, but you are already the second longest one. That must say something about you. However, he and Monica were together for years. With her being a reporter and Paul being Spider-Man took quite the toll on their relationship."

"We get it, Mom. You liked Monica, but now you have a chance to know Sabella." Paul said as he wanted her to stay focus on his current girlfriend.

"I know, but don't get me wrong. I liked the other two girls he dated: Jean and Lindsay." Trisha said. "Jean had a brilliant scientific mind and Lindsay certainly knew how to have a good time. Still, those two only lasted a few months. The fact that you two have been together for as long as you have must say something. Paul manages to find great ones. Hopefully, you won't let this one go." The two women shared a laugh at that with Paul getting annoyed.

"Why is it people are interested in my dating life?" Paul questioned. Time passed and it seemed like everything went well. Trisha certainly seems to like Sabella. To Trisha, as long as her son is happy, that's all she really wants. Soon, the time came when Trisha had to leave. She called for a cab with her son and Sabella showing her out.

"It was lovely to officially meet you, Sabella." Trisha said.

"I feel the same about you." Sabella said.

"You must come over and the three of us can have dinner together." Trisha said. "Paul, this one seems like a keeper. Try not to let this one go so easily."

"I won't." Paul said.

"Also, keep me posted about Ling." Trisha said out of concern. "I still hold some respect for that man. I can't blame him for something that he couldn't control. It's not his fault if he truly couldn't control that thing inside him."

"I will. I just wish he felt the same." Paul said. "The doctors are doing what they can, but that other side of him hasn't been completely repressed. Hopefully, that day will come." They both have hope that Ling will one day be free of Balancer, but it doesn't seem like that will happen for a long time. As Trisha climbed into the cab, the two of them saw it drive away with her.

"It would seem you had nothing to worry about. She likes me and she is certainly a charming lady. I can see where you get your charm from." Sabella claimed.

"You think?" Paul said.

"I do wish to ask you about something. I know about Monica and Lindsay, but how come you never told me about the other?" Sabella said.

"You mean Jean?" Paul questioned. "I didn't see much point since I'm with you. Jean and I knew each other in school, and we did date for a couple months, but I haven't heard from her in years. I don't know where she is or what she's been up to. I've tried getting in contact with her, but it's like she's ghosting me. Either way, New York's a big place. What are the chances I might actually run into her." Paul was sure he wasn't going to see Jean again. They were so close before, but not anymore. He wasn't sure when or even if he was going to see her again, but just when you say something like that, fate plays a little joke on you. "Well, what do you say we..." Paul turned about, but ended up bumping into someone who was busy on her phone. "I'm sorry."

"No, I wasn't watching... Paul?!"

"Jean?!" Paul said as he couldn't believe it. Jean was right there before him.

"This is Jean?" Sabella said as this was an interesting turn of events. Paul's current lover is faced with one of his famous old lovers. Where could this lead?