I've started to become more and more busy since this year started. It's been a little rough getting this story through but I'm able to still get these chapters out. This story got…Way bigger then I wanted it to be, and it was inevitable when my second chapter hit like 11k?

There's a lot that goes into the moment to moment stuff in this story, and I don't want to leave anything unanswered while I show all of you this universe rather than tell it. I feel a good portion of people tend to do the telling part rather than show it to the reader's, which I try my best to avoid. It's up to you people to see if what I've done so far I told more than I show.

I won't lie, part of what makes this story challenging is putting these characters years into their age and career. Meaning certain events transpire while others more or less are now coming about. It leaves a lot of room to explore, but also, a lot of room needs explaining, and I feel the pace is hard to land. Which is why I stuck to more of the older comics like pre 52 or old marvel for these incarnations of these characters to make it easier and recognizable, but add some differences to make it unique. Yet I do also use recent stuff in comics, but only if I feel confident I can twist and turn to make it a lot better.

The Batfamily has way too many characters nowadays, some are so far off what the symbol stands for to be a part of the team, or their characters are rather flat due to writers creating them, and them not being used afterwards. This is why Kate Kane and Signal is one of those characters I didn't want in the story. Kate Kane doesn't feel like she's part of the batfamily, while Signal...I mean Peter is honestly taking his place in this story, and he can potenial work as a future character if I ever make a sequel to this story.

Don't think too far ahead guys and gal's, I'm not exactly planning on sequel because I feel like this is one and done story that doesn't need to continue once its finish.

Again, it's up to any of you people to see which is good, great, needs working, or flat out underwhelming.

So…Here's the 20th chapter. Jeez… 20 chapters, it still feels surreal to me that I've gone this far with a story I'm proud of writing. Expect a long ass segment of me crying my ass off when I finish the story.

By the way, to everyone who loves Peter and Cassandra, I think you'll like how I open up this story.

Chapter 20: Hope

Time was ticking every minute that passed. Peter, Cassandra, and Jason had a niche plan on how things would go once punching through the Arkham Knight's base. For one, they knew there was no easy way to win; two ways entering meant full frontal assault no matter what. They didn't have access to any underwater vehicles due to the batcave being destroyed, meaning they would have to take the same way Jason did the first time he entered Jezebel plaza. It would then be up to Peter to take the bulk of their huge offensive set while Cassandra and Jason confronted the more major problems.

That was dealing with Arkham Knight and saving Talia.

They were all suit up in their costume, both repaired, refreshed for combat purposes. However, their physicality could be better as most of the batfamily didn't get a wink of sleep, an hour at best, and they went right back to touching up the Belfry. Even then, neither of the bat family couldn't sleep with all that they had to do today.

If anything, it could be considered another Tuesday when Gotham or its people need their help. The only difference is that everyone's older, battle weary, and yet, everyone of them has to keep going because this is who they are. People who want to rid evil so good can prosper.

Even if some of their methods are different then others.

Jason was making sure his weapons were all but good to go and of use. From his apartment, he brought more for his frontal assault such as rocket launchers and grenade launchers, with an added more magazines to the plethora of guns he has. Peter, Barbara, and Cassandra still aren't fond of the methods Jason will be using when working together, but what can they do? They can't tell him to stop what he's doing, and they can definitely try.

But stopping him meant squandering their energy against the Knight and their army. They really don't like his tactics, but they have to get used to it otherwise they'll fall apart before they even work together.

Selina too helped with Jason, even when his stubbornness told her to not touch anything. He forgets she has her own knowledge on how to make sure the likes of assault rifles and handguns were up to their task. And it helped that she repaired his helmet that got damaged from being outnumbered and taken beatens from the Knight's forces. Meanwhile, Barbara still was focused on her computer, monitoring the data of how much the symbiote had spread amongst the people of Gotham, and the rendezvous points involving the other team going to save Mary Jane and Felicia.

Out of all the batfamily, excluding Peter due to his super human nature able to keep him awake for days, Barbara had not once slept. Each time she rubbed it to keep it open, having to drink a few coffee along with water to keep her hydrated and going, she had to keep monitoring everything no matter what. She couldn't rest until the situation eased itself out.

And that wasn't happening at the moment.

This left Peter and Cassandra to themselves. Each checking both of their suits, equipment, and their overall health. However, Cassandra did more of the checking with the physical side while Peter focused more on the equipment side. Cassandra, while her boyfriend was sitting, was checking, head, neck, body, and legs that only served to annoy Peter a little, "Cass," he swatted her hand away, "I'm ok."

She pouted and glared, not stopping and going back to checking on him. Peter was tinkering his wrist for added weaponry. He made sure to quickly test out earlier with one of Jason guns that shoot out small darts to disable certain weapons upon fighting the Knight's HQ.

Safe to say, it pissed Jason off, and Barbara lectured him about fuming him up at a time like this. Just for a second, it felt like they were young again and didn't have to worry about bad people going to great lengths to stop them, and tear apart this city on an immeasurable scale.

He also multitasks from himself to his girlfriend, making sure her own gauntlets and its tech were up to date. And while Cassandra loves seeing him do his thing, it only annoyed her more that he rather not abide by her probing. In doing so, she forced him to turn around, and made him stand up, "Cass!" She extended his arms horizontally, and then gestured for him to do some stretching.

Peter would sigh, not getting away with this as he hoped. In turn, he did what his girlfriend wanted him to. She made sure to feel his body contour in case there was anything wrong. She especially made sure he bent, twisted his body to see how his muscles reacted to it, "I'm really good Cass. I heal fast, you forget?" He said, trying to ease her worrying nature.

She glared at him, she grabbed where his ribs were, and due to how he stretched his body, there was a stifle that escaped his lips. Just as he changed position, he couldn't help to have one of his sheepish looks on his face that counter her glare, "Can't hide," then she frowned, "Don't hide pain, please..?"

"It's not…That I want too," performing a gentle movement with her hand, she massages those parts of his body so the muscle can relax and have a much easier time healing at the moment. In a sense, Peter couldn't help but let out a gentle sigh of relief of Cassandra massage, "...No matter if it's a broken rib, arm, or anything, I can't stop till everyone is fine," She was right behind him, her body was now in a standing position where he raised arm high up. Besides the bruised ribs, or at least, the bruises everywhere that he suffered from his last fight, Peter was in condition to keep going, keep fighting.

In doing so, she couldn't help but hug his back, and have her chin resting on his shoulder where she leaned close to his ears. Even though there was still an inch of a height difference between them, Cassandra somehow was comfortable in her position with her partner, "I know. My job to make sure…Your ok," once said was done, she hugged his back burying her head behind it, "...Don't wanna lose you."

He brought his hands down to where her hand was wrapped around, rubbing his thumb gently upon her metallic armor gauntlet, "And as I said, you won't. My heart is still beating, and it won't stop."

Holding on just a little longer, she too had to feel that beating heart, the courageous heart he has to keep enduring for the greater good. She won't lie to herself, Cassandra truly believes that if Peter wanted to, she wouldn't hold it against him to stop being Spider-Man. But, she knows deep down, he has to want to do it. Not just simply stop doing it for a bit because of the rough times, but truly just be a normal person and nothing more than that. If she can see, hear, whenever he does bring it up, then she'll truly respect it and love it.

Maybe someday, if it does happen, and no one needs a batwoman, then she'll retire too, 'A nice house….Garden….yard…tree's… Away from Gotham….Be a nice place to retire…' She thought to herself as she unwrapped herself from Peter. But then she felt that jolt, one that made her hold onto his hands, made him turn back to her curiously. It was the same thought like earlier that got her feeling this way, feeling so much, thinking so much about her future with Peter, 'I said before…I'll find the time,' she looked upon Peter, the man she loves, and the man she wants to love forever and ever, 'But when will that be…?'

Cassandra knew what she wanted to do, it made her fidget her thumbs on Peter. She stammered out words that Peter can barely hear that made him step closer. This in itself made him notice her embarrassment especially when she looked away from him, "Um, is everything alright Cass?" he asked, concerned about her sudden flush.

"...Fine," Cassandra took a deep breath in remembering why she was doing this.

Forward, moving forward, take the lead, be a leader, decide, and don't falter.

She is Cassandra Cain, neither an assassin like her parents, nor the same bat that tarnishes the symbol, not the smartest person in the room, but a woman who feels so much that she wants to express it.

She is Cassandra Cain, a woman who wants to be more than those before her, and be a woman who's allowed to be happy no matter what happens in the outside world.

"..I LOVE YOU PETER PARKER!" She shouted loudly, enough to grab the attention of three people in the room.

Peter didn't expect her to shout. Just from suddenly hearing it, it almost sounded like it came from the bottom pit of her stomach, something she couldn't get out, something she had been holding in for years. It's where Peter quickly realized she likely has been wanting to say that for a long time. And it seems she didn't know when, how, or if it was the appropriate time to come out to admit that.

Because how can you tell someone that you love them so much when you're not sure if you can love that person? Love them more than just a friend, a family, but love them, truly love them in ways you never have done with other people before.

For Cassandra, it was never easy to say this even when she knew she loved Peter. The hardest part was understanding that, understanding that she is allowed to love him regardless of her own flaws, and regardless whatever may happen next between them. Deep down, Cassandra was simply afraid to come to terms with that feeling, but now she doesn't want to be afraid.

Cassandra Cain no longer wants to be afraid of being able to love Peter Parker, fully, not just the kisses, the hugs, the talks, the playfulness, the trust, but being able to physically say that she loves him with all her heart.

And Peter couldn't help but feel like he was on cloud 9 hearing her say that, "I LOVE YOU TOO CASSANDRA CAIN!" He shouted back, smiling widely that counter her shocked, bashful expression.

Selina held back her giggled watching the scene unfold, Barbara too had a grin that couldn't help but lighten her mood, yet Jason was the only one indifferent by the situation, but he also didn't have the nerve to spoil their mood.

Cassandra let out a small yelp at how suddenly Peter threw that back at her, "Too fast…!"

"Was I supposed to wait then?" He asked, tilting his head and playing with her bangs in front.

With how he teased, it made her pout and develop the courage to look directly at him once more, "You were waiting for me."

"I felt it was more unspoken," he shrugged, "I won't lie that there might've been a time in the past I was unsure you felt that way towards me. But as time went on and we got closer, I think I got the hint you did love me, and you would let our relationship reflect on that," his one hand scratched behind his hair, "I guess you can call our own actions and communication was our way saying we love each other without being told to one another. Or…That I'll just simply wait for you tell me that. Because even myself..Was hard to come to terms with how much I love you," Peter was now frowning just a little of where he was going next, "I didn't know when, or maybe it was the first time when you got dru-" Cassandra eyes widen and quickly cover his mouth, putting one finger by her lip as to not bring up how they're relationship started.

Peter would eye roll, knowing likely Selina and Barbara at least knows how the relationship started, heck even Jason. But he nodded anyway and respected her wishes. Cassandra would remove her hand's from his mouth to let him continue, "I know at some point I fell for you, maybe fell for you really hard and I wasn't aware of it. Part of me feels like…I don't deserve it, just as part of me expects my luck to take away what I have in front of me…But I can't think like that, not anymore that is. My aunt, Gwen, her father, my friend Harry, and the bat family in general? Wouldn't want me to think like that. Plus, I figured…When you're ready to tell me, I'll do the same."

Cassandra's mouth was left slightly open. Sometimes she wishes she can speak like how Peter speaks. From the bottom of his heart, being so open, and expressing how open he is. She knows it took awhile for him to do that, but she wishes she can. She knows the only real way of doing this would be to read and write to better improve her speech and understanding physical language.

Something she has neglected for sometime after becoming batwoman, and now, something she wants to work on when she and everyone is able to bring order in Gotham, "...What if I…Never did say it?" She asked.

"Then I'll say it when I propose to you."

Peter's eyes widened, placing his hand by his mouth as his lips moved faster than he thought it would. Cassandra too eyed wide, and Selina's own laughter echo through the Belfry because of Peter's lips, "PROPOSE?!"

Now Peter was faced with a flush in red, 'Bad time brain! BAD TIME!' "Wait wait!" one hand waved back and forth, "Not now! I mean…" Peter lightly groan as that one hand went to scratch his cheek, "..Ugh..Man I wanted to surprise you when all this is over with, but me and my big mou-"

"I do."

Peter's eyes widened, double taking what his girlfriend just said to him, "Come again?"

Cassandra let go of his hands, again, taking the step forward as she brought him close to her so they're lips came in contact with one another. Their kiss only lasted a few seconds, as the bat and the spider were looking upon each other bashfully, sure of themselves, but just really embarrassed with all that just happened between them.

It was like a soap uproar drama happening amongst one another, with a splash of good guys and bad guys going along with it, "I do, I wanna marry you," She said softly that warmed Peter's heart.

"I…"

While he was at a loss for words staring at her basil eyes, Cassandra wasn't, "I wanna spend the rest of my life with you. Have babies with you. Build us our own family, make this family bigger!" Cassandra said, each time becoming more and more happier and ecstatic that her speech impediment wasn't an issue, "I never wanna lose you, and I want to be with you forever, and ever.."

Peter was left astound, mouth open, eyes blinking suggesting he's still alive, but all the more, Peter for once didn't have a word to say. If he was to be honest, truly honest with himself, this was the first time, in a long time, that his heart raced as fast as Keystone city's scarlet speedster, and itself, made him at a loss for words.

The only other person that made him feel like this, where he got lost into the other person's eyes, world, tone, voice, and let his heart get faster than the speed of light, was Gwen. Peter was somewhere else, beyond cloud 9, cloud 9000 even. To not only hear the woman he loves, tell her he loves her, but wants to secure a future with him, forever and ever, all the more meant that this was the one for him.

Through all the trial and tribulation he went through. Through the years of heartbreak and heart loss. Through the dark times, the lonely times that came over his head. He found her, Cassandra Cain, the woman who will be his wife, right in front of him. And next thing he did was kiss her, swung her around, getting her to giggle and chuckle loudly while she held onto him. Heck, he did a backflip with her, and kept spinning her around in mid air, "WE'RE GONNA HAVE A BIG FAT WEDDING!"

"LOT'S OF CAKE."

He stopped his jumping, frowning at the mention of cake, "Cass…You know what too much sugar does to you."

She again glared at him, "CAKE! OR NO WEDDING!"

"BUT THERE'S-"

"NO EXCEPTIONS!"

While Peter was trying to appease her better judgment, failing at it, Jason let out a scoff when watching the two. This didn't go unnoticed by Selina, "Be happy for them."

"I am happy, see?" He pointed to a smile that looked more forced than anything.

Selina eye roll, "Yeah..Sure you are."

Quick as it came, Jason's face went back to being neutral, and his focus back on the weapons he was touching up, "Besides, if he's happy, then he's happy. It's not my concern or care in what goes on how he feels Selina," suddenly Jason let out a small chuckle, "Funny…I don't remember you caring this much about my relationship with Parker, or anyone else for that matter."

Selina found herself dejected at the point Jason made, "Can you blame me..?" She query more to herself then him, "..You came back from the dead, or rather you already, train with Talia, butcher all what Bruce had try to teach you, and then you cross the line…" she put the gun aside, finding herself looking down in her hand for a second before looking back at Jason, "..It's hard looking at the man you become when I knew you as a hot headed teenager wanting to do more good than harm."

Jason to stop tinkering with his rocket launcher, putting it aside, as his navy blue eyes turn to Selina's own shamrock eye's, "People change..Not like I can go back to how naive I was," he again scoff as he found himself looking away from Selina, and at Peter and Cassandra, "I'll say this…I only became so naive because of him and his….Ex."

"Does seeing him…Being happy with someone else make you feel some type of way Jason?"

Jason turned to her, his mouth ready to answer, but he held it back. He knew what was on his mind, wanting to be vocal about Peter's relationship with Cassandra. He didn't hate it, and if he wanted to only say it to himself, he's glad he has someone to make him happy. Yet, there's that part that mixes with all the anger, rage, fury to this city and every scum that wants to do bad to good people.

That anger says otherwise, '...He's happy…Something my naive self wanted for him…So why do I hate seeing him happy? Is it because it's not with Gwen…?' Jason didn't have the right answer and if he was honest with himself, he hadn't exactly thought about Gwen till he came back to Gotham.

Drinking helped not thinking, and without alcohol, his mind wandered in places he didn't like.

Besides Jason, Barbra was in her own thoughts, 'So they're finally gonna tie the knot? Very happy for them and it's about time. But I guess with those two, they needed time to sort things out. Things haven't always been easy for them, but I guess that was something they had in common, something that always attracted them to one another,' she briefly looked at the bat and the spider arguing about their future wedding, allowing her to giggle and shake her head, 'They've grown up… It was only yesterday when I had to monitor Peter's daredevil actions and movement because he was always a wild card. It was also yesterday where I had to be an older sister of sorts to Cassandra, guiding her the right way to understand what we do. And it was only yesterday where I remember Peter spending time helping her with reading.'

That particular day, Barbara smirk grew just a bit.

6 years ago

Barbara made it to the clocktower. It only had been about a month since No man's land for Gotham was all but gone and order was somewhat restored to the city. She spended time helping out her father with some of the more technological stuff that needed sorting out in the GCPD. And with that out of way, she was back in the clocktower to begin monitoring Gotham for Bruce and rest since it was now night time.

Oddly, she didn't expect to smell food, but also saw Peter interacting with Cassandra on the couch, "F..F..Fond?"

"Close! Fffffouuuuund!"

"Fffffffooooouuuuund..!"

"But this time just found."

"Frown."

"Found."

"Fond!"

"Found Cassandra."

Barbara can see Cassandra annoyed and pissed off. She groaned loudly and went back to eating what seemed like Chinese food. Peter sighed and shook his head, noticing Barbara was rolling to them, "Hey Babs! How is your father and GCPD?"

"Getting better, a lot of stuff needs repairing but day by day everything is getting back to normal. With you, Bruce, some of the titans, and justice league members coming and helping out, it seems like No man's land happened years ago instead of a month ago," she said. Barbara was now curious of not only hearing Peter helping out with Cassandra speech, but also notice the books he picked out for her to study on the couch along with some chinese food near the table, "I'm surprised you're finding time to help Cassandra."

"Hm? Oh well, I decided to drop out of college. This would give me a lot more time to do some of the stuff I need to do."

Barbara's eyes widened, "You dropped out? Why?! Bruce made sure to give you a scholarship so you not only get a fine education, but a degree in the things you wa-"

"I know, I know," Peter put up his hands, stopping Barbara from talking, "But I need to take care of everyone right now. May is recovering in the hospital, Harry needs me with everything that's been going after what happened Norman, MJ is drinking again…" Again Peter sighed, "...I can't do college when everyone needs me."

Cassandra looked at both Barbara and Peter. She saw both were frowning, both were both saddened about something. While she knew they were talking, understanding what they were speaking about was harder, but seeing their facial movement, and how they're body was reacting to their conversation meant there was something going on.

Something that made them sad, and she didn't exactly like it. Putting her food aside once again, she went back to try to properly say the word that Peter was having in her study, "Fond…Ffffound…Frown…Gah…FOUND! FOUND! FOUND!" In her frustration, she said the word she wanted to say.

Amazing Peter, and having Barbara be awestruck, "FOUND! FOUND! HEHE! FOUND!" She giggles at her achievements.

"THERE WE GO!" Peter shouted, "Now onto the next one!"

"NO!" Cassandra went back to eating, seeing she did exactly what she wanted to do.

"C-Cassandra! Ugh…Why do I even bother," Peter turn to Barbara who still held her own smirk, "She's so much better being my dynamic duo then being a study pa-"

Cassandra would end up shoving a chicken into Peter's mouth, stopping him from yapping, "Eat! Cold! Eat!"

It was Peter's turn to groan, just as it was Barbara's turn to have a laugh after the stressful day she dealt with. She knows there was more to talk about with Peter in the future, but that can wait.

She rather enjoys this time when Peter is in a lighter mood, not having the world rest on his shoulder. And for someone like Cassandra to be able to do this so easily, was a sight to behold.

Present

"Shit!" Barbara shouted, reality came smack into her face as the Belfry computer was done analyzing the amount of symbiotes in Gotham, "Everyone! You're gonna need to take a look at this now!."

The 4 people in Belfry either jog to the computer or move their chairs closer to Barbara. On the Belfry's computer, everyone saw the data being finished on how much Kasady had spread amongst Gotham. Everyone's expressions were a mix of slackjaw, mouth slightly open, or shock at what they saw.

Kasady symbiote didn't just spread from the army he's formed, but also spread to whoever were either civilian's or secretly part of his army. The 3D map of Gotham showcases a portion of the three islands encompassed in red linear markers. It didn't showcase who since the Belfry system mainframe didn't have the capacity for that, but it was able to showcase where the symbiotes are at, where they're moving, even if they're dormant until further notice.

The red markers were spread all across the three islands, signifying, they were almost everywhere at this time.

"He spread…That much? How is that even possible?" Peter asked.

"Don't look at us Parker, you were the one that had the black suit and went face to face with it before."

Peter found himself scowling at Jason, "Yeah, but Eddie was never able to spread this much before! He's done it to a few people but not on this scale!"

"Either way, now that is a fucking army. Probably bigger than the Knight's own. Hell maybe at this moment," Jason had his arms crossed, "It make sense why this crazy fucker is able to know your every move Parker. For all we know just like the knight, this fucker likely has been spending just as much time building his army for this moment!"

Peter didn't like that thought, to know that there were two individual villains that had been planning months, years maybe, for this exact moment, "What's scarier is that it seems like they've haven't partnered up yet."

"And when they do…All hell is gonna rain on Gotham. There's no way we can compete against them when that time comes," Selina mentioned, "We're gonna need way more help."

"Let's not forget that now we know this, it means Kasady is waiting for you specifically to take a move," Barbara said to Peter, "The Arkham Knight knows that if Peter fought with any of you, it'll be trouble. And Kasady knows that when you're not around with everyone Peter, your more easier to take down until he can get his claws on everyone else," Barbara began typing away for a communication line that was being sent outside of Gotham, more towards space, "We're gonna need help, and we can't expect the other heroes from justice league, titans, justice society or any other team to come for our help."

"Superman?" Cassandra throws out, wondering if he can be called upon.

"Hell no," Jason was the first to say, "If the Arkham Knight is that smart, then they'll prepare for him. It's not that hard to have kryptonite these days."

"Oh because you have one?" Jason smirks, causing Peter to give an irritable groan, "Anyways, Jason is right. We can't hope to have Clark and his family help in this situation. Kasady would likely take a chance of letting his symbiote takeover Clark since he's not as strong as he use to be."

"Which is why I'm gonna get the next best thing," Barbra began transmitting communication to a planet far from earth known as New Tamaran, "Thank god we have Wayne's tech antenna in outer space to do the leg work."

"While you do that I'm gonna also try to get some more help along the way," Peter said.

"Who?" His soon to be fiance asked.

"Uh, well, I'm honestly banking Madame webb can not only come through for them, but maybe a certain someone can get Zatanna to help out too."

This caught Barbara's attention, "You're actually gonna ask them for help? Not all of them would be cooperative to help out here, or better yet you Peter."

"I know, that's why I can only hope Ben helps me out here. And plus…I mention that's something I have to fix, and what better way than cracking two eggs for an omelet by doing this?"

By that simple statement, the four people in the belfry stared at him oddly, "...The fuck is that meaning Parker?"

"Shhhuu! Gotta concentrate now."

Peter would close his eyes, trying to get in tune with Charlotte, 'Ok…Just gotta remember what the former CW told me…Focus on the thin web…The connection that connects everyone…The web that ties all life no matter living and breathing…Focus on the web…Focus….CHARLOTEEEEEEEE! CW! CAN YO-'

'Oh great scotts Peter! You did that on purpose!'

Peter let himself chuckle, 'Just checking to see if you weren't spying on me all of the time. There are certain things I want to keep private, you know?'

'...I'm not a creep to not know what you do with your soon to be wife. Congratulations by the way.'

Peter opens his eyes, looking at Cassandra, "CW said congrats to us."

"Thanks! Hope to see…You at the wedding!"

'Ugh…You'll have to force me there because I'm not one for that stuff. Anyways, Ben already is aware of the situation and is finishing up some stuff in Vegas. I've tried to communicate with the others with only some…Success.'

'Meaning?'

'Kaine told me to fuck off. Jessica thinks you can handle it, and Mattie doesn't want to set foot in Gotham. I made sure to contact those 3 first before Ben, and knowing your brother, he said he'll make sure they'll help.'

Peter found himself smirking, 'With him, I don't think I have to worry then. He is, after all, way better at handling relationships and communication than me.'

'He is technically you, just the same as Kaine. No matter how different they are, taking the best and worst parts of you, you can learn from them just as they can learn from you.'

'I know…I want to, so that way I can be better. Thanks Charlotte, I owe you big time.'

He can feel her giggle, 'You don't owe me anything. After how much you help me, or how much you've done as a hero, you don't owe anyone anything. Just make sure you do right by them, don't turn away from them even if they do it first.'

'Yeah I know, I got it.'

Peter would finish his talk with Madam Webb, coming back into reality, "Ok, everyone ready to save the demon head?"

"Like we have a choice," Cassandra would hit Jason ribs with her elbows, "What it's true."

"Yes."

"Alright autobot's, let's roll out."

Peter felt pride in that quote, no matter if Jason gave him the stink eye.

New York City

Dick was speeding through Manhattan, passing from lower Manhattan to all the way towards the middle of Manhattan, where it's most well known sites Time Square and Central park resides at. He was getting close to where Jackal's old hideout was, but then suddenly, his jet pack stopped working, "DAMN IT!"

He only just now noticed his fuel for jet wings were now depleted. He might've recharge earlier in the Belfry, but unlike the batcave, it wasn't supplied with a faster chargeable equipment. Dick was sent crashing to the street's, pressing the button on his arms where the wing jet folded inside his suit, as he landed on top of a truck. He was able to stop himself from falling directly to the street by catching the edge of the truck, "UGH!" Dick let out a shock of pain, it wasn't just the landing or how he caught himself, but the fact his body was going through self-abnegating from the venom he has been using for months.

He quickly pulled himself up on the truck, biting down his own teeth as he let the pain run his body. If the truck hadn't stopped due to traffic, he might've fallen off because he couldn't hold onto it at his condition. Dick touches the device in his ear to get in contact with the Belfry communication line, "Barbara…"

"Dick! What happened?"

Groaning more through the pain, Dick had to stay focused, had to ignore his mind telling him to use what's in his belt, use the drug that gives him strength. It would be so easy, and he won't be distracted by the pain. But he can't go through the ordeal of how his family saw him, and not to mention.

He had thought about Koriand'r, to which he hadn't, just like the other times where he was selfish with the relationship he had for.

He has to be better, for his family's sake, for himself, but most importantly, to the women he doesn't want to lose again, "...Minor issues, need…" Dick pushes himself up to his feet, slowly as his body shakes in pain, as his body sends out so much stinging pain that it was like he was getting electrocuted by one of Peter's rogues, and not to mention, the migraine pulsed heavily to his head.

All this was just reminding him more and more what it feels to be off venom, and it was a bitch to deal with, "Another way…To location…" He said in between his shaky breath.

"Dick, Bruce is more closer than Tim and I! He can come-"

"No Spoiler! I'm the closest there! Oracle please!"

"You're close to 59th Columbus circle! Take the 1, it should lead you near to the south Ferry line by lexington that was closed years ago."

"On…It!" Dick would then push himself, push through the pain, even when it hurt, he had to keep going. He leapt from car to car, riding on it till he made it to the Columbus circle station, 'Keep going Dick…No matter how much it hurts…Keep going!' He encouraged himself to the best he could.

But it hurts all the same.

Bruce heard what was going on Dick end, and the worst part he kept turning off his communication line so no one could hear the pain he was going through. Bruce sped through the traffic, sped past the red light, and sped straight past the bridge he just crossed just so he could get there to help Dick. Unlike Dick, who took the easier, but longer way flying straight to lower Manhattan, Bruce took the longer way to get to Manhattan via the Geogre Washington bridge. It meant he would be able to rendezvous Dick 's location faster since Tim and Stephanie were now reaching the George Washington Bridge.

If Tim could've, he would fly over to New York but his car lacks the power and fuel at the moment since getting back to Gotham. Either way, Bruce had to be there for Dick, since he of all people knows just enough what he's going through, 'It's a slippery soap when having the power venom gives to you…I may not have been in the same pain as Dick, but I sure as hell know what it was like getting clean off of venom…And Dick shouldn't be out in the field cause of it,' Bruce thought to himself, 'I've suspected it…But like everyone, I didn't want to believe that he resort to venom. Even modified, he still succumbed to similar changes in characteristics like I had… Because I couldn't save her.'

Bruce still remembers her, the little girl he couldn't save in his earlier years of being Batman, the little girl, Sissy was her name, used in a twisted plot schemed by her own father, just to get Bruce to be manipulated into using venom. He remembers how much he hurted Alfred, Gordon and Captain Stacy in those days because of it. And the only way he was able to even beat his own demon's was through sheer will power.

But he also remembered something important, he didn't do it alone, '..God Alfred…' Bruce's grip on the grip tightened, 'It's times like these where I'm not ready to lose you…I still need you,' Bruce shook his head, he couldn't keep thinking about all this, not right now.

He needs to stay focused on the mission, on helping his son get through this.

New Tamaran

Unlike Earth, New Tamaran surrounded itself with nature first and foremost. Wild creatures ran amok here both in the skies and the ground below. The environment itself was filled with the mixture of greenish to bluish trees that were designated all around New Tamaran. While these types of creatures roam the environment, so do the people in it which were known as Tamaraneans. Just like Koriand'r and her sister, most share their blazing trail of energy behind them, just as their skin shares the same color as the blazing orange sun that shines above them.

Speaking of Koriand'r, the queen of this planet, she was handling some businesses that involved using technology from their planet. It led her to more so outer space first and foremost, using similar equipment that home whatever it is they need up in our outer space. This was a headquarter similar to Earth's watchtower, so that way, the planet can thrive more on nature than the usage of technology.

It's here where Koriand'r was making sure it was up to date, but she couldn't but frown to herself when touching up the rectangular space headquarter, 'Why am I still here! I should be on earth helping Dick and his family as I wanted too!' Koriand'r had then sighs, 'But being the queen of New Tamaran means keeping order…And I feel terrible that I'm not keeping up my word when it comes to helping them.'

Koriand'r felt like she was only putting up a front that she would come to help the bat family, but she wasn't, as New Tamaran always kept needing her undivided attention. She couldn't say no to what the people need, nor ignore where help is needed. She felt if she left her home unattended, it would go to shambles, '...I don't want to lose another home…Not when I spend a full year getting everything in place.'

It was then she saw her sister, flying to her by the corner of her outlandish green eyes, "Sister, a human by the name of Oracle needs your attention."

Koriand'r eyes widened, it must mean something important was happening for her to call her. She quickly nodded, "Take over for me!" Not waiting for an answer, Koriand'r quickly flew inside the headquarters, and rushed to the communication room where she luckily had it all to herself. She patches herself to a server mainframe where she can talk to Barbara, "Barbara! I know! I said I would come, but there's been some setbacks in New Tamaran that have kept me here."

"If it's possible, Star fire! We really need your help now. We're dealing with multiple armies, and while we have the whole team back, we're too spread thin right now at the moment."

"And being spread so thin means one of those armies could do something terrible?" Koriand'r quickly noted but still ask just in case.

"Exactly so, and one of those armies you're familiar with. It seems the symbiote Peter had dealt with has come back, but a new one unlike the previous one he had on him."

"It had reproduced?!"

"Quite possibly, but not only that, it seems this symbiote had been able to spawn more of it."

Koriand'r eyebrow shrewd, but at the sametime, she gasped at how far this type of symbiote was at the stage it was in, "He's gaining more mass to spread and spread..! I'm on my way Barbara! Don't worry!"

The communication line was cut as Koriand'r again, shot out like a flying bullet back out to outer space. She went to her sister once more, who was taking over her job at the moment, "Sister! Please take care of New Tameran, Earth needs me."

Her eyebrow raised, "You know how these people are with me Koriand'r, you sure y-"

Koriand'r quickly hugged her sister, "Yes! Doesn't matter what you did to them or to me! It's in the past, now please! Hold down the fort! My first home needs me!" As soon as she came, she went, leaving a golden, fiery trail right behind as she blaze out from Komand'r eye view.

Though, Komand'r found herself frowning at what her sister said to her, "In the past huh… It seems my sister may get hurt once more from the past..Just as I feel like I haven't done enough to repent my sins."

Komand'r couldn't worry about that right now. When the time comes to first another one of her actions, she will, even if her sister will get hurt from it.

New York City

"Come on Felicia!"

"Red! There's no way we're gonna get this thing open. Not with Brute force or by getting lucky in finding a switch!"

It was close to an hour, maybe more or less as Felicia and Mary Jane kept trying to find a way out of this impossible scenario. As she mentioned, they've tried brute forcing their way out with their body, only to be unsuccessful and Felicia sitting on the ground holding her waist. It didn't help that she was sitting where her lower body was caught in the body water that seeped through the chamber. Quite literally, if Peter or anyone else doesn't come in time, they will drown.

And Felicia, being encouraged by red, doesn't want to give up, 'I can't die in a dump like this! I'd rather at least die somewhere comfortable than here!' Felicia told herself, pushing herself up from the metallic ground, but she falter and went back to sitting, 'Fuck…!' Her face squinted from the excruciating pain she put herself through trying to get out of the chamber, 'Push too damn much for my own good…Come on Hardy…You watch your father be one of the best thief's in New York…You sought others like that Ted and Selina to train yourself to be a better god damn thief….And even if I use them to my own end, I learn from the best to be the best,' as Felicia talk herself into focusing on what she's missing to escape, she then notice one vital detail that can possibly save both her and Mary Jane's life.

The chamber can't handle the pressure of the water. It's beginning to crack near them, and Mary Jane is actually increasing the crack, 'Bin-fucking-go,' "Red!" Stopping her bomb rush on the chamber, she look to Felicia struggling to pick herself up, but all the more had that familiar fire look in her eyes when it came to wanting what she wants, "Hit this point a few more times and move out the way, and whatever you, don't let me go."

Mary Jane looked in front of her, noticing the amount of water was flooding, and then realized what Felicia meant, "OK!" Roaring with all her might, Mary Jane kept bomb rushing herself to the chamber.

She kept moving all the way back to the small chamber, then run as fast as she could, smashing her shoulder to the chamber wall.

She did it once.

Twice.

Three.

Then forth.

And the fifth time, she put her all into, "FUCKING BREAK YOU PICECE OF SHIT!" Mary Jane ran, launching herself, smashing shoulder once more on the glass wall. This is when the crack creates an opening. Mary Jane ran to Felicia, holding her by the waist, until the amount of water began pouring right into the chamber.

Even when away from the flood, Mary Jane and Felicia still got caught by the body water. It was enough to push them away, but not enough to send them hurling and diving deeper to the body of water. Scrambling on the ground, Felicia clutched onto Mary Jane as she was able to catch herself by one of the chamber's bar handles. The water flooded quickly, and now they were underneath the body of water, holding their breath till they could move.

When the flood stopped, this is when Mary Jane made her move. Holding Felicia with one arm, she managed to swim back to the surface, allowing the two women to breathe, "Holy…Can you swim?" Mary Jane asks Felicia.

"...I'm a cat," Felicia said, gathering her breath just like Mary Jane, "What do you think?"

They were out of the woods for now, but they still needed to try to escape the mess they were in.

Gotham

Peter, Jason, and Cassandra made it to the underground of the closed station that once was Jezebel plaza. Jason took the lead, assault rifle out and checked every corner when moving closer into the abandoned train station.

Peter quickly hopped above the gargoyle, having the bird's eye view of the entire station to see if there were any possible guards that Jason once fought off before. Cassandra maneuvers to a different part of the entrance, using a grate to allow her to sneak through as she uses her own detective vision to scan the area around her. Meanwhile, Jason took upon moving the front entrance, covering from corner to corner, using a similar vision like Cassandra, but more closer to a thermal vision that allowed him to see body heat whether anyone was here to begin with, or if they're nearby.

"It's clear from my angle!" Peter said.

"Clear!" Cassandra also said when exiting the gate she was in.

"Clear," Jason found himself scoffing as he didn't let his guard down not even if the area looked clean, "So far that is.."

Peter hopped to where Jason was, meeting up with Cassandra, "So how do we go from here? Assuming that everything is still in one piece to navigate to Wonder City."

"No, guessing from Bruce and your doing, everything that the Al Ghul's once had sunk in deep water," Jason said when he holstered his weapon to his shoulder, "Navigating means we're each swinging above water, jumping and watching where we crawl. Everything they built is more deep into the ocean," Peter's head look at a direction when suddenly, the trio suddenly felt the earth itself shake, not enough to make them tumbling, but for each to be aware how odd that was, "...Fuck," he took back out his weapon, going back to back with both Peter and Cassandra, "Knew the bastard had something up them sleeves. Nothing is ever clear when it's this empty."

Cassandra was back to using her detective vision, switching modes via her gauntlet to track where the vibration was coming from. It came from the east from their direction, and the vibration grew and grew, "Something big…"

Peter felt his tingle already letting him know of danger. It started light, a nudge of sorts before the vibration started, and due to where his attention was at, Jason and Cassandra were ready just as he is, "I have a bad feeling of who we would be facing. But it doesn't make sense..He shouldn't be near this place."

"Who the hell this big is com- oh fuck, don't tell me it's Solomon-"

A loud roar was heard, "LOOK OUT!" Both Cassandra and Jason dodge to the side with roll while Peter simply bends back all the way to the floor to avoid a huge rock being thrown at him. The rock itself went through the old trains and a wall before it stopped. Peter backflips, jumping on top of the train where he can see a gray, large figure coming through the wall he broke, breathing heavily. He wore a ripped dark vested coat along with ripped dark pants, with both looking to be not only stretch out of portion, a century old from the design alone, but also look to be glued onto his own gray skin, "Grundy! It's good to see you again! You do remember me right? I know the costume is a little different bu-"

"This is no time to converse with a dead man walking spider!" Jason had his rocket launcher out as he was ready to take him down by any means necessary.

"No wait! I can-"

Instead of trying to convince Grundy, the monster vein bulged, his yellow eyes rolled back up to his head as he let out a harling scream and charged at the trio.

"EVERYONE GET READY!" As Arkham Knight saw the trio of superhero top sides going against Grundy, they needed to make sure everything was prep against them while they complete the sequence of bringing back Joker, "WE NEED AN ESCAPE READY ONCE THE PROCESS IS FINISHED! BUT WE ALSO NEED EVERYONE GOD DAMN ARTILLERY ON THEM! I DON'T CARE IF WE HAVE TO BRING DOWN THIS PLACE TO DO IT, WE CAN'T LET THEM GET TO TALIA AL GHUL!"

Everyone agreed as they did their part. Meanwhile, Arkham Knight stood watching Talia suffer in silent agony of her blood being drained to rejuvenate the person they need most in their life right now, "I won't afford to lose…Not when I'm so close, so close.."

Kasady had his hand in his pocket. Only wearing pants as he let his shirtless body felt the cold breeze as November was reaching to a close, and felt the cold ground of the concrete as he walked with no shoes on. He found himself whistling, smiling, walking amongst the streets as nothing stopped him from where he was heading.

Whatever car was in the way, his symbiote threw it aside, destroying either cars, buildings, or whatever store was in the area. Whatever car that wanted to cross the light was also stopped, and again being tossed elsewhere.

Not to mention was the army he had with him; howling, screaming, causing a mock in Old Gotham. Kasady even had the more larger symbiotes encompass just like Jameson once was patrolling the rooftops, or walking alongside him as they too destroy whatever was in the way.

And what made things even worse was his lover, Shriek, using her abilities to once again cause just as much chaos, anarchy as she did on veterans day. With all this destruction going along the way, everyone had one designation in mind since the hero's of Gotham were nowhere to be found.

Gotham City Police Department, the one place keeping Gotham intact, the beacon of hope that must be ripped away.

GCPD was already notified of what was going on, and everyone of them was preparing for the worst, "EVERYONE GET INTO POSITION!" Jean Dewolf spoke. She was armed with protective gear and firearms that were specifically for Kasady and his army, "WE NEED MORE PEOPLE TOP SIDE! TAKE SNIPER POSITIONS! WE NEED PEOPLE COVERING THE FRONT, BACK, AND OUR SIDES! WE CAN'T EXPECT THE LIKES OF SPIDER-MAN AND THE REST OF THE BAT FAMILY TO BACK US UP!"

"WHAT YOU MEAN CAN'T EXPECT?! HOW THE FUCK CAN-"

"INCOMING!"

"EVERYONE TAKE CO-"

A bus was sent through the GCPD, making an opening and sent hurling through the place. Jean heard the screams coming from that bus, she heard the cries coming from her place knowing people had died from that sudden attack, and Jean knew what she and anyone that doesn't run, was gonna be facing. Jean, and majority of the GCPD was able to get clear, or at the least were conscious to take cover as Kasady was drawing closer.

Kasady had a clear view of an opening for him, and his army to kill each and every GCPD that was held up in their building. The likes of his more symbiote army took the roof, slaughtering every officer's that were on the roof's as they were gonna make sure to go from top side, to the lower levels.

"SORRY TO CRASH IN UNINVITED!" Kasady screamed out, "BUT I JUST HAD TO MAKE MY MOVE WHEN I NOTICED THE SPIDER AND HIS BAT FAMILY IS NOWHERE TO BE FOUND IN GOTHAM! TAKING A MOVE RIGHT OUT OF THE ARKHAM KNIGHT BOOK! IT'S HIS FAULT REALLY! HE SHOULD KNOW I WANT HIM TO COME OUT AND PLAY! AND YOU PIGS WILL HAVE TO DO!"

"FIRE AT THE SON OF BITCH! WE'RE NOT GONNA DIE HERE!" Commissioner Dewolff shouted, everyone agreeing and doing their part to push them back.

They got a few shots in some of the army, but it wouldn't be enough, because Kasady made sure his army was stronger and faster then before. He had some firing with their own weapons, tossing grenades and such to make it harder for the GCPD to counter back. Meanwhile, he also had his more larger symbiotes jumping into the GCPD, doing just the amount of killing and eating whatever cops were in the way.

Luckily, Dewolff and her cops didn't back down, whoever could stand the line used not only sonic weapons, but fire artillery to hurt or burn the suits when they weren't fast enough to avoid the damage. The sonic appears to be less effective, and they mostly restored to using fire instead. Of course, as much as they could take down these larger hordes of symbiotes, Kasady and his army drew nearer.

And it didn't help that Shriek was using her telepathic abilities to control some of the cops to shoot one another, "SHIT NO!" Commissioner Dewolff had to do what was necessary and shoot her comrades from killing one another, "Fuck fuck fuck…" Commissioner Dewolff tried to stay calm, but being normal against these heightened forces did not make it easier.

But she had to keep fighting, till the very end, that's what it meant to be part of the GCPD. She moved from cover to cover, assisting her policeman against the larger hordes of symbiotes, trying to fight back against the forces that were slowly but surely coming their way.

And she can hear the screams going upstairs, regardless of what she was doing, there was absolutely no way she, or the people in the building could get out alive. But she had to keep fighting, 'If this is it…Then I'd rather die doing what I believe is right than running,' Commissioner Dewolff told herself.

Then the oddest thing happened, the hordes of symbiotes that were in the upper level were thrown to Kasady. Shriek had to move them away before it hit any of the army, and then, a green laser beam drew a line before them.

From what Commissioner Dewolff can see, a woman came flying down, standing before the army, "..S-starfire?"

Koriand'r stood before the army, but was close enough to the GCPD so she could make sure everyone was ok, "Please officers, if you can retreat please do. I will handle this."

Koriand'r would then levitate closer to the army. Dewolff chuckled to herself, she couldn't believe that her of all people came just in time to save everyone from being killed, "Thank god…" Dewolff muttered to herself, "EVERYONE WHO'S ALIVE! REGROUP! WE'RE GETTING OUT OF HERE! AND SEE IF ANYONE IN THAT BUS BACK THEIR IS ALIVE!"

Koriand'r green eyes glared at the army before her, her fist tighten, just as she was just about ready to throw down against the evil before her, "I will say this once, stop your foolish intentions," She then ignited both of her hands, ready to shoot her laser beams at them, "Give up, or get lit up!"

Kasady would let out another of his whistles, clapping, and snickering, just as his sizable army laughed with him, "Wow! Holy shit! Your Starfire! Glad to be in the presence of a titan member! But as cool as it is to see you in person…Nah," Kasady would then whistle to Shirek, gesturing for her to use her powers on Koriand'r.

But seconds would pass with nothing happening. Kasady raised an eyebrow at Shirek, noticing her jaw clenching, concentration, sweating, and growling as whatever she was trying to do wasn't working, "Uh…Babe?"

"...Can't….Pull anything out of this bitch…It's like she has no ounce of negativity in her that I can pull from, or she's immune to my abilities!"

Kasady eyes widen, feeling a similar tingling alerting him of what's gonna happen next, "Fuck me."

"RAHH!" Koriand'r would then blast her star bolts at them. Kasady was lucky to take some damage from them if it wasn't the bulk of his army taking the blast straight on, burning their symbiotes away from the skin.

Koriand'r would fly to them with such speed, tackling and throwing one another to them. She uses her ability to fly and avoid bullets being shot at her while she shoots more focus star bolts at her target. Her star bolts were so hot that one single blast was enough to take down the more lesser version of the symbiotes compared to Kasady.

Kasady meanwhile, let his red symbiote cover his body, readying himself to fight the Tamaranean, "I don't care what you are!" Kasady uses tendril to latch onto Koriand'r legs, and bring her down to the ground, "YOU WON'T STOP OUR CARNAGE!"

"By Tamaraneans might," she burns Carnage tendrils off her legs, "I WILL!"

"AHHH!" Carnage screamed in pain, never feeling the might of Koriandrs starbolt especially when his symbiote tried to protect him. His hands were shaking even if some bits of symbiotes were still in his hands. He needed more to keep going, enough to survive against Koriand'r attack, "BOY'S….I NEED MORE!" Some bits of the army came to him, lending their symbiote to Carnage so that he can gain back the mass he lost. And she faced off against the bulk of his army that came before her.

Meanwhile, Koriand'r didn't hold back; countering, moving, punching, and kicking, the army stood no chance of her since she also used her star bolts to her advantage, spinning and catching anyone who dared cross her.

But of course, Carnage made sure to bring a lot, and the more larger symbiotes jumped on her, tackling behind her, and tried to bring her to her knees. When that wasn't enough, Shriek mustered up a huge sonic beam. Some of the symbiote got caught in their crossfire, being blown away while Koriand'r stood her ground even when she clutched her ear.

"Gah….I WILL NOT LOSE!" Just when she was gonna dash forward, Shriek turned off her abilities so Kasady could leap into the fray.

He tackled her, she pushed him off and tried blasting him, but Carnage laughed, dodging her. Koriand'r would bring the fight to him, and she obviously was the stronger, more experienced, and faster fighter that Carnage could only barely dodge before getting dominated.

What made it difficult to fully tear apart Carnage was his multitude of armies coming into help. Koriand'r might've taken down a good portion of them, but they were like a three head snake, cut off one head, another one grows back. She had to focus her assault on them, blasting them with the star bolts, or fending them off her. Then there was Shriek using her sonic blast on her that made it annoying to deal with.

She would then take to the skies to give her a breathing room where she can focus her star bolts on them. But Kasady had other ideas; he let his army spin him around and threw him to her. Creating a small tendril, he would catch her by the neck and slam her back down to the ground. Koriand'r very nearly almost broke out, but Shriek blasted with a sonic beam, allowing for the symbiotes to pummeled her as Carnage held her up big for them to make her bleed, "Don't struggle! Actually do! Make it harder for us!"

She would try to burn the tendril around her neck, but Shriek added a dosage of her sonic beam to make it harder to do anything. What made it harder for Koriand'r to get out was the number of attacks that's being done to her. From losing oxygen, from ears being torn apart, to the number of similar symbiotes like Carnage brutally pushing, clawing her body.

"..O..Racle…"

"What was that? Did you say something along the line of wanting mercy?" Carnage asked curiously.

Carnage would then feel his skull tingling, looking left and right, he didn't see anything. Till something teleported from behind, and kicked the back of his head.

Then three more people teleported to the scene; one kicking, and throwing a symbiote right over his head and straight to the concrete ground, and two others decking Shriek stopping her abilities.

Koriand'r was couching, breathing heavily as she tried getting her senses back. Her hearing was blurred, only hearing some voice that almost reminded him of someone as her eyes started to focus on the voice, "P..eter?"

"...o, but a brother of his," her eyes saw the person she was talking too; a man in similar costume as Peter once wore, but has a large black spider covering his whole body to his shoulder, had white gauntlets on his wrist, and his legs were more blue with an ounce of red by his feet, "You ok Koriand'r?"

Koriand'r took his hand, shaking her head and standing up, "Yes…Light headed…Did you say brother?"

"Oh! We never formally met! I'm-"

"STOP TALKING RILEY AND HELP OUT!"

"YEAH YOUR THE ONE WHO WANTS US HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE!"

"GOD THIS PLACE HASN'T CHANGE NOT ONE BIT! IT'S STILL SMELLS AND LOOK AT ALL THESE…WHATEVER THEY ARE!"

Koriand'r turn to see essentially a variation of Peter. Just like the person named Riley near him, there was another man and two women that shared a similar spider persona as Peter has. This is when her eyes quickly widen, "Oh! Your Peter's spider family!"

"Eh, you could say that," Riley shrugs, "It's complicated, but we're here for him. So, shall we finish off this dance battle?"

Koraind'r smirked, "Let's shall."

Man, it sucks it took a lot longer to finish this chapter. But I think I really just needed a break. Every time I stared at what needs to be written, I was always not wanting to do that, and I felt like I didn't love what I was trying to write. But it's weird, because when I read it, I do love it.

I just…I don't know how to explain the process of what went on in this chapter. Maybe it's because I kept forcing myself to write to the point I didn't want too, or maybe I really needed to take a step back from this story because I genuinely did not want to write it. I don't know, because again, I do love writing this story. Just this chapter was really hard to write.

I'm hoping the next chapter can come out quicker, but I think I'm gonna roll out the updates a lot slower. Mostly because I feel I've been rushing this story out then making sure the quality is where I want it to be at, and of course, responsibilities outside of writing occurring more and more day by day. I have faith that anyone who is interested in this story, will come back to read whenever I update it next time. I'm not going away for a long time, but I really want to stop pressuring myself to get a chapter out once or twice a month. I can't do it because I've got more responsibilities outside of this story now, and I honestly need to focus on those things first before this.

But fear not, this story will be finished, and I can confidently say that we have at least 21 more chapters left of this story. So hold onto your hats, we still got a wild ride to finish here. See ya whenever peeps!