Story [Daria/Spider-Man] Spider Quinn

11 The Huntsmans
“Good Morning, Students! I’m proud to announce that the annual La-awndale High Spelling Bee will be held this Friday!”


Quinn knew she was going to do well at the spelling bee. However, she didn’t expect that Sandi would sign up too. “What?”

“I can spell!” Sandi said.

“I know that,” Quinn said..

“But that’s not the reason why I’m signing up. That is because you’re doing it!”

“Really?”

“Yes!” Sandi said.

“That’s not a good reason!” Quinn objected.

Sandi turned away in a huff.

“I’ll show her!” Quinn declared as she headed towards the library.


Meanwhile Daria and Jane met up on the roof.

“Trent said you called last night,” Jane said.

“Yes,” Daria said. “It’s that I realised that we haven’t been meeting up outside of school for the past month and half.”

“That’s untrue,” Jane said.

“It is, since that Jenna visited you have been busy. First with your mother, which is reasonable, but now this project whatever it is, is taking up all your time.”

“I’m still working on it. It will probably go on indefinitely,” Jane said. “And don’t say you’re not busy. I know you helped Joey and Robert with their business plan.”

“But that doesn’t take up all my time.” Daria said with annoyance. “This is taking up all of yours.”

“Not all of my time,” Jane said.

“But a lot of it. Do you have anything to show for it.”

“I do, Morgendorffer. You can come over this afternoon, and I will show you something.”

“I’ll hold you to it,” Daria said. There was then some awkward silence.


‘What is going on with Jane?’ Daria wondered as she headed to her next class. She wasn’t sure. ‘I’m still grieving Dad. Not as much as Quinn, but…’ She looked at some of the other students as she passed them in the hall. ‘I’m sure most of them wouldn’t be like Jane was,’ she thought. She saw the girl, Anna, whom Quinn was mentoring, talking to the hypochondriac next to a couple of lockers. ‘Not them.’


“Quinn?”

Quinn turned from the dictionary she had been looking at. “Brittany?”

“I heard that Sandi had signed up for the spelling bee,” Brittany said.

“Yes. She’s being her spiteful self.”

“I can help.”

“Stacy and Tori will be here shortly,” Quinn responded.

“Oh, I’ll stay anyway.”

“Sure.”

“I also heard something on the radio about a cheerleading team going missing in Oakwood,” Brittany said.

“You can tell me more about it later.”

“Of course.”


Stacy and Tori found Quinn pouring over a dictionary.

“A A R D V A R K Aardvark.”

“What is this, Arthur?” Tori asked.

“The thought did pass my mind,” Quinn quipped.

“So, you want us to help you with the longer words?” Stacy asked.

“Yes,” Quinn answered.

“We can do that,” Tori said.

There was then a sound as Brittany fell, “Oops!”

“Brittany?” Tori asked.

“Sorry, I was looking for something high up,” Brittany answered.

“Oh,” Stacy said.


Half an hour later, SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon both left the school and headed towards the Creek.

“So, what is this about a cheerleading team that’s gone missing?” SpiderGirl asked, once they had arrived.

“The Honeybees, that is the North Oakwood High team were scheduled to arrive in Middlebury last night, but they didn’t show.”

“So, you want to investigate?”

“Yes,” Ninja Talon answered.

“It’s going to be difficult.”

“I know that there is wide countryside around Lawndale.”

“Yes,” SpiderGirl said.

“Maybe I could to suggest to Ms. Li that the Squad visit Middlebury High?”

“That’s an idea.”

“I’ll do it first thing tomorrow,” Ninja Talon said.

“In the meantime, I’ll see what I can find out online.”


Ninja Talon headed off home quickly, whilst SpiderGirl headed to the closest cybercafe.


Quinn couldn’t find much more than what she had been told. ‘Then I hope Brittany would be able to get to Middlebury tomorrow,’ she thought. She then accessed a forum she had frequented before her father’s passing.

Lawndale Local Web Forum

‘But which subforum?’ she wondered after she had logged in.

Latest News

‘That would work.’

There wasn’t anything. ‘Of course not! There hasn’t been enough time.’ But there were other forums she could check.


Oakwood Web Forum

She looked through the news section and found that there wasn’t much more than what Ninja Talon had said. ‘Right,’ she said as she sighed off.


SpiderGirl patrolled for an hour before heading home.


While she was doing that, Daria arrived at Casa Lane.

“Hey, Daria,” Trent said as she came in. “Janie is waiting in her room.”

“Thanks Trent.”


Daria entered Jane’s room.

“Hey, Daria.”

“So, what is this project that is taking up your time?” Daria asked.

“I have some of it right here,” Jane said. She then drew Daria’s attention to her easel. Where there was a map of Lawndale with various markers on it.

“So, all of Lawndale?”

“Yes, the streetscape of Lawndale, Jane Lane style!”

“I see,” Daria said. She looked at the map. There wasn’t any real pattern to the markers. “Looks rather random.”

“I have to start somewhere. I have done some sketches,” Jane said. She grabbed them from a drawer and gave them to Daria.


As Jane switched on Sick Sad World, Daria started going through the sketches. They were of the points marked out on the markers. She looked at the map again. ‘Here in Howard Drive.’ She thought. She saw that the corresponding sketch was of the thicket across the road where they had seen the flashing lights that week that Mr. DeMartino was mistakenly arrested. ‘Does she still think that was a UFO?’ She wasn’t sure. ‘Next one.’

It was right outside the school, looking east towards the Creek. Both had the usual Jane Lane flare. ‘No difference there.’ She continued through the various sketches.


“Still no pattern,” Daria murmured.

“What was that?” Jane asked.

“There doesn’t seem to be a pattern.”

“It’s art, there doesn’t have to be.”

“So, you’re just picking places in Lawndale at random?” Daria asked.

“I guess so,” Jane said in a strange tone.

‘She’s hiding something,’ Daria thought, but she didn’t really want to press. ‘I will find out at some point.’

“Mostly points of interest.”

“I can see how the woods across the road can be.”

“I haven’t seen any flashing lights there again,” Jane said.

“That’s good,” Daria commented. “So, there were other unusual happenings at these other places?”

“Yes,” Jane answered. “Inexplicable, hard to understand things.”

“Sounds more like a Spiral lyric.”

“I’ll be sure to tell Trent that.”

“But what are these things?” Daria asked.

“Various things. Sometimes it’s just places SpiderGirl was seen at. One time she was carrying a girl from Lawndale High,” Jane said. She took out a newspaper cutting and handed it to Daria.


It wasn’t anything she didn’t already know. ‘Wait! This is the girl Quinn’s tutoring, Anna, I’m sure it is.’ She wasn’t sure what to make of that. “So, this is what is taking up your time?” she asked.

“More or less,” Jane answered.

‘There’s still something she isn’t saying,’ Daria thought. But she still didn’t want to press, so they continued watching that episode of Sick Sad World in an awkward silence.


Quinn arrived home and turned on the TV in the loungeroom. Some game show was on, but she knew that the local news would be on after it.

However, the phone rang. “Hello?”

“Quinn! Is any one there?” Brittany asked.

“Mom’s not home and I don’t think Daria is either,” Quinn answered. “What is it?”

“More information about the missing team came on the radio,” Brittany added. “They were on their bus. It left Oakwood, but it didn’t arrive in Middlebury. The state police didn’t find any evidence that there was a crash on the interstate or other roads nearby.”

‘Sounds like she’s quoting the newscaster verbatim,’ Quinn thought. “So, the bus just disappeared.”

“Yes. They’re looking into the driver’s history, but…”

“That might be a red herring. It could be anything.”

“I’ll still see if the squad can go to Middlebury tomorrow,” Brittany said.

“Good, and I’ll try to get in touch with my LDPD contact tonight.”

“You have a contact in the Lawndale police?”

‘I bet she was twirling her hair as she does,’ Quinn thought. “More like an acquaintance,” she clarified.

“Ooh!” Brittany said. “Oh! Ashley-Amber’s here. See you tomorrow!”


Daria left Casa Lane shortly before five. She still wasn’t sure what was going on. All she knew was something to do with that project was taking up Jane’s time. ‘I hope that’s all it is,’ she thought.


“Something up, Janie?” Trent asked when Jane entered the kitchen and turned up the radio.

“I think Daria is suspicious,” Jane answered.

“In what way?”

“I’m not sure in what way! But she was looking at the map and the sketches. I told her the cover. But she wants to know more, I’m sure of it.”

“I don’t know. Maybe you should tell her,” Trent said.

“No! ‘Hey Daria, I have started going out into the night to protect people in Lawndale as a vigilante.’ She would think I was crazy.”

“If you put it that way.”

“I’m not going to tell her,” Jane said.

“News at Five. A cheerleading team from Oakwood is still missing despite police searches of the roads between Oakwood and Middlebury.”

“Missing cheerleading team?” Jane asked curiously.

“They are continuing their search throughout the county, and especially closer to Lawndale.”

“I have to find out more,” Jane said.

“Of course. But you can’t go out of Lawndale by yourself. ‘The Shadow’ hasn’t a vehicle.”

“I suppose we could find a way to disguise your car or the Tank.”

“Maybe, but that would take time,” Trent pointed out.

“Of course.”


Half an hour after dinner, SpiderGirl went on patrol, hoping to find Officer Peterson. She stopped at the courthouse clocktower. ‘But there hasn’t been any real pattern to our meetings,’ she thought. She looked around the various shops that surrounded the grounds of the courthouse. Most of them were closed for the night. One of the downtown pubs was doing frisk business. ‘Maybe if something happens, she would come,’ she wondered.


She didn’t have to wait long. She heard sirens to the east, over the Creek in Lawndale Flats. “Of course,” she groused, as she swung off in that direction.


Peterson saw SpiderGirl arrive at the scene. “Sorry SpiderGirl, it’s too late.”

“What happened?” the vigilante asked.

“There was a domestic dispute…” She answered, trailing off when she saw in her body language that the other knew what she meant.

“Right…” the other commented.

“So, the survivor is taken into custody and there are no minor’s present. There’s nothing else to do.”

The superhero was quiet for half a minute.

“SpiderGirl?”

“Anyway, I was wondering if you know more about that missing Cheerleading team than has been on the news.”

“I’m afraid not,” Peterson answered.

“I will investigate, but it will take some time.”

“The more people on the case, the better.”


SpiderGirl headed back across the Creek, to where she would usually meet Ninja Talon.


Trent entered Jane’s room to find that she had moved the map of Lawndale to her bed and was sketching a car on the easel. He could see that it was meant to be his Plymouth Satellite. “You’re designing a disguise?” he asked.

“Yes. I figured that your car would easier than the Tank.”

Trent laughed and coughed.

“And I’m sure it runs better too,” Jane added.

“One that is easy to apply and remove?”

“Of course.”

“Good,” Trent said.

“I don’t think this will be ready tomorrow. This is more long term.”

“Of course.”


SpiderGirl had waited for half an hour when Ninja Talon arrived. “I knew you would be here,” the latter said.

“My source said that they have no further information.”

“So, It’ll be up to me tomorrow?”

“Yes, unless the Shadow somehow knows,” SpiderGirl responded.

“Sure.”


They talked for a short while longer before going their separate ways again.


Lawndale Sun-Herald
Tuesday January 23, 2001
Cheerleaders From Oakwood Missing. Large Search in Progress

SpiderGirl put aside the paper. There still wasn’t anything else in the article compared to the news reports from the previous evening. ‘But maybe something will happen today.’ She then left the café and continued to school.


“Ms. Taylor?” Ms. Li asked upon seeing Brittany outside her office.

“I was wondering if the squad could go over to Middlebury in place of the missing team?” Brittany asked.

“I’ll have to think about it,” the Principal answered. She didn’t want to refuse right away without investigating the situation with the competition first.

“That’s OK.”

“I’ll let you know sometime in the day.”

Brittany nodded and left. “See you later. Ms. Li!”


Brittany ran into Quinn after Homeroom. “Ms. Li said that she would think about it.”

“That’s good,” Quinn responded.

“I’ll probably hear back from her by the end of the day.”

“I’ll be in the Library with Angie.”

“Of course,” Brittany said.


“Class, we’re going to engage in a journalism exercise over the next few days,” O’Neill said.

‘That doesn’t sound good,’ Daria thought.

“You will pair off and prepare for an interview in class on Friday, along with a report on the other person and their family.”

‘Still doesn’t sound good,’ Daria thought.

“I have prepared this box with all the names of the students in this class.”

‘That’ still not good.’

‘I will shake it up then draw out two names at once.”

 

Part 2
While O’Neill was drawing names from a box, Ms. Li was looking up information on the competition in Middlebury.

“This looks like an opportunity for La-awndale High!” she said, as the cost wasn’t too much. She decided she would wait a while to tell Brittany as she didn’t want to interfere with the Language Arts class in session.


“Daria Morgendorffer, and Tananda Watts.”

‘I don’t really know her. I would have preferred Jane,’ Daria thought.

“Daria?” Tananda asked.

“That’s what’s been chosen,” O’Neill said.

Tananda grumbled.


“Brittany Taylor, please report to the Principal’s Office.”

“Cool!” Brittany said.

“Cool?” Kevin asked.

“I asked her about something, Kevy!” Brittany said, elbowing her boyfriend.

“Ow!” Kevin said as Brittany headed towards the Principal’s office.


‘That might be good news,’ Quinn thought after hearing the Principal page Brittany. At least she hoped so.


Brittany entered the Prinicpal’s office. “So?”

“I have approved your request, Ms. Taylor! It’s a great opportunity for La-awndale High!”

“That’s great! I shall tell the squad.”

“Wait!”

“Wait?” Brittany asked.

“You shall go tomorrow. I still need to write the permission slips.”

“Of course.”

“You may go now.”


“Why did O’Neill have to do it randomly,” Daria groused to Jane as they went to their next class.

“One of his usual strange ideas that backfire?” Jane asked.

“Of course,” Daria said. “But Tananda… I have barely noticed her existence. It won’t be easy.”

“She’s also ignored you,” Jane said.

“But, do you know her?”

“Not that well. She has her own circle of friends. But I do know she’s on the lacrosse team.

“That might be a start,” Daria mused.

“And that she can be surprisingly vehement when she chooses to be.”

“I’ll be sure to test that.”


Tananda too wasn’t sure. She turned to Scarlett Hawkins Le Faye after leaving the Language Arts Classroom. “Why Daria? All I know about her is that she is very sarcastic, and that her father has recently passed away.”

“Maybe look into Quinn?” Scarlett asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Look into what really happened to the Fashion Club?”

“I’m not interested in that!” Tananda responded with her usual vehemence.

“Good,” Scarlett murmured.


Brittany had found herself with Mack as her partner. That was quite acceptable as far as she was concerned. She knew that he wouldn’t press her for too many details.


“Daria!” Tananda called out as she found the other girl leaving the school at the end of the day.

“I’m going to the Pizza place, we can talk there,” Daria responded.

“That’s good. But what about Jane?”

“Andrea is meeting her at her place.”

“OK.”


Brittany entered the library and waited for Quinn to finish her session with Angie. She looked for books on the local area that would be able to help her on her investigation.


Daria and Tananda arrived at the Pizza place and made their orders.

“So, what questions are you going to ask?” Daria asked the other girl.

“I haven’t thought much about it,” Tananda answered. “It has been less than a day. I guess we’ll have to think about it overnight.”

“Same here,” Daria said. “But we should have some basic questions. Who we are. What we like. What our families are like.”

“Those are good for a start,” Tananda said as she wrote some notes.

Daria took out a notepad also. “And our hopes and dreams for the future, whatever those might be.”

“Your experience with grief?”

“Yes, but don’t pester Quinn about it.”

“I won’t,” Tananda responded.

“Good.”

“That may be good for a start.”

“Yes. We can meet before school tomorrow and talk about it again,” Daria said.


“…So, that is how the equation works?” Angie asked.

“Yes,” Quinn answered.

“Thanks,” Angie said.


Brittany came to Quinn after Angie left, carrying a book about the geography of the county.

“Here we are!” Brittany said as she placed the book on the table. She had it opened to a double page spread and pointed at Lawndale. Or more specifically the area of town where the school was.

“Yes,” Quinn said as she looked.

“And apparently there are a lot of caves around abouts.”

“Interesting, but I’m not sure that the bus would have gone into a sink hole. I’m sure that it would have been mentioned if one was found.”

“That’s true,” Brittany mused as she twirled a pigtail.

“It is worth investigating. But what did Ms. Li say?”

“She said yes!”

“That’s great!” Quinn enthused.

“Then I’ll be able to investigate the competition. See if there’s anything weird going on there.”

“That would be a good start.”

“I also thought we could have a look at the areas around the towns, hence the book,” Brittany said.

“Even if the bus was hijacked, I don’t think it would be easy to hide it in a previously unknown cave.”

“That’s a good point.”

“It is somewhere,” Quinn mused, “but more likely to be in some old shed or whatever. But the cheerleaders themselves could be anywhere.”

“We’ll find them,” Brittany said with determination.


Quinn thought for a moment as she looked over the map of the county again. She was sure that the book could be useful. “Anyway, I’m going to continue preparing for the spelling bee. Could you patrol in the area of Main Street for the next hour?”

“Sure.” Brittany answered with a smile.

“Thanks, Brittany.”


As Ninja Talon left the school, the Shadow saw her from across the street. ‘So, the Ninja is a fellow student?’ she asked herself. She decided to try to follow.


However, Ninja Talon moved rather quickly, such that the Shadow couldn’t follow. ‘Of course,’ she thought, she’s quite agile. She decided to do her usual patrol around Dega Street.


SpiderGirl left the school half an hour later, satisfied that she was adequately preparing for the spelling bee.


When she arrived home, Daria turned on the radio. “The North Oakwood Cheerleading Team remains missing with authorities still clueless as to their whereabouts.”

“Those things sometimes take days,” she commented as she booted her computer.

“Principal of Lawndale High, Angela Li, has announced that their Cheerleading team will take the missing team’s place in the competition.”

‘Of course,’ Daria groused to herself.

“…For the honor and the glory of La-awndale High!”

‘Now, let see what they’re saying online.’


After a brief look at various local forums, Daria then opened a blank document. “What questions to ask Tananda about herself?” she wondered again.


Later that evening, Trent arrived home from practice with Mystik Spiral to find Jane sleeping slumped over the kitchen table with a copy of the same book Brittany had shown Quinn beside her. “Hmm, I guess you’re looking into that disappearance,” he mused.


Lawndale Sun-Herald
Wednesday January 24, 2001
No Progress in Search for Missing Cheerleaders

SpiderGirl dropped the paper as she arrived at the school. She hoped that Ninja Talon’s investigation would turn up some leads.


“Quinn?” Stacy asked as her friend rushed into Homeroom a couple minutes late.

“Sorry, I slept in again,” Quinn said.

“Right.”

The Cheerleading Team met at lunch. “So, we’re taking the place of the missing team?” Nicki Fisher asked.

“Yes,” Brittany answered.

“But, wouldn’t there be a risk for us too?” Angie asked.

“There will be a police escort between Lawndale and Middlebury,” Brittany answered.

“Like only one car, I’m sure,” Donna Bolton said.

“Probably,” Brittany said.

“So, we’re going this afternoon?” Nicki aked.

“Yes,” Brittany answered. “Wasn’t that on the permission slips yesterday?”

“I didn’t actually look at it,” Nicki admitted.

“Oh,” Brittany said.

“I looked at it,” Donna said. “It is today.”

“Right,” Nicki said. “I didn’t get packed!”

“We can stop by your place,” Brittany said.

“OK.”


In between the classes, Brittany caught up with Quinn.

“So, you’re going today?” Quinn asked.

“Yes. I’ll call when we get there,” Brittany said.

“Good. But we need a more secure method of communicating. Something to talk about later.”

“I agree. Maybe some kind of code?”

“Probably,” Quinn considered.

“I’ll try to come up with something.”

“And hopefully I’ll understand.”

“See ya.”


The Cheerleading team met outside the school’s stadium after the last class let out. “Is everyone here?” Miss Morris, one of the School’s Personal Development teachers, asked.

“Yes, Miss Morris,” Brittany answered.

“Good. I want to get to Middlebury quickly, despite having to pick up Nicki’s stuff,” Morris groused. “Be that a lesson to you to read the permission slips!”

“Yes, Miss!” Nicki said in a contrite tone.

“And now we’ll go.”


Tananda met Daria as both of them left the school grounds. “Where are we going to start?” she asked.

“I’m going to the Pizza place first,” Daria responded.

“I’ll come along then,” Tananda said with a slight smirk.


Gerald entered the Library to see Anna and Ben, along with Quinn, already there.

“A little late?” Quinn asked.

“Sorry. I was held up by O’Neill’s latest ‘brainwave.’ I’m paired with Samara Collins.”

“Apology accepted,” Quinn said. “Besides, it’s an opportunity to make another connection.”

“I knew you would see it that way,” Gerald grumbled.

“Now, we’re going to continue on the public speaking thing,” Quinn added.

“That’s fine,” Anna said.

“What’s your idea?” Ben asked.

“You’ll take turns reading from the books you have chosen, and so will I,” Quinn said.

“Really?” Gerald asked.

“Yes,” Quinn responded in an encouraging tone. “You did well enough with the essay.”

“You’re taking Ms. Li’s original direction and taking it to it’s ultimate conclusion aren’t you?” Gerald asked.

“Maybe,” Quinn answered.

“Let’s just do this,” Anna said.

“Lets not argue,” Ben added.

“We shouldn’t,” Quinn said.

“So, read something,” Anna murmured as she turned to a page.

“You want to start?” Quinn asked.

Anna nodded.


Two patrol cars from the Lawndale County Sheriffs Department joined the bus as it left Lawndale to the north. They hadn’t wasted that much time at Nicki’s place, given that her mother had indeed read the permission slip before she signed it.

Brittany looked at the car behind them and wondered whether she would find out what had happened to the other team. ‘Or have I just placed myself and the others in danger?’ That was something she had thought about earlier, but hadn’t voiced to Quinn. ‘Maybe I could tell her that when I call?’

“Brit?” Donna asked. “Something up.”

“Did I make the right decision?” Brittany asked.

“I think so.”

“Like, have I placed us in danger?”

“I don’t think so,” Donna responded. “Like, the Deputies are escorting us because Li is paranoid.”

“Maybe,” Brittany responded.


Daria and Tananda got to the Pizza place. “Don’t you usually come here with Jane?”

“Yes,” Daria answered. “But she’s doing an art project based on Lawndale’s streetscape.”

“That sounds interesting.”

“It will be when it’s done.”

“You sound annoyed,” Tananda said as she came up to the counter.

“Of course I’m annoyed. But at least it’s that and not a boy.”

“Why?”

“I’m not sure why,” Daria admitted.


Daria wasn’t sure why she said that. She ate another slice in thought. She still didn’t know what to make of Tananda.


“I have put together some questions I can ask you,” Tananda said. “As well as Quinn and your Mom.”

Daria looked alarmed. “As long as you don’t press Quinn too much about our father’s death! She’s very much still in grief.”

“Don’t worry, I will be tactful.”

“I’d still like a look at the questions.”

“Of course,” Tananda said. “And I’ll look at your questions.”

“Only fair,” Daria responded as she handed over her sheet.


Jane arrived home after jogging from school. “Trent?”

“I’m here, Janie,” Trent responded.

Jane entered the kitchen to see that Jesse was there as well. It was clear that they had been practicing.

“Hey, could we go over to Middlebury tonight?” Jane asked.

“Not tonight,” Trent answered. “Spiral has a gig at McGrundy’s. But tomorrow night is free.”

“What’s there?” Jesse asked.

“You have heard the news, right?” Jane asked.

“Yeah.”

“So, I would like to look into it.”

“Oh,” Jesse responded.

“Still a bit dangerous,” Trent said.

“I know, but I would still like to do it,” Jane said.

“Maybe the whole band?” Jesse said.

“You know Max is cowardly, right?” Jane asked.

“You saw how he acted in Freemont,” Trent added.

“Oh, Yeah.”


Daria finished looking through Tananda’s questions. “These seem to be fine,” she said. “For the most part.”

“What do you mean?” Tananda asked.

“Meaning that some of these are too personal.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course, I’m sure!” Daria said. “I’m sure that Mom and Quinn would back me up on that.”

“Let’s see what they’ll say first.”

“Right.”

“And yours are relatively minor,” Tananda complained.

“That’s the point.”

“So, you want mine to be like yours?”

“Not exactly, but yes,” Daria said with annoyance.

“No wonder you have that reputation,” Tananda groused.

 

Part 3
It didn’t take long for the cheerleading team to arrive in Middlebury, which was a little over 10 miles from Lawndale.

“Now, the competition is being held at Middlebury High,” Ms. Morris said. “We need to sign up before going to the hotel.”

“Of course,” Brittany said. She hoped that she would get the opportunity to find out more about what was going on.


SpiderGirl left the school after the mentoring session for the day had ended. She knew that she wasn’t going to hear from Ninja Talon for a while yet. She went on one of her usual patrols.


Daria arrived home with Tananda in tow. “Mom won’t be home for a while yet.”

“I know that she’s a lawyer.”

“Yes. So you should be prepared for her to be questioning you a lot about your motives.”

“But one question. How is she doing? This house can’t be cheap,” Tananda said.

“Her income is more than enough to cover everything,” Daria answered. “Of course, that does include the overtime she was doing anyway.”

“Oh.”

“The kitchen is this way.”


Trent entered Jane’s room and saw what she was drawing. “I see that you’re still planning on using my car.”

“I can’t afford one,” Jane commented.

Trent laughed and coughed. “True.”

“And trying to find one like it would take even more time.”


Brittany discretely asked around for more information after she and the others from Lawndale signed in.

“…There’s another new team as well as Lawndale High,” the girl from Middlebury said.

“And where are they from?” Brittany asked.

“I don’t know, somewhere in a neighboring county. The leader introduced them as the Huntsmans.”

“Sounds ominous,” Brittany commented as she twirled her hair.

“They’re also themed after the spider.”

“Spider. Like SpiderGirl, probably.”

“That reminds me. Is SpiderGirl actually real? She does have superpowers?” the other girl asked.

“She does. I have met her,” Brittany answered carefully.

“And seen her use her powers?”

“Yes.”

“Cool,” the girl responded. “But it does make you wonder what else is real.”

“I agree. Anyway, I’m Brittany.”

“Charli.”


After talking to Charli, Brittany wondered if Quinn was home yet. ‘I’ll wait a little longer,’ she decided. She decided to look more into it. But first, she looked to where Angie was sitting by herself at a table. ‘I’ll give her company for a short while.’


SpiderGirl saw that Daria wasn’t alone inside. She knew of Tananda, but hadn’t interacted. She retreated to the laneway to change before going into the house.


Tananda saw Quinn enter through the kitchen door. “Good Afternoon,” she said.

“Tananda right?”

“Yes,” she answered. “I’m here to interview your family for Mr. O’Neill’s project.

“OK,” the other said guardedly.

“I won’t press about your grief too much.”

“Good!” Quinn responded as she went to the fridge.


It wasn’t long before Brittany called. Daria answered the phone. “Brittany?”

“Hi, Daria, I’d like to talk to Quinn, please,”

“Um, Sure,” Daria said, wondering why Brittany would want Quinn. “Quinn! Phone! It’s Brittany.”

“I’ll take it upstairs,” Quinn said.

“She’ll be there in a minute,” Daria told Brittany.

“Thanks!”


“I’m in my room,” Quinn said.

“There isn’t much more information,” Brittany said.

“But there is some?”

“There’s another team signing up as well, called the Huntmans.”

“I haven’t heard of them,” Quinn admitted.

“They’re from another county apparently.”

“I see. I’ll try to find information on them online and get back to you on that. No other information on what happened to the other team?”

“None, but I’ll keep trying.”

“Thanks for letting me know.”


After hanging up, Quinn turned on her laptop.


Brittany looked around after hanging up. There weren’t any others nearby other than Angie and Donna who were talking to each other. She hoped that Quinn would be able to find more information. ‘But first I need to unpack.’


Helen got home to find an unfamiliar girl in her kitchen. “Tananda is it?” she asked.

“Yes,” the girl, Tananda, responded.

“Daria says that you two are doing a journalism related assignment.”

“That’s right.”

“She says that you had put together rather intrusive questions,” Helen said in her full lawyer persona.

“That is what she said,” Tananda responded defensively.

“I would to have a look at these questions if you don’t mind. Then I’ll talk to Daria and Quinn about them. Then you can conduct the interview.”


Tananda considered that Mrs. Morgendorffers’ reputation was well earned. She felt that she was on the witness stand in a court room. “Certainly,” she said as she slid the question sheet to her over the kitchen table.

The other took it. “Thank you.”


Meanwhile, Brittany questioned another of her rivals about what was going on. “I’m afraid that I don’t know why they were kidnapped. It is probably related to whatever is going on in Lawndale.”

“Maybe,” Brittany considered as she twirled a pigtail. But she wasn’t sure that it was connected.

“I know you have been asking around.”

“Yes?”

“I think it’s drawing attention,” the other said.

“Oops....” Brittany said.

“Not too much. It’s just that I notice these things.”

“Right.”

“Anyway, I’m Anna May.”

“Brittany.”

“Nice to meet you, Brittany,” Anna May said.


Helen finished reading through the list of questions Tananda had brought. “Some of these are too personal and leading.”

“That’s what Daria said.”

“And you should have listened to her.”

“OK, point those out and I’ll come back tomorrow with them rephrased,” Tananda said.

“I’ll shall point them out, right now,” Helen said as she grabbed a pen from a drawer.


Tananda looked at the sheet and sighed. Mrs. Morgendorffer had marked almost half of the questions! “Have you looked at Daria’s questions?”

“Not yet, but I will now.”

“Right.”

“I see that you’re new at this. That it was one of Mr. O’Neill’s whims,” Mrs. Morgendorffer said. “But you should have listened to Daria when she said that questions were too personal. Now I have my eye on you. And don’t forget that it’s only two months since Jake… My husband died!”

Tananda could see that there were tears on her face. “Sorry that I brought that up,” she said sincerely.

“I’m fine.”


Quinn was in her room. “Nintendo. N I N T E N D O.” ‘I doubt it,’ she thought, but she thought she would cover her bases. Next….

The door opened. “Mom?”

“I thought I would check in on you,” her mother said.

“I’m fine. I just preparing for the Spelling Bee on Friday.”

“Right. You are aware of Daria’s latest project.”

“What about it?” Quinn asked.

“It’s just that this Tananda is being rather inquisitive about her questions.”

“She hasn’t asked me anything yet.”

“I thought I would give you some warning,” her mother said.

“Thanks.”

“Anything else you want to talk to me about?”

“Nothing comes to mind,” Quinn answered.


In Middlebury, Brittany had settled in to her room, before heading out to investigate again. She thought about what Anna May had said. ‘Inconspicuous,’ she thought.

“Brittany!” she heard someone call after she turned a corner.

She looked and saw that it was Charli. “What’s up?” she asked as she came over to her.

“After we talked, I decided to look into it myself.”

“OK.”

“Apparently, the Huntmans haven’t arrived yet,” Charli explained.

“They haven’t?” Brittany asked, while twirling her hair.

“They haven’t. It’s quite strange, and the person who signed in for them seemed quite weird also.”

“In what way?”

“The one who told me that didn’t say how,” Charli said, ruffling her short brown hair.

“Then I’ll have to find out more.”


As Tananda left, she looked back at the Morgendorffers’ house. She thought again about what the widowed mother had said. ‘I’ll try not to pry too much,’ she thought. She turned around and headed home. She was sure she would get home before it was too dark.


SpiderGirl headed out shortly after Tananda had left. ‘It’s not likely that she’s the Shadow,’ she thought as she sighted the demure looking blonde in the distance. ‘But I want to rule the possibility out.’ She then followed, keeping to the rooftops.


Tananda’s place was only a few blocks away, halfway towards the Rowe’s and Coultards’ place. SpiderGirl saw her go inside, so she waited while listening to the radio in some trees across the street.


“The Shadow has been reported rescuing a woman from a mugger in Dega Street…”

‘So, she’s not the Shadow,’ SpiderGirl thought as she swung away. She then heard some sirens in a street nearby.


Peterson saw SpiderGirl land. “There was a break and enter, and neighbors called,” she said.

“Right.”

“And there are still no clues as to the whereabouts to those cheerleaders.”

“Ninja Talon is in Middlebury, investigating there,” SpiderGirl said.

Some things connected in Peterson’s mind. “You know who she is, don’t you?”

“I might,” SpiderGirl said enigmatically.

“Anyway, being proactive, that’s good. I’ll give a friend in Middlebury’s Department a call when I get off duty.”

“That will be great!”

“She’ll look out for Ninja Talon and help her in her search.”

“Thanks!”


Lawndale Sun-Herald
Thursday January 25, 2001
Cheerleaders from Oakwood Still missing despite search.

SpiderGirl wondered whether to skip school and join in the search. ‘No,’ she decided. That wasn’t a good idea. It would increase the chances of her secret identity being discovered. So, she headed towards the school.


In Middlebury, the various cheer teams practiced in between lessons. However, the Huntsmans didn’t show up until after school, when the competition was being held.


SpiderGirl left the school as soon as the last bell rang. She headed to the northern edge of Lawndale, planning on calling a Taxi. She didn’t see the Shadow leaving the school to the west.


Trent was awake when Jane got home. “So, Middlebury, is it?”

“Yes. It’s where the competition is being held, so it’s a good place to start.”

“Sure,” Trent said. “I’m ready to go.”

“Good.”


SpiderGirl could see that the taxi driver was surprised that she was his customer. “SpiderGirl? Is this a prank?”

“No! Why would I prank a taxi driver?”

“I don’t know. But where do you want to go?”

“Middlebury,” SpiderGirl answered.

“Middlebury? That will be expensive.”

“I can afford it.”

“Hop in then.”


“This is far enough,” SpiderGirl said when the taxi passed the Welcome to Middlebury sign.

“Are you sure.”

“Yes,” SpiderGirl said taking out an amount of cash just over the amount displayed on the meter.

“Sure,” the driver said before telling her the amount.

SpiderGirl handed over the cash and told him to keep the change as she swung away.


Trent drove into Middlebury five minutes later. “So, where is this competition at?”

“Middlebury High,” Jane said.

“Got it.”


SpiderGirl got to Middlebury High first and saw that a performance was already underway. ‘Too bad Talon and I don’t have personal radios,’ she thought. She looked around for the Lawndale team.


“Brittany, isn’t that SpiderGirl?” Donna asked.

Brittany looked up at the nearby rooftop. “It is. I think she’s investigating the situation.”

“I’m not sure what she could do,” Donna added.

“Something.”


SpiderGirl saw Brittany and Donna talking. ‘They have probably seen me.’ She looked around again. Many of the teams were there. ‘There’s a commotion over there.’


Trent had pulled up near the Hall. “OK, Janie. This is as close as I can get.”

“No problem, Trent,” Jane said as she got out.


Jane quickly changed into the Shadow and then made her way towards the Hall, getting there as the Lawndale team started their routine.


The team finished their routine.

“Lawndale High Lionesses 9/10.”

“Yes!” Brittany exclaimed.

However, something then happened. A helicopter was landing outside the hall.

‘What?’ Brittany asked herself.


SpiderGirl saw the large helicopter land. ‘What’s going on?’ she asked herself as she looked closer at it. It was decorated like a large huntsman. ‘Going all out are they?’

She then watched as the team marched out from the helicopter into the Hall. She then followed them.


‘That’s certainly some entrance,’ the Shadow thought. She approached the helicopter slowly, noting the SpiderGirl had also watched the team arrive and was following them into the Hall. She then attached one of the tracking devices her mother had given her to the craft and dashed around to another entrance.


“There’s something strange about them…” Donna commented as the Huntsmans came up on the stage. ‘And not just that they’re wearing masks.’

“I agree,” Brittany said.

“SpiderGirl…” Donna said as she turned around.

“She’s here?” Brittany asked.

“Yes.

Brittany turned and looked. ‘Good,’ she thought. “I see.”


SpiderGirl saw that Brittany had noticed her. ‘I hope she’s ready to leap into action if she needs to,’ she thought. She then looked at the team. They were just standing still on the stage. “That is very strange,” she murmured. Usually cheer teams were more active just before a performance.


“And now the Huntsmans!” the announcer said.


The Huntsmans got a perfect 10.

“That’s impossible!” Ms. Morris fumed. “They had to have cheated!”

‘I agree,’ Brittany thought. She placed a hand on Ms. Morris’ shoulder.

“Ms. Taylor?”

“Are you OK?”

“I’m fine! It’s just what they just did has to be impossible!” Ms. Morris stated.

“You may be right,” Brittany considered. She had to investigate. She then dashed off.


“Brittany?” Donna asked. Her friend had just disappeared.


The Huntsmans did an encore presentation, but something went wrong as they did a pyramid. They all collapsed in a heap. Most of them got up without saying anything. The coach went over to one of them. “Are you OK?”

The girl got up. “I’m fine. I’m fine. I’m fine…” she said over and over.


SpiderGirl looked at the girl. She certainly didn’t look hurt, but normal people didn’t repeat ‘I’m fine,’ over and over again. The others weren’t doing anything. ‘Maybe they’re special,’ she considered. She shook her head. Those who were special were just as concerned for others as those who were more normal. ‘Something else is up.’ She swung down. “She doesn’t seem fine.”

“SpiderGirl? This isn’t Lawndale.”

“No, but it isn’t far away,” SpiderGirl responded.

“Of course. But she is fine. No need to concern yourself.”

“She’s saying ‘I’m fine’ over and over. That doesn’t sound fine.”

“She will be looked over later,” the other said. “We’re leaving now.”

‘Probably the stress,’ SpiderGirl thought, although she was sure that didn’t explain everything.

The Huntsmans then started walking out of the hall, only to find Ninja Talon blocking the way.


“Ninja Talon! Out of the way!”

“I’m fine. I’m fine. I’m fine.”

“Why is she saying that?”

“None of your business!” the coach said. “Out of the way.”

“No. This is suspicious!” SpiderGirl said.

“Out of our way!”

“No!” It was the Shadow, coming up behind SpiderGirl.

“I see it. You are all doing something.”


Daria turned on the TV as she got home. Instead of Sick Sad World, there was a breaking news bulletin.

“A stand off between the three Lawndale vigilantes and the coach of the Huntsman.”

She could see SpiderGirl there. “I knew she would go too far,” she murmured. She took out the list of questions she would ask Tananda later.


“Team! Form up around Tania,” the Coach said, noting that the various news crews were reporting on the situation. ‘Too much publicity! I may need to move early.’

“Tania,” she heard the Ninja vigilante murmur as she made a nervous gesture with her hand.

The team obeyed her order. “Now, force your way through the vigilantes, avoid the Spider Girl’s webbing.”

“See, suspicious!” said vigilante said. “You planned for this!”

“Maybe,” the Coach responded, producing a shock baton.

 

Part 4
The team moved quickly, knocking the Shadow and Ninja Talon aside, and using their moves to avoid SpiderGirl’s webbing. The Spider Sense wasn’t of much use in that respect. Only one of the team members got caught, but some of the others were able to pull her free. ‘This is not good!’ SpiderGirl thought as they headed to the helicopter.

“They’re going to get away!” Ninja Talon said.

“Don’t worry,” the Shadow said.

“There’s lots to worry about,” SpiderGirl said.

“I have placed a tracker on the copter,” the Shadow said quietly.

“A tracker?” Ninja Talon asked.

“Yes, my mentor gave me the device,” the Shadow said.

‘A mentor?’ SpiderGirl asked herself.

“OK,” Ninja Talon said.

“But how are we going to follow if they leave Middlebury?” SpiderGirl asked.

“I have a car,” the Shadow said.


Trent hadn’t been idle while waiting for Jane to come back. He had done some preparations of his own. He had put his own mask on and then opened the trunk to find Jane had packed several tarps from the garage.


The helicopter took off and the three heroes ran around to where Trent was.


SpiderGirl looked at the car. The placement of the tarps seemed rather haphazard and she sure that obscuring the licence plates was illegal, but it had to do.

“Let’s go,” the Shadow’s offsider said.

“Sure,” Ninja Talon said. “But is that car safe?”

“I’m pretty sure,” the offsider said. “But I’m sure we have to hurry.”

SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon got in the back seat, while the Shadow took the front passenger seat.


Meanwhile, Tananda arrived at the Morgendorffers again. She was sure that the questions would pass muster this time. ‘At least Daria’s scrutiny,’ she thought as she rang the doorbell.


Daria answered the door and saw Tananda there. “Come in,” she said.

“I have rewritten my list,” she said as she entered.

“Good, I shall look over it before Mom gets home.”

“Sure.”


Halfway between Middlebury and Lawndale, they turned off onto a side road. “What do you know about this area?” SpiderGirl asked the other two heroes.

“Nothing,” Ninja Talon admitted.

“Not much,” the driver said. “As far as I know. It’s just farmland and forests.”

“And some caves,” the Shadow added. “Wait! It has stopped. It may have landed somewhere.”

“Where?” the driver asked.

“Somewhere along this road.”


Two minutes later, the car turned off and approached a building that looked like a factory.

“This doesn’t look good,” SpiderGirl said. “We have to find a way in.”

“Maybe via the roof?” the Shadow said.

“It’s worth a try,” SpiderGirl said. “But I’ll probably only be able to carry one at a time.”

“I’ll wait in the car,” the driver said.


SpiderGirl brought Ninja Talon to the roof first. “So, you think this can work?” she asked the other.

“Of course,” Ninja Talon responded. “I’m sure we can trust her on this.”

“We don’t know her. But we can on a case by case basis, I suppose.”

“Good.”


“Took long enough,” the Shadow said when SpiderGirl reappeared.

“Let’s go.”

“Of course.”


The three searched the roof for an egress point. It didn’t take them long to get to the heliport. They found the entry door open.

“There may be cameras,” SpiderGirl said.

“True,” Ninja Talon said.

“I can use my stuff to obscure our entry,” the Shadow said.

“Or I could web them up,” SpiderGirl added.

“Or maybe we could do both?” Ninja Talon said.

“Good idea,” SpiderGirl responded. “But I need to see the cameras to shoot the webs at them. We’ll have to do what we’re going to do at the same time.

“I can work with that,” the Shadow decided.


SpiderGirl crept up to the doorway and looked for the tell tale signs of a camera. She saw two on the ceiling on either side of the door outside and one on the wall opposite the door inside. She signalled and webbed up the outside ones first. The Shadow released a cloud as she webbed up the last one. “Now!” They quickly dashed inside.


“What was that?” a security guard asked.

“What’s wrong?”

“Three of the screens are blank, like the cameras are covered in something.”

“It must be a glitch,” the second one said.

“It isn’t a glitch!”


Alarms started blaring.

“Uh oh!” SpiderGirl said. “They know something’s up.”

“We need to find something then,” the Shadow said. She took something out of her cloak. “Look away! Fire in the hole!”

The other two looked away and then there was an explosion.

“What was that?” Ninja Talon asked as she looked afterwards.

“Something,” the Shadow said enigmatically.

SpiderGirl looked and saw that a hole had been blasted through the wall. There was also a splattering of paint around the hole. “Quite creative,” she commented.

“Thanks,” the Shadow responded. She then lead them through the hole.


“This looks like a locker room,” Ninja Talon said. It looked quite like the ones at Lawndale High.

“It does indeed,” the Shadow said.

“The Huntsmans need somewhere to train, afterall,” Ninja Talon said.

“We need to look further,” SpiderGirl said.


“Ms. Hunter!”

‘Ms. Hunter,’ turned from where her downed team member was still repeating the same two words over and over again. “What?”

“We have intruders!”

“How did they get in?”

“Through the Heliport door,” the security officer answered.

“Who left it open?”

“Um…”

“Don’t answer that!” ‘Ms. Hunter’ said. She picked up a handset. “Team! There are intruders! Keep a lookout. Hunter out.”


After the locker room, the three heroes found a room that look like an ordinary high school gymnasium.

“This is uncanny!” Ninja Talon commented.

“I agree,” SpiderGirl added. “Creepy.”

“We need to keep looking,” the Shadow said.

“Of course,” SpiderGirl said.


They looked around the gymnasium for a few minutes, but could find any clues, other than that it showed signs of recent use. “We need to keep looking,” SpiderGirl said.

“Of course,” Ninja Talon said.

But before they could exit the gym, the team entered at the opposite end. “There they are!” the leader said.

“Talon?” SpiderGirl asked.

“Right!” Ninja Talon said. “You take point while Shadow and I come up from behind.”

“Got it,” SpiderGirl said. She lead the team forward, for that was what it was, a team. At that moment it didn’t matter that she and Ninja Talon didn’t know who the Shadow was.


The three moved forward as the Huntsmans also moved forward. “Capture them!” the leader said.

“Like before?” SpiderGirl asked.

“We were leaving before,” the leader said in a monotone voice.

‘Not like Daria’s,’ SpiderGirl thought. Daria’s voice had a lot more emotion, even when she was trying to hide it.

“Right,” Ninja Talon said.


The team rushed at the heroes and SpiderGirl tried to web them up one at a time. However, as before, there were too many.

“We may need to retreat,” Ninja Talon said.

“I agree,” SpiderGirl added.

“I’ll cover,” the Shadow said as the other two rushed to the door. She then released a fog and followed them.


The fog didn’t stop the leader of the Huntsmans. She just continued through.


“There has to be more here,” SpiderGirl said.

“Of course. But is it more of a school environment?” the Shadow asked.

“I hope not,” Ninja Talon said with a shudder.


They heard the team from behind. “Uh oh!” SpiderGirl said.

“Keep going!” Ninja Talon said.

They came to a corridor intersection.

Ninja Talon pointed right and signalled to the Shadow. Another cloud was released as they headed right.

“I should note that I’m running low on dry ice,” the Shadow said.

“Is that what that is?” SpiderGirl asked. “Like in concerts?”

“Exactly,” the Shadow said. “Of course I do have other stuff, but we can’t keep disappearing into clouds.”

“We need to find something, fast,” SpiderGirl said.


“They’re eluding us, but we will catch them,” the team leader said.

“They’re three girls, only one of which has powers. They should be easy to catch!” ‘Ms. Hunter.’ said.

“Aye!”


They came to the end of a corridor. “Locked!” Ninja Talon said.

“I still have more of those paint bombs,” the Shadow said.

“Do it!” SpiderGirl said.


The Shadow placed a ‘paint bomb’ on the door lock. “Fire in the hole!”


When the smoke cleared, they looked inside, where they saw many teenage girls linked to machines.

“Do we know what the missing team looked like?” the Shadow asked.

“Maybe,” Ninja Talon answered as she looked at the nearest girl.

“Look around,” SpiderGirl said quietly.

“Sure,” Ninja Talon said.

“Do you know how many people were in the missing team?” the Shadow asked.

“Not sure,” SpiderGirl answered.

“Sixteen, I think,” Ninja Talon added. “There are eight here.”

“And eight at the competition,” the Shadow observed.

“And there were seven after us earlier,” SpiderGirl said.

“Here!” Ninja Talon said in alarm.

“What?” SpiderGirl asked.

“I know this one, in passing,” Ninja Talon said next to a short haired brunette. “Sarah Robyn Brown.”

SpiderGirl looked at the girl in question. She looked to be asleep, and seemed to be murmuring something. She also seemed to be moving slightly, as if having a nightmare. She also saw that she was hooked up to an IV nearby. All of them were. “I think they’ve been sedated.”

“We could try unhooking them,” the Shadow suggested.

“Maybe, but one at a time,” SpiderGirl said.


Ninja Talon took band aids out of a pocket on her costume. “We should use these too.”

“Of course,” the Shadow said.


They unhooked all eight girls from the IVs quickly. “We need to call the police,” Ninja Talon said.

“And an ambulance. No telling what they’ve been through,” SpiderGirl added.


“I see you have found some of my secret,” ‘Ms. Hunter’ said over the intercom.

“You won’t get away with this!” SpiderGirl said.

“There are limited ways out of that room, and I’m sure that your colleague has a limited amount of explosives.”

“We’ll escape, but not before notifying the authorities,” SpiderGirl said. She turned to Ninja Talon. “We can’t take all of them.”

“I’ll take Sarah Robyn,” Ninja Talon said.

“Sure,” SpiderGirl said.


Ninja Talon took the girl in her arms and the trio left the room by another door. “We need to find a phone,” SpiderGirl said. “Have you seen one?”

“No,” the Shadow answered.

“But we haven’t been looking for one,” Ninja Talon said.

“There has to be one somewhere,” SpiderGirl said.


They soon came to an open office and saw a phone there. SpiderGirl lifted the hook and heard a dialtone. She quickly dialed 911…


SpiderGirl quickly explained everything to the dispatcher, in case the line got cut. The line did get cut, but she managed to get everything across including what they found and where the place was in relation to Middlebury and Lawndale.

“Now we need to escape,” she said after the line got cut.

“Now!” the Shadow said. “I have a few more capsules of dry ice. That should be enough.”

“Good!” Ninja Talon said.


They left that room and continued down the corridor and found a window, which the Shadow blew open with a paint bomb. They then saw that they weren’t far from the car they had arrived in. “We have to run,” SpiderGirl said.

“Yes!” Ninja Talon said. “But not with Sarah Robyn in my arms!”

“I’ll take her,” SpiderGirl said.


SpiderGirl took the still unconscious cheerleader in her arms and followed the other two the car.


Trent had struggled to stay awake as he waited for Janie and the other two vigilantes. He listened to Lawndale State’s student station as he waited. He then saw them coming, SpiderGirl carrying someone in her hands.

“Start the engine,” Janie-Shadow said as she came up to the car.

He started the engine. “Where to?”

“Back to Middlebury first, to drop me off,” Ninja Talon said.

“Then we can go back to Lawndale,” SpiderGirl added as she placed the unconscious girl in her seat.

“I see.”

“The authorities should be here soon,” the Shadow said as she sat in the passenger seat.


The disguised Plymouth left the grounds of the mysterious building a minute before a number of Sherif Department vehicles arrived at the building.

However, a stand off began.


The Plymouth arrived at the southern edge of Middlebury and Ninja Talon got out. “See ya!” she said to SpiderGirl

“So, back to Lawndale?” The driver asked.

“Yes. Straight to the police station.”

“Sure.”


Meanwhile. The deputy in charge at the building picked up a bullhorn. “We have you surrounded. Surrender, or we may be forced to call in the FBI or SHIELD.”

There was no response.

“We’ll give you half an hour.”


The Plymouth pulled up at Cedars of Lawndale after SpiderGirl had decided that Sarah Robyn needed medical attention after what she had been through. She decided to wait for Peterson to arrive.


Back at the Morgendorffer’s, Helen arrived home and saw Tananda in the lounge room. “Have you rewritten the questions?” she asked.

“Yes,” Tananda answered.

“Good, then we can do it in the kitchen in ten minutes.”

“Sure.”


Peterson arrived at the Hospital and found SpiderGirl in the waiting room. “So, what did you find?” she asked.

SpiderGirl began explaining what they had found.


Brittany returned to the hotel room to find that Donna and Angie had been worried about her. “Sorry, I was looking at Middlebury,” she said, as an excuse.

“You should have told us,” Donna said.

“Next time I will,” Brittany responded. “But what about Ms. Morris?”

“We managed to ruin interference with her,” Angie said.

“Thanks,” Brittany said.

“We are also heading back to Lawndale in the morning,” Donna said.


Back at the Morgendorffers, Tananda was anxious as Helen read through the revised questions.

“These are acceptable,” she finally said.

“Thanks,” Tananda responded with a sigh of relief.”

Daria entered the kitchen and sat down. “I’m ready,” she said.

Tananda nodded. “How was the decision to leave Highland made?”


As SpiderGirl finished her explanation, Doctor Philipps entered the room. “SpiderGirl? Officer Peterson?” he asked.

“What’s happened?” SpiderGirl asked.

“She’s awake, but she hasn’t said anything.”

“Oh!”

“We have called her parents, but there was only their answering machine.”

“And a message was left?” Peterson asked.

“Of course,” Philipps said. “But you both can see her.”

SpiderGirl nodded. “Thanks.”

 

Part 5
Peterson and SpiderGirl entered the hospital room, and saw that Sarah Robyn was reading a book that she had found. She put the book aside as they came over.

“Can you answer a few questions?” Peterson asked.

Sarah Robyn’s lips parted, but no sound came out. She shook her head. She then gestured for a piece of paper and a pen.

“Here,” Peterson said, as she handed over a pen and an empty notepad.

Sarah Robyn started writing.

“That isn’t good,” SpiderGirl whispered to Peterson.

“I have seen it before, unfortunately,” Peterson whispered back. “Trauma induced muteness.”

“What can be done?” SpiderGirl asked quietly.

“Therapy, what else?”

“Of course.”

The officer then noticed Sarah Robyn glaring at her.

“Sorry.”


“And, what do you think of the Barksdale legacy?” Tananda asked, as she looked at the last question on the list.

“It’s complicated,” Helen admitted. “Some of them were Plantation owners in the South before the Civil War, with all that implies. But their successors were supportive of Black people in their struggles. I was inspired by my own Father’s support of his Black workers. That is why I try my best at ensuring that Vitale, et al isn’t biased against people of color, and other minorities.”

Tananda smiled. “Good answer. Thanks for your time.”

“I also hope this has been a lesson to you. Like everything, reporting requires balance. Reporters used to know that. You don’t want to know how many cases I have dealt with that involved overzealous reporters.”

Tananda silently took that in.


SpiderGirl looked at the time as Peterson read Sarah Robyn’s notes. She went up to her. “I’m sorry, I have to get going. It’s nearly Dinner time, and I have something tomorrow I need to prepare for.”

“I understand,” Peterson said, a slight smile on her lips.

“Thanks,” SpiderGirl responded before leaving.


Peterson turned back to the notes, although not before musing on the superheroine. She had some suspicions as to her identity, but didn’t want to voice them.


SpiderGirl arrived back at the Morgendorffers as Tananda was leaving. ‘I guess she did rewrite her questions,’ she thought as she swung over the house into the back yard.


“Quinn?” Daria asked as she saw her sister enter through the kitchen door.

“I’m home in time for dinner, aren’t I?”

“Actually, I was wondering how well you’ve been preparing for the Spelling Bee tomorrow.”

“I’m confident that I will do well. At least better than Sandi,” Quinn responded as she sat across from Daria.

“Why is Sandi doing it anyway?” Daria asked.

“I think it’s out of rivalry. She still blames me for the Fashion Club’s demise.”

“That makes sense.”


Sarah Robyn’s mother arrived at the Hospital and was shown into the room where her daughter was. She saw Officer Peterson there.

“Alex Brown, Sarah Robyn’s mother. What has happened to my daughter?”

“It seems that someone attempted to brainwash her!” Peterson answered.

“Brainwashing?” Alex asked in alarm.

“And it has caused her to become mute. The doctors are running more tests. The results should come back tonight.”

“Oh.” She walked over to her daughter and hugged her. “I will help you through this. Even if I never hear your voice again, I will support you.”

Sarah Robyn sobbed silently as she tightly gripped her mother.


Jane and Trent got home after a long afternoon. What the outcome would be at the compound where she and the other two heroes found the cheerleaders, Jane wasn’t sure. All she knew that the future was uncertain for them and that her paintings would be as dark as the night and her superheroine costume.


After Dinner, Daria quizzed Quinn on various words. She was impressed with her sister’s determination and preparation. She said so.

“Thanks, Daria,” Quinn said. “It means a lot.”


Later in the evening, SpiderGirl went out again. She hoped that the situation at the building between Lawndale and Middlebury would be resolved with the rescue of the cheerleaders.


Lawndale Sun-Herald
Friday January 26, 2001
Oakwood Cheerleaders found in mysterious compound
One cheerleader was rescued and brought to Cedars of Lawndale by SpiderGirl. Hospital Staff and Police have not released details of her condition. Meanwhile, the Lawndale County Sherrifs Department remains in a standoff with the occupants of the compound.


Nick Fury looked out at the early dawn after pushing the Lawndale paper aside. He pondered whether it was worth it to wait, or for SHIELD to try to rescue those unfortunate girls SpiderGirl hadn’t been able to get out. He decided to call Agent Bell as soon as he was sure that she was awake.


SpiderGirl headed out from the Morgendorffers shortly after sunrise and headed towards the Hospital. She wanted to check up on Sarah Robyn before going to school and the Spelling Bee.


Officer Peterson had come back on duty early and returned to the Hospital. When she arrived at Sarah Robyn’s room, she saw that SpiderGirl was already there.

“Thank you for rescuing my daughter,” Alex said. Obviously SpiderGirl had just got there before her.

“You’re welcome,” SpiderGirl responded.

“Officer Peterson!” Alex said as she noticed her.

“Good Morning.”

The tired mother looked at both the Officer and the superheroine. “There has been no change. She is still not speaking.”

Peterson saw that Sarah Robyn was sleeping. There was that at least, but she knew there would be nightmares.

SpiderGirl looked down, her mask hiding what had to be an expression of sadness. “I see. I have some time before, so…” She went and sat on one of the chairs, next to Alex.

“You can stay,” Alex said. “I may not live in Lawndale, but I have been following your exploits.”


SpiderGirl stayed for a while, hoping that Sarah Robyn would wake and say something.

Sarah Robyn did wake, but she reached for the notebook upon seeing the superheroine nearby.

‘I don’t know what I would be enduring now if you hadn’t come.’

SpiderGirl then hugged the patient, the action showing her what her hidden face could not. Sarah Robyn’s expression had told her volumes. She had a haunted look in her eyes, that told her that she wanted to talk, but could not.


As Krista Bell served breakfast to her children, her agency phone rang. “Sorry, I have to take this.”

“It’s alright,” one of her daughters, Kristen, said with an understanding smirk.

Krista retreated into her home office and closed the door. “Fury?”

“Yes, it is I,” Nick Fury responded. “We need to intervene in the Cheerleaders situation. How soon until you’re ready?”

“Give me two hours to gather the agents and get out there.”

“Make it an hour and a half, time is of the essence.”

“Understood sir.”


SpiderGirl headed out from the hospital with promise to return later in the day, ready to face the Spelling Bee.


At Lawndale High, there was an atmosphere of anticipation. After arriving at school, Stacy searched for Quinn. She found her talking to Tori near the Library. “There you are!” she said.

“Morning, Stacy.”

“Are you ready?” Stacy asked, bouncing up and down.

“Yes!” Quinn answered with enthusiasm.

“That’s good,” Tori said. “We need some good news.”

“Tori?” Quinn asked.

“It’s that my second cousin is one of those who is missing….”

“Oh!” Stacy responded, tears welling up.

“That the police or the hospital won’t release details of the condition of the one SpiderGirl rescued…”

Quinn placed her hand on Tori’s arm, showing her the expression she couldn’t show Sarah Robyn earlier.

“Thanks, Quinn.”


Brittany was happy to return to Lawndale. The chase through the compound had been harrowing, but she was relieved that they had been able to rescue Sarah Robyn. She entered the hall to see that most of the students had entered to watch the Spelling Bee.


Quinn may have been ready and feeling confident, but Sandi was a different story. She was a bundle of nerves. She wished she could disappear, but that wasn’t a power she had.


Brittany sat next to Daria.

“Hi, Brittany,” Daria said.

“How do you think Quinn will do?” Brittany asked.

“Very well. She has been practicing all week.”

“That’s good.”


And so, the Spelling Bee started.

Quinn was confident. She and Daria had prepared well. She spoke out each letter without hesitating. “R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y; Responsibility.”

She continued through the words, getting them all right.


Other students also went well, although some of them made mistakes. They accepted their defeat with grace.

Sandi was a different story.

She hesitated as she took in the first word, feeling the stares of the student body in front of her.

“Consequence. C O N S E Q U E N C E. Consequence,” she eventually said.

“You are correct.”

Sandi smiled, she had overcome the first hurdle. But as each word came, her anxiety intensified.

“Accentuation.”

“Um, Accentuation…” She paused. She knew what the word meant, an unusual emphasis. But she wasn’t sure she could spell it. The stares of the audience finally got the best of her. “A C E N …” she realised her mistake and then bolted from the stage in panic.”

“Sandi?” Mr. O’Neill asked after her as she ran off.


“Uh oh!” Brittany commented as she saw Sandi run off.

“Probably stage fright,” Daria said.

“Yeah! But someone should see if she’s OK?”

“I’m sure someone will,” Daria said.

‘Leaving now probably isn’t a good idea. I need to see Quinn win,’ Brittany thought. “Where’s Jane?” she asked.

“She’s here somewhere,” Daria responded. “I saw her before homeroom.”


Quinn stepped up to the podium again, undeterred by Sandi’s dramatic exit.

“Determination. D E T E R M I N A T I O N. Determination.”

“And our winner is Quinn Morgendorffer!” Ms. Li proclaimed.

The student body leapt to their feet in applause, Daria included.


As the students left the auditorium to go to their usual classes, Daria caught up with her sister. “I knew you would do it!” she said.

“Thanks.”


As the Spelling Bee ended, A convoy of SHIELD vehicles left Lawndale, heading towards the compound where the missing cheerleaders had been found by the heroes. “We are leaving Lawndale now, sir,” Agent Bell reported.

“Let me know when you get there,” Fury responded.

“Understood, sir.”


They soon arrived but the Deputy in charge confronted Bell. “I’m afraid, SHIELD doesn’t have jurisdiction,” he said. “It’s a Lawndale County matter.”

“Director Fury disagrees,” Bell responded. “He wants the abductees rescued as soon as possible.”

“Then I’ll talk to him.”

“Be my guest.”


“The situation can’t go on. My team needs to go in now, with or without your assistance. I would rather have it, than not.”

“I disagree. Storming the premises now might doom the abductees.”

“That may be, but I have to think of the larger picture. Not just the abductees. Not just Lawndale County. The world.”

“Be as it may, your agents are not entering that building.”

“I can override you, but that will take time. Time that those cheerleaders may not have. Time for misinformation born from speculation to spread. We need to nip that in the bud.”


But the deputy still refused, leaving Fury to have to negotiate his way through the mess, which took another hour.


“You now have the go-ahead,” Fury said to Agent Bell.

“Finally,” Bell responded. She turned to her team. “We go in.”


‘Ms. Hunter’ hadn’t been idle. She had spent the night preparing. She had gone over what was known about SpiderGirl and her allies so far as well as the public information about SHIELD. She had increased security around the room where the sedated girls were at, and the others confined to their rooms, ready to be used as a last resort.


The SHIELD agents approached the front entrance, and found themselves under fire. So, Agent Bell ordered a retreat. But they had an ace up their sleeve. Fury had sent Agent Hawkeye, aka Clint Barton, to Lawndale County for the operation.

Therefore Hawkeye infiltrated the compound, to search for the Cheerleaders, and to locate ‘Ms. Hunter.’


He soon found that the room that SpiderGirl had told Peterson of was highly guarded. ‘I need to distract them,’ he thought. Fortunately, he had the arrows he needed. He shot a fire alarm sensor.

As the fire alarm went off and the guards scattered, he moved towards the door. Upon entering the room, he reported to Agent Bell. “It’s exactly as SpiderGirl described. We’re going to need more people in here.”

“Understood,” Bell said.

“I’m going to search for the Hunter person now.”


‘Ms. Hunter.’ Wasn’t idle. She tried to get the fire alarm deactivated after Hawkeye triggered it. “Why must I be surrounded by incompetents? I guess I have to use my assets.” She picked up a radio, to talk to those she had managed to ‘turn’. “There is a SHIELD agent in our midst. Capture him!”


Hawkeye was alert as he moved through the building. He then heard more guards approaching. He took out some stun arrows…

Having taken them out, he checked them over, and was shocked to see that they were teenage girls. ‘Are these some of the abductees?’ he asked himself before reporting the find to Bell and Fury.

The Latter said that he did need to find ‘Ms. Hunter,’ as soon as possible.


SHIELD Quinjets approached the site. Fury was taking no chances.


Hawkeye got lucky and cornered ‘Ms. Hunter’ on the stairs up to the helipad. “I’ve got you covered and quinjets are their way. You have no chance of escape.”

“There is always a way to escape.”

“What?” Hawkeye asked. He quickly fired a stun arrow, but it missed. He then ran up the stairs.


‘Ms. Hunter’ walked out onto the helipad. She may have lost, but she and her associates had other plans away from Lawndale that SHIELD wouldn’t interfere with. Besides, the helicopter had equipment that would allow her to escape the following quinjets.

Hawkeye tried to fire an incendiary arrow at the helicopter as it took off, but the vortex from the blades was unpredictable. He sighed as she made her escape.


At the same time, the quinjets surrounded the compound. However, ‘Ms. Hunter’ fired at one of them and took off.


“Her helicopter has disappeared off RADAR, sir,” Bell reported. “She’s gone.”

“Search the area where it disappeared,” Fury ordered.


Back at Lawndale High, Mr. O’Neill’s class was ready to present the Journalism assignments. “First up, are Daria Morgendorffer and Tananda Watts.”

Daria went up first. “We learned that journalism requires balance. That trying to delve too deeply, with intrusive questions can be counterproductive, especially when trying to gain one’s trust.”

“Therefore, trust needs to be gained before conducting an interview, so the journalist can get what they want,” Tananda added.

“Now, you are going to read out some of your questions and answers.”

Tananda then realised that the week had been a test for her. Of her ethics, that if she had gone ahead with her original questions, she would have been later called into Ms. Li’s office and would have faced some rather difficult consequences.


As it turned out, Brittany had had the time to do an interview of her own, with Mack, despite the investigation around the cheerleading competition. She also did well.

Brittany and Quinn met at the Library at the end of the school day. “Congratulations for the Spelling Bee!” Brittany said.

“Thanks,” Quinn said. She looked around. “Listen, I’m going to be at the Hospital for a while, could you fill in for me?”

“Sure,” Brittany said. “I’ll do it.”

“Angie’s going to be at the Historia tomorrow, so I can catch up with her then.”


SpiderGirl headed towards the Hospital from the School, as Ninja Talon headed into the downtown to patrol.


Sarah Robyn had spent the day either reading or trying to sleep, her experience still flashing up into her mind. She was awake when SpiderGirl entered the room. She smiled.

“I did say I’d be back after school,” the superheroine said as she sat next to the mute girl.

‘You’re still in school?’ she wrote.

“Yes,” SpiderGirl answered quietly, just loud enough for her to hear.

‘How do you do it?’

“Time Management, and not enough sleep.”

‘You should have enough sleep,’ Sarah Robyn wrote with a concerned look.

“Nightmares, I saw my father die.”

‘You shouldn’t have said that,’ Sarah Robyn wrote, concerned that the superheroine might accidentally reveal her secret identity.

“Point is, I’m still grieving. I’m learning from it. It’s what makes me who I am as a superhero. With great power comes great responsibility.”

Sarah Robyn took that in. ‘And?’

“And I am overcoming my trauma as I continue as a superhero and with the support of my surviving family members and my friends, even if they don’t know that I do this.”

‘Resilience, is that it?’

“That’s right.”


SpiderGirl spent another hour keeping Sarah Robyn company. Then Peterson came in, in plain clothes. “SpiderGirl, Sarah Robyn. I may not be on duty at the moment, but I can share some news,” she said before telling them of the SHIELD operation and ‘Ms. Hunter’s’ escape.

“It’s not good she escaped,” SpiderGirl said. “Others may fall victim to her.”

“That’s true, but Sarah Robyn’s teammates have been rescued. They are now in the hospitals in Oakwood and Middlebury.”

Sarah Robyn wrote ‘Thank goodness.’

“I’ll tell you more when I can,” Peterson added.

The two stayed in the room for another half hour before SpiderGirl left.


Helen saw Quinn enter through the side door. “How did the Spelling Bee go, Quinn?” she asked.

“I won!” Quinn proclaimed. “But Sandi got stage fright and left.”

“Oh?”

“I’m not sure what happened with her.”

“It’s great that you won. Maybe we could go out and celebrate,” Helen said.

“Maybe not tonight,” Quinn said with a yawn. “It’s been a long week. Besides the grand opening of the Historia is tomorrow. That will be a celebration.”

Helen chuckled a little. That was an understatement. What news there was pointed to many Lawndale High students going, including Daria, which she was glad for.


After dinner, Quinn opened her sketchbook. ‘There has to be a way to make a mask more expressive,’ she thought. ‘A way for my facial expressions to be shown on the mask without it being uncomfortable, or showing my face.’

She then brainstormed ways that she could make that happen. She spent a couple of hours coming up with various designs involving lightweight materials and servo motors.

‘It’s a start,’ she thought as she looked at the time. She then set out on patrol, hopeful that the night would not be busy.


In what looked like an abandoned warehouse on the Hudson shore of Jersey City ‘Ms. Hunter’ sat at a computer and entered an alphanumeric sequence. An outline of a man appeared on the screen.

“I hear your operation was thwarted by Fury himself.”

“A minor setback, I assure you. I have other plans in motion, much slower.”

“Still, gaining the attention of the Director of SHIELD isn’t a good thing.”

“I’m, sure he knew of me beforehand. It was those new vigilantes in Lawndale! They were the ones who infiltrated the compound first.”

“Ah, yes, amazing SpiderGirl and her mysterious new assistants. We do have our eyes on her. In any case, I will let you know when I want you to do something. Hail HYDRA!”

“Hail HYDRA!” Ms. Hunter repeated as the screen blanked out again.

 

12 Rise of the Green Goblin Part 1
Norman Osborn threw aside the latest Sun-Herald in disgust. More reports of crime that hadn’t been foiled by SpiderGirl or those two new vigilantes. ‘Of course it hasn’t!’ He then went to his laptop and logged into a specific server on his company’s network. He looked at the progress in testing of the Glider design.

Prototype complete.

That was good news. He could take it and use it. He left the office and went to the workshop.


“Mr. Osborn!” one of the techs said.

“Mr. Cross. You report that the prototype is ready?”

“It is Mr. Osborn. Testing will start this afternoon.”

“Excellent! Keep me apprised.” He grabbed a document that lay on the table next to them. It was a manual for the prototype. He looked around. There was no one there. He took the manual and left.


He then took it to his office. ‘I’ll read it later,’ he decided. He had a grand opening to attend.


Quinn and Daria arrived at the Historia early. “Today is going to be a great day,” Quinn said.

“I hope so, with how busy that week was,” Daria responded.

“I’m glad it’s over,” Quinn said, feeling the achievement at the Spelling Bee. But she knew she would be continuing to visit Sarah Robyn in the hospital. They then entered the lobby, where they found that Stacy, Joey, Robert and Angie were there before them.

“Morning, Quinn, Daria,” Stacy said as she came up to them.

Quinn saw that Stacy was quite excited. “Morning, Stacy.”

“The place has come alive,” Stacy said.

“It’s amazing what a few weeks of refurbishment can do,” Daria commented.


It wasn’t long before Norman Osborn arrived, along with his son, Harry. “Welcome, young people. Is everyone here?”

“We’re waiting on a few more people,” Quinn said.

“Of course,” Osborn said.

The door opened again and Jane and Trent entered. “This looks rather cool,” The latter said.

“Yes, it is rather like those old photos from before World War II,” Jane said. “Except in color.”

“I knew you would say something like that,” Daria said.

“This is going to be very good for Lawndale,” Jane said.

“Jane Lane, an optimist?” Daria asked.

“She can be optimistic about something,” Trent said, enigmatically.

That gave Daria something to think about.


Brittany arrived at the Historia with Kevin, Donna and Nikki. She saw that Quinn, Daria, Jane, Stacy, Osborn, Joey, Angie and Robert were already there. “Good Morning,” she said.

“Wow, like, this looks really old,” Kevin said.

“That was the point, Kevy,” Brittany said.


Soon, more people came as the time came.

“Welcome to the Historia, the former Global Theatre,” Osborn said. “It is the vision of four ordinary high school students, but it is something extraordinary for the people of Lawndale. A place where young people can meet and socialise without fear of the crime occurring elsewhere in this town. It is a coffee house, bookshop and more. A place for plays and the occasional exhibition. A place for connection. Please stay for brunch.”


“Interesting speech,” Jodie Landon told Daria.

“It certainly is, but I’m sure you’re concerned about the crime he mentioned.”

“Absolutely, including those vigilantes. SpiderGirl may have good intentions, but I’m not sure about the other two.”

“I’m not sure either,” Daria admitted.


Jane heard what Jodie and Daria were talking about. ‘I have the best intentions,’ she thought. She hadn’t been sure about SpiderGirl and less sure about Ninja Talon, but the interactions they had as they investigated the compound the cheerleaders were held in had erased most of the concerns she had. ‘They will find out that we have the best of intentions towards the people of Lawndale.’ She looked around at the other Lawndale High students and wondered whether any of them were SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon. ‘I seriously doubt Daria would be either of them’


Quinn was talking to Tori when she saw Sandi enter and approach Harry. ‘Uh oh!” she said.

“Sandi?” Tori asked. “The Historia is open to everyone, isn’t it.”

“Of course, but I didn’t think she’d be here now,” Quinn said.

Tori put a hand on Quinn’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about it. I’m sure she won’t cause trouble.”

“I hope so,” Quinn said. But that wasn’t all that was on her mind. ‘I wonder if the Shadow is here?’ She hoped it wasn’t Sandi. ‘That would be quite awkward.’


Brittany had also noticed Sandi arrived. ‘Why is she hanging out with Harry Osborn?’ she wondered.

Like Quinn, she also wondered whether the Shadow was there. She knew it wasn’t Daria, as Quinn had told her so. ‘If she is here, I have no idea who her secret identity could be. But she was sure that the Shadow was wondering the same thing about her.’


The morning tea went well, and more Lawndale High students and their families arrived as noon approached.


Daria, Quinn, Joey and Robert joined Norman at the podium. “And now for the moment you’ve been waiting for. Daria.”

Daria went to the microphone. “I now declare the Historia open as a place for the young people of Lawndale to be able to come together despite their differences and no matter what they’re going through. Thank you.”

The crowd went into an applause and Daria stepped down, hoping that the Historia would make a difference.

Then it was time for lunch, which Elisabeth Rowe had catered for.


Daria found herself sitting across from Brittany. “That was a great speech, Daria.”

“Thanks.”

“More inspiring than Mr. Osborn.”

“You think so?” Daria asked, although she knew that Brittany would answer in the affirmative.

“I know so. I know you, Daria. But Mr. Osborn, I don’t know him. I think he’s just here for the publicity.”

“That’s a good point. I became involved in this because I knew that helping Joey and Robert save the theatre would help this town and help it overcome this time of crisis.”

“I’m sure it will,” Brittany added. “But I’m sure it will take more to turn things around.”

Daria looked into the cheerleader’s eyes and saw determination there. She wasn’t sure what to make of it.


“Sandi?” Harry asked.

“Yes?” Sandi asked.

“You’ve hardly touched your plate.”

“Sorry, I was lost in thought.”

“About your former friends?” Harry asked.

“Yes, they’re all here and enjoying themselves. Qui-inn has a crowd around her of both sexes, as usual. It’s like she’s thriving despite her grief.”

“Oh, maybe you should forgive her.”

“No!” Sandi shot back, quietly. “She ruined everything.”

“It’s eating you up.”

Sandi just looked down at her plate and ate slowly.


Jane found herself next to Joey. “So, what are your hopes for this place?” she asked.

“Much like what Daria said,” Joey answered.

“Good answer,” Jane said. “But I asked you.”

“I hope it would be for our peers as it was for our grandparents and parents’ generations,” Joey answered.

“A good answer. I seem to recall my mother talking about this place once, as a place she hung out with her friends at.”

“Seems to be a common story,” Joey added.

“That’s true.”


Quinn found herself across from Jodie. She looked in her eyes and asked. “What do you think about recent events?”

“You mean with the Oakwood cheerleaders? Or more generally?”

“Generally.”

“I’m not sure that SpiderGirl has been actually helping, The crime has been getting worse.”

“Oh?” Quinn asked, hiding her reaction.

“Mostly in the poorer neighborhoods. Did you know that most of Lawndale’s Black population lives in Lawndale Flats?”

“I didn’t know.”

“It isn’t widely advertised,” Jodie said. “A stain on the town’s reputation. But my parents made sure that I knew it.”

“Of course.”

“But, so far SpiderGirl’s mostly been seen on the west side of the Creek.”

“But that’s where most of the town lies,” Quinn responded. ‘I guess I’ll have to make more patrols in Lawndale Flats.’

“I suppose so.”


Anna Coultard found herself across from Robert. “So, what does the Historia mean to you?” she asked.

Robert gave a similar answer to Joey. “A place where we can hang out like our parents and grandparents.”

“Good answer,” Anna said.


The lunch continued, but it was soon over. Some stayed at the Historia to explore the bookshop, like Daria and Jane. But others, including Quinn and Brittany left. So did Norman Osborn.


Quinn headed home, to continue her new mask design, for a while before returning to the Hospital to keep Sarah Robyn company in the evening as SpiderGirl.


Norman Osborn headed to the Lawndale City Hall, for he had an appointment with Lawndale’s Mayor.
“Norman Osborn, at 1:30,” he said to the receptionist.

“Mayor Lawson will see you, sir,” she said.

“Thank you,” Osborn said.


Mayor William Lawson was a busy man. The stresses of governing Lawndale were growing every passing week and it was showing on him. He was sure that he was going bald faster than he had been before SpiderGirl showed up. He was already annoyed that he had to work on Saturdays, so having an appointment with Norman Osborn was unwelcome. He saw the tycoon enter his office.

“What is the purpose of this meeting?”

“An exchange,” Norman answered.

“What do you mean?”

“I would like access to the municipal CCTV network.”

“For what purpose?” the Mayor asked.

“I may be able to help with your vigilante problem.”

“SpiderGirl has brought good publicity to Lawndale. With crime increasing, people need hope. SpiderGirl provides it.”

“But what about those two new ones?” Osborn asked. “A ninja and some shadowy figure? They don’t sound like they would inspire hope to me.”

“Maybe not…” Lawson began.

“I can make it worth your while,” Osborn grinned. “Both personally and I’ll be willing to help with any civic improvements that may be needed in proximity to my various facilities, including around the Historia.”

“The Historia, you say? How did that go this morning?” the Mayor said.

“Very well, and one of the girls behind the idea gave an inspiring speech as she declared it open. But, what do you say?”

“I’ll have to give it some consideration.”

“I’ll let you think on it, but don’t take too long,” Osborn said.

“I won’t. I’ll get back to you on Monday.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” Osborn said as he left. ‘I’ll be sure to have better luck with the High School Principal.’


SpiderGirl arrived at the hospital two hours after leaving the Historia.

Sarah Robyn greeted her with a sign.

“Learning ASL I see?” SpiderGirl asked. “I’m sorry, I don’t know it.”

Sarah Robyn then wrote; I might not regain my ability to speak, but I still want to communicate.

“Maybe I could learn it with you.”

You don’t have to. I know you’re quite busy looking after Lawndale, along with whatever you do as your secret identity.

“That’s true, but I may need it for communicating with others.”

That’ll be good.

“I’m also working on an expressive mask.”

Don’t do all this on my account.

“You’re as important as any other person, Sarah Robyn. Your situation has inspired me, that’s all.”

Thanks

SpiderGirl stayed a while, keeping Sarah Robyn company.


While SpiderGirl was at the hospital, Ninja Talon was patrolling downtown in the vicinity of the Historia. She wanted to be sure that the area was peaceful. But then she heard some sirens from the edge of town to the south. ‘Another time,’ she thought as she headed in that direction.


‘That’s Officer Peterson,’ Ninja Talon thought, as she had seen SpiderGirl talk to her on more than one occasion. She approached her.

“Who’s there?” Peterson asked. “Ninja Talon?”

“That’s me,” she said. “What’s happened?”

“We caught a someone in a stolen vehicle. There’s nothing else to be concerned about.”

“Oh. Good to know it’s been handled,” Ninja Talon answered.

“Tell SpiderGirl I know she’s been visiting Sarah Robyn more.”

“I haven’t yet,” Ninja Talon admitted. “Maybe I should.”

“Probably.”


Ninja Talon soon left the scene. ‘I’ll visit the hospital later,’ she decided. She then continued to patrol for a while.


Meanwhile, Daria continued to look through the books at the Historia’s bookshop. There were many volumes she wanted to read, but she was sure that they’d still be there later.

“Daria?” Jane asked, coming over from where she had been looking at art books.

“Yes?” Daria asked.

“I’m heading out, continuing my project.”

“Oh,” Daria said. She had hoped to spend more time with Jane.

“You can come over tonight, if you want.”

“Sure.”

Jane then headed out, leaving Daria to wonder which part of Lawndale would get Jane’s attention that afternoon.


Jane exited the Historia to find Trent waiting for her. “So, what did you tell Daria?” he asked.

“The cover,” she answered.

“Of course,” Trent said. “We’ll head home first.”

“I didn’t bring the suit with me,” Jane said as she got into the car.

“Good idea.”


As the old Plymouth drove away, Sandi stepped out of the shadows next to the Historia. “What is Jane hiding?” she asked herself. She had gone off earlier, and then wanted to return to the old theatre, to look at it further. With Lawndale on edge with the recent events she wanted to get away from what she usually did. She missed the companionship that the Fashion Club had provided, even if she held resentment against Quinn.


Daria saw Sandi enter the bookstore and come over to her. “Sandi?”

“This has nothing to do with Quinn.”

“I think it might,” Daria said as she picked up a historical novel.

“Actually not. I like, heard Jane say something mysterious outside.”

“You were eavesdropping on her.”

“Be as it may, I think you would be interested in what she and her brother said,” Sandi rebutted.

“Trent too?” Daria asked rhetorically. “No! Whatever they had to say is between them.”

“I’ll tell you anyway! He said ‘What did you tell Daria’ and she said…”

Daria interrupted. “Stop!”

“She said, ‘the cover.’ She’s hiding something.” Sandi continued.

 

Part 2
Daria paused. She knew Jane was hiding something. But she didn’t want to give Sandi the satisfaction. “I know what you’re doing. You destroyed your friendship with Quinn and the other two former fashion drones. Now, you’re trying to drive a rift between Jane and I.”

Sandi was undeterred “She also mentioned a suit.”

“Ah! Stop! Sandi!” Daria said. “I don’t want to hear it.”

“Aren’t you curious?”

“No, I’m annoyed. I will be later, but now, you’re facing my ire!”

“You don’t think I have ire?” Sandi asked.

“If we come to blows, it would be your fault,” Daria said, her nose not far from Sandi’s.

“Good point, but at least think about what I have said.”

“I know I will.”

Sandi then turned and left.


Daria wasn’t sure what to make of that. ‘What is Sandi trying to prove?’ She turned back to the historical fiction, hoping to distract herself from thinking about what Sandi had said about Jane.


Sandi left the Historia, heading for home. She didn’t expect her confrontation with Daria to end up the way it did.


The Lanes got home, and soon, the Shadow was jumping from rooftop to rooftop along Howard Drive.


Norman Osborn got home, where he retreated to his study, where he began reading through the manual for the glider.


SpiderGirl looked out the window. The sun would set soon and she needed to patrol before heading home for dinner. She turned back to Sarah Robyn. “I’ll be going now. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

Sarah Robyn smiled wrote and wrote I’ll see you then.

SpiderGirl waved goodbye as she left the room. She found a nearby courtyard, where she swung away, heading towards Lawndale Flats.


The Shadow arrived back in the vicinity of the Historia, where she saw Daria leaving. But she knew that others would still be there. She climbed to the old theatre’s roof, where she looked out over the area and took in the afternoon scene. She knew that she would commit it to canvas at some point. She noticed something down the street, in an allyway.


Samara Collins had been at the Historia’s opening and had witnessed the standoff between Daria and Sandi. Thus, she was preoccupied thinking about that when a mugger appeared.

“Hand it over!” he said, brandishing a knife.

However, some kind of fog appeared between them and a hand grabbed hers. “Run!”

They ran and then the figure fired a grappling hook and Samara found herself on the rooftop looking at her rescuer and the afternoon sun reflecting off Lawndale’s rooftops. “You’re not SpiderGirl.”

The figure chuckled, sounding like a teenage girl. “No, I’m the Shadow. You need to be careful. Situational awareness is a thing! Especially with Lawndale going the way it is.”

“Oh, I was preoccupied,” Samara explained. “Two girls were arguing in the Historia’s bookshop before I left. But I will make sure to look around me in future.”

“I see,” the Shadow responded. “I hope you weren’t eavesdropping.”

“No, they were too far away.”

“Right. Can I get you anywhere?”

“Home, I suppose. It’s on the east side of the creek, but not in Lawndale Flats,” Samara said.

“You didn’t need to clarify that. Lawndale Flats is a small part of East Lawndale.”

“But it is near to it.”

“Right.”

They then descended to the street level and were on their way.


It was a relatively quiet afternoon. Ninja Talon headed home early.

“How was the Historia, honey?” Ashley-Amber asked once she had changed and come down to the lounge room.

“It was great. Many people from school were there, and Daria gave an inspiring speech.”

“Not Norman Osborn?”

“He did say something, but Daria’s was on point. That the Historia will be a place where people in Lawndale can come together,” Brittany answered.

“That’s inspiring,” Ashley-Amber responded.


SpiderGirl approached Lawndale Flats. The subdivision looked different to the rest of Lawndale, with many more apartment blocks than houses. She could see various people walking around taking in the Saturday afternoon sunshine.

As she patrolled she noticed the people looking at her. Most of them appreciated her purpose, but see did see some individuals who seemed fearful. ‘There is a lot to be afraid of,’ she thought as the sun began to set. ‘But there is hope.’


Quinn arrived home half an hour after sunset and found Daria pacing in the kitchen. “Daria?”

“Hi, Quinn.”

“What’s wrong, did something happen this afternoon?”

“Yes. It was Sandi, she said something about Jane.”

“Whatever it was, ignore it,” Quinn said, trying not to see red.

“Thing is, Quinn, she overheard something I can’t ignore.”

“I know Sandi, she’s trying to drive a wedge between you two,” Quinn said as she sat down.

“I know that,” Daria said as she also sat. “She said something about a cover and a suit.”

“That could mean anything,” Quinn said quickly. She wasn’t sure what to make of it. ‘I doubt Jane is the Shadow. It’s someone else.’

“I am going over after dinner,” Daria declared, “But that was decided when Jane left the Historia to do more on her project.”

“Tell her straight up that it was Sandi who said it,” Quinn said.

“Of course I will,” Daria said. “I don’t intend otherwise.”

“I don’t want you to lose Jane as a friend over a misunderstanding.”


Helen entered the kitchen and saw her daughters talking. “How was the Historia opening?”

“It was great,” Quinn answered, showing her usual enthusiasm. “Daria gave an inspiring speech.”

“That’s great, Daria!” Helen praised. “What about?”

“That the Historia can be a place where Lawndale’s young people can come together despite their differences.”

“Sounds great, but it’s going to take more than that to turn Lawndale around,” Helen said.

“I know that,” Daria said.


The dinner was quiet, before Daria headed off to Casa Lane.


Meanwhile, Sandi’s dinner was more tense.

“How was the Historia?” Linda asked.

“It was fine,” Sandi responded.

“Just fine?” Linda asked.

“Yes. There was morning tea, everyone talked, then there was lunch and the building declared open.”

“That sounds good, but I think you’re hiding something.”

“Daria Morgendorffer was the one who declared it open,” Sandi responded with ire in her voice.

“I see. Helen is spreading her influence in Lawndale…”

“I don’t think Mrs. Morgendorffer has anything to do with it. It was apparently Joey and Robert reaching out to Daria for help that lead to the old theatre becoming the Historia.”

“Maybe, but I’m sure Daria and Quinn talked to their mother about it,” Linda responded.

Sandi remained silent.


Daria arrived at Casa Lane with the discussion with Sandi on her mind. She thought on what Quinn had said as she knocked on the door.

Trent opened it. “Janie will be back from a run shortly,” he said.

“I can wait,” Daria responded as she entered the house.


Jane changed from the Shadow into her usual self in the garage and entered the house.


“Daria! You’re here,” she noticed something up with her friend as she entered the kitchen. “What’s wrong?”

“I had an encounter with Sandi soon after you left the Historia. It was something she said.”

“What did she say?”

“That she had overheard you and Trent talking as you left,” Daria responded.

‘What did she hear?’ Jane asked herself.

Daria noticed her silence. “She said something about a cover and a suit. Quinn said not to worry about it, but…”

“Daria, sometimes words can mean different things,” Jane said as she sat down.

“I know that. But, are you involved in something? Like, are you SpiderGirl?”

“I’m not SpiderGirl, Daria. I have as much as a lack of clue as you do about who she is.”

“Or Ninja Talon?” Daria asked.

“Same answer.”

“But you are involved in something?”

“Something I can’t tell you about,” Jane answered, her voice quiet. “Not yet. But it does have something to with my project.”

“I see.”

“See, Sandi is trying to split us.”

“I know, that and Quinn pointed that out,” Daria responded.

“She’s growing isn’t she?” Jane said with a smile.

“Yes, but I wish that it didn’t take Dad’s death.”

With Daria thinking on that, Jane realised the immediate crisis was past. ‘Daria will find out sometime, just not soon.’


While Daria was out, and their mother working in her room, Quinn went down to the basement. She wasn’t only working on an expressive mask, she was wondering if there was somewhere in the house other than her room that her mother and sister wouldn’t be able to get into. A place to store SpiderGirl related objects secretly. She found the blueprints to the house where they were stored in an old dresser. ‘Question is, can the house be modified without Mom or Daria knowing?’ She went over to a table next to the washing machine and unfurled them.

 

Part 3
While Quinn was looking at the Schloss Morgendorffer architectural blueprints, Norman Osborn was examining the engineering blueprints for the prototype glider. It was perfect for his needs.


Lawndale Sun-Herald
Sunday, January 28 2001
Historia Opening is a Great Success

SpiderGirl emerged from the house in the early hours after about four hours of sleep. She did what usually did, sat on the roof, closed her eyes and listened to Lawndale. ‘Of course, I realise that I’m mostly listening to the part of town on the west side of the Creek,’ she thought as she did so. ‘Anything in Lawndale Flats would have to be particularly loud.’ She paused, opened her eyes and walked to the edge of the roof and looked in that direction. The downtown area hid that neighborhood from view.
She went back to her previous position and closed her eyes again and listened.

Half an hour later, she heard a cry for help a few streets to north. Opening her eyes, she swung into action.


Quinn arrived at the Historia, ready to start her first shift, at 11:00. She had spent most of the morning either on patrol, copying the blueprints or designing the mask. She saw Stacy there, ready to start. “Stacy!”

“Hi, Quinn!” Stacy said enthusiastically. “I’m ready for my first day.”

“That’s great!”


Sandi was at home, in the backyard, which still bore the scars of her frustrated use of her powers following the Fashion Club’s dissolution. She was wondering whether she could use her powers in a way that would be helpful. ‘But I’m not like SpiderGirl,’ she thought again. She was tempted to try to find SpiderGirl’s secret identity using an aspect of her powers, but her mother had warned her against that when she had broached the subject the night before.

“Sandi, I told you before if you try to locate someone not in Lawndale, you’ll get knocked out by the sensory overload of perceiving all of Lawndale at once.”

“But SpiderGirl is in Lawndale.”

“If she’s her secret identity at the time, you may not locate her.”

“So, I risk getting knocked out if I try to find a random girl in Lawndale?”

“I would not suggest going through the yearbook and trying to locate every girl. That would be exhausting.”


Sandi blinked and brought her mind back to the present. ‘Of course, I would need a disguise,’ she thought. With that, she went back to her room to see if she had anything that could hide her identity.


Anna Coultard entered the Historia. She wanted to see if the bookshop had books on Welsh folkflore. Quinn came over to her. “Would you like something, Anna?” she asked.

“I’m just browsing for now,” Anna answered. “Seeing if there are books on what I’m looking for?”

“What the High School library doesn’t have?”

“Exactly.”

“Let me know if you find anything,” Quinn said playfully, “either today or tomorrow.”

“Of course,” Anna said.

“What about Ben?”

“He might visit here at some point, after the fuss has died down.”

“When there aren’t that many people,” Quinn surmised.

“Exactly,” Anna said.


Meanwhile, Brittany was at home musing on changes to the Ninja Talon suit. She was still wondering how to use flames in a way that wasn’t dangerous. ‘How did the Shadow come up with those paint bombs anyway?’ she wasn’t sure. She continued to design the changes.


After her shift at the Historia ended, SpiderGirl headed to Cedars of Lawndale.


Sarah Robyn saw the superheroine enter her room. You’re here! She wrote.

“Sorry, I was carried away designing a new mask this morning,” SpiderGirl said. “Also thinking of ways to modify my house without the rest of the family noticing.”

Why?

“So, I can have a secret place for my superhero stuff. It will help me keep my secret identity better.”

OK.

“Then I was at work.”

SpiderGirl spent another hour there before heading out to patrol.


Later that night, Quinn looked at her copy of the house blueprints in her room. She noticed something that could be useful. ‘A laundry chute down from my closet to the basement?’ she realised. She hadn’t noticed anything in her closet that could indicate that, but then she didn’t really look at it other than to sort her ever growing wardrobe. She went over and started putting most of her clothes onto her bed.

She looked at the floor of the closet. She saw that it was a couple of boards of wood. ‘But is there anywhere to lift it if it’s not nailed down?’ she wondered. She looked at the one on the right and saw that there was an indent near the corner. She webbed the board near the indent and pulled. It came up and she grabbed her flashlight and looked down. She saw the disused laundry chute. ‘It’s fairly large,’ she thought. Perfect for storing the SpiderGirl suits and useful as a quick way to leave the room unseen.
‘But I have to look at the other end before I decide anything further.’


Back down in the basement, Quinn found that the other end had a large counterweighted hatch. She pushed it open and saw the light coming down from her room two stories above. ‘Good!’ she thought. ‘I can use it.’ She went back up to her room thinking of ways to use the chute.


‘Some kind of pully system to store the suit and to lower myself down the chute,’ Quinn wrote on a piece of paper. ‘And an inconspicuous locking mechanism for the closet floor and the hatch, that would allow both of them to be opened and closed from either end.’ That was a start. She looked at the time. ‘Time for a patrol,’ she thought as she put the copy of the blueprints and the notes away. But first she put the board in the closet back where it was and put her clothes back.


Lawndale Sun-Herald
Monday January 29, 2001
SpiderGirl seen in Lawndale Flats

The talk of most of the students as the school day began was of the opening of the Historia. Quinn found herself congratulated more for her win at the Spelling Bee. But only a few students saw Norman Osborn park instead of merely dropping off Harry. Hardly anyone saw him make a beeline for Ms. Li’s office.


“Good Morning Mr. Osborn,” Ms. Li said. “What can I do for you?”

“The question is, what can I do for Lawndale High in exchange for something.”

“It would depend on what that something is, wouldn’t it?”

“Access to your surveillance system. Specifically, your CCTV cameras,” Osborn answered.

“Out of the question!” the Principal said.

“I am aware that SpiderGirl has been sighted on school grounds from time to time.”

“So, you want to find her secret identity?”

“Yes,” Osborn answered.


Angela reconsidered. “I too want to know which of my students is that vigilante.”

“Good,” Osborn said. “What can I do for Lawndale High? I have looked into the records. You have outlaid vast sums on security improvements. However, early last year, the Library roof fell in due to lack of maintenance. Then there was a hastily planned medieval fair to raise funds for repairs.”

“So, improvements to the buildings. I can work with that,” Li considered.

“And my company can also improve your security systems, making it more likely that SpiderGirl, and possibly Ninja Talon and the Shadow, get caught.

“I doubt the latter two are students here, Mr. Osborn.”

“But they might be. If it comes out, think of the reputational damage,” Osborn said.

‘He can’t blackmail me!’ Angela thought. “I will handle whatever issues come up, Mr. Osborn. Lawndale High will survive any scandal.”

“So, your answer is no?”

“My answer is ‘Maybe.’ I have to think about it. I’ll get back to you later in the week,” she sat down. “Good Day, Mr. Osborn.”


Osborn left Lawndale High and headed towards City Hall to get the Mayor’s answer.


In the meantime, the principal tried to get the conversation out of her mind as she tried to focus on her paperwork.


“Mr. Osborn to see you sir,” the secretary said.

“Send him in,” Mayor Lawson said in a resigned tone.


“Good Morning, Mr. Lawson,” Osborn said as the door closed behind him.

“Morning, Osborn,” Lawson said in a tired tone.

“I’ll get straight to the point. What is your answer?”

“Yes. I will provide access to Lawndale’s CCTV network, but not right away. I’ll have to negotiate with the Council first. They might vote against it.”

“Are you trying to stall me?”

“Maybe. But I still need to inform the Council that I have been approached in some manner. I won’t say who.”

“And how soon will you call this vote?” Osborn asked.

“Tomorrow. I’ll let you know as soon as I know the answer.”

“Then I’ll be back tomorrow!”


Quinn met Anna, Ben and Gerald in the library after school. “So, you found a Welsh folklore book at the Historia?” Quinn asked.

“Yes,” Anna answered. “I haven’t bought it here, but it’s great!”

“That’s good. Maybe we could see those standing stones you mentioned,” Quinn suggested.

“Remember what Ms. Li said,” Gerald said.

“That any field trip has to be outside school hours,” Quinn responded. “I remember.”

“So, how far are these standing stones anyway?” Ben asked.

“Not far, only a third of the way to Oakwood,” Anna answered.

“I see where this is going,” Gerald said.

“Not right away,” Quinn said.

“But soon, within the next couple of weeks?” Gerald asked.

“Yes, but we could do it around sunset. Think of how bright the stars would be outside Lawndale,” Quinn said.

“There would still be the light pollution,” Gerald said.

“Probably,” Quinn considered.

“Sunset at the standing stones would be great!” Anna said with wonder in her eyes.

“Why am I getting the feeling that something is going to happen there too,” Gerald murmured. “Maybe we could wait until the equinox.”

“But that is two months away,” Quinn objected.

“Fine!” Gerald said.

“Thanks, Quinn,” Anna said.

They then continued their session, with Quinn reading from her design book first.


After the mentoring session, Quinn changed to SpiderGirl on the school roof and headed downtown. It wasn’t long before she reached her destination.


As her usual self, albeit with oversized sunglasses, Quinn entered the hardware store. She had to see what was available before she started designing the locking mechanisms for the chute. ‘It’s not like I can just intuit it, right?’ she pondered as she looked around at the large selection of merchandise. It was both like, and unlike, any other shopping experience in her life.

She looked around taking note of various tools, and other items, before realising that she need to do more research to find what she needed, so she grabbed a brochure and approached one of the staff members.

“How may I help you?”

“I’m looking at some locking mechanisms for a school project,” Quinn answered.

“What kind of locking mechanisms?”

“Something complex, possibly involving electronics with a manual backup.”

“I’ll see what we have.”

“Sure.”


The salesman soon came back. “We have many different locks, including pinpads.”

“Also, I would like some tools, mostly screwdrivers and hammers.”

“Sounds like you’d need a drill set too.”

“Then I’ll take two,” Quinn said.

“That will be expensive.”

“Then I’ll just have one,” Quinn decided. She could come back for another one later. She didn’t want her mother to be questioning her about unusual purchases on the credit card if she could help it.


Quinn headed home from the hardware store and placed the tools beneath the table where the blueprints were still laid out. She looked at the blueprints again. She knew where to start, but there were other ways she could use the house for her superheroic purposes. She looked at the attic. Could she create a discrete opening from her closet into the attic? She knew that the attic windows opened, especially the ones facing into the back yard. ‘But there is another way,’ she considered. There were stairs up from the basement to a hatch in the back yard also.
‘Two ways,’ she thought. It would be best to have two routes rather than just one in case she needed to leave in a hurry. She decided to have a look in the attic.


Quinn looked around the attic. There was a lot of stuff stored up there, including a lot of her father’s belongings that they hadn’t given away. The grief intensified as she looked around. ‘With great power comes great responsibility,’ she thought. She located the spot above her closet and saw that the floor was a simple masonite slab. ‘It should be relatively simple to modify.’


However, she then heard Daria calling for her downstairs.


“Why were you in the attic?” Daria asked as Quinn pushed the stairs into their closed position.

“Just looking for something,” Quinn answered.

“OK,” Daria said.

“Anything else?”

“I was just curious,” Daria answered.

“OK. Wait…”

“What?”

“I’ve just noticed, your hair is growing,” Quinn said.

Daria grabbed some strands of her hair, where it reached where it hadn’t reached before. “Well, I haven’t been to a salon since before Dad died.”

“Whereas I’ve been twice.”

“I haven’t thought about it, but I guess I’m growing it out now.”

“It looks good on you, Daria.”

“That wouldn’t be the reason.”

“Of course not.”


Quinn went into her room. ‘I have to be more careful,’ she thought as she closed the door. ‘As far as Daria growing her hair goes, I meant what I said’.
She went over to the closet and looked at the ceiling as she pushed clothes aside. ‘Looks like a false ceiling.’ It would probably be easier to make the modifications than she thought. ‘But I’ll start with the chute first.’ She went over to her desk and looked at the copy of the blueprints again.

But then there was a knock and Quinn hastily pushed the page aside. “Come in,” she said.

Daria came in with a thoughtful expression on her face. “I’m thinking on what we just talked about.”

“Your hair?”

“Yes. I’m not sure I want to go to a salon, but I also know there would be split ends.”

“I can help you with that,” Quinn said.

“You can?” Daria asked in surprise.

“Yes, I have experience, helping those who had a terrible cut, or didn’t want to wait. Both here and in Texas.”

“Oh,” Daria said. “Let’s do it then.”

 

Part 4
In the bathroom, Daria looked in the mirror. She saw herself and Quinn, two sisters who were more alike than she would have expected before her father passed. One with auburn hair that was longer than it had ever been and round spectacles. The other with shoulder length dyed brown hair caught up in high pigtails, as it had been most of the time since the funeral (and it was obvious to her that Quinn was continuing to dye her hair, as her roots weren’t visible).


“OK, so, I’ll just trim it at the bottom, where there are split ends,” Quinn said. “But what about your bangs?”

Daria moved a hand through her bangs where they hung over the top of her glasses. “I’ll grow those out too. I guess I’ll need a couple of clips soon.”

“I guess you’ll be looking for plain ones,” Quinn said with a giggle.

“Of course.”

As she began, Quinn considered that Daria definitely wouldn’t have trusted her to trim her hair before she became SpiderGirl. ‘But she can’t know. She wouldn’t understand, and I don’t want her to be in danger as a result. That’s the main reason why I’ll be making these modifications slowly.’


Daria was also thinking as Quinn was trimming her hair. ‘I don’t know what the future will hold, but I know that we’ll survive High School in Lawndale.’


Quinn took her time, as she usually did when she did someone’s hair. She felt the trust that Daria had given her, trust that didn’t come easily. “I have done the bottom,” she said.

Daria took off her glasses and closed her eyes, ready for her sister to trim her bangs. “Alright.”

Quinn carefully snipped at the split ends she found in the bangs and saw her sister’s eyelids twitch as she waited. She didn’t take long.


“Done,” Quinn said. Daria opened her eyes and put on her glasses. She saw that her hair looked better than it did before. “Thanks, Quinn,” she said with a rare smile.


Trent answered the phone. “Hey, Daria. Janie is out on a run.”

“I see. I just wanted to tell Jane something.”

“What about.”

“Oh, Quinn and my hair.”

“What about Quinn and your hair?”

“I’d like to tell her first.”

“Sure, I’ll let her know you called when she gets back.”

“Thanks, Trent.”


The Shadow was downtown, near the Historia. She was watching as Stacy and Joey finished their evening shift. She didn’t want anything to happen that would jeopardise the vision of the Historia as Daria laid out during the opening. After five minutes Stacy and Joey drove off, leaving the Shadow relieved. She then continued her patrol of that stretch of Main Street.


At the same time, Sandi had her yearbook from the previous year open, along with an energy drink. She was ready to start to try to locate the secret identity of the heroes, especially SpiderGirl. ‘But one at a time,’ she had decided, as in one per evening. That would take time, possibly months, but that would be better than her overextending her ability every night. She located the first female freshman (now sophomore) in the yearbook. “Elly Aitkin,” she considered, looking at the short haired blonde on the page.

She barely knew her, but that was fine.

Sandi downed the energy drink. She then closed her eyes and chanted; “Finndu mann sem heitir: Elly Aitkin!”
At first she perceived herself and her room, as she usually did when she used her locate ability. Then her perception expanded out into the streetscape of Lawndale.

At first, the perception close to her house was colorful, as she perceived the inside of her neighbors’ houses along with the yards and the streets. But as it extended outwards it grew more vague as more information flooded into her mind. Then her perception narrowed in as Elly Aitkin was located halfway across town, in a house not far from the High School. It appeared that she was doing her homework while watching some animated show on her TV.

Sandi then returned her perception to normal and opened her eyes. She marked a small ‘x’ next to Elly Aitkin’s picture. “One down,” she said, with fatigue in her voice.


At the same time, as she was cleaning up the small amount of Daria’s hair in the bathroom, Quinn felt something. Her Spider Sense tingled briefly, at a low volume. ‘What was that?’ she asked herself. She finished cleaning up the hair and then went into her room and looked out the windows. ‘Nothing,’ she thought. Yet there was something, or someone, in Lawndale that was searching for something to do with her secret, she was sure of it. ‘What else is new,’ she thought as she put away the copy of the blueprints and took out her homework.


After recovering from searching for Elly Aiken, Sandi decided to do something else, practice using her other powers.


Linda went out into the backyard and saw Sandi taking shots at old tin cans using her powers. “What are you doing?” she asked.

“Practicing, trying to improve my aim.”

“I noticed you searched for someone earlier.”

“So?” Sandi asked as she took another shot and hit one of the tin cans.

“So, what are you up to, Cassandra?”

“SpiderGirl, she confronted me in my room.”

“When was this?”

“Just after the Fashion Club ended, not recently,” Sandi answered as she took another shot.

“I see. You want to know who she is, then confront her. What then?”

“What do you mean?”

“Meaning, are you just going to keep fighting her?” Linda asked. “You know that our powers can have a deleterious affect on people.”

“Because you told me. I haven’t actually seen it.”

“I have, it’s not good.”

“So, tell me!” Sandi said. “All you have said is that it’s deleterious.”

Linda shot at one of the cans herself, knocking it down. “They disrupt neural pathways, causing temporary paralysis and/or vocal slurring.”

“Doesn’t sound so bad.”

“That takes until the next day to recover from!” Linda added. “I don’t know what repeated exposure would cause. I don’t want SpiderGirl to experience that! I don’t want to find out her secret identity by finding out that you’ve injured her permanently. I don’t want that to happen, Sandi!”

“I’ll be careful,” Sandi said. She deactivated the purple glow and walked to where the cans were. “That’s not all I can do.” She reached out and drew one of the cans into her hand.

“I know,” Linda said as she did the same. “But using this power to restrain her wouldn’t be any better. I don’t want you confronting Lawndale’s superhero out of jealousy. She’s bringing hope to this town.”

“Not jealousy!”

“Resentment then. Think about what you’re doing, that is what I’m asking of you. Both as your mother and as your mentor.”

“Mentor,” Sandi considered.

“I taught you how to use your powers so that you would use them responsibly.” She then went back inside, knowing that she would have many more such conversations with Sandi in future.


Sandi looked at where her mother had gone inside. She considered what she had said. But she knew that she would continue what she had started and confront SpiderGirl. ‘But not as myself.’


After an hour and a half of homework, Quinn headed out as SpiderGirl, leaving the house by the hall window, as she had been usually doing. ‘But leaving via the attic would be better,’ she thought as she swung away.


Jane entered the kitchen after her patrol as the Shadow.

“Daria called,” Trent said. “Something about her sister and her hair.”

“Her sister’s hair, or her own hair?” Jane asked, wondering what her friend was going to tell her.

“Her own hair,” Trent clarified.

“I’ll call.”


“What’s this about your hair?” Jane asked.

“I let Quinn trim it. It is a little hard to explain how it felt, but I now trust her more than I ever have.”

“How much did she take off.”

“That’s the thing. I asked her to just deal with the split ends. I have decided to grow it out, including the bangs,” Daria answered.

“I have noticed it getting longer.”

“Changes happen.”

“It goes back to your father, doesn’t it?” Jane asked.

“Yes. The changes due to him not being here anymore.”


Out in the night, SpiderGirl rescued a squirrel from a truck on the Interstate, before meeting Ninja Talon nearby.

“I have visited Sarah Robyn,” the latter said. “Twice. Once, like this. The other as the cheerleader.”

“That’s good,” SpiderGirl said in encouraging tone.

“There were some muggings I prevented earlier.”

“I was bonding with Daria.”

“That’s good. I don’t think I could do so with Brian.”

‘There’s something there,’ SpiderGirl thought.

“Anyway, Sarah Robyn will be released tomorrow, even though she still can’t speak.”

“Then I’ll see her early in the morning.”


Lawndale Sun-Herald
Tuesday January 30, 2001
Historia Proving Popular

SpiderGirl arrived at the Hospital as the sun rose. She wanted to spend time with Sarah Robyn and get to school with time to spare.


Sarah Robyn saw SpiderGirl enter. She wrote Thanks for coming and handed the note to her.

“You’re welcome,” SpiderGirl said. “I couldn’t stay away today without saying goodbye. It’s not likely I’ll be in Oakwood any time soon. I’ll be focusing on Lawndale.”

Of course.

“But it may be that I may be there, just not very often.”

That’s OK

They spent a while in silence before they parted ways.


I’ll keep an eye on the news from Lawndale and keep thinking of you and the other two.

“Thanks, Sarah Robyn. That means a lot,” SpiderGirl responded. “Although most of what we do is small and doesn’t make the news.”

That’s fine.

SpiderGirl left, although not before saying goodbye and getting a signed farewell in return.


As the business day began, so did a tumultuous session of the Lawndale City Council. Especially when Mayor Lawson brought up Norman Osborn’s request to access the municipal CCTV, albeit without naming him.

He suspected that Osborn had continued to work behind the scenes, as several of the councillors he had expected to reject the proposal supported it. ‘Of course he would!’ he groused to himself. “Lets call a vote.”

The motion succeeded by one vote.

‘Now I have to delay Osborn some other way!’ Lawson thought.


Osborn entered Lawson’s office at midday. “I heard the motion passed,” he said.

“Yes, it did. You’ll have access later this week.”

“Very good. My technicians will liaise with yours about the details.”


Quinn met with Angie after school in the library. “When are you next at the Historia?” Angie asked.

“Tomorrow,” Quinn answered.

“Right, I’ll drop by before work.”

“That would be great.”

“Now, where are we up to?” Angie asked.

“History, specifically, the Gilded Age.”

Angie opened her textbook. “Got it.”


After school, Sandi headed to Cranberry Commons. She didn’t want to go to the other Mall, as that was where she usually shopped. She didn’t want any classmates to see her shop for clothes that would make her inconspicuous. She found a small out of the way shop and started looking.


At the same time, Daria entered Lawndale Mall, hoping to be in and out as quickly as possible. After her decision to grow out her hair and the trim Quinn gave her, she decided to get the clips as soon as possible. She soon found what she was looking for in a small shop.

“Are you sure you want something that plain?” the saleswoman asked.

“Look at what I’m wearing already,” Daria responded. “Do I look like someone who wants something fancy?”

“You could change up your style a bit.”

“I may be growing my hair, but my style isn’t changing.”

“OK, I won’t press.”

“Good.”

“That will be four dollars.”

Daria handed over the exact change.


Sandi found several outfits that matched what she was looking for. All purple ensembles that matched the glow of her energy projection powers. ‘Now I need to find a mask,’ she thought as she paid for the clothes.


After tutoring Angie, SpiderGirl headed out from the school roof. After an uneventful patrol around the downtown, she headed home.


She entered the basement through the backyard hatch and changed back to her usual self. She took out the blueprints again. She looked again at something she had noticed. That the basement on the blueprints seemed to take up the same floor space as the stories above, but Quinn was sure that it looked smaller. ‘The laundry area is below the dining room and the kitchen and Daria’s room. This table and the dresser are below the garage and my room.’
She went over to the chute and looked at the blueprints again. ‘It looks like there is more empty space than the chute beneath my closet.’ She looked at the wall ahead of her. It didn’t look as far away as the end of the living room did from the front door. ‘I’ll probably need to measure it.’

She found the measuring tape in the tools she had bought the day before. She measured along the wall from where she was sure the front door was, to the wall, which was of plasterboard, rather than the other three walls which were of the same red brick as the walls above. “Fourteen feet.”

Up on the ground floor, she checked that her mother and Daria weren’t home before measuring from the side of the front door to the corner window. “Twenty one feet. That’s a whole seven feet.” Was there a hidden area of the basement six and half feet wide?


Back down in the basement, she looked at the wall. The plasterboard was held in place by screws. ‘So, I can get in there at some point and look.’ But first she needed to make the other modifications before considering what to use the hidden space for. ‘I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself.’

She went back to the desk and continued designing the locking mechanisms for the chute.


Sandi found some purple fabric she could make a mask out of. ‘Perfect,’ she thought.


Daria saw Quinn enter the kitchen from the basement door. “I got the clips today,” she said.

“That’s good. Are you going to wear them soon.”

“Probably tomorrow.”


After dinner, Sandi was ready again. “Robyn Allen,” she considered, looking at a long haired brunette. She didn’t really know her either. She downed the energy drink. “Finndu mann sem heitir: Robyn Allen!”

Robyn Allen wasn’t quite as far as Elly Aitkin, but her house was in the opposite direction, near Newridge, the southwestern-most of Lawndale’s subdivisions. Sandi saw that she was having desert with her large family.

“Two down.”


Again, Quinn felt her Spider Sense tingle at a low volume. This time as she did some homework. “Again?” she commented. ‘Is it going to happen every night?’ She took out the journal she had been using since she had started being SpiderGirl. “Low intensity tingle again. Someone is still searching for my secret.”


Linda watched as Sandi again practiced against tin cans in the back yard. “I hope she took our discussion last night to heart,” she murmured. She looked around, and saw that she was alone. She then generated a forcefield around her. “Sandi isn’t here yet, but she will be soon.”


Later, after her parents had gone to sleep. Sandi slipped out of the house wearing one of the purple ensembles, the mask she had made earlier in the evening and her hair tied back into a high ponytail. She looked down Grandstaff Drive towards the downtown. She was already the fourth of Lawndale’s vigilante heroes, or in her case an antihero. “Watch out SpiderGirl, the Enigma is on your case!” she said as she ran off down the street.