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Chapter Text

"You know." SMASH! "Using your neighbors electricity is a crime." Spider-Man speaks out to the crazed villain with four tentacles, while thwipping away from a hunk of debri thrown by said crazed villain. Spider-Man pulls himself to the nearby wall running across it with gravity defying agility as he out paces all manor of cinder blocks, steel rebar and shards of glass flying his way. "Just in case you think I'm not conducting a proper citizens arrest." He slides across the wall under a brick as if he wasn't 90° to the correct rotation of gravity. "We also have trespassing and assault." He rises back to his feet continuing to run along the wall. "Wait do those libs count as weapons or arms. Cause I mean they are deadly so could be classified as deadly weapons but I don't think a war vet with a prosthetic arm can be charged with assault with a deadly weapon if they punch someone. We really are opening a legal can of worms aren't we? Woah!" He yells as he just dodges another part of wall.

"Do your tiresome quips never cease?" The man currently making the inside become the outside with each improvised weapon used to squash the brightly coloured hero groans out in annoyance. This scene is one that has been seen many times before. Doctor Otto Octavius, otherwise known as Doc Ock, is on the verge of completing his scheme with the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man about to defeat him. 

The current scheme of which is harnessing the power of an Arc Reactor prototype to power a machine about to transport all of New York City to another dimension. For what purpose? Revenge. At least as far as Spider-Man can tell. "This city will pay for shunning me and my genius. With this power source and my brilliant machine I will have my.... " A sudden smack of webbing closes Ock's mouth.

"Vengeance? Revenge?" He quips to the Doctor, who is screaming into the web. Spider-Man jumps off the wall and spin kicks the doctor back. His quick thwip of web sticking to one of the metal tentacles about to slam into him. Spidey then jumps, flips, crawls and spins around the rest of the metal limbs wrapping them into a nice bouquet. 

Spider-Man now stands as his foe is subdued. "Ock if your going to complain about my quips the least you could do is set an example. Revenge is such a played out speech starter. It's ok though I know your a little tied up at the moment." The roll of Ock's eyes is almost audible. "Ooo tough crowd." Spidey sighs as he makes his way to the machine. "Right sit tight Ock this should only take a moment." He begins to take a look at the monitors and gauges of the mechanical machine and his masked eyes frown in defeat. "How long does it take to learn to disarm a bomb with dimensional properties. Can't be that hard." The beep of buttons and switch of switches echo around the room. "Right your smart enough to at least put a failsafe on this thing right buddy?" He looks at Ock who is struggling against the webs and screaming a muffled vow of vengeance. "The red button? Thank you Ock." Spider-Man sarcastically responds to whatever evil monologue the doctor is giving with no effect.

As a red button on the machine slowly brings the hums and electric sparks of the doomsday device to an end Spidey stands back with a look of proudness in himself. "I'll be honest Doc I didn't think that was gonna work." Silence fills the room as the last gears and cogs stop. "Hmm what's up doc?" Spidey asks as he turns. A feeling of instant danger pulses his body like a jackhammer in his head as he jumps back dodging a tentacle now with a big saw on the end. "Thank you Spidey Sense." He quickly mutters to himself as he flips back sticking to the roof, jumping to the wall, the floor, all manor of places just to stay out if reach of the buzzing blade. "Doc I'm begining to get the feeling that you don't like me all that much. Isn't it hard to be this lonely." A groan leaves his lungs as another limb of steel grabs him by the neck.

"Oh Peter. How can you speak to me of loneliness. I don't know how you keep going after all these years. You've lost everyone. At least I have them." Octavius mocks as a blade, saw and finally an electric spiked tentacle move toward Spider-Man punctuating his point. "This is the end of you. Spiderman."

"Not.    This.    Time." Spider-Man chokes out. He webs behind Ock with both his hands and pulls. A  sputtering sound of power as they both collide with the machine.

As the night of New York bleeds over the city. The rain falls heavy. Earlier that day Otto Octavius was found in a warehouse griping the mask of Spider-Man. The tentacles where discarded and trashed. He did not revel in victory. Nor did he run when police and other hero's arrived. He did not seem like the same man that was threatening the city earlier. All he would say was "He saved me."

The remnants of a portal close as Spider-Man now falls through the sky. His costume torn. His mask given away. One web shooter down and the other almost empty. "This is gonna hurt." He yells as his left side slams onto the slanted roof of a skyscraper. It breaks his fall slightly as he rolls down off the side. Now falling again his stickiness grabs him and he remains on the side of the building hanging from his right arm. He looks down at the street below, his body and legs dangling and swinging as he prays his sticky power doesn't fail him. The citizenry not aware of him in the slightest or able to question how a man is somehow remaining stuck to the side of a skyscraper despite there being no physical way he could be hanging on to the side of the building, especially since its just flat glass windows. Spiderman takes stock of his surroundings and plans how to get himself out of this situation. He throws himself of the side to the top of another building this one more Gothic with stone edges and gravel roofing, rolling as he lands. The pain of his left side sharp and debilitating every time he rolls over coming to a stop in the center of the roof. Flat on his back any attempt at movement makes him flinch with pain so he remains for a second.

Looking up at the sky it was unfamiliar. The few stars not lost in the light pollution of the city where not where they should be. His wonderment and confusion only lasted a second as he looked and saw the friction burns and raw flesh of his arm. He struggles to a sitting position and struggles to move himself to rest his back against the edge of the buildings perch.

Where was he? What should he do? Spider-Man. No. Peter Parker was terrified. He slowly closes his eyes as the pain heightens and the adrenaline subsides, falling into something close to rest but not quite.

Awakening after sunrise Peter's healing factor has finally done enough work to allow him climb down the building without any more injury. He debated with himself if using the last of his web fluid was wise so he simply waited. The few hours used to have some rest. Once at ground level he walks through the streets hoping to see a familiar sight. As he walks he thought more people would be reacting to his wild ensemble of clothing, yet no one batter's an eye. "Feels like New York but it most definitely isn't." His thought process leads him toward this outcome. Still not making progress with his deductions Peter makes a move to find a clothes store.

The city has an edge Peter is trying to scope out. His walk through the street on the way to find clothes is proving at least to be eye opening. Plenty of homeless people around yet non beg. People look scared yet no one flinches at loud noises. A defeated aura coats the people like a cloak. Peter spots a second hand clothes shop on the end of the street. On the side of the building is a big trash bin with lots of black bin bags. 'Hopefully those will have something for me to wear.' He thinks to himself. He digs through the bags luckily finding some old jeans with minimal holes and a massive shirt that he throws on.

Step one is completed. Now on to step two. He needs to find some way to find out about his current whereabouts. "Well the hub of information for anywhere should be the library. Hopefully that's still the case on this earth." Peter makes it his next mission. His reasons are already understandable however he also wants to go somewhere he can feel like he knows and understand. And where else would a budding Chemical Engineer feel as such. Taking a map from outside a train station as he pasted one, Peter looks through for any hint of familiar symbols, while also taking note of this city's name of Gotham City. 'Cool name. Definitely fits the Gothic theme this place has going on' his inner voice tells him. "Right so, Hospital still a cross. Check. Police with a badge. Different but not strange." Peter is then locked into multiple bat like symbols on the map. "Now what could these be?" Reading the legend at the bottom lists these as locations of 'Recent Batman Spottings'. "What is a Batman?" The question had many passersby walk at an even faster pace away from him. 'Ok that's strange.' Another mystery for the pile as he finally sees a mark for Gotham City Library.

As Peter enters the library, an almost empty tomb to the medium of paper, he feels quite happy that no one is around. It's going to make his job a lot easier if no one is watching. Just as he thinks this might be easy a loud chattering comes from a back room behind the front desk as two individuals no older that 25 exit from there.

"I'm just saying Barbs, I don't like it when he runs off like this. Especially now that Damien is gettin-" He is cut off by the sight of Peter stood near the desk. From behind this guy a woman in a wheelchair pulls up to the desk. Her red hair reminds him of a sad memory that he quickly pushes to the back of his mind. A tear wiped from his eye before it even takes shape.

"Hey sorry, welcome to Gotham City Library. Can I help?" She asks in a very kind and surprisingly genuine manner.

"Oh I'm just hoping to use the computer. I don't have a library card or anything." Peter stats.

"No problem here's a guest card. It should give you two hours. Let me know if you need anything else." The kind woman replies.

"Thank you, I will." Before he turns to leave he does ask one more question. "Sorry I didn't catch your name."

"Barbara. A pleasure." She extends her hand out to him.

"Peter." He replies making an effort to shake her hand however extending his left arm was a mistake as even with his healing factor it still battered and bruised slightly. Peter then walks to the computers and begins his deep dive into the history of this world.

"Did you see that guys arm?" The man at the library desk asks of Barbara.

"Yes Dick I saw it. Gotham has been slowly getting worse these past few weeks." Her worry evident as anything on her face. "You can't keep covering for him alone."

"I know, I know. God, Kori is gonna kill me." He sighs into his hands followed by running them through his hair. Dick runs through the pros and cons of his plan all during this quick movement before deciding. "Call the Family. Everyone."

Chapter Text

Peter is sat on the roof of a building with his legs dangling over the edge. The last of the twilight hours past and he watches the city turn on a few lights to fight against the dark of night. He has a blanket and a churro box in hand. Earlier he helped a small food shack set up their card payment system so they rewarded him the best they could. The $50 in his pocket also linked to said shack. Although Peter thinks that reward was less for his tech support and more because he stopped a guy trying to steal the few bits of cash the shack had. While Peter refused profusely, the owner wouldn't let him leave empty handed. He gave him a nice warm churro and only after Peter had walked away did he notice the money slipped into the cardboard holder for the snack.

Still this did allow him to buy a cheap blanket and would also let him buy some food for the rest of the week. "Things are looking up." Peters monologue to himself was his best defense at breaking down from the stress of his situation. But there can never be a break for Peter as a masked man begins jamming a crowbar into the bottom, front window of the building he was sat on.

Peter sighs and places the blanket to the side and wipes his hands of the sugar remnants from his hands. "Well its nice to see that some things never change." Before he dives off to stop him he contemplates his mask situation, or rather lack there of. He takes the paper bag that his blanket came in and puts it on. Poking some holes through it so he can see. "Not the worst costume I've worn but hey it could be worse." A slow walk down the side of the building follows, untill he is above the perp, with Spider-Man..... No Bag-Man still perpendicular to the floor.

"Excuse me sir do you live here?" The criminal looks up at the physical impossibility above him.

"What the?" The guy whips around as Bagman flips of the wall.

"You know, if you're gonna steal things why don't you go more up market. I never understand the idea of stealing from poor areas."

Bag-Man catches a wild swing from the crowbar towards him. Not even struggling against the force of the attack.

"Really? Your just going to hit me. Your not helping you case here. Could just lie and say you do live here but noooo I'm gonna fight first ask questions never."

"It's Crime Alley pal what do you expect." The thief says as he struggles against Bag-Mans strength. Throwing a punch into his side that does nothing.

"Crime Alley? You have got to be kidding me. And people say I tell too many jokes but that's like a cosmic level joke." Bag-Man takes the crowbar and gives the guy a quick kick as he falls back against the wall. He then thwips a small bit of web to keep the guys hand stuck to the wall.

The criminal looks up after shaking the impact of the kick out of his head. The fear and crys to escape as he claws at the web on his hand surprise the hero.

"It's not that bad man it's just a web. It'll be gone in an hour." The shudder through his body makes him jump forward and stick to the wall just above his caught friend. 'Thanks again Spidey Sense' Bag-Man notices the small metal blade that is stuck in the concrete where he was just stood. Further back stands a figure clocked in black with a cape surrounding them.

Bag-Man raises his hands in surrender. "Uhhh I come in peace?"

Three more metal blades are thrown towards our hero as he rolls up to his feet and begins running up the wall of the building out the way of the blades. The man of crime still webbed to the wall screams as one almost hits him.

Bag-Man leaps of the wall and tries to kick the combatant. However the lack of his web shooter passes his mind as he forgets he can't now pull himself out the way to dodge a counter attack. His punishment for this became apparent as the mystery figure grabs his out stretched leg and throws him to the ground. Spidey Sense ringing loudly makes Bag-Man roll out the way of an attempt to grapple him.

"Hey woah woah woah!" Bag-Man rises to his feet easily but is constantly dodging and blocking the very well placed and skillful attacks from his attacker. The silence from them was unnerving. Not a sound or even staggered breath made them seem robotic.

"Don't worry Jerry I wont let this demon take you." The not forgotten man still stuck to the wall fearful for his life. Not that Bag-Man thought this thing was after him but he also didn't want the guy to escape.

"My names Andy. Now please let me go." His fear and terror made this once big tough criminal sound like a scared child.

Bag-Man takes an opportunity and punches the figure back. Running past them and ripping the web from Andy's hand.

"I got ya Andy." He runs up the building again but with Andy on his back. Andy screams some more holding on for dear life.

Now on the roof tops running and jumping between buildings Bag-Man sees the.... Demon? Has to be, still following using what looks like a grappling hook. "Come on what's with this guy? I didn't realise there where terminators in this universe."

Jumping down back to the street, Bag-Man drops Andy at a police station leading to Andy running inside shouting "I did it! Arrest me! Please!"

"Well that solves that problem."

Bag-Man fails to react and gets hit by a metal blade in his shoulder as he watches Andy run inside. The lack of food and exhaustion of the past few days catching with him up.  He pulls out the blade as he begins to run again. He looks at it. "Is this a bat? A bat blade? A black clad battler with bat blades." He calls back to the mystery individual. "Please leave me alone Batman." The realisation of Bag-Man at who his pursuer was gave him a small bit of fear but his quips and silly voices never cease. His research from the morning had lead him to learn most things about this world. The Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Justice League, all the broad strokes of this worlds hero's. Also that Gotham was Batman's city. No what was classed meta humans allowed. They reminded Peter of the mutants of his home so he made the connections easily. A gene gives you superpowers. Same thing different name.

Bag-Man turns around abruptly and raises his hands as he pants for breath bending over in fatigue. "Ok, ok you got me truce?" His chaser stops and stands a little away. The lights of the street allowing Bag-Man to see his dance partner for the first time. Definitely not Batman but instead a woman. A Batwoman? A Batgirl? Did Batman have partners?

Realizing his mistake Bag-Man makes an effort to appear non threatening. "Sorry I thought you where Batman. My mistake I couldn't see you well what with the, you know, black costume and everything."

The woman said nothing and just walked closer.

"Quite one aren't you. Am I talking to fast for you I get that a lot. I know sign language." Bag-Man the proceeds to sign *Hello your very pretty* despite his intention was to sign terrifying.

The masked vigilante hesitates for a second looking at the man with a paper bag on his head. Bag-Man realizes his mistake quickly.

"Wait that's not what i... I'm sorry... I meant to sa- *cough* I'm Spider-Man. Nice to meet you miss scary lady." He extends a hand and waits to see if he should start running again either for his life or just embarrassment. At least this is giving him a moment to catch his breath.

She stops in her tracks at that. Her head tilting in confusion.

Bag-Man realizes that his outfit doesn't exactly fit what he describes. He removes the shirt quickly revealing his costume underneath. Still damaged on his left arm and a few rips on the side but perfect to make his case.

The mystery woman walks closer. As she does Spider-Man hears small noises coming from the mask. The same he used to hear when at S.H.E.I.L.D. The sounds of an earpiece.

BOOM!

Spider-Man turns and sees the explosion in the distance. He immediately turns and sprints toward it. He doesn't even think, impulse taking over as he knows time saves lives, throwing his arm up uses some of his web to swing toward the danger.

Immediately he's there, an apartment building in flame. All the crys, sirens and roaring of flame filling the air with sound as the smoke fills the other senses. Spidey leaps in with no hesitation. A quip thwip as he leaps through a window making a wide web between lampposts. 'Not much webbing left now' he thinks as he lands on the floor. The Spidey Sense giving him all he needs to find people to save. From outside five people begin flying out windows and holes in the walls into this net of webbing.

At the top floor now Spider-Man senses a child under their bed. Obviously hiding due to the circumstances. The rest of the floor is in flame except the end of the hallway and a few rooms. Making his way to the room then  flipping onto the bed and looks down underneath it. Appearing upside down to the kid. "Hey little one, I don't think this is a very good hiding place. I found you really easily. Why don't I help you find a better one." The fire begins to encroach from the hallway. A web smacks the door closed to buy some time. The kid hesitates, shaking their head  crying. Fear limiting their movement.

Spider-Man pulls off the bag on his head and smiles. "Here. Take this. It's magic. It'll give you strength." The kid takes it and puts it on, now crawling out from under the bed. Spidey smiles as he picks them up and moves to the hallway. The heat coming from behind it tells him it's a no go. "Its ok we will.... we will -" He frantically turns as he tries to find another way out. "- go through the window." He moves to the window as the building shakes and the floor creaks, Spidey Sense telling him it's about it go. He runs at the window and throughs a lamp through it. Once he is half way across the room he throws the kid out the window with them being caught in the web outside.

Snap

The floor breaks away with the force of the throw as Spider-Man begins to fall down the four floors of the building. Click. That is not the sound he wants his web shooter to make right now. Before Spidey can contemplate his death for the second time in as many days a blur of black leaps from the second story back window and grabs him, the momentum throws them across the building as they come crashing out the front together.

Everyone outside breaths a sigh of relief. The building breaks apart and collapses. No cheers are heard. Just that aura of resignation is felt again. The feeling of just another day. This really isn't New York.

Spider rolls over and sees the woman from before over him. "AH. Please don't lay bat eggs inside me please." Then he hears it. A chuckle as the figure places something on his face. A mask. Why are they helping him? She tried to cut him to pieces ten minutes ago.

"Um thank you."

She signs *Your Welcome* softly.

Any assumption he may have had that she couldn't understand sign language before was dashed away in this moment. "Oh great so you did understand me." He chuckles but stands tall and signs *Truly thank you* the sincerity felt across the two of them.

A figure drops from the sky swinging from definitely the same style of grappling hook that he encountered earlier. He is equipped with two sticks on his back and a mask the same as what Peter has.

"Good flip, nice dismount although the landing could have been better." Spider-Man says once again hiding his jumpiness.

"So. Your the new hero of the hour. Names Nightwing." The black and blue hero stats after landing in a way that is definitely Spidey approved despite his quip. "Now would you mind telling me who the hell you are and where you came from?"

"I'm just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. I'm not from around here."

"That much is obvious. Your radiating Zeon particles." Nightwing says as he presents a small device from a pouch on his belt.

"What the particles that fill the gaps between universes?" This surprises the others. "Huh that does make sense. Cross universal travel would most likely leave reside. I suppose using Neutrino Strings you could theoretically-"

"Ok ok your losing me." Nightwing rests a hand on his shoulder. "Now Black Bat here has informed me of what you did in there. That buys a lot of good will in my book. I'd like you to come with us and maybe we can help you out."

"What your gonna help me? Just like that?"

Nightwing walks forward and extends his hand. "I don't have a reason not to. What do you say?"

Chapter Text

Peter was brought to what he can only describe as a big cave. A cave full of spiked rocks in the ceiling and bats among them, hanging upside down. Peter was given a ride with Nightwing, with Black Bat following behind. His amazement of the base of operations was clear on his face. Around the room was cars, boats, planes and a wall of costumes. The most eye catching item was at the center of the cave. A massive computer which would make the command center of NASA jealous.

"So do you guys sleep upside down or is the bat theme just for show?" Peter asks filling the silence as he wanders round the area.

"I don't but my friend over there is anyone's guess." Nightwing replies with a smile. Although his comment does get him a small impact to his ribs as Black Bat walks past. She moves to a side table where their is a nice spread of food waiting for her. She rolls up the mask past her mouth, not removing it entirely, and snacks away.

"Why don't you help yourself to some of the food. Once everyone gets here I can fill them in. Then you can tell us your story." Nightwings kind gesture is punctuated with a calming pat on Peters back as he walks over to the computer.

Peter is currently kicking himself in his own head. He's spent at least two days trying to figure out what he was going to do with himself. Why didn't he think of trying to reach hero's to help him. It's what he'd expect anyone else to do. Peter would hope that people saw Spider-Man as a figure who would help anyone if he was still in his own universe. Was it pride? A lack of faith in these hero's or just his own fear. That last option felt like the right one.

Peter goes over to the table and takes a small bite from a cookie. However his manners lose him as he begins to dig in. Double days of no food plus hyper-metabolism means a stomach that is echoing around the room. He looks to his left and sees Black Bat looking at him. "SoRrY" Peter chokes out through his full mouth. Unreadable to Peter, Black Bat gives a soft smile and turns away plate full of many high sugar snacks.

Peter eats more until his Spider Sense tingles. He leaps 10ft into the air and sticks to a low hanging stalactite, a full plate of sandwiches still in his hand. Looking down he sees a kid around ten years old with a Katana in his grip staring up at him. The Katana poised like it was just used in an attack.

"Hey woah easy Robin. He's a guest." Nightwing shouts noticing the commotion.

"Easy ninja boy I almost dropped my sandwiches. I'd hate to waste this delicious spread." Peter adds still eating.

"Who is this threat Nightwing. Father will... Wouldn't be happy with this. Allow me to eliminate this criminal." Jesus this kid has an edge as sharp as the Punisher. Although his change of verb tense interested Peter.

"He's not a criminal Robin. He's our anomaly." Nightwing punctuated this by walking over and resting his hand on the kids shoulder. "Also Batman isn't here." He then kneels down in front of Robin. He whispers to him but thanks to Peters enhanced senses he can still hear. "Trust me he's ok. We will find him."

Peter hops down and extends his hand to the young boy. "I'm Spider-Man. I hear your Robin. Or is it Batman Jr?"

Robin looks at Nightwing with a frown. "Why do you only bring idiots here. He's as bad as Kid Flash."

Spider-Man returns his hand. "Ouch that's hurtful. I don't know who this Kid Flash is but he sounds amazing." The glare from this kid is making Peter shiver.

"Anyway. Relax Robin. We are just waiting on the others." Nightwings soft smile at Spider-Mans antics makes Peter feel more comfortable.

"Others? All the others?" Robin asks. "Even Hood?"

"Yes, even Hood. I know you'll be happy to see him." Nightwing ruffles the boys hair. Robins expression still a frown but definitely slightly happier knowing this news.

"Very Well." Robin responds. They all then move to a big table with lots of chairs around it. The big projection of Gotham City at the center was very impressive to see although short lived as it get's turned off as they all sit.

Spider-Man leans over to Robin "So uh. Can I hold your sword?"

Chapter Text

The night of Gotham City was loud. The noise of the city changed into a chorus of sounds similar but not the same. Like an orchestras members where swapped out half way through a performance. The eruption of broken car engines during rush hour morphed into gunfire. The shouts of pedestrians became screams of victims in the street. Broken in more ways than not, Gotham definitely needed it's heros. Now Spider-Man is here to help.

Swinging through the city is just as exhilarating as it always had been. Spider-Man's powers are becoming rusty so its good he's getting his stretches in first. Spidey Sense is guiding him to where he should place his webs as the crumbling architecture of Gotham is delicate at best and ruins at worse. But despite that it definitely has a beautiful skyline. The blend of old and new is picturesque even with the issues.

As Spider-Man makes a turn onto another street he sees a commotion in an alley way. "Bit stereotypical for my first problem of the evening but I'm not picky." His quip stemming from the group with masks and many crowbars. A sight seen in most cop shows and cartoons. He swings into the alley and sticks himself onto the wall of the building. Surveying the group of thugs before jumping in. With an amount closer to twenty individuals he couldn't afford to just jump in without assessing the situation. Five men armed with rifles, many with hidden handguns and the rest with crowbars. Spidey leaps from the building with his plan already set.

"Guys look out theres a Spider on you!" Spidey shouts in faux terror as he lands, sitting on the shoulders of one of the masked asallents while his webs pull the bigger rifles out of their hands. The surprised shouts from them echo off the walls of the small arena they now found themselves in. Spidey leaps off the guy after knocking him unconscious. The grunts of men hitting walls and floors as Spider-Man dispatches them with kicks and webbing is heard from the street. Those stupid enough to try to hit him with either crowbar or hands are quickly taught that even from behind Spidey doesn't get jumped so easily. Punished with a direct hit to the face.

Spider-Man can feel eyes on him. At least more than just the once currently learning that crime doesn't come with health insurance. He knows that the Bats are still cautious of him and while he'd love to just smack there heads together and go 'hello good guy here' so they will just let him help, he knows that won't exactly make him seem more trust worthy. He knows actions speak louder than words. But unaware to Spidey, his actions are currently speaking. Speaking to the one sat at the top of the building across the street watching the fight and she's impressed under the mask.

Spidey webs two guys together when one tires to reach for a hand gun. He webs the third to the strand already on the other two and pulls them all toward him with a spin in the air as he jumps. They all collide together under him as he lands next the pile of limbs. "It's so nice to see boys getting along together." Spidey then moves his head to the right as the last one standing swings at him. He swings again but Spider-Man just dodges under it. His movements are so seem less and look effortless. He turns as the punk swings one last time. Spidey catches the punch in his fist exerting just enough force to stop the punch but not hurt the attacker. "Man why would you think that would work. I just beat all your buddies." The thug doesn't answer because he keeps trying to pull his hand away. "Here have a present." Spidey pushes him to the wall with a quick thwip tagging him with a small device. Said device explodes webbing out like confetti trapping them to the wall. "Oh look a present for me. Your guys are so considerate. I love the wrapping it's so me." Spidey then walks out the alley as he talks to himself. "So how do I call the cops? Don't have a phone." He looks down acting out a charade of checking pockets he most definitely doesn't have.

A voice rings in his ear surprising the hero. "Police are on route to your location Spider-Man. Good Work." The voice is high pitch assuming a woman but sounds faintly similar to him.

"Oh uh thank you earpiece lady." Is it ok if I call you Karen?" Spidey smirks to himself as he takes off swinging again.

"You can call me Oracle. I help Nightwing from time to time." She responds. Her dry remark gives him the idea she's not exactly a joking individual.

"Lovely name Oracle. I'm Spider-Man. But you knew that. Of course you said it earlier." Peter pauses as he swings through the night. "So you have any pets?" The sound of the comm line disconnecting slightly saddened him. "And I thought we were becoming friends."

The rest of the evening goes by with little fan fair. A car jacking here, helping a few drunk people there, and few fights in between. He really was starting to get a feel for this place. Gotham was complex and alive. It's people just a surface to view it. The top of the wave but you know that much more lies beneath. He can sense it. The gangs here don't just hold buildings they walk the streets. Openly and without fear. They fight between themselves for a few streets and Spider-Man has been struggling to save those caught in the crossfire. Spidey has fought some of the gangs during his patrol and he was shocked by their organization. Their reach. Poor Gotham.

Spidey is on a roof top with his mask off as his Spidey Sense tells him theres no threat around. Perched on the edge Peter takes a breath. His thoughts on Gotham running in his mind. The place feels like it should be ablaze. The tension here has long since exploded.

"It used to be different." A soft voice calls behind Peter. He turns and sees Black Bat walking over to him. She sits on the edge Peter is perched on. Her mask also in her hand showing a cold and hardened face.

"No Batman." She gestures forward linking Gothams current state to the missing caped crusader. She coughs as if the few words she says cut through her throat on the way out. A knife forcing its way out. Spidey can see the scaring on her neck deciding not to comment.

Spidey rests his hand on her shoulder. "From my experience the more lost we are, the more obvious the answer seems to be. That could be finding Batman or a different solution to helping Gotham. You guys need to decide what you are really looking for. But, what I know is eventually, the heroes win." Spider-Man looks into her eyes. His weight of heroic struggle and turmoil visible for the first time. His joking and warming attitude taking a pause to give his loss's a moment to shine on his face. His gentle smile never leaves his face. Not a facade or extra mask or lie. It is genuine and hopeful. "And we are hero's."

Black Bat leaps forward over a car. Her feet extend out in front as she lands gracefully on the other side before said vehicle flips over and smashes against a lamppost. Killer Croc is causing havoc in the street but her mind is not as focused at it should be. Her thoughts are on the web headed hero and his words. He called her a hero. Sure she saw herself as a vigilante but never a hero. How could she help people. She was made to kill things. Assassination and Sabotage, those are her skill sets not heroism. Yet Black Bat couldn't move away from the thought. Could she be a hero?

Once Croc is taken down by some well timed traps and grapples Black Bat is now fighting goons on the tops of towers and skyscrapers still in thought. She has just beaten Killer Croc. Was she a hero for stopping him? In her mind no. She was just fighting to save herself. Putting her skills to use the only way she knew how. The only way Batman could show her. Batman taught her the mission. But when she saw Peter swing and fight she didn't see a man on a mission. She saw a man with purpose. A man with duty. It's similar to how she viewed Superman. However Superman had no faults as far as she knew. Spider-Man was different. He had already talked about his Uncle but she knew their was more story's he could tell. Could she move from her past too?

Black Bat is now at a high vantage point looking down upon a warehouse on the docks. Spidey swings down next to her. Nightwing has told them that everyone is going to storm the facility and stop Black Masks gun running activities. However just as the fight had started a wayward explosive had thrown a shipping crane off balance and it's began to fall toward the bunks. Hundreds of workers would have been crushed. But Spider-Man was already there holding it up with just his strength and web. Although just near the base of the mass of metal stands a kid. Probably homeless and was sleeping under the crane to avoid any rain.

"Quick Black Bat stop him!" Red Hood shouts through the comm turning her attention to one mask individual running to the street. Black immediately turns and runs after the masked man.

"Help Me." A voice call out lost and afraid. Black Bat hesitates for a moment. The young boy cries out a beam pining him down that's slipped through Spider-Man's webbed hold.

Cassandra becomes lost in her mind. She sees herself on the ground of a disused railway line clinging to Batman's leg, Nightwing and Batgirl holding her tight. She is crying out "Help me" in a voice that has never spoken before. Cassandra looks to the side and sees the blade thrusted into the dirt next to her 'father'.

The clang of metal as the beam is lifted of the kid jolts her out of her mind as Cassandra looks down. She is clutching the kid close to her chest rolling away from the debris falling down. She looks down at the face of this kid.

"Th.thank you miss." The kid whimpers through the tears, Cassandra sighs in relief.

"You let Black Masks top general escape." Red Hood cuts into her as Spidey gets done helping the last of the workers out of the building.

"And these guys are going home to their family and that kid is safe. A win in my book." Spidey quickly retorts.

"He's not wrong. This was supposed to shut Black Mask down. He's only delayed now." Robin adds.

Spider-Man looks them all with steel that is felt even behind his mask. "A life saved is worth more than a thug in prison. If you guys don't understand that then that's your issue."

Black Bat remains silent throughout. She doesn't know what came over her and couldn't explain even if she tried.

Nightwing is watching in silence. He knows Spidey is right but can't ignore the weeks of work that are now for nought.  "Come on guys there will be another chance. But Black Bat we have our plans for a reason. I've never seen you disregard a plan before."

She still remains silent making Red Hood annoyed who leaves. Mainly to avoid his rage getting the better of him. Robin follows.

Nightwing rests his hand on her shoulder. "Good work Black Bat" The softness of his smile does ease her a little. Then he grapples away after the others.

Spidey looks at her and gives a dopey thumbs up. "I think that went well."

She smiles under her mask. Watching as he flips into the air and swings away calling back, "See you around."

As she watches him swing with a strange sense of euphoria she understands him. Knowing he feels great that he has done the memory of his uncle proud not regretting a thing. She was feeling many things right now too. Frustration, excitement, fear but regret was not one of them. As Spidey turns out of her view she knows.

Yes. She can be a hero.

Chapter Text

Peter's patrol had ended on a bitter sweet note. He saved the dock workers but the overall operation didn't go swimmingly and didn't help his overall standing with the group of Bat folks. Optimism however was still in abundance within Peters heart. He swung through the city making his way to the rooftop where he met Black Bat. Grabbing his stuff, he was about to set up for the night.

"You know a room has been prepared for you." The earpiece announces just as Peter is about to remove it. Oracle seems to still be listening.

"I know but its ok, I'm fine." Peter lays back against the brickwork and pulls out his clothes he left here.

"Nightwing thought you'd say that so an escort will be with you shortly." The line cuts out as Batgirl lands in front of him. Her costume a good blend of yellow and purple upon the base of black.

"I'm not getting much say in this am I?" Peter asks a resigned look on his face.

"Nope. Follow me webby." Batgirl replies leaping off the roof. Peter leaps off the roof after, his paper bag waving under his arm as he follows.

After a little travel where in Batgirl asks hundreds of questions about Peters powers, they arrived at an apartment building. The outside was quite rundown. Broken brick littered the floor and it looks as if the scaffolding is the only thing keeping one of the walls up right. Climbing through a window they enter a really nice room. The outside betrayed the interior as the walls were well painted, the furniture expensive, and many trinkets of comfort are around.

"Bedroom is down the hall and on the left." Batgirl pulls off her mask and drops her cape to the floor. Her hair unleashed from its ponytail as she let's out a sigh of relief. "I'm in this room. She points at the doorway that ends the hall. "Don't be loud or I'll smother you in your sleep." She gently hits Peter on the shoulder as she walks past him making way to the room. A small chuckle leaving her as she does so.

Peter walks to his new room. He senses fourteen different bug devices in there. The spider sense rattlesnakes in his head are hurting his brain. "You know guys one or two would have been enough." Peter makes his way around removing almost all the bugs except for one in the corner of the room. Peter is stuck to the corner of the room on the wall as he leans close to it "There we go. Mic check one two."

He jumps down and lays back on the bed. Briefly his thoughts are on the obvious. Home. He wonders if the Doc is ok. He last moments of the fight did give Peter a nice thought. He saved at least one more before being lost. With Matt Murdock as his lawyer he should be able to get a lighter sentence under the Criminal Technology Control Act. The laws that came into effect around superheros always confused Peter but at least that one made sense.

Peters mind drifts to his new circumstances. A new city and new hero's. He could help them if they let him. All of them, but obviously this group of individuals are lacking in the trust department. He thinks of them all but as he begins to fall asleep one specific soft voice remains on his mind a moment longer than the rest. Peter gets his first full rest in a while.

Awoken by the smell of delicious food, Peter leans up in his bed. The scent is so potent that if he was in a looney toons episode he would float toward the smell through the air. Unfortunately for Peter he has to walk him self out through the door.

Sat around the island in the kitchen is that dude from the library as well as Barbra. Opposite them was sat a kid, Batgirl and Black Bat. Gotham must not be as big as he previously thought. No one notices Peter straight away so he watches from the side for a little. Library guy is jumping up and down cooking and engaging in conversations. They smiled and laughed with each other. You could of taken a picture and framed it as 'the family' for stock photos. Peter feels a slight twing in his heart. The loss of his own family was by no means recent but still hurt.

Black Bat sees Peter in the hallway. She beckons him over and pulls out the stool next to her.

Library guy places a plate of pancakes and bacon in front of Peter. "Morning Peter. How did you sleep?"

"Very well thank you." Peter replies.

"I'm Dick and this is Damien. I thought it best that we discuss the logistics of your stay." He says taking a seat as he places the last of everyone's food. Peter has by now figured out they are Nightwing and Robin. However Barbara was still a mystery. How did she know them.

Nightwing begins to speak again. "So Stephanie here." He gestures to Batgirl. "Has been so kind as to let you stay in her apartment. Now it's up to you if you stay or not but just know it's here."

Peter feels very touched at Dicks hospitality. He reminds Peter of his Aunt May. Always bending over backwards to make sure people are accommodated.

"Now as far as your day to day goes, here." Sliding over the table from Dick is a clear folder. Inside is a passport, driving licence, birth certificate, basically a whole identity for Peter. "That should keep anyone off your back."

"So what now? I just move in?" Peter asks with a slight laugh. He's not sure what to say in this moment or even what he should do next. Not knowing what to say is definitely a new feeling.

Batgirl places her fork down halfway through demolishing her plate. "Welcome roomie. For the record I do love playing loud nu-metal music in the mornings." She gets up and places a hand on his shoulder. "Roommates should know the worst about each other."

"Well I hope your ok with footprints on the ceiling. When I think I pace in a complete circle around all surfaces." Spidey gives a light smile and taps her hand.

"Perfect you can clean the cobwebs in the corners. Right anyway I have to run. Stuff to do. Barbs I'll see you later yeah? Steph asks her friend.

"Definitely I'll be finished around seven." Barbara shouts to her just before the door is closed.

"Babs you want a lift to work? I'm passing the library on my way to Jays." Dick asks of his friend.

"Sure. It was lovely to meet you properly Peter." She shakes his hand and her and Dick leave as well. Everyone seems so rushed with their lives. The only person left was Black Bat. Her gaze is solely on her plate. She obviously isn't bothered by Peter and gives him a small gesture to eat the food that's still in front of him. Signing *eat* to him when he doesn't take the hint.

The rumble from Peters stomach makes him leap into action. Jumping over the back of the chair into the seat not disturbing a thing despite the display. During the meal Peters begins to strike up a conversation with her.

"So." He pauses to swallow his food. "I never caught your name."

"Cassandra. My name Cassandra." She replies. Her eyeline remaining on her food.

"Lovely name." Peter places his fork down. His hand movements and demeanor catching her attention. *What should I do today?* He asks.

Cass's brain doesn't know how to respond. She doesn't really have much of a social life or do any activities outside of the mission. *Why ask me?*

"*Your local information might help me.*" The quiet of the room is quite uncomfortable to Peter so he begins speaking his signs out loud at the same time. He hates that he can never shut up but it is a part of his charm.

*I don't go out much.* Cass takes a moment before standing and putting her plate in the dishwasher. Turning back around she leans back against the side. *Tim knows places.* as she finishes her sentence she realizes that Peter is now stood on the ceiling upside down deep in thought.

"Who is Tim? The helmet one or Big Robin?" Peter moves to the corner of the ceiling and begins cleaning the cobwebs Steph had asked him to do.

Cass is enthralled by the way Peter moves so effortlessly with his powers. As easy as breathing he sticks and unsticks. "Red Robin." She emphasizes the word Red as Tim can get quite antsy about his alias.

"*We could go find him?*" Peter recommends.

Cass shakes her head. "He work. CEO."

Peter was quite shocked by this. Sure the guy wasn't exactly a kid but was definitely not in his thirties. How is he a CEO? Questions for another time. "Looks like I'm going for a solo explore then." Peter jumps off the ceiling and makes his way to the door. As he reaches for the handle a hand is placed on his shoulder. He turns and sees Cass holding two jackets. She hands him one and wears her own. She says nothing and walks out the door with Peter following.

The two of them walk down the high street of Gotham. Fancy stores and jewelry places line the road. The early autumn air lovely with a only a hint of chill biting. The curious look Peter gives all the fancy stores catches Cass's eye.

*Ok?* she asks.

"Yeah just wondering how, with all the crime in Gotham, these places can still be open." Peter answers her.

"Pay off crime lords." She begins. "Some owned by criminals." She explains how many of the stores here are owned by Black Mask. They are used as fronts to sell stolen jewels and also guns.

"That explains it. This guy sounds quite like a villain I knew. Kingpin. He had his hand in every business and political figure you could think off." Peter once against starts talking unaware of his tendency to do so. However Cass just listens.

"Never took him down completely. His reach was too much for a single guy like me to stop. But the police where quite close to stopping him." Peter sees Cass staring at him. "Sorry I'm kinda just talking endlessly aren't I?" *Sorry.* He punctuates his words.

"It's ok. Your world sounds nice. Safe." Her gaze moves to the ground.

"Honestly it was just like anywhere else. Had good and bad. Once the entire city was taken over and everyone was possessed by alien goo. Now that's an interesting story." Peter and Cass walk together down the street. Peter talks of Symbiotes, Skrull and the one time he punched Galactus. Cass tells him of the New Gods, Martians and how there is a big pit that brings people to back to life. They share stories for a while ending up in a quiet cafe.

"What you going to do?" Cass question is very broad. Peter wonders what she means. Today. Next week. Going to do here. To get home. In general. His mind swirls in a vortex of questions unanswerable because he doesn't know.

"I have no idea. Not exactly got much. Probably should get a job. I wonder what research labs are in the city." Peter ponders for a moment.

"Gotham not great for science. Always ends in accident." Cass makes a great point. But you could argue that with the presences of someone already enhanced makes the likely hood decrease.

"How about journalism? I used to take photos for a newspaper back home." Peter leans back in his chair still thinking. Cass shakes her head as Gothams journalists are a cut throat bunch.

Peter keeps thinking. The quiet is peaceful for a moment until Peter leans forward and whispers his brilliant idea. "How about crime scene photographer?" He leans back to bask in the genius of his suggestion.

Cass opens her mouth to speak but struggles to answer. Her hand moves to her neck and she rubs it slightly. Only for a moment. Then she's signing. *Good idea. I know how to help.*

The energy at the table wobbles. The concern on Peters face evident but not trying to be invasive. He gently slides a glass of water across the table.

She takes it with a thank you signed and takes a sip. It doesn't really help but the gesture is appreciated.

"Can I ask what happened?" Peter looking at her gestures to her neck. The response is almost immediate. The glass of water in her hand shatters under her grip. Blood oozes out from between the still clenched fingers. The cafe worker runs over to the table but Cass scares them off with a look of fire. Not a direct focused beam but more of an uncontrollable inferno.

The moments that follow are devoid of noise. At least from the pair. The hustle and bustle of the cafe still continues around them and Cass has silently pulled all the glass from her hand. A pocket bandage is around her hand, a subtle reminder to Peter that this is still Black Bat.

*I'm sorry.* Peter signs. For once not speaking as he does so.

Cass breaths in and out. Relaxed. Controlled. Iron clad focus on it. The world around her is silent to her mind. Nothing is breaking though her frozen gaze on the table. Then she feels a warm touch on her hand. Not the one she hurt however. Peter has taken her hand and grips it tight. This act bringing her out. Out of her mind. Out of her shackles.

Peter makes no move to speak. His focus not directly on her. He's speaking to the cafe owner apologizing for the glass that smashed. However this single action is all Cass needed to bring her back. Peter was used to this working at FEAST. He'd seen many closed of veterans and victims that just needed that little bit of grounding. Aunt May would be happy to see him still using what she taught him.

After a brief respite Cass jumps up, throws three hundred dollars onto the table and walks out. Peter is left at the table with a worried look and is about to run out after. The door however springs open. A villain in an all green suit, holding a cane and wearing a hat matching his ensemble waltzes in. Literally to the sound of a violin through the speakers in the cafe.

"Greetings. How's about we all play a little game?"

Chapter Text

"Now the game is very simple, I ask a question and you guys give me an answer." The green suited individual moves around the room in a very flamboyant and exaggerated way. His long black wavey hair flowing out from under his hat. His need for attention is as clear as crystal. Crystal being the choice word for this situation as hanging out of the guys pockets is a small device with said item attached by duck tape. Everyone in the room is ignoring him or giving him passing glances. Some even walk past him and bump into him as they past.

He whips out the device and points it at the door which crystallizes the exit making it impassible. The passive side eyes of the cafe goers was now changing to one of quite surprise as people now look toward him and slowly move away.

"That's better, a more appropriate reaction for I, The Riddler." The pose he does is as unnecessary as it was silly looking. Although Peter notes the confused looks of the patrons of the cafe. One of them pipes up with a "Your not the Riddler," As well as another following with "Yeah he's ginger."

"Don't sass me. I will use this." The faux Riddler's annoyance and frustration paints across his face with a red flush. The room explodes into a back and forth between the 'Villain' and the crowd. The snips and grips flying around the room are a sight to behold. Quotes of 'your mother' and the faker responding with "You don't talk about my mother," allows Peter to sneak out the back and change into his suit. Theres always a distraction.
-----------------------------------
"I'll have you know that green gives a flattering cohesion between my use of blacks and darker trims." The Riddler shouts out.

"Maybe in the 1960s. Come on man even the current Riddler doesn't put on a whole ensemble anymore."

"I can't help it if I have a certain moxy." He retorts.

"Moxy? I would have gone with Je ne se que." Spider-Man falls in from the skylight in the ceiling.

"Hold it hero I am the Riddler. And I challenge you to a." He is silenced quickly by a web to the mouth. Followed by a thwip to his hand pulling the device away.

"I love a good gimmick but copies are derivative. You need to branch out, find yourself. You'll have plenty of time to think on that in prison." Spider-Man crushes the device and drops the shrapnel as he webs his catch to the wall.

"I just can't catch a break." Spider-Man sighs as he climbs back out the sky light thinking on today's events. The police can deal with his catch but his main thoughts are on another. He swings through the city pondering Cass. Poor Cass. He hit a nerve. A fresh nerve from an obviously open wound. He needs to find a way to apologize. To make things right. But how can he?

The brilliant idea came to him as he made his way to the Library. After changing back into his civvies he enters through the familiar doors. Sat at the desk typing away is Barbara.

"Oh hey Peter. What are you doing here, everything ok?" She ask immediately seeing a slight dip in his demeanor.

"Uh yeah I just need some advice." He say leaning against the desk. He looks around the room seeing noone around. "Cass is upset cause of me and I was wondering if you could hel. WOAH!" Peter leaps up and over Barbara and the desk as he sticks to the wall behind, a batarang in his last location. "This needs to stop happening. If I had a nickel for every time a bat shaped blade was thrown at my head, I'd have two nickels."

Stephanie is running down one of the aisles of the library. She vaults the desk to get to Peter. "What did you do, you mother... " Peter has moved along the roof out of her reach as Barbara cuts her off.

"Hey watch your language in my library. Let Peter explain. What happened Peter." She's wheeled herself out from her desk to the front pulling out the batarang that's imbedded in it. She holds with familiarity and rubs it gently with her thumb. Her gazes moves up to the man in the room. "Tell me."

And thus Peter explained. How they spent the morning together, how they sat at the cafe and finally what they talked about. Peters regret sits on his shoulders heavy. "I shouldn't have said anything."

Steph has lowered her weapons at this point. "You.. Only wanted to know. You care a lot I can tell." She turns to Barbara who passes her a key. Big, old and rusty. The copper colour dull adding to the mystery. "Come with me."

Barbara nudges Peters side to follow Steph out the door. "I'd go with her. She will leave you behind." She gives a soft smile and a light stroke on his arm in reassurance.

So Peter follows.
-----------------------------------
Steph and Peter walk for what feels like hours. They head through Crime Alley and down an abandoned train track. It was only a one or two years out of service from the looks of it. The line was slightly newer and the broken trains around didn't have much in the way of overgrowth.

"Watch you step. The lines still active and Id hate to watch this place become a bug zapper." Steph says as she jumps over the track toward an old building on the other side. It was way older then the surrounding infrastructure. Very old. More of a shack or shed. The sounds of far away trains and the silence of the immediate train yard give a very separated feeling from the rest of the world.

Steph walks through the door of the shack and pulls Peter inside. She pushes a finger to her lips miming silence. Peter nods as they walk through the abandoned building. Knelt on the floor in the middle of the room is Cass. A small blade across her legs. The jagged edge eerily similar to the marks on Cass's neck.

Steph grabs Peter by front of his shirt and holds him up against the wall in pure quiet. He remains as she slowly let's go and moves toward the silent girl. Steph walks in front of her and slightly moves her foot forward. A delicate placement, rehearsed obviously. Some signal is given from Cass that Peter only faintly reads and Steph kneels too.

Looking up Cass places the blade in a ornate box to her side. Old oak with delicate lines and details with a gentle blue velvet interior. Cass and Steph remain like this for a while. Seemingly conversing in a physical language of eye looks and unsaid words. Peter wants to approach, to apologize but fears for the delicate calm.

Eventually Steph stands and walks over to Peter. She gestures her head toward Cass and leaves the room. Peter has noticed this is living area, not that this would be living. A duffel, small gas camping cooker and equipment sealed in crates.

Peter mirrors Steph with every step. His eyes are not on Cass but on himself. His Spidey Sense leads every move he makes.

Foot forward.
Signal.
Kneel.
Wait.

Cass looks up. She wants to tell Peter everything. Every fiber of her being wants to speak. But she can't. A key point of expression stolen from her. Maybe that's why she is so gravitated to him. A man of nothing but expression. Of instinct and constant noise.

Peter looks into her eyes and learns a new language. Something just clicks and suddenly he throws himself into her wrapping her in a hug.

Cass doesn't dare move at first. The fear from Peter is obvious from his tight grip. Fear of if he's been lead estray by his instincts.

Cass's family is not one for physical touch. The only exception was Nightwing who some say is too much. Cass especially. And yet in this moment she doesn't feel pity from Peter. She feels genuine regret and sorry.

She holds him back.

Why does Peter understand her so much? He can feel their shared sense of responsibility. Cass wants to be worthy of the mantle of Batman. She believes she is responsible for its mission. For its legacy. She can only use her skills for this and nothing else so she has to. But she's not ready yet. With Bruce gone she has no one to help her.

Why does Cass understand him so much? She can feel their desires to help. To always strive to be better. To become more than what they are. Peter wants to not be the best but better than he was before. He uses his drive because when he wasn't better he lost everyone. He has no one to help him.

The way Peter talks without words makes Cass feel so calm. She can be quiet without being silent. She can be heard. Not just by her family but by others too.

The moment is held for a while. A moment of loud silence.