Hey Everybody. Webshooters are loaded, new spiderman series is airing, and new chapter of this story is raring to go!

Spent the last few months brainstorming, writing, and rewriting where I eventually want this story to go, and I'm actually really excited for once this ball starts to get rolling. In the immortal words of Auto Octavius "a single swift kick is all it would take to send them tumbling down the hill."

"I think it's time to lace up my boots… and climb the hill."

this is…

Miraculous Remnants- Volume 1: Along Came a Spider

Chapter 4: shared responsibility -part 2

Vale General: Early December

"Trouble sleeping?" A tired voice called out.

Peter looked up from notes and drawings spread out all over the hospital cafeteria table. His borrowed laptop lit up the room and revealed a tired Gwen in the door.

"Been stuck in bed almost 2 days." Peter set down the papers, rubbing his eyes. "Any longer and I'm gonna start crawling up the walls."

It took Gwen's wry look for him to mentally go over his words again. "Ok that one was a happy accident."

"Yeah right" she scoffed.

After Leon's big reveal, the entire team was put through a second battery of tests. Between that and their other sudden storybook revelation, everyone was bouncing between interviews and medical exams for the rest of the day. The earth crew was exhausted.

Except for one.

When Gwen approached she saw the red and blue reason why, all spread across the table. "You're… working on the suit?" She hesitated.

"Just the designs and blueprints." Peter was quick to reassure. "Figured if we're gonna be stuck here, might as well ask Glynda about borrowing a computer. No powers unless it's an emergency, and especially no patrol."

"Is that what happened the other night? I heard you come back in through the window." Gwen narrowed her eyes.

As shocked as he was, Parker couldn't help but flinch under her intense gaze. He hated receiving the look.

Just as much as she hated giving it.

"Peter, you almost died." Gwen couldn't believe she had to emphasize that fact. "Qrow being there in time was sheer luck. How long do you think that'll hold out?"

"How many others will ask the same question if I don't?" He shot back.

Now it was Gwen's turn to be caught off guard. The resolution in his voice was unwavering, even if he couldn't bring himself to look back at her.

"You saw those monsters everyone was facing." He paused, lifting the fabric of his scorched and torn mask. "This world may have its hunters, but I-I think it could use a few heroes too."

There it was again. That familiar feeling of dread spread through Gwen, conjuring images of Peter lying in his own blood. How much had he put himself through to fix everyone else's mistakes? Including hers?

This shouldn't be his responsibility.

… and yet…

A conflicted sigh escaped her lips. This had been so much easier when Spider-Man was just a random guy in a mask. Green eyes roamed the schematics before finally settling on the computer. "Java or python?"

Peter finally looked up. "Huh?"

"How are you programming it?"

It took a minute of Peter staring dumbly before he processed her words. Gwen almost wanted to roll her eyes.

"W-well, uh… there's already an existing code." He floundered for a small flash drive tucked into the wrist of his suit and plugged it in. "I had been planning something like this for a while, but could never put materials together. The software was the only thing I could work on."

Code after code blazed to life on the screen, and once again, she found herself caught off guard. This time in a good way. All of this must have taken months to work out. Had he been designing this since he got his powers?

Pushing that thought aside, Gwen's attention turned to the ruined suit itself. "Ok, but you'll be facing more people with aura and other abilities." She ran a hand over the thin spandex before picking up the papers and blueprints. "Which means you're gonna need a more advanced suit. Something that can take a much bigger hit."

Peter's frustrated hand ran through his hair. "Damn… you're right. I hadn't even considered aura. That probably means a complete overhaul."

Seeing his frustration, Gwen's hands flew over the keys, bringing up a possible 3d render. "Let's focus on keeping it minimalistic then. Some armor for vital areas like the chest and stomach?" She suggested.

"Yeah. Something that won't hamper my movement too much." Reaching into his pocket, Peter pulled out a small white rectangle the teachers had given him and his friends. "Ozpin mentioned something about an aura tracker in their scrolls. Shouldn't be too hard to incorporate that into the mask."

Seeing him turn over the device in hand was somewhat reassuring. Even after everything, Gwen had wondered at times how seriously Spider-Man took fights. Now his wisecracks were one less thing she had to worry about, bringing her focus back to the computer.

Plus, Pete won't run out again while he's busy here.

"Hey, Gwen."

She turned around to find Peter nervously scratching his neck, once again refusing to look at her.

And… was he blushing?

"Uh… Thanks."

Stacy wasn't sure why, but a warm feeling drifted over her features. Not quite contentment. Not yet at least, but it was comforting, like she had splashed her face with warm water.

A welcome change after the last few days.

"No prob."

And while she resumed her typing, Gwen remained perfectly oblivious to Peter's own dissatisfaction. Seriously Parker? You can stare down The Rhino, but you can't bring up your first kiss together?

Once he was done mentally berating himself, Peter and Gwen fell into a familiar pattern, each one focusing on one aspect while keeping a close eye on the others work, offering a helpful pointer every here and there. Whether it was middle school science projects or genetics research with the Conners, the two had been lab partners for years.

And it was… nice. Having something to focus on that they could fix or work with, especially with each other brought a serene sense of calm. Nothing had changed, and yet… when did those feeling come up in the first place? Had they always been like this working together?

Maybe Gwen would know if I can ever get the words out.

Before either of them knew it, minutes had blended into hours, the sun having long since set on the horizon.

Peter got up and stretched his legs with a yawn, the papers flopping back on the table. "Ok, I got the shape and mold for the armor all set. How's it going with the lens framework?"

The only response he got was the electric hum of the laptop.

"Gwen?"

Peters head curiously poked around the monitor… and his breath caught in throat.

Gwen had nestled her head just behind the keyboard, on top of crossed arms. Stacy's signature headband was on the floor, letting long blonde hair reach just past her shoulder blades. Had he ever seen Gwen with her hair down before?

The dim light of the computer had painted her face like a sleeping angel.

For a moment, Peter just stood there, enchanted by her sleeping beauty, until-

"Hello?" a voice called out from the hallway. "Parker? Stacy? Are you-" Qrow opened the door, stopping short when he caught sight of the two.

Wordlessly, Peter held a finger to his lips, earning an understanding look from the huntsman. It took some doing, but somehow the two weee able to help the half asleep blonde back to their room without disturbing her too much.

That just left the two of them to gather everything from the cafeteria. "Sorry about that. We just lost track of time."

"Ah don't sweat it" Qrow waved him off, looking over the stacks of paper. "Been there myself honestly. But what were you working on?"

It took a seconds hesitation, but Peter eventually brought himself to turn the computer screen around, sitting down at one of the nearby windows. "I'm not the kind of guy who likes to sit still."

"Not bad." Qrow admired, stepping up and zooming in on the web shooters. "Does it have a name?"

"A name?"

"Hunters have a long standing tradition of naming their gear and weapons. It helps grow an attachment. You know, see them as a part of ourselves."

"Huh." Peter hadn't really thought about that. Never even referred to his web shooters as anything but. "You'll have to come back to me on that one."

"That's fair." Branwen shrugged, zooming back out to the full view. "Mind if I show these to Ozpin and Goodwitch?"

Now he was really starting to feel out of his element. Peter fidgeted uncomfortably in place with an uncertain grimance. "I don't know."

"Not quite used to people knowing about this are ya?" Qrow fixed him with a sympathetic gaze. "Relax. No one's asking for you to go from solo act to team player overnight." He motioned back towards the hospital room. "Not even them I'll bet."

Peter followed his eyes, and looking at the room, he couldn't help but replay the last 6 months of crime fighting. Protecting Gwen and the Conners from Electro, taking on the lizard at the Bronx Zoo…

"I wanted to tell them, you know." He admitted, eyes turned downward. "I- I know this has to stay quiet, but… there were so many moments where all I wanted to do was rip off my mask, even if she saw me."

A pirates grin sliced across Branwen's face. "By 'she' I assume you mean Gwen?" Qrow's jab was met with a surprised blush. Spidey hadn't caught his own slip. The huntsman chuckled. "Hey, I get it. Keeping a relationship can be tough, let alone when you're in a business like this."

Peter found his grim gaze drawn to the broken moon outside. "And now they all found out anyway… in the worst way possible."

"I'm not so sure about that. Last I checked you're all still alive." Branwen unplugged the plans and handed them to Peter. "Thanks in no small part to you."

His words hung in the air for about a minute or so, accompanied only by the low electronic hum filling the room. Peter flipped the drive over in his hand.

"You were given an impossible task with even worse circumstances." He sat down next to the web head. "So why not try and make the best of it?"

When the kid took a deep breath, Qrow could almost see the shroud of guilt he kept around him like a cloak. How it started to dissipate, even if just slightly, managing a small smile. "Thanks Qrow."

"Don't sweat it." The huntsman closed the laptop with a click before sitting down next to Peter. "You know, you kinda remind me of my nieces."

Parker turned to Branwen. "You're an uncle?"

"Two girls." He smiled fondly at the memory. "Oldest ones gonna be starting at Beacon in a couple months." His grin fell in momentary recollection. "Man it's been a while since I saw em."

"Job keeping you too busy?"

A self depreciating laugh escaped his lips. "Heh. Not exactly."

"So why? It's not like you being around is bad luck or something."

Qrow looked at him like a deer caught in headlights. "Did that spider also make you psychic?"

Parker blinked. "Wait, what?! I was kidding!"

Branwen opened his mouth to argue… until he noticed the sight dip in his aura. "Of course you were." He slumped in defeat.

Branwen tried to drop the conversation there, but Peter's attention was caught, eyes filled with curiosity. This wasn't getting let go without an explanation. He let out an annoyed groan, settling into his seat with a hand propped in front of his eyes.

"Bad luck for me isn't just happenstance. It's literally my superpower. My semblance." Branwen grimaced at the maroon red coating his form. "I can't turn it off. Can't even walk down the street without popping a car tire."

Qrow didn't want to see the pity he knew would be in his eyes. He just kept his on the floor, letting his arm flop to his side. "Not exactly someone you wanna have around for long, especially near kids."

Peter hummed in thought for a moment. "Well it's a good thing they're not I guess."

Whatever response Branwen was expecting, that wasn't it. "What?"

The spider Faunus leaned back in his chair. "You said it yourself right? One of them is going to Beacon soon. By your worlds laws, they'll be a legal adult. Doesn't that make them old enough to choose for themselves?"

Qrow had honestly been considering that. Yang wasn't exactly an innocent kid anymore, and could probably handle the news well. Hell there was a lot that he needed to tell her soon, this was just asking to open a can of worms.

Problem was, Yang rarely ever kept secrets from her sister, and Qrow doubted she would keep her in the dark for long.

Branwen wanted Ruby to be a somewhat normal kid for as long as possible. The things she'd have to learn and put up with honestly scared him. Only 15 years old, and somehow she was the one with more secrets to hide.

Peter's 15 too, and he seems fine with it. A voice that sounded suspiciously like Summer reasoned.

The hero in question spoke up before he could process that thought. "Besides, I personally don't think I believe you."

Qrow raised a brow. "Oh yeah? Why's that?"

"I'm still alive aren't I?" He crossed his arms behind his head with a cocky smirk. "Thanks in no small part to you."

The huntsman huffed out a surprised and incredulous incredulous laugh, playfully shoving Peter. "Alright, that's enough outta you ya smartass."

Thats what he said, but for just that moment Peter caught a small genuine smile ghosting across his features. Qrow shook his head in mock annoyance. "Using my own words against me. Dammit you are like Ruby."

Peter got a good chuckle out of that, but had to lean his head back and let out a yawn. A wave of exhaustion crashed over him from out of nowhere.

Qrow saw and helped him to his feet. "Go get some sleep."

As much as Peter didn't want to, he stood up all the same. "Alright."

"Hey." Parker glanced over his shoulder just in time to see Branwen pick up the flash drive. He was so exhausted, it had been left on the table. "The plans?"

Brown eyes bore into his and Gwen's work. Maybe it was his sleep addled mind talking, but this conversation had been… freeing, for lack of a better word. Having someone he could talk to, someone who almost understood superhero life…

Peter made his decision. "Their eyes only, ok?"

The avian huntsman pocketed it with a nod. "You got it."

Beacon Academy

A few hours later, Qrow stood before the headmaster and headmistress themselves, former plugging the flash drive into his office computer.

The latter adjusted her glasses with an amused smile. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you've taken a liking to him."

"Says the one who lent him that computer." He shot back, hands stuffed in his pockets. "Call it what you want, I'm still doing my job."

One schematic after another whizzed passed on the monitor, eventually combining down into one singular blueprint. Ozpin sipped his coffee. "Hm. Impressive."

"Peter said he designed and crafted all of his gear for patrols. And based on their combined work, Gwen's mind may rival, or even surpass his."

Goodwitch looked between Branwen and the screen. "Wait are you suggesting-"

"I think it might be worth considering them for enrollment." Qrow proposed.

The headmistress tiredly rubbed her temple. "Qrow, we've been over this. There's a big difference between a few tutoring sessions and full scholarships to Beacon."

"I'm aware of that, but look at what we've seen in just two days." Branwen motioned to the plans. "He and Gwen have an understanding of engineering on par with Beacon second years. Both clearly have experience in law enforcement, whether themselves or through family."

"The two of them, possibly." Goodwitch admitted begrudgingly. "But where does that leave the remaining 5? And even then, are we certain they'd be up for such a position?"

"Quite frankly I'm not certain of anything anymore." Ozpin leaned on his desk, thumbing through his interview notes, 4 words staring back at him.

The Wizard of Oz

While it wasn't a perfect retelling by any definition of the word, the earthen crew had done their best to recount this tale. The scary part was the more detail they went into, the more familiar faces came to mind. A cowardly lion at mistral, a tin man leading Atlas-

And of course, their very own Elphaba.

"Still focused on that supposed legend?" Glynda's sympathetic words brought Ozpin back from his thoughts.

"I still don't understand how that's possible. All of Remnant as fairytales?" Qrow ran a confused hand through his hair.

"Not fairytales, folklore." Goodwitch corrected, turning the page of her own notes on the desk. "While most were fiction, each one was adamant DaVinci truly existed."

"Indeed, and therein may lie the key." Ozpin set his mug down, eyes closed. "If we find the connection, we may find the way back to their world."

His mind turned back to the people themselves, trying to profile each one individually, but the headmaster always came back to the same conclusion. "Enrollment would be a good way to keep an eye on everyone, but after such a chaotic ordeal, the choice must be theirs to make. Forcing it upon them could exacerbate their trauma."

Qrow sighed and flopped down in one of the guest seats. "You got me there. Even then, that does also leave the question of the Connors."

"Now should they agree, I could certainly bring them on."

Branwen and Goodwitch rounded on the headmaster. "Oh sure, cause they're definitely young and hunter material."

"Not as students. As faculty." The headmaster interlaced his fingers. "We fold them into the schools research department. If this Earth truly didn't have dust, then their unique understanding of science could be completely unparalleled."

"You do realize there's a fatal flaw here. The media will go ballistic at the sudden appearance of new faculty members." Goodwitch argued, adjusting her glasses. "Especially ones with no history or documentation whatsoever. Between that and Vale General's doctors…"

Branwen's gaze narrowed. "She's right. We'd have to go public on who they are and where they came from, and that means catching the eyes of you know who."

"Our supposed wicked witch of the west." Ozpin crossed his arms, eyebrows furrowed in frustration. "It makes their enrollment an all or nothing gambit."

"Then perhaps it's best we give this arachnid a test." Goodwitch proposed.

Two sets of eyes were drawn to the headmistress. "How do you mean?"

"What more needs to be done for the suit?" She queried, back behind the monitor again.

Qrow brought a hand to his chin. "Initial blueprints and software design are finished. All that's left is fabrication and hardware assembly."

"Then I suggest we have these plans forwarded to Professor Mullberry in weapon upkeep and maintenance."

That sent up a red flag for the avian huntsman. "Woah woah, hold on a second! I promised Peter these plans wouldn't leave the room."

"Unless you plan to craft the suit yourself, Harold Mullberry will have to be the exception." Goodwitch was starting to get annoyed, and that was saying something. "Mr. Parker claims to be a hero, so let's see what he does with the responsibility."

"Agreed." Ozpin pulled the flash drive and handed it to the headmistress. "If he can be trusted with the students weaponry, Professor Mullberry can handle this."

The meeting concluded, and Ozpin started sending schematics by email. Even with the suits complexity, it shouldn't take more than a few days for a smith of Harold's caliber.

If only Qrow was as optimistic. When you're literally a harbinger of bad fortune, you tend to lean on caution, and trusting your gut.

"I got a bad feeling about this."

Downtown vale: Mid December

All together, the earthly travelers spent almost a week confined and quarantined together. Test after test, interview after interview, it felt like if there wasn't a needle in their arm, there was a camera and microphone in their face.

With full group consent, the remaining six even had their aura unlocked. It was the only way they had the energy to keep up with everything.

Imagine Peter's elation when he was finally able to walk out of the hospital, even if it was just to the cafe around the corner. "Well look who's back on his feet!" MJ smiled, setting down her tea. "Now we can talk to Ozpin and leave the hospital rooms behind."

"Tell me about it. I was starting to go stir crazy." Peter plopped down in the nearest empty chair. "How have you guys been holding up?"

"Ok I guess." She shrugged, still looking a little glum. "Flash and I have been exploring the town. Nothing major just a short walkabout."

*thud*

No sooner than she finished that sentence did Eugene's face meet the table, and the magazine he had been reading.

Peter and MJ shared a concerned look. "Flash?"

"Why does everything here have to be so eerily similar?" The QB bemoaned.

His companions both cringed at the reminder. When MJ made her artistic connection at the hospital, everyone really started to notice those same creepy parallels. From getting saved by a brainless Qrow, to meeting a supposed wizard of Oz and good witch of the south. Had it not been for the apparent appearance of DaVinci, they'd have thought themselves in a fairy tale.

But that was just the tip of the iceberg. Everywhere they went, more and more folklore connections kept popping up. There was even a movie add in Flash's magazine featuring action star Spruce Willis!

It was as if the town itself was taunting everyone. A constant reminder of lost home.

"Another day in the twilight zone I guess." A new voice approached with her coffee.

Peter twisted around in his chair. "Oh, hey Gwen. How was-"

*weewoo!* *weewoo!* *Woosh!*

Before anyone could get another word in, a police cruiser came barreling down the street, sirens ablaze!

"Woah!" The group jumped at the sudden alarm. Flash's head whipped around, barely able to follow the officer. "Where the hell is he going?"

"I think you mean they!" MJ pointed down the road as an entire squad followed close behind the first.

Parker gave his friends one last nod before he grabbed his bag and bolted.

"Peter!" Gwen, Flash, and MJ dumped their drinks and gave chase.

But the more they ran, the further away he seemed to get. It had only been seconds, and already they risked losing him around the turn. "Has tiger always been this fast?!"

"No wonder we couldn't catch him at tryouts." Flash bemoaned.

Rather than their friend, a sea of people greeted the trio around the next corner. Some tried to move for a closer look at the police, while others meant to flee the scene. Everywhere they turned, civilians were going this way and that like a human whirlpool.

Among the crowd, Gwen watched as a figure was almost buried under moving feet. "Hey- easy!" Stacy called in vain over the crowd and tried to slip through.

"Gwen?"

"They're gonna trample someone!"

That was all Thompson and Watson needed to hear, diving in after her. "Come on!"

If only it weren't a massive sized needle and haystack. The more they searched, the further the people shifted, and this haystack really didn't like getting pushed around. "I can't see them. Can you Gwen?"

"Shoot, I lost track!" She admitted, seconds away from getting swept away and separated.

That's when the strangest thing happened to Flash. Just like back at the lab, the world around them seemed to slow for a second. This time, three blue circles popped up above their heads out of nowhere, but no one else seemed to notice.

Okay, that's weird. Thompson thought to himself. As he examined the three shapes, he barely caught glimpse of a 4th circle that hovered a few feet behind Gwen, just over the crowd.

The world sped up again. QB had his game plan. "Gwen! MJ! This way! One side people! Someones getting trampled!" Flash pushed his way through, the few who heard couldn't help their stares of disbelief. "You heard me! Move it or lose it!"

Their pace was glacial, even for just a few feet, but eventually a form came into view among the sea of legs.

"Help him up." Flash put himself between his friends and the oncoming flow of people.

Gwen and MJ each slung an arm over their shoulders. "How could you tell where he was?"

"Talk later. Move now." MJ shook her head and recalled the streets from that mornings walk. "We can duck into that alley."

Doing his best, Flash cleared a path for the others. "Let's get him outta here."

It took a few minutes of careful navigation between Flash and MJ, but somehow the group managed to peel off into a small side road. With the alley more secluded everyone could stop to catch their breath. Gwen looked up at their new friend. "Are you ok?"

"Y-yeah. Thanks." The figure rubbed a few bad bruises on his arms and legs, but seemed fine otherwise. When he looked up, two canine grey ears twitched on his head. A wolf Faunus?

Flash kept his eyes on the road they came from hoping not to see another person drop among the sea of people. "What happened?"

"Bank robbery. A big one! Over on 9th street!" Their new friend darted through the alley, leaving everyone else to look out over the sea of faces.

And who else should be just down that alley but Peter himself, having ducked behind a few old porta potties.

Thank you public bathrooms. Can't change out in the open with so many people right here. Once he felt certain no one else was coming, Peter rummaged through his backpack for equipment stock.

Let's see. Web shooters, check. Web fluid- only got one extra cartridge each. Gotta be careful. Suit and mask-

The sun shown on his old uniform, battered and torn, his old logo literally hung by a thread. Well, beggars and choosers. Really hope people don't see my 3 chest hairs.

"You can't be serious about this." A voice called out behind him.

Peter didn't even look back, recognizing Flash's voice. "Why not? Last I checked, this is what I've been doing the past 6 months."

"Tiger, now's not the time to push yourself. You literally just got out of the hospital this morning."

"Which is better than anyone inside can say they're doing." Peter fixed her with a hard gaze, even as he started pulling his damaged suit out of the bag. "They need help. Now."

In desperation, Flash lunged, trying to grab him by the collar. Peter was quicker and ducked under an arm, prepared to fight if he had to.

Not for the first time, Flash started to see the overlap between secret identity and hero, and wondered where this had been all the times he dunked on Peter. That frustrated Thompson even more.

"Dammit Parker! If something happens out there, what the hell am I supposed to tell May?!"

Peter froze, feeling as if the wind had gotten knocked out of him. But Flash didn't let up for a second. "She never found out, remember? You really want this to come out when she Id's your body?!"

"Gwen, come on. Help us out here." MJ called over, thinking they were getting through to him.

But the bespectacled blonde saw Peter's fist tighten around his costume. How long had he been doing this? Shouldering the blame for things he didn't deserve? If he just walked away no one would know. No one would ever hold it against him.

But he would know. Seeing so many lives on the line and doing nothing? Peter would never be able to live with himself.

She knew that.

This shouldn't be his responsibility.

… and yet… Gwen couldn't help but also think of all the reports about him… about all of the people he had saved all across the city. Including her.

So she did the only thing that made sense in that moment… revealing the red and blue cloth hidden in her bag.

All eyes were drawn to it immediately. "The mask. You- you finished it?"

"This isn't just you anymore, you understand?" She asked slowly.

"Gwen." Peter started, but was silenced by the look.

A look that Gwen couldn't keep up. "You're right… For the past 6 months, this has been your life" she agreed "but we're not in New York anymore, and if we're gonna get back there, we've gotta play a whole new game with a whole new set of rules."

Stacy firmly grabbed his arm and pressed the mask into Peter's hand. "Rule 1: stop leaving us behind!"

That's what she said, but her bravado quickly died down from there, replaced by an uncomfortable, yet familiar, feeling of helplessness. Her grasp on him slipped away, along with most of her voice. "Rule 2… try to stay safe."

Peter's lips parted. Seeing his best friend so scared-and because of him- that… hurt. All this time, he had just tried to move on, to keep being a hero like he already had been. Like nothing had changed.

But far too much had changed, and he wasn't the only one trying to pick up the pieces.

Parker, you are a grade A idiot.

"I can help on that front." A new voice called.

The 4 teens looked up and found an old bird perched on the rooftops, who carried with him a silver briefcase.

"Qrow?"

"What are you doing here?"

Branwen jumped down from his perch. "I was looking for you, when Ozpin and Glynda heard the commotion." He admitted, holding up the case. "Had a delivery to make, one I think you'll need."

Peter and Gwen shared a glance before curious hands took the case, and the former hit the release.

*click.*

And out swung a pristine red and blue spandex, arms crossed over the familiar spider logo. The sides were littered with his blueprints and designs, from the fabric to the web shooters.

Peter couldn't even believe what he saw, a laugh of disbelief escaping his throat. Gwen was right there with him, eyes tracking on every new plan they had come up with together.

"That's one hell of a new suit!" Flash voiced the thoughts on all their minds.

Qrow passed a familiar flash drive back with a smile "Designed to yours and Gwen's specifications, and fully compatible with your new mask."

"I-I don't know what to say."

"You can start by helping those hostages." Qrow reminded him, nodding to the main road.

"R-right! Right" Peter snapped out of his stupor. "Then I guess now's the perfect time for a test drive." Without needing to hear another word, Peter rushed into the bathroom.

A minute later, he walked out armed and ready. MJ admired the design. "Gotta admit, I'm liking the white spider."

Branwen smiled. "It's been moulded with carbon fiber. Same with the bracers on your arms and legs." Peter flexed his hand, feeling the armor shift at the knuckle. "Stronger than steel, and with five times less weight."

This time, Gwen managed to catch his shoulder before Spider-Man ran off again. "be careful out there ok?"

Peter rest a hand on top of hers. "You really meant it didn't you? Last thanksgiving." He whispered quietly. Even without looking, Peter could almost sense the light redness coming to Stacy's cheeks.

He missed her warmth when Gwen's hand slipped from his. "I'll be careful" Spider-Man promised and started towards 9th street. "And thanks to you I'll be a lot safer with the advanced suit."

"Advanced suit?" Flash raised a brow.

Peter stopped short, and his mind went back to the conversation he and Qrow shared last night, fond smile hidden by his mask. "Yeah. That's its name."

*thwip!*

Spider-Man launched into the air, ready for some action.

Qrow watched him fly off and sent a quick message to Ozpin. He's ready.

*ring!*

A familiar phone chime graced the groups ears. Gwen pulled out her new scroll. "That you Peter?"

"The one and only."

MJ looked between Gwen and the device. "You built a phone into the mask?"

"We built everything into the mask."

"Think you guys as my eyes and ears?" Peter asked. "Stay on the ground and help the professors coordinate with police."

"Got it!"

And, SCENE! Thanks for reading the first chapter of 2025! And we're just getting started. I still have a ton of ideas of where this story could go, ranging from super hero cameos, to character driven plot lines, and more friendly neighborhood shenanigans than you can count.

hopefully the next chapter wont take as long to release, but I will do my best. Until then thanks everyone for reading, and as always, stay safe out there! *Thwip!*