Spider Quinn 17 Tempestuous Origin of Mysterio Part 7

 

Ninja Talon hadn’t been waiting long on the Hecuba-Croft’s roof when SpiderGirl arrived. “Ready?” the former asked.

 

“Of course,” SpiderGirl said. “I’m just worried that she didn’t find anything.”

 

“Same here. But we will find Jane and the critics anyway.”

 

“But just searching near the Lake probably wouldn’t be a good idea.”

 

“Not if it’s done randomly,” Ninja Talon said.

 

“Another plan?” SpiderGirl asked with a slight giggle. “I’d like to hear it.”

 

“After we talk with Andrea.”

 

 

Andrea saw the two vigilantes enter her room again. “I did find something,” she said.

 

“Which was?” SpiderGirl asked.

 

Andrea brought up a document she had compiled the data on. “Someone was seen leaving the Historia at the time, carrying someone else to a manhole nearby.” She then brought up a collage of screenshots.

 

“So, that proves Jane was taken,” SpiderGirl said after she had had a look.

 

“It does, but not where she was taken,” Ninja Talon pointed out.

 

“Too true,” SpiderGirl considered.

 

“So, what now?” Andrea asked.

 

“We’ll scout the area now, and return sometime tomorrow for more intensive search,” SpiderGirl decided.

 

“I agree,” Ninja Talon said.

 

“Let me know how it goes,” Andrea said. “I’ll be at the Historia for morning tea.”

 

“Great!” Ninja Talon said.

 

 

Up on the roof the heroes paused. “Which way?” Ninja Talon asked. “By the Creek, or along the road?”

 

“Probably the Creek, but what do you think?”

 

“The Creek would have more cover, if he’s looking out for us.”

 

“He probably wouldn’t be, in the middle of the night,” SpiderGirl said. “But we’ll be careful anyway.”

 

They then swung away.

 

 

Using a car the Enigma had taken from a place a couple of blocks away from the Morgendorffers, the Enigma and Dafoanairi arrived at one of the docks on the lake. “This should be a good spot,” the Enigma said as she got out.

 

Dafoanairi followed her out with a small flashlight and looked at her map of the county. “The lake is about two and half miles wide at its widest point.”

 

“That should be fine,” the Enigma said.

 

“When you’re ready.”

 

The Enigma grabbed the energy drink. She looked at Dafoanairi and then downed it. “Findu man sem heiter: Jane Peyton Lane!”

 

 

Dafoanairi noticed that the field was more perceptible than the previous night.

 

 

The Enigma’s perception expanded as it had the night she searched for Tiffany just over two weeks earlier. However, instead of Lawndale, expanded over the Lake, and  the countryside between it and Lawndale proper. Unlike the previous night, she was able to locate Jane! She was sleeping in a room somewhere, and three other people were with her.

 

 

“Enigma?” Dafoanariri asked.

 

The Enigma took the map off her and marked where Jane was. “She’s there. In a cabin, there. The critics are there with her, all sleeping.”

 

“That’s good news,” Dafoanairi said with a sigh of relief. She looked and saw that the position was a half mile to the east of their position.

 

“We could go there now.”

 

“But he might have more illusions prepared. We can’t go in half cocked.”

 

“I know, but we have to try,” the Enigma said with determination.

 

Dafoanairi sighed. “We’ll go in slowly, and be alert.”

 

“I will be.”

 

“Fine.”

 

 

They drove there and the approached the cabin slowly. Suddenly, the Enigma perceived something. “You’re right,” she said to Dafoanairi, “there are traps here. We’ll have to go around.”

 

“Or maybe we come back tomorrow with Peterson and a few other officers.”

 

“Let’s see if there is a way in first.”

 

Dafoanairi nodded.

 

 

The Enigma lead them around the edge of where the illusion traps were. 10 minutes later, they had completed a circle. “The technology probably wouldn’t hold up to my projections,” she said. “Or to being telekinetically ripped apart.”

 

Dafoanairi could hear a slight undertone of doubt. “But you’re sure that would alert him to our presence.”

 

“Absolutely. It would be better to do it in the daytime, even if there will be a storm tomorrow.”

 

“Then that’s what we’ll do,” Dafoanairi decided. “I’ll tell Peterson that you found Jane, and that we plan to come back here sometime later. About midday.”

 

“Good plan.”

 

They then went back to the car and drove back into Lawndale.

 

 

Shortly afterwards, SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon reached the Lake at the wetland where the Creek flowed into it. They could hear sounds of various nocturnal birds around them. “One would think they’re daytime animals,” SpiderGirl said.

 

“It’s not just owls,” Ninja Talon said.

 

“I knew that. I thought it was only a few groups. Anyway, which way?”

 

“The left, which is the east. There are cabins half a mile in that direction.”

 

“That makes sense,” SpiderGirl said.

 

 

The Enigma and Dafoanairi left the vehicle on the block the former had taken it from. “I’ll meet you at the Historia,” the former said.

 

Dafoanairi nodded. “Yes, have a good night.”

 

“You too,” the Enigma said warmly.

 

 

Dafoanairi thought about that exchange as she headed home. It seemed that they were becoming friends. ‘Another way I’m changing,’ she thought. Even a couple of weeks earlier, if someone said that they would be friends, she would have thought the other person was crazy.

 

 

SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon arrived near the cabins. SpiderGirl then felt something through her SpiderSense. “There’s something nearby,” she said.

 

“Huh?”

 

“The SpiderSense. I’m picking up something that might be troublesome or dangerous.”

 

“Do you have any idea what it might be?” Ninja Talon asked.

 

“No idea, but it might be more of those illusions.”

 

“It means that we’re in the right place though. We need to pinpoint where they are.”

 

SpiderGirl nodded. “But let’s try to stick to the trees.”

 

“Of course.”

 

 

They approached the cabins and the suddenly, SpiderGirl’s Spider Sense blared as they neared a particular cabin. “That cabin,” she said. “There are traps all around it. It is likely they are there.”

 

“It’s probably a good idea to come back in the daytime, even if it rains tomorrow.”

 

“Rain would probably disrupt the illusions.”

 

“I hope so,” Ninja Talon said. “Let’s go then.”

 

“I can be back about 11. There will be a discussion at the Historia earlier.”

 

“I’ll probably be there too.”

 

They headed back into Lawndale.

 

 

Lawndale Sun-Herald

Saturday, February 24, 2001

Tempest Opening Night a Complete Success

The tensions around the abductions of the Critics and Jane Lane haven’t dampened enthusiasm for young Daria Morgendorffer’s interpretation of Shakespeare.

 

Daria arrived at the Historia shortly before 8. She saw that Stacy had opened the café at the usual earlier time. ‘We do need to cater for those who start work early, even on a Saturday.’ Despite opening only four weeks earlier, the Historia had rapidly become a popular spot for Lawndale’s early risers.

 

“Morning, Daria,” Stacy said as she came up to the counter.

 

“Morning, Stacy. My usual breakfast, please.”

 

“Coming right up. It will be fourteen dollars.”

 

 

Daria read the article. The Sun-Herald’s critic had given a fair review. ‘And I’m sure he’s now at home in his recently installed panic room.’ She hadn’t heard whether the more well to do Lawndale residents had installed panic rooms or not. She shook her head, that wasn’t what she wanted to think about. She wanted to think about what she would tell Peterson about what she and Sandi had found during the night. Stacy then brought her the breakfast.

 

“It went very well apparently,” she said with her usual nervousness.

 

“Yes, despite the critics and Jane being missing.”

 

“You think it would be the authorities or the vigilantes who will find them first?”

 

“Probably both in cooperation,” Daria answered.

 

“I guess. Like at the solarium last week. The vigilantes went in but the police still arrested the person responsible for the brownouts.”

 

“Exactly.”

 

“Lawndale changing, Quinn changing. You changing, apparently. Those clips look great next to your glasses, by the way,” Stacy rambled. She looked back at the counter.

 

“I just chose the clips for practicality.”

 

“Same here, at least now I do.” Stacy then hurried back to the counter.

 

 

Peterson entered the Historia at half past eight. She knew Daria would be there early. She ordered something and then took a seat that the same table. “You look in thought,” she said.

 

“The Enigma and I found something.”

 

“So, you went out of town and tried again?”

 

“Yes, she was able to locate Jane this time,” Daria answered.

 

“But, you haven’t rescued her. I assume there’s a reason?”

 

“Yes,” Daria began as she began to explain what she and the Enigma found.

 

 

“It makes sense,” Peterson said when Daria finished. “If he used illusions in the theater, and while SpiderGirl and her amazing friends were chasing her, he would have them as traps around where he’s holding Jane and the critics.”

 

“And so, we’re planning to go back around noon, during the storm, to use it as cover.”

 

“And you want me and few others to be out there to arrest Beck?”

 

“Probably Agent Leung,” Daria said.

 

“I’ll pass it along. But remember, the more happens, the more likely that identities would be found out.”

 

 

Daria thought about that. She had only heard about a few cases of non-powered vigilantes in New York who had had their identities exposed, and that was over the latter half of the twentieth century. ‘There might be others,’ she thought. She then saw Quinn arrive.

 

 

Quinn was thinking about how to go about rescuing the critics and Jane. ‘The rain would probably disrupt the illusions outside the cabin, but what about inside? My intuition doesn’t always work. I guess I might have to try, but what about Brit?’ She wasn’t sure, but she knew that Brittany would try regardless. She then saw Stacy behind the counter.

 

 

“Hi, Quinn!” Stacy said.

 

“Morning, Stacy!”

 

“The usual? I heard that the play went well last night.”

 

“Everyone put their effort into it, including Dani.”

 

“That’s the new effects person?” Stacy asked.

 

Quinn nodded. “Yes, and I’ll have the usual.”

 

 

Quinn joined Daria and Peterson. “Joey and Robert should be here soon.”

 

“I knew they would be,” Daria said.

 

“Anything happen overnight?” Quinn asked.

 

“The fourth vigilante located Jane, but there are traps around the cabin,” Daria answered.

 

“The Enigma, you mean,” Quinn said. “She told some of us the name after Jane was taken.”

 

‘Of course she did, but that’s her prerogative,’ Daria thought. “Right, the Enigma.”

 

“I don’t think she likes me for some reason,” Quinn added.

 

‘You don’t know the half of it,’ Daria thought. That was one minor reason she was keeping her identity a secret.

 

“I did pick up some tension,” Peterson said.

 

“Like, I’m sure there are many at school who don’t like me,” Quinn said.

 

“Because of the Fashion Club?” Peterson asked.

 

“Yes,” Quinn answered. “I realise now that we came across as bossy and elitist.”

 

 

Joey entered the café at the same time as Robert. He saw that Daria and Quinn were already there and eating breakfast with Peterson. ‘I better get breakfast too.’ He saw that Stacy was behind the counter, as had become usual for a Saturday.

 

 

Stacy saw Joey come up. “The usual, Joey?”

 

“Sure,” Joey answered.

 

“And you were here last night?”

 

“Of course. I had to see the play on opening night.”

 

“I’ll see it tonight,” Stacy said.

 

 

Agent Ken Leung entered the Historia, along with his daughter, Kristen, and saw that Peterson and the four partners were already there having breakfast.

 

“I’ll see you later, Dad,” Kristen said.

 

“Have a good day, but be careful.”

 

“Of course,” Kristen said as she went over to the bookshop, which had just opened.

 

 

Leung joined the group at the table. Daria and Peterson told him what the Enigma and Dafoanairi had found.

 

“I still find the fourth vigilante’s powerset a bit difficult to believe,” he admitted.

 

“But there are limitations,” Daria said. “Hence why she went to the lake to conduct her search.”

 

“She’s still rather powerful, and you say she has a mentor with similar powers,” Leung said.

 

“Yes,” Daria answered. “She might either be more powerful, or just have a much better handle on what she can do.”

 

“That makes sense,” Quinn said.

 

“She’s planning to make a move at midday, during the storm,” Daria said.

 

“Noon,” Leung considered. “We can redirect our efforts in that direction before then.”

 

“LDPD can be ready too,” Peterson said.

 

 

“But what about tonight?” Robert asked.

 

“Hopefully, Beck would be caught,” Quinn said.

 

“But he might escape,” Daria said. “Even if Jane and the others are rescued.”

 

“That’s true,” Leung said. “Our priority will be the safety of the abductees.”

 

The others all agreed.

 

They continued talking for a while.

 

 

Ninja Talon arrived on the Historia roof about 10:30. She had slept in until after 8 before sparring with Ashley-Amber and then having breakfast. She had then prepared a plan before going on patrol. She waited for SpiderGirl to come up.

 

She didn’t have to wait long. “Morning, Talon,” she said as she emerged from the door as the usual Quinn. She then changed into her costume after closing it.

 

“Morning, Spidey. Are you ready.”

 

“Yes, but we’re not the only ones going to the cabins.”

 

“The Enigma found where Jane is, didn’t she?” Ninja Talon asked.

 

“Yes. She and Dafoanairi are going down there at noon. But the FBI and police are also moving in around the same time.”

 

“Using the storm?”

 

SpiderGirl nodded.

 

“Then we could get down there first, about a quarter to twelve, and stick to the trees until we get on the roof of the cabin.”

 

“That will work, but then there’s no telling what we will find inside.”

 

Ninja Talon took her hand. “But we can face it together.”

 

“Absolutely.”

 

 

They then went off on patrol of Lawndale’s southern areas.

 

 

Daria went up the roof about 10:50 and found Sandi waiting.

 

“Are you ready?” Sandi asked. “I’m sure you told Peterson and Leung what we’re doing.”

 

“Of course.”

 

“Then we’ll try to get there before they do.”

 

“Right at noon?” Daria asked.

 

“A little before. Like, the storm might come up a little beforehand.”

 

Daria looked out over the town and could see some clouds approaching. “Better start moving now.”

 

“We’re going to walk there?”

 

“It’s not that far.”

 

“But what about afterwards?” Sandi asked.

 

“We’ll find a boat, and bring Jane and the critics back up the creek.”

 

“Now you’re thinking a little like me.”

 

“We’ll just be borrowing it,” Daria argued lightly.

 

“True. But we better get going.”

 

Daria glanced at the court house clock tower as Sandi changed to the Enigma. They had an hour.

 

 

SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon arrived near the cabins at 11:45.

 

SpiderGirl felt the tingle as she did the night before. “They’re still up,” she said.

 

“Got it. Let’s go.”

 

They swung from tree to tree over the traps and reached the roof.

 

“I can hear talking inside,” SpiderGirl said. “Jane and Kalina.”

 

“What are they talking about.”

 

“Daria. It seems they are rehashing an argument.”