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Spider Quinn (Daria/Spider-Man)

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12 Rise of the Green Goblin - Part 1
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    • 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.
     
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    • 12 Rise of the Green Goblin - Part 2
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    • 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.
     
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    • 12 Rise of the Green Goblin - Part 3
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    • 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."
     
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    • 12 Rise of the Green Goblin - Part 4
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    • 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.
     
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    • 12 Rise of the Green Goblin - Part 5
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    • Part 5
    Half an hour after leaving home, the Enigma arrived in the vicinity of the Historia. She remembered her conversation with Daria after the opening. 'Is Jane SpiderGirl?' she wondered. 'Or she could be one of the other two?' She wasn't sure. 'I'll continue as I have been with the Sophomores. I'll find her eventually.

    Suddenly, there was a sound nearby. She turned, her hands aglow with her powers. A stray cat came out of an allyway. 'But there was something else,' she thought. She looked down the street and saw that a window had been smashed in. 'On it!' she thought as she ran as quietly as she could.


    "Quickly, before SpiderGirl comes!" one of the thieves said.

    The other two thieves came over to the window with their misbegotten wares. "She's just one person."

    They exited through the window they have smashed. "Stop right there!" came a voice.

    They looked and saw a dark figure against the glare of the street lights. Suddenly, their misbegotten wares were yanked out their hands by a strong invisible force and returned into the store through the window.

    "Who are you," one of the thieves asked in fear.

    "I am the Enigma," the feminine voice said quietly. "Now, like, make yourselves scarce. You don't want to face my other power and what it might do to you."

    The thieves with their hearts pounding then ran off down the street.


    The Enigma looked at the broken window of the store. There was no way she would be able to piece it back together. She made herself scarce as a police siren made itself known in the distance.


    Officer Xanthe Peterson looked at the scene. The window had been broken and merchandise strewn all over the place. "It looks like the thieves were interrupted in action," she said.

    "By SpiderGirl?" one of her colleagues asked.

    "I don't think so. There are no webs and she usually leaves the suspects webbed up for capture," Peterson answered.

    "Oh."

    "It could have been Ninja Talon or the other one."


    The Enigma continued down the street, looking for things that indicated that something would go down. It was deserted. She heard something down one of the side streets and looked. She saw that there was a store alight there. 'Not much I can do,' she thought. 'But I'll see if people need rescuing or if SpiderGirl will respond.'


    The Enigma saw that the Fire Brigade had already responded. 'Of course. I'll head home. I stopped some thieves, that's good enough for a first night.'


    She arrived back at 512 Grandstaff Drive half an hour later. 'It was a good first night,' she thought, thinking of how she had thwarted the thieves.


    At the same time, Ninja Talon arrived at the scene of the fire. The Fire Brigade had done their job. She saw Officer Peterson nearby.

    "Ninja Talon," the officer acknowledged.

    "Any idea what happened here?

    "Arson," Peterson answered. "Any evidence of who it was lost in the blaze. Whoever it was made themselves scarce before the fire brigade arrived."

    "Oh."

    "Did you intervene at a shop break and enter earlier tonight?"

    "I didn't," Ninja Talon answered. "It wasn't SpiderGirl?"

    "No webs and she leaves suspects webbed up."

    "Oh, of course. The Shadow then."

    "I haven't met her yet," Peterson confessed.

    "She helped SpiderGirl and I a lot last week when we infiltrated that compound and rescued Sarah Robyn."

    "That's good. But if it's not you, not SpiderGirl and if it's not the Shadow as you say, that would mean there's a fourth."

    "There's no proof of that," Ninja Talon said.

    "No, there isn't."

    "If nothing else. I'll keep an eye out tonight and other nights."

    "That would be good."


    Ninja Talon looked into the store briefly before leaving silently. She wondered if there was another vigilante hero out there.


    SpiderGirl awoke at the now usual early hour. She climbed out onto the roof and listened to Lawndale. 'Something's a little… discordant,' she thought. It was as if something had changed. "But what and where is it?" she murmured. She listened a while longer, trying to narrow it down. 'Downtown? Or is it Lawndale in general?' She then swung away, eyes closed, using her intuition to guide her.


    She landed at the spot and opened her eyes. She saw a store that had been broken into and police tape around it. 'I missed this, tonight,' she thought. But how was it responsible for the discord? She wasn't sure. She looked around and saw that it wasn't far from the Historia. She went up to the old theatre and saw that the Art Deco building was untouched. 'I'll find Ninja Talon.' She headed to the bridge where they found out each other's secret identities.


    Ninja Talon saw SpiderGirl arrive. "I was talking to Peterson earlier," she said.

    "About that shop that was broken into?" SpiderGirl asked.

    "Yes, she said someone interfered in the robbery, and she knows it's not me and it's not you."

    "But that would leave the Shadow."

    "She thinks there's a fourth, and I do to," Ninja Talon said.

    "A fourth vigilante hero. That would explain the discord."

    "Huh?"

    "You know I spend time listening to Lawndale at night," SpiderGirl answered. "Tonight there was a discord. And in the evening and last evening my Spider Sense tingled briefly at a low volume. I know there's someone out there trying to find out who I am."

    "I'm here with you."

    "Thanks."


    They sat there for a while in silence, contemplating the changes in Lawndale over the past few months. It seemed to SpiderGirl that the real changes were yet to come.


    Norman Osborn awoke. It was that dream again. The one where a presence whispered terrible things to him. It was getting worse, despite his many secret visits to a counsellor he had hired. He got out of bed and went over to where he had placed the glider blueprints. 'I won't use it for what the whispers say!' he thought, not entirely convinced. He tried to get back to sleep.


    Lawndale Sun-Herald
    Wednesday, January 31, 2001
    Council Divided Over Controversial Proposal
    A contentious vote on allowing an unnamed organisation access to Lawndale's Municipal CCTV footage passed with one vote yesterday after a tumultuous session of the City Council.

    'Unnamed?' SpiderGirl asked herself. 'It's likely to be Oscorp!' Was Osborn the one seeking her identity? 'No, it's someone else,' she concluded. She looked through the rest of the newspaper, but she knew that the interrupted robbery had occurred after it had gone to press. She then placed it back on the stand and continued towards the school.


    Sandi awoke and looked at the time. "Oops!" she said as she leapt out of bed. She had forgotten to set her alarm after she had come back from her first foray as the Enigma. She looked around the room, making sure that she had packed away the purple clothes she had worn. She then got dressed and raced out.


    "Sandi, you need breakfast!" Linda said. She suspected that her daughter had snuck out in the middle of the night, whether to confront SpiderGirl or not, but she didn't have proof. 'I'll talk to her tonight as she practices.'


    Jane arrived at school to see Daria waiting. She had gone by the store that had been broken into, as Max had called Trent about it when he had seen it. She knew that she hadn't interfered, and she knew of SpiderGirl's habit of leaving suspects webbed up. 'So, it has to be Ninja Talon, right?' she asked herself again. A fourth vigilante in Lawndale seemed a bit much to her. 'But I can't rule it out.'

    "Jane?" Daria asked.

    "Just thinking about my project," she responded. She then noticed something different about Daria. Her bangs were held to the sides by plain hairclips. "You're a little different. I didn't expect that."

    "I figured that I better get the clips as soon as possible," Daria responded.

    "You mentioned Quinn trimming it, but not clips."

    "I guess I didn't."


    Sandi got to school just in time for the bell to ring for Homeroom. 'I'll have to make sure I set my alarm.'


    "Changes," Jane murmured as she and Daria sat on the roof during study hall.

    "What was that?" Daria asked.

    "Changes. Lawndale is changing. Now you're changing," Jane clarified.

    "I may be growing my hair, but I'm still the same Daria. Still sarcastic and cynical of the world around me, including of whether SpiderGirl is actually making a difference."

    "What about last week?"

    "SHIELD would still have done something," Daria answered.

    "Probably. It's the Historia that will make a difference."

    "But that will take time."

    "I know."


    Quinn entered the Library to find Anna and Ben already there. 'I don't think either of them are the new vigilante,' she thought.

    "Quinn!" Anna said as she came up to the duo. "I have found out more about the standing stones."

    "That's great."

    "Including the specific Irish stonemasons who worked on them," Anna added enthusiastically.

    "What's this about stonemasons?" Gerald asked as he came up.

    "The people who put the standing stones in place," Anna answered.

    "Oh, of course," Gerald responded.

    Anna took out a book. "This was in the town library."

    "A History of Irish Immigration to Carter County," Quinn read. "Carter County?"

    "Yeah, Lawndale County was renamed from Carter County over a decade ago," Anna answered. "It is still sometimes referred to that way."

    "Oh," Quinn said.

    "Because Lawndale is the largest town in the county?" Ben asked.

    "Probably," Anna said.

    "Anyway. Let's, look at the original idea," Quinn suggested.

    "Sure," Anna said as she turned to table of contents.


    And so, for the next half hour they took turns reading from the book, including Gerald, who still had issues with projecting his voice.


    "I could look for someone to help you," Quinn said to Gerald after the other two had left.

    "You don't have to."

    "It would be part of what Ms. Li asked me to do."

    "And you're going above and beyond," Gerald said.

    "I know. Maybe I'll ask Mr. O'Neill about it tomorrow."


    She then left the school as SpiderGirl, patrolling for an hour and a half before arriving at the Historia for her first shift.


    "Quinn!" Elizabeth Rowe said, as the younger Morgendorffer girl appeared in the café.

    "Hi, Mrs. Rowe."

    "How's your mother? I haven't heard from her since before the holidays."

    "Oh, she's busy, but I'll tell her you asked when I get home."

    "Thanks."


    While Quinn was talking to Stacy's mother, Daria arrived home. She went up to her room and looked in the mirror in her closet. 'I am changing,' she thought as she glanced at the hairclips. It wasn't just that, or the decision to grow out her hair. It was indeed the absence of her father, affecting her more than she thought. It wasn't only Quinn who was changing due to grief, she was as well. She took a deep breath and closed the closet. 'I'll take it each day as it comes,' she thought. She also decided to talk to Jane about it the next day.


    The Griffin's dinner was awkward as the five of them ate, with only Sam and Chris talking about their day at school. "And the teacher said that my design was impractical!" Sam said.

    "What design was this again?" Linda asked.

    "For a slide in the playground," Sam answered.

    "That takes up most of the playground?" Sandi guessed quietly.

    "That's the whole idea of it!" Sam said.

    "Sam, try to start small," Linda said.

    "I did start small. Having a slide cover all of Lawndale is too much," Sam said.

    "Was that your first idea?" Chris asked.

    "Yes," Sam answered.

    "Sounds good," Chris said.

    Linda and Sandi both sighed.


    As Sandi turned to go up to her room after her father and brothers had made themselves scarce, her mother called out to her. "Sandi! We need to talk."

    "Yes?"

    "I know you sneaked out last night and I don't have proof. But there are rumors of a fourth vigilante."

    "I am using my powers responsibly," Sandi countered quietly.

    "So, you did!" Linda said.

    "Maybe."

    "But, there is still the fact that you want to confront SpiderGirl!"

    "And maybe Lawndale needs a new hero," Sandi said.

    "And you think I haven't been tempted to go out and use my abilities to fight crime? Especially after SpiderGirl appeared? And now this Ninja Talon and the shadowy one? I don't want to bring danger to this family. Think about that, Sandi, please."

    "I don't think SpiderGirl will trace me here."

    "She might when you find her identity and I know you will," Linda said.

    "I will be ready and I'm sure you will be too."

    Linda sighed, knowing that she wasn't getting anywhere with her daughter. She saw her grab an energy drink from the fridge. "That may give you a boost, but it's not exactly healthy."

    "What do you use?"

    "Potato salad."


    Sandi entered her room and opened the yearbook again. Next after Robyn Allen was Erin Archer, another short haired blonde, although hers was slightly longer and curlier than Elly Aitkins'.

    She looked at the energy drink. 'Potato Salad would take longer to eat!' she thought. She then downed it. "Finndu mann sem heitir: Erin Archer!"

    Her perception again spread out across Lawndale. Erin Archer was found close to the Historia, heading towards it.

    "Three down."


    "Quinn?" Mrs. Rowe asked.

    "Something," Quinn said, noting the third low tingle of her Spider Sense.

    "Are you OK?"

    "Yes."

    "Good, you just looked out of it for a second," Mrs. Rowe said with concern.

    "Stress: school, social life, here and I miss Daddy."

    "Of course. You can talk to me about that at some time, if you want to."

    "That would be great!" Quinn responded.


    Sandi practiced again and noticed that she was getting better at aiming her shots.
     
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    • 12 Rise of the Green Goblin - Part 6
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    • Part 6
    As she sat down for dinner, Helen noticed something different about Daria. "Hairclips, Daria? I'm happy that you're changing something up."

    "That's all I'm changing," Daria responded. "I may have decided to grow my hair, and grief for Dad is changing me, but I'm still your sarcastic daughter who doesn't dress to fit in."

    Helen chuckled. "I just didn't expect it, that's all. But, change is a constant in life, Daria. You may find that you're changing in ways you don't expect."

    "I already know that."

    "At some point you may not want to wear that jacket anymore."

    "I intend to wear this for the rest of high school," Daria said.

    "All I'm saying is, that you might reconsider as you change."


    Daria thought on that as she ate. She hoped that her mother was wrong on that score. 'But she's rarely wrong on this. Time will tell.'


    At the same time, Quinn served one of the girls from school. "Erin Archer, is it?" she asked.

    "Yes," the girl answered. "I don't hang out with the so-called popular crowd. But, Anna has spoken highly of you."

    "Really?"

    "That you're going above and beyond. It's too bad Ben got bit by that snake."

    "You heard about that?" Quinn asked.

    "Yes. Most of the students would know about it by now."

    "Of course. I shouldn't underestimate the rumor mill."

    "And you've been in them a lot since the Fashion Club ended," Erin said.

    "And I tried to counter what Sandi said."

    "I'd say that was successful. I haven't heard much since before the holidays."

    "That's good," Quinn said. "But what would you like?"

    "Cocoa with small chips please."

    "Coming right up."


    Quinn soon finished her first shift. She said goodbye to Mrs. Rowe, and then went up to the roof and swung away as SpiderGirl.


    At the same time, the Shadow was on a rooftop across from the store that had been broken into, sketching the scene. 'A fourth,' she considered. 'Who could it be? Do they have powers?' For she didn't have powers, relying on the technology and gadgets her mother and mentor was providing her. As she continued to sketch she considered the changes taking place, both in Lawndale and in her best friend.


    From the Historia, SpiderGirl headed over the creek to Lawndale Flats, thinking that she needed to put in an appearance there, as she hadn't since the weekend.


    Ninja Talon left Crewe Neck, heading into the main part of Lawndale. She wanted to find the new vigilante, and she had most of the night to do so. 'I hope I find her tonight, otherwise tomorrow will be tiring,' she thought. Being a sleep deprived cheerleader was not really fun. But at that moment she was alert for anything the night would throw at her.


    After half an hour in Lawndale Flats, SpiderGirl headed home, as she had homework to do, a mother to talk to, and a journal to write in.


    "Quinn?" Helen asked when she saw her daughter enter the front door. "How was the Historia?"

    "It was great! But Mrs. Rowe is concerned about you," Quinn answered.

    "Oh, I guess I just got caught up at work," Helen said. "When I'm here, it makes me think more of him. You two are not the only one' changing due to grief."


    Quinn hugged her mother. "You're not alone. Call her, Either that, or talk to Daria and I more."

    "I didn't realise how much Daria's changing. I was focused on you."

    "It's not too late."

    "I had a talk with her earlier," her mother said as the hug ended and wiped a tear from her eye. "She's changing more than she realises."

    "I know."


    Quinn went up to her room. 'There's no time for the modifications tonight,' she thought. It was already late and she had homework to do.


    "Helen?" Elizabeth said.

    "It is me. I'm sorry I haven't reached out to you earlier."

    "I see Quinn talked to you."

    "Yes," Helen began and told Elizabeth what she told her younger daughter.

    "I'm here. You can come to the Historia tomorrow night."

    "That would be great. I haven't been out since before the holidays."


    The Enigma left 512 Grandstaff Drive after midnight, having had an hour and half of sleep. Despite that, she was alert. She headed downtown along the street with purpose, to protect the innocent, or to stops crimes in progress as she had the previous night.


    Linda awoke at the same time. It was a mother's intuition, telling her that Sandi had left again. She went out to the kitchen and took out a potato salad. But she paused. She knew that Sandi would adopt a hero persona and simply going 'Finndu mann sem heitir: Cassandra Aphrodite Griffin' wouldn't work while she was in that persona and that she would succumb to sensory overload by perceiving all of Lawndale and some of the surrounding countryside at once. She sighed and put the potato salad back in the fridge.
    'I'm probably not going to get much sleep,' she thought. 'But I'm going to learn her hero name sooner or later.'


    Ninja Talon had taken a stakeout point on the top of the Historia. It may have been a small theatre, but it was still relatively tall compared to other buildings in downtown Lawndale. She listened to the radio, waiting for reports on the movements of the new vigilante. She looked at the time, nearly one AM. Then she heard something. Something like gunshots, but different. It was somewhere on the street, to the south of her position. She looked and saw three figures being chased by a fourth with purple flashing between them.

    She then climbed down the side of the building and carefully went to have a closer look.


    The Enigma had cornered some thieves after they had broken into a store and made off with some goods. They had ran and somehow evaded her telekinetic attempts to restrain them. 'I still need some practice there,' she thought as she continued to try to head them off with her energy projections. Then she saw a dark figure dart out to the side, and a shuriken slipped past her. She stopped. She turned and said; "The thieves are getting away!"

    The figure said nothing, but simply sent out a zip line across the street, causing the thieves to trip. She then ran around, tying them up in the zip line. "That will hold them for a while," she said.

    "I guess you're Ninja Talon," the Enigma said as the other retrieved the shuriken.

    "That's right," Ninja Talon answered as she came back. "And you're the mysterious fourth vigilante."

    "Yes, an antihero. Call me the Enigma."

    "Antihero?"

    "Yes. I will do whatever it takes to keep Lawndale safe," the Enigma responded. "SpiderGirl hasn't been doing much of a good job."

    "She has been!" Ninja Talon responded. "She's only one person and she has been giving Lawndale hope."

    "That's what my mentor said," the Enigma responded quietly, trying not to give anything away.

    "And you should listen to them."

    "They don't want me doing this either, but I want to do this, to help Lawndale and to confront SpiderGirl."

    "How would you confronting SpiderGirl help Lawndale?" Ninja Talon asked.

    "I'm not sure!"

    "Then you shouldn't."

    "It is something I need to do!" The Enigma said quietly.

    "To prove yourself?"

    "Probably."

    "But is that what Lawndale needs?" Ninja Talon asked.

    "Maybe."

    "I'm doing this because I think Lawndale needs me to do it, and I was inspired by SpiderGirl."

    "It all comes back to SpiderGirl!" The Enigma said. She turned away from Ninja Talon.

    "I see that there's more."

    "Of course there is. But there's nothing more to discuss."


    Ninja Talon watched the Enigma disappear into the distance. 'I definitely need to keep an eye on her.'

    She yawned. 'But I have to tell Peterson and SpiderGirl something.'


    It wasn't long until Peterson arrived on the scene and secured the thieves. "It was actually the new vigilante who caught them in the act," Ninja Talon said.

    "What happened?" Peterson asked.

    Ninja Talon filled her in on what happened.

    "So, she has some sort of energy projection powers?"

    "Yes, either that it was technology. But if was that, it would have be very advanced."

    "Another headache," Peterson murmured, her voice low. "And I'm overstretched as it is."

    "What else is new?"

    "Thanks for bringing it to my attention, but did she identify herself?"

    "She called herself the Enigma, but I think that should be between us and SpiderGirl for now."

    "I agree, Lawndale is on edge enough."


    Ninja Talon then headed westwards, hoping to find SpiderGirl awake.


    SpiderGirl did wake at the usual time and saw Ninja Talon on the roof when she climbed out onto it. "How long have you been waiting?" she asked, trying to hide her surprise.

    "Not long," Ninja Talon answered. "I encountered that new vigilante, earlier tonight."

    "What happened?" SpiderGirl asked.

    She then listened as Ninja Talon relayed her interactions with the Enigma and Peterson.

    "Troubling," SpiderGirl commented as Ninja Talon finished. "That she seemingly has powers and wants to confront me. I agree that we should keep the name secret, though. It will come out soon enough."

    "That's true," Ninja Talon said. She yawned. "I need to get to bed."

    "I could take you. It will be quicker."

    "Sure."


    Indeed, SpiderGirl could see that Ninja Talon was drifting off to sleep as she swung towards Crewe Necke. Her mind was on what the fatigued ninja had revealed. A new antihero in Lawndale who seemed to be out to get her out of a sense of rivalry.


    As SpiderGirl ferried Ninja Talon home, the Enigma returned to her own home, where she found her mother asleep on the couch. "Please, don't wait up for me," Sandi said quietly as she took off her mask. She didn't want her mother loosing too much sleep over what she had decided to do. As she went up the stairs, she went over the conversation with Ninja Talon again. 'She does have some points, mostly about what's good for Lawndale,' she thought. 'But what we think is good for Lawndale is almost certainly different.'


    SpiderGirl arrived on the roof of the Taylor mansion and shook Ninja Talon awake. "We're here."

    "Thanks. But what are you going to do about the Enigma?"

    "Avoid her, for now, while I think about what to do."

    "Is that a good idea?" Ninja Talon asked.

    "It is if she has powers, or advanced technology. I don't know what it would do to me, even with my enhanced healing."

    "Good point."

    "And it will give me time to think, to plan and prepare, and see how people react," SpiderGirl added.

    Ninja Talon nodded and then climbed down and through her bedroom window.

    SpiderGirl then sat there, listening to Lawndale from the different perspective for a while before heading home.


    Lawndale Sun-Herald
    Thursday, February 1st, 2001
    Rumors of a fourth vigilante

    "A fourth?" Norman Osborn asked himself as he put the paper aside. 'This could be what I need.' He knew how to proceed to convince Mayor Lawson to allow Oscorp to access the municipal CCTV.


    Linda awoke. She stirred from the couch and went up to wake Sandi. She didn't want a repeat of the previous morning.


    Sandi was already awake. "Oh!" Linda said.

    "I may have been out, but I was prepared."

    "Good! But I'm disappointed in you. You disobeyed me!"

    "So, I'm rebellious. You can't control me, Mother!" Sandi said.

    "It's not about control. I know you're growing up. It's concern! You heard what I said."

    "That you're concerned for the family. So am I."

    "You're still using the house as a base," Linda pointed out.

    "I could go out back, instead of the front, if you want."

    "Not much of a compromise."

    "If nothing else, I need to get to school," Sandi said.

    "I want you to take your brothers to school today."

    "Of course," Sandi said sarcastically.

    "And we'll talk more this evening, and see how far you've developed your powers."


    Brittany awoke and thought on what had happened during the night as she got ready to go to school. 'I will help Quinn prepare,' she thought.


    Daria looked at herself again as she put the clips in her hair a second time. She found that she liked what she saw. She remembered her conversation with her mother the evening before. 'I'll have to take each change as it comes,' she thought. She only admitted to herself that the prospect scared her a little.


    After nearly an hour of patrolling as SpiderGirl, reading the paper's speculations on the fourth vigilante and thinking about what Brittany had revealed, Quinn arrived at school early. She hoped to find Mr. O'Neill before Homeroom. She entered the Language Arts office. "Mr. 'O'Neill?"

    Mr. O'Neill was there. "Quinn?"

    "You know how I'm mentoring four other students?"

    "Of course."

    "It's Gerald Brown. He's having trouble with projecting his voice."

    "Hmm. And you want me to help?"

    "More like you could find someone else who could help?" Quinn asked.

    "True. It sounds like he needs an elocutionist. There should be several in Lawndale. But I should say that they charge."

    "That shouldn't be a problem."

    "I will look them up and get to you by the end of the day," O'Neill decided. "How does that sound?"

    "It sounds very good," Quinn said.
     
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    • 12 Rise of the Green Goblin - Part 7
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    • Part 7
    Mayor Lawson was on edge. He read through the Sun-Herald's article again. "Pure speculation!" he groused to himself. 'There's no proof there's an actual fourth costumed vigilante.'

    There was a buzz.

    "What?"

    "Norman Osborn is here demanding to see you."

    "Send him in!" he said.

    "I see you're aware of the news." Osborn said.

    "Are you behind this rumor?" Lawson asked. "Lawndale doesn't need more people taking the law into their own hands!"

    "I am not," Osborn responded. "But this is exactly the sort of thing my proposal is designed to deter."

    "I doubt it. They will find a way to hide. And I know you're out to get SpiderGirl. I may not like that she's taking the law into her own hands, but she's giving this city hope."

    "But what about the other two?"

    "SpiderGirl vouches for Ninja Talon, it seems. The Shadow is more elusive. I doubt that whatever you're planning will work," Lawson answered.

    "And if there is an actual fourth?"

    "Then whoever they are will make themselves known at some point."

    "With my proposal we'll catch them quicker," Osborn argued.

    "I will think about it!"

    "And don't forget that the Council approved it. You can't drag your heels too much."

    "And I know you influenced the vote!" Lawson shot back. "Now get out."


    Osborn left City Hall with annoyance. He was sure that the Mayor would be instringeant every step of the way.


    "Quinn Morgendorffer and Gerald Brown, please report to the Principal's Office."

    "What?" Gerald asked himself.


    Quinn knew it had something to do with what she had talked about with Mr. O'Neill that morning. She entered the Principal's office.

    "Good afternoon, Ms. Morgendorffer. We'll wait for Mr. Brown to get here."

    "Of course."


    It didn't take long for Gerald to get there. "What is this about?"

    "Miss Morgendorffer asked Mr. O'Neill to find some elocutionists for you, and so he did. However, I must inform you that the school will not pay the fees for you."

    "So, they would teach me how to project?" Gerald asked.

    "Yes, along with pronunciation and dramatic reading," the Principal answered.

    "How much are we talking about here?" Quinn asked.

    "About 30 to 40 dollars an hour," the Principal answered.

    "Doesn't seem that steep," Quinn said. "What do you think?"

    "I depends how often the sessions are and how long they are." Gerald responded.

    "Then it sounds good," Quinn said.

    "I knew you would say that," the Principal said as she handed a sheet to Gerald.


    Quinn and Gerald stepped out of the Principal's office.

    "What do you think?" Quinn asked.

    "I will think about it," Gerald responded.


    At the same time, Daria and Jane were on the roof. "So, you're concerned that you'll change too much?" Jane asked.

    "That's it," Daria confessed.

    "Don't worry, you'll still be you."

    "I know. It's just happening quite fast."

    "I'll be here for you," Jane promised. 'Just as I am out there for Lawndale. I will find a balance.'


    'Angie is doing a lot better,' SpiderGirl thought as she swung away from the school that afternoon. Her thoughts turned from the tutoring session she had just had back to the question of the Enigma. 'I'm still not sure what to do. But I will be looking out for her.'


    Sandi was at the pizza place, sitting in a booth with Harry Osborn. "Penny for your thoughts?" Harry asked.

    "Just thinking about things," Sandi responded. "Family is complicated."

    "You don't have to tell me that," Harry said. "My father means well, but he's distant."

    "It's more that I'm clashing with my mother's restrictions," Sandi said.

    "A rebel?"

    Sandi nodded.

    "Whatever it is, it can't be too bad, right?"

    "No, it isn't," Sandi responded with determination.


    Gerald got home, to his family's small house in an older subdivision of Lawndale a few blocks west of the downtown. He saw that his mother was home. "Ms. Li called earlier," she said,

    "Yes?"

    "We can afford the lessons, but it depends on how often and how long each one is."

    "Good," Gerald responded.

    "It is up to you."

    "As I told Ms. Li and Quinn, I will think about it."


    As Helen finished work, she looked towards the Historia from her office window and remembered her conversation with Elisabeth. "Have you been to the Historia yet, Marianne?"

    "Not yet, Helen. I haven't had time," Marianne answered as she got ready to leave.

    "You could come now."

    "No thanks. Another time."

    "That's OK."


    Helen entered the Historia and saw that the restoration was better than she thought. "How much of it was Daria and Quinn, though?" she asked herself.

    "Helen!" Elisabeth said.

    "Coming."


    SpiderGirl arrived back at the Morgendorffers and entered by the basement, where she changed back to her usual self. She then had another look at her design for the chute locking mechanism. 'It shouldn't take long, but I better check that Daria isn't home.'


    That didn't take long and Quinn started on the instalment of the locks on the bottom of the chute.


    After dinner, Sandi was ready again. 'But what is Mom going to talk to me about?' she wondered. She knew that there was more to her powers that her mother hadn't told her yet.

    She opened the yearbook again. After Erin Archer was Tania Ashworth, with short dark hair. She downed the energy drink. "Finndu mann sem heitir: Tania Ashworth!"

    She found Tania at her home, which was also on Grandstaff Drive, a few blocks away.

    "Four down."


    This time, Quinn didn't feel a tingle as the Ashworths were closer to the Griffins than the Morgendorffers.


    Linda came up to where Sandi was practicing in the backyard. "There is more to your powers than I have taught you so far." she said.

    "That's not surprising," Sandi responded. "You, like, taught me what I already know gradually after all."

    "True."

    "What's next then?"

    "This," Linda said as she generated a forcefield around her. "It contains aspects of both the energy projection and the telekinesis."

    "How?"

    "Hold out your arms and then think 'protection'. That's how I started with it. I was a little older than you are now and I figured it out without your grandmother instructing me, but given what you are doing…"


    "Got it," Sandi said. She held out her hands and thought 'Protection!' The energy projection sparked in front of her, forming a partial shield.

    "That's a good start," her mother praised. "Now the telekinetic component. This will also help you use the two powers in tandem."

    Sandi concentrated, focusing on where the energy shield was. The shield then stabilised, looking more like the one that surrounded her mother. "Yes!"

    "Now, try to make it bigger."

    Sandi nodded and concentrated more and it got larger. But she quickly tired out.

    Her mother deactivated hers. "It will get easier, like it did with everything else."

    Sandi nodded.

    "But I still disapprove of you wanting to confront SpiderGirl."


    Quinn looked at the completed locking mechanism. "Done." She then tested it, locking and unlocking it. 'Perfect, for now. But I need to test the other side.'


    Quinn drew up the board covering the chute in the closet. "I'm definitely going to need some pulleys," she murmured. She shot a couple of webs to the sides of the closet after pushing clothes aside. "Here goes." She then lowered herself down the chute. She then tested the locking mechanism from the other side. It worked! She then pulled herself back up to the closet.

    "That will do for now," she decided as she placed the board back. But she still had to clean up in the basement.


    When she came back up from the basement, she saw that both her mother and Daria were in the kitchen. "Quinn, I have brought some takeaway from the Historia," her mother said.

    "That's good. Did you have a good time?"

    "I did."

    "That's good," Quinn said.

    "The restoration seems to be done rather well."

    "That was more Mrs. Rowe working with Mr. Osborn, than us," Daria responded.

    "I knew it wasn't just you two," her mother said.


    Before bed, Quinn wrote in the journal. No low tingle tonight. Did whoever it was take a break? 'That's likely.'


    At midnight, the Enigma emerged from the Griffin's backyard into the lane behind. She was sure that she would be less likely to be seen there than from Grandstaff Drive. 'Not all of Lawndale has laneways, but that doesn't matter.' She then headed downtown, keeping to the laneway to the north of Grandstaff Drive.


    As she came to the rear of the Ashworth's place, she looked into the yard. 'I doubt Tania is SpiderGirl or Ninja Talon,' she thought. She continued.


    The Shadow arrived at the store that had been broken into two nights before. 'Was there a fourth vigilante? Was it just a rumor? Or was it true? I guess I am looking tonight.' She turned and looked towards the Historia. 'It offers a better vantage point.'


    On top of the restored theatre, she activated her mask's magnification mode and started looking at the streets she could see.


    The Enigma saw something on the top of the Historia as she turned a corner. She took out a pair of binoculars. 'Doesn't look like SpiderGirl or Ninja Talon,' she thought. 'Could it be the Shadow?' She didn't want to meet the Shadow. Meeting Ninja Talon had been awkward enough. 'I am doing this for Lawndale!' she thought once again. She thought some more. She didn't need to connect with the other vigilantes who weren't SpiderGirl to help Lawndale. 'Another time,' she thought. But still, maybe she could gain some information.


    The Shadow saw someone approaching the Historia, a girl clad in purple with brown hair in a high ponytail. 'The new vigilante?' she asked herself. 'It seems it's another teenager.' But she knew that most of the students at Lawndale High had brown hair. 'It doesn't really narrow it down.' She then climbed down to meet her.


    "The Shadow, I presume?" the Enigma asked as the other approached her.

    "Yes. But I don't know who you are," the other said.

    "The Enigma."

    "The Enigma?"

    "You're the one calling herself the Shadow," the Enigma pointed out.

    "SpiderGirl came up with it, otherwise I would have been 'Lawndale's Nameless Hero' for a while."

    "Again, it all comes back to SpiderGirl!" the Enigma projected.

    "You have something against SpiderGirl?" the Shadow asked.

    "Yes! She hasn't been doing much of a good job."

    "I'm sure she has been."

    "That was what Ninja Talon said," the Enigma said.

    "Then listen to her. Why call yourself the Enigma anyway?"

    "Like, I'm figuring things out."

    "That's everybody isn't it?" The Shadow asked. "Wait, you want to confront SpiderGirl? How would that help Lawndale?"

    "Like, that's also what Ninja Talon asked. But what we think would help Lawndale is different!"

    "Of course. I'm certain that SpiderGirl, Ninja Talon and I disagree on that, but we worked well together."

    "Wasn't that outside Lawndale?" the Enigma asked.

    "It was still in the County," the Shadow pointed out.

    "I guess so. But I only have your word on that."

    "It didn't come up with Ninja Talon?"

    "No, I had had enough and left," The Enigma answered.

    "Gave you a lot to think about, didn't she?"

    "No comment."

    "I have got you there," the Shadow said.

    "Maybe, but do you have powers?"

    "I'm neither confirming or denying, but I do use some theatricality in my escapades."

    "Such as?" the Enigma asked.

    "You'll see when I leave. But do you?"

    "Yes," the Enigma said. She fired off an energy projection to the side and then drew the debris it produced into her hand.

    "Impressive," the Shadow responded. "But think about what Ninja Talon and I have said." She turned and produced a cloud.

    The Enigma stepped through the cloud but the Shadow had vanished. 'I guess that's what she meant by theatricality.'


    The Shadow watched as the Enigma walked off down the street. 'That power is certainly different to what SpiderGirl does!' she thought. She didn't want to know what it would do to people. 'Did she demonstrate it to Ninja Talon? And has she warned SpiderGirl? I have no idea where to find her.' She wasn't sure what would happen next. 'At least I need to tell Trent,' she decided. 'But maybe not the name. I don't want him including it in a Spiral lyric by mistake.'


    The Enigma thought about what the Shadow said as she walked off. 'I will still confront SpiderGirl, when I find her,' she decided. She went a short distance before looking back at the Historia.


    Nearly an hour later, Trent saw Jane come into the kitchen. "Janie?"

    "I met the new vigilante," Jane said.

    "Oh."

    "She has some kind of energy projection powers."

    "Energy projection?" Trent asked rhetorically "Hmm, sounds dangerous."

    "Yes, potentially dangerous for Lawndale, and for SpiderGirl. She wants to confront her. I couldn't dissuade her of that, nor could Ninja Talon it seems."

    "You met Ninja Talon again?"

    "Not since last week," Jane answered "The new vigilante did at some point."

    "Oh. Did you get a name?"

    "I did, but I don't want you putting it in Spiral lyric before it becomes publicly known."

    "I guess putting SpiderGirl in a song less than a month after she first appeared wasn't a good idea," Trent mused. "But, Janie. I haven't put the Shadow in yet."

    "I thank you for that, but I know you're figuring out how to mention Ninja Talon."

    "Good point."

    "I guess I will have to keep an eye out for SpiderGirl," Jane said.

    "How do you figure?"

    "She needs to know this new vigilante is out to confront her."

    "But maybe Ninja Talon has already told her. They seemed pretty close," Trent said.

    "Probably. But I will try to find her anyway."


    A short while later, SpiderGirl sat on the roof, listening to Lawndale. 'It seems peaceful. But is this the calm before the storm? The Enigma is still out there, and who knows what people are planning.'


    Norman Osborn awoke from another of his dreams. "No! No! No!" he said, his hands on his temples, looking towards where he had put the glider blueprints. "I won't do it!"


    Lawndale Sun-Herald
    Friday, February 2, 2001
    Will SpiderGirl appear at the Groundhog Day Festival?

    'Somehow, I don't think trying to outcompete Punxsutawney is the way forward,' SpiderGirl thought as she put the paper aside. She then continued her pre-school patrol.


    Brittany arrived at the Town Square, where the first of the festivities was to be held. She wasn't sure why Ms. Li had asked her to represent the School. She soon found the Principal.

    "There you are, Ms. Taylor," she said. "Here is a speech that Ms. Landon wrote. Go and make Lawndale High proud."

    'You mean, make you proud,' Brittany thought, but she kept that to herself.


    "Now Representing Lawndale High School, Brittany Taylor!"

    "On behalf of Principal Li, Faculty and Students of Lawndale High School, I welcome you to Lawndale's inaugural Groundhog Day Festival! Soon, the Groundhog is going to come out and see if there will be another six weeks of winter. Please enjoy yourselves, and breakfast will be served afterwards…" She then continued the speech.


    ---

    Feedback is welcome.
     
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    • 12 Rise of the Green Goblin - Part 8
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    • Part 8
    Sandi came down to breakfast and saw that her brothers were watching Brittany talk at the Groundhog Day Festival. 'I doubt she's the Shadow,' she thought. She had been thinking about what that other vigilante had said, that she, Ninja Talon and SpiderGirl had worked together despite their differences. 'I doubt I'd work with any of them,' she thought as she reached for a cereal box.


    Brittany finished her speech with a cheer. "Give me a G. Give me an R. Give me an O…"


    "You did well." Ms. Li said.

    "Thanks," Brittany responded.

    "Remember, tonight at the Lawndale Center…"

    "I will be there," Brittany said before the Principal could say more.


    Ms. Li entered her office fifteen minutes later, to find Norman Osborn waiting for her.

    "You said you would get back to me later in the week," Norman said.

    "So, I did," Angela said. "But I need some assurances that you would notify me if you do find out a student is one of the vigilantes."

    "Or more than one. I'm sure you're aware of yesterday's headline."

    "There's no proof of a fourth vigilante. There's not even a name."

    "Ninja Talon and the Shadow weren't named at first either," Osborn pointed out.

    "Be that as it may, my point stands."

    "Fine, You will be notified if any of your students is one of the vigilantes."

    "Good, Mr. Osborn. I will have my people coordinate with yours," Li said.

    Osborn took out a piece of paper. "Here is a contract."

    "I didn't agree to a contract, but I will read it and get back to you."

    "I will be back on Monday."


    Through the day, the various students talked about the Groundhog Day festival, their various visits to the Historia, as well as the rumors of the fourth vigilante. At Lunch, Quinn caught up with Stacy, Tiffany and Tori.

    "It's getting out of control," Tori said.

    "Is it?" Quinn asked.

    "SpiderGirl appeared three months ago," Tori pointed out.

    "That's true," Stacy said. "A little over three months."

    "And Ninja Talon two and a half weeks ago. Then the Shadow later that week," Tori said.

    "That quickly?" Tiffany asked.

    "Yes, and this week the rumors of a fourth emerge," Tori added.

    "A lot has been happening," Quinn said. "I doubt there would be any more."

    "And SpiderGirl has partnered with Ninja Talon it seems," Tori added.

    "I think her words were 'We're colleagues, not rivals'. Doesn't mean they're partners," Stacy said.

    'We work well together, but not always. But last week proved that we work well together,' Quinn thought as she looked around the cafeteria. She saw Brittany talking with Jodie and Donna in the distance. 'And knowing each other's secret identities helped with that.'

    "That's pedantic," Tori responded to Stacy.

    Stacy shrugged.


    "You did well this morning," Jodie said to Brittany.

    "Thanks, although I think Ms. Li is in it for herself," Brittany said.

    "When is she isn't?" Jodie asked rhetorically. "I assume you will be there tonight?"

    Brittany nodded. "Yes."

    "I wonder if SpiderGirl will appear as the Sun-Herald suggests," Donna said.

    "Probably not," Jodie said. "She may have been appearing in Lawndale Flats, but crime is still occurring."

    "And there are the rumors of a fourth," Donna said.

    "What are they saying?" Brittany asked.

    "Just that there's a fourth," Jodie answered. "No name mentioned."

    'Good,' Brittany thought. "I see. Is anything else mentioned? Like with the other vigilantes?"

    "Nothing. SpiderGirl has been seen at the usual places, as has Ninja Talon. The Shadow is more elusive, true to her name," Donna answered.

    "There is one that SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon are cooperating more," Jodie said.

    'Not surprising,' Brittany thought. She looked at where Quinn was talking with Stacy, Tiffany and Tori. 'It's great that we trusted each other with our secret identities.'

    "I don't think that would be a bad thing," Donna said.

    "Like, working together, they can do more," Brittany said.

    "True," Donna said.

    "But will it be good for Lawndale in the long run?" Jodie asked.

    'I hope so,' Brittany thought. 'But that is why we're doing what we're doing.'


    After school, Quinn entered the library to find Gerald there, but not Anna and Ben.

    "I talked to Mom about the lessons," he said.

    "And?"

    "I will do it, but we still need to know how long and how frequent they would be."

    "That's great!"

    Anna and Ben then entered, hand in hand.

    'So, they are dating now?' Quinn wondered.

    "Hey, we are going to the Standing Stones this time next week, right?" Anna asked as they came up to the other two.

    Ben rolled his eyes.

    "Probably, but after the usual session. And it would depend on when Gerald's elocution lessons are," Quinn answered.

    "Of course," Anna said as she and Ben let go of each other's hand and sat at the table.

    "But we will go," Quinn added.

    Anna's smile widened.


    SpiderGirl left the school at the usual time. 'I'll go to the Lawndale Center later, but as my usual self,' she decided. She headed to the downtown.


    After averting a couple of muggings, she arrived home to find Daria and Jane talking in the kitchen, having a conversation like the one she had had at lunch.

    "So, you think the Shadow is doing good?" Daria asked.

    "It's been reported that she mostly helps those who are alternative," Jane said.

    "But what about the rumors of a fourth?" Quinn asked, wondering if they had heard anything.

    "Unsubstantiated," Daria said.

    "But persistent," Jane said. "But there's no mention of a name. None at all."

    "Ninja Talon's name didn't come out until a few days after she first appeared," Quinn pointed out as she sat with the other two.

    "That's true," Jane said.

    "What do you think, Quinn?" Daria asked. "Is Lawndale going to be crawling with vigilantes."

    "I think that the three or four we have now is enough," Quinn answered. 'It would be difficult to handle if there are more than ten,' she thought. She had been considering what Tori had said about the frequency of emergence. 'Ninja Talon was inspired by me. It could be that the Shadow was inspired by me as well, although she didn't say. And now the actual fourth who wants to confront me. There could be more. But I hope not. I'm not sure that's what Lawndale needs.'

    "I agree," Jane responded. "Any more and there might be infighting."

    "And what have you seen in your project?" Daria asked.

    "Project?" Quinn asked.

    "She's doing sketches based on Lawndale's streetscape," Daria explained.

    "Oh," Quinn said. "That sounds like a good idea."

    "Slowly," Jane said. "Inspiration can be fickle."

    "Of course," Daria said.

    'It sounds like something I could do,' Quinn thought. 'Along with everything else. I hope I'm not overloading myself.'

    "But there's something I can show you tomorrow," Jane said to Daria.

    "Sure," Daria said.


    It wasn't long before Jane went home. She wanted to be ready in case something happened at the Groundhog Day Festival and the Shadow need to leap into action.

    She saw that her mother was home. "Mom?" she asked as she came into the kitchen.

    "I see that you've been busy."

    "I have been."

    "That rescue last week was good," her mother said.

    "It was mostly SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon…" Jane began humbly.

    "I know. But I'm sure that SpiderGirl only has her powers and Ninja Talon is just a teenager skilled in martial arts."

    "There were times when we relied on the tech you gave me," Jane admitted. "I thank you for that. Those cheerleaders would still be captives otherwise."


    Amanda took what her daughter said in. "That's true. SHIELD wouldn't have rescued them otherwise. But the situation in Lawndale is now escalating. I have seen it before."

    "The fourth?" Jane asked.

    "Trent told me you met her. I agree that her name should be kept secret."

    "Good."

    "But using Trent's car wasn't a good idea. It was an oversight on my part not to give you a vehicle," Amanda said.

    "So, you're giving me one now?"

    "Yes. It's in the garage."


    Jane looked at the vehicle her mother was providing. "So, it's still yours, right?"

    "Legally, yes. But I'm giving it to you."

    "Of course," Jane said as she looked closer at it. It looked like a black ordinary car. 'Black, a perfect color for the Shadow to use.'

    "There is a manual in the glove box, for the various gadgets it has, complementing what I have already given you."

    "That makes it easier."

    "Anything to help make Lawndale better than what it has become," her mother said.

    "But what is your opinion on SpiderGirl now?"

    "She's doing well with what she's doing, but you worked with her; what do you think?"

    "That she's doing what she can for Lawndale," Jane answered. "But there's also something else that drives her. Something in her past."


    "It is promising to a good night here at the Lawndale Center, where Mayor Lawson has promised a new start for Lawndale after the last several months of struggles with crime and the rise of vigilantism after the appearance of SpiderGirl…"

    Sandi turned off the radio and opened her yearbook again. 'Tania Ashworth last night,' she thought as she looked at the page. The next person was Julia Barbero. She drank the energy drink. "Finndu mann sem heitir: Julia Barbero!"

    She found Julia at the Lawndale Center, where she also noticed that the festivities were yet to start.

    "Five down."


    SpiderGirl noticed the low tingle as she approached the Lawndale Center. 'I guess they're still looking,' she thought.


    At the Lawndale Center, Brittany saw Ms. Li come over. "Hi, Ms. Li."

    "It will be a while before things start," the Principal said. "Mr. Dewit-Clinton will recite a poem. Then Ms. Coultard will tell a short story."

    "So, Quinn's mentoring has been good for her?"

    "Yes, Don't interrupt, Ms. Taylor!"

    "Sorry," Brittany said.

    "Then your speech will take place."

    "Got it."


    It wasn't long before Mayor Lawson declared the festivities open. Xanthe Peterson, who was off duty, looked around. There were hundreds of people there. She saw one of the people she was looking for. Her change in appearance since what happened didn't confuse her. "Ms. Morgendorffer."

    "Officer Peterson," the other said guardedly.

    "I was wondering how you're holding up."

    "It's been difficult," Quinn answered. "But with family and friends around me, it's getting better. It's just Lawndale these days, it's changing."

    "I know that, what with these vigilantes," Peterson said, putting meaning into the last word.

    "True," Quinn responded, looking away briefly. "It's been nice catching up."

    'But is she SpiderGirl? I'm still not sure,' Xanthe thought as Quinn went over to someone else. She looked around again. 'Is Ninja Talon here too if that is the case?'


    Quinn thought about the encounter with Officer Peterson. 'She does suspect I'm SpiderGirl,' she thought. 'I'll have to be more careful around her. But I don't think she suspects Ninja Talon is Brittany.' It was like a web, weaving through all the interactions and relationships in Lawndale. 'But what else is new,' she thought. She saw Ms. Li go up on the stage.


    "And now, for some presentations from Lawndale High students. First will be Ted Dewit-Clinton with a poem he composed comparing Lawndale to various legendary localities."


    Ted finished his poem, which was inspired by some of JRR Tolkien's writings, although not specifically the Middle-earth legendarium.

    However, as Anna got up to read her story, something happened…


    No one noticed the small object as it flew in the sky above Lawndale. A small glider craft that was ridden by a pilot that looked like a creature out of legend. It approached the Lawndale Center Hall quickly and fired a missile!


    The Hall rocked and the fire alarm went off as debris rained down as the missile exploded. 'Uh oh!' Quinn thought as her eyes meet Brittany's across the room. They needed to leap into action. The two of them then left the Hall as more explosions occurred outside.


    "This just in, explosions have been reported at the Lawndale Center, where Groundhog Day festivities have been taking place. Police on the scene have started an evacuation. Eyewitnesses have seen a small aircraft in the vicinity."

    Jane heard the report. "I have to go," she said.

    "Go," her mother said.

    "The Shadow is on it."


    Less than two minutes later, the Shadow pulled out of the Casa Lane garage and easily drove around the Plymouth. She then drove down the street, the powerful engine accelerating easily. The quiet of Howard Drive was a stark contrast to the chaos that awaited down at the Lawndale Center.


    At the same time, both Linda and Sandi saw the scene on the television.

    Explosions at the Lawndale Center in the midst of Groundhog Day celebrations. SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon are both on the scene.

    "You have put aside your desire for tonight, Sandi," Linda said.

    "Obviously," Sandi said. "I'm going to help."

    "So am I," Linda said.

    "Mother?"

    "I can't stand by while that is happening."

    "Good," Sandi said.

    "You get changed, while I also do so."


    The Enigma emerged into the backyard where her mother was waiting. 'But I'm still not going to tell her my hero name.' She saw that she had a suit much more refined than hers that was still purple.

    "I see you had a similar idea," her mother said.

    "Yes."

    "And you're not sharing your hero name?"

    "No."

    "Then I won't share mine either. All I'll say is that I wore this as I fought crime in Boston when I was in college and a while afterwards before I met your father and moved back to Lawndale."

    The Enigma nodded.

    "But for tonight we're the Moretti's." The older Moretti took out a fob and unlocked the car.

    "Is that a good idea?" the younger one asked.

    "We'll park down the street."


    The car pulled out of the Griffin's driveway into Grandstaff Drive. "Trying to do this down the laneways wouldn't be a good idea," the older Moretti said.

    "Do what?" the younger one asked.

    "This," the older one said as she accelerated and flipped a switch.

    "Nitrous?"

    "Yes!"

    The car roared down Grandstaff Drive.


    At the Lawndale Center, the Hall was threatening to collapse. SpiderGirl had taken many people to safety and Ninja Talon was helping Peterson and on duty officers with the evacuation. Li came up to her. "Have you seen Brittany Taylor?" she asked.

    "Who?" Ninja Talon asked, her voice low.

    "A teen, with blonde hair in pigtails," the Principal answered.

    "I think I saw her leave earlier."

    "Good. I saw Ted Dewit-Clinton, Anna Coultard and Ben Harrod leave."

    "Better keep going," Ninja Talon prompted.

    "Of course."


    SpiderGirl bought another two people to safety. Then she saw that the aircraft was still in the vicinity. 'Oh no!,' she thought. "Keep moving, go home," she said. She looked back at the Hall. There were still people inside. She swung back and saw that more of the roof was threatening to fall in. She then re-entered and saw that most of the crowd had left. 'There's that at least.' She then looked at the roof. 'Could I try to stabilise it with webs?' she decided to try. She saw that the remaining people were leaving in an orderly fashion.

    SpiderGirl started webbing up the ceiling.


    Back at Casa Lane, a suited up Amanda left via one of the rear upstairs windows with a jetpack and followed her daughter down the street.


    SpiderGirl swung onto a stable part of the Hall structure and webbed up some of the roof. She then heard something.

    "There you are SpiderGirl!" It was the pilot of the small aircraft.

    "Are you the fourth vigilante?"

    "No! I'm someone else, who has a different vision for Lawndale than you!"

    "One that includes this destruction? That seems to be one of a villain rather than a hero."

    "Everyone is the hero of their own story. And every hero needs a villain. Good bye SpiderGirl!"

    SpiderGirl leapt aside as another missile was fired. A villain, in Lawndale! That wasn't what she wanted to happen. 'Things are getting out of control,' she thought as her Spider Sense blared again.
     
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    • 12 Rise of the Green Goblin - Part 9
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    • Part 9
    The Shadow parked as close as she could to the devastated Hall, given the traffic of people trying to leave the vicinity. She saw a large concentration of fires in that direction as she got out of the car. "OK, SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon, backup is here." She then opened the trunk to see that there was more gear. "Good."


    Ninja Talon urged people to run as she saw SpiderGirl try to fight the aircraft. "I have to get up there!" she said to Peterson, who was nearby.

    "Go!"


    The Moretti's arrived on the scene after having similar trouble to the Shadow in finding a place to park. The older one looked at where Ninja Talon was scaling the wall of the Hall. "I will go over there, and discretely use a forcefield to hold the roof up. You can look out for that aircraft and try to disable it. Our powers also have a disruptive effect on electronics."

    "Got it!"


    Ninja Talon shot her grapple gun, hoping that it wouldn't make things worse by dislodging something. It held. She then climbed up.

    SpiderGirl was still attempting to web up the aircraft, which was hovering nearby. 'He's too elusive,' she thought. She saw Ninja Talon climbing up. 'I'll give her some time.' She then attempted to web up the pilot's helmet, but she still missed.


    The older Moretti walked up to the building unnoticed. She closed her eyes and perceived the inside of the building where people were still waiting to get out. She then focused on the ceiling where it was threatening to fall in and generated a forcefield to hold it in place. She was thankful that she had found the time to continue to develop her powers in the midst of the busyness of motherhood and work.


    The Shadow ran up to the scene. 'There's lots I can do. But what first,' she wondered quickly. 'Help SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon fight the aircraft? Or help with the evacuation.' She decided to do the former.


    Anna and Ben huddled in a phone booth down the street. "Are you OK?" Anna asked as she dialled home.

    "With you here, I'm better than I could have been," Ben answered. "It's a good thing SpiderGirl showed up when she did."

    "Yes."

    "Feli, is that you? Are you OK?" her mother asked.

    "I'm fine, Ben and I got out quickly," Anna Felicia answered.

    "I'm glad to hear that, with what is happening. It looks like SpiderGirl is having the fight of her life."

    "That doesn't sound good."

    "Ninja Talon and the Shadow are there with her."


    The Enigma (since she was on her own) found a spot beneath a tree near the devastated building and saw the situation with the other vigilantes. SpiderGirl was leaping from side to side, trying to web up the craft, with the Shadow using her clouds to try to hide her. She then started shooting energy projections at the craft.


    Amanda arrived on the scene and saw that SpiderGirl, Ninja Talon and her daughter needed help. She also saw that there were energy projections being shot at the craft from somewhere nearby. 'All of Lawndale's protectors are here tonight. I hope it's enough.'


    The Enigma continued firing at the craft. 'It's has to succumb at some point,' she thought.


    SpiderGirl was running on adrenaline. She knew those energy projections were coming from the fourth vigilante, who was somewhere in the shadows.


    Ninja Talon aimed a shuriken at one of the glider's air intakes. 'I hope this works!' she thought. Then she concentrated as she threw it.


    Amanda flew in, trying to avoid the energy protections, and fired dry ice at the pilot.


    The pilot, was getting annoyed. He thought it would be easy to just take out SpiderGirl, but against multiple vigilantes he was failing. He lined up for another shot, then he noticed something. Some of the gilder's avionics were failing. 'It has to be those energy projections,' he realised. He fired the last missile past SpiderGirl to into the roof and then retreated back the way he came.


    By that time the Hall had been evacuated and the older Moretti (who was known in Boston as the Purple Avenger) relaxed. She opened her eyes and retreated as the last explosion caused more of the roof to cave in.


    The news was about to spread across the United States.

    "It is 8 o'clock. Breaking news; there are reports of some kind of terrorist attack in Lawndale, Pennsylvania…"


    The Enigma saw the aircraft retreat. She then retreated herself, back to her mother's car.


    Amanda saw the aircraft retreat. 'Should I follow?' she wondered. She reconsidered. 'Not a good idea,' she added as she remembered one time when following a villain to their base went awry. She then headed home.


    SpiderGirl brought Ninja Talon and the Shadow down to the ground, near where Peterson and a few on duty officers were waiting and watching the fire brigade deal with the fires. "Exhausted," she said.

    "You did very well," Peterson said.

    "I couldn't have done it without these two," SpiderGirl said,

    "And the fourth," Ninja Talon added.

    "I saw the projections," SpiderGirl said. "But, a villain, in Lawndale!"

    "What did he say to you?" Peterson asked.

    "That he had a different vision for Lawndale and that every hero has a villain."

    "That doesn't sound good," Peterson said.

    "Definitely not. We have to be vigilant. Lawndale needs us," SpiderGirl said, with determination.

    "But this will take a while to recover from," the Shadow pointed out.

    "Lawndale is resilient, it will recover," Peterson said.

    "But what if it's someone from Lawndale?" Ninja Talon asked.

    "Then, we will need to find him as soon as possible," SpiderGirl responded.

    They were silent for a while as they contemplated that.


    The Moretti's returned to their car. "I'd say you did well under the circumstances," the older one said.

    "It still took me a while," the younger one responded.

    "Keep practicing, you will get better."

    "I will."

    "I know you will go out again later, but try to rest when we get home," the older one said as she started the engine.

    "OK."


    "Another thing," the Shadow said as she saw SpiderGirl getting ready to leave. "The fourth is after you."

    "I know, she told me," SpiderGirl said, indicating Ninja Talon.

    "But what you may not be aware of is that she has powers, not technology," the Shadow responded.

    "Are you sure?" Ninja Talon asked.

    "Quite sure."

    "And it was those powers that helped you win tonight," Peterson mused. She sighed. "More unpredictability. There is going to be a very difficult time ahead."

    "I'll be off," the Shadow said.


    SpiderGirl watched the Shadow leave. She turned to Ninja Talon. "We need to talk, on the bridge."

    "Of course," Ninja Talon said.

    "But first to a phone booth."

    "Definitely."

    "See you later," Peterson said.


    Daria answered the phone. "Is that you, Quinn?" she asked in concern.

    "Daria! I got out of the Hall quickly, along with others," Quinn answered.

    "I'm glad to hear that. The news is coming thick and fast. It seems that SpiderGirl barely escaped."

    "She had others helping her. I'll be home soon, bye."


    Ashley-Amber answered the phone. "Brittany? Are you OK?"

    "I'm OK. I got out as soon as I could!"

    Ashley-Amber sighed in relief. "Thank goodness. The news isn't good. The Hall is falling down. It seems the vigilantes, including that ninja, helped the police with the evacuation.

    "That's good. I will be home soon."

    "I'll be waiting."


    Jane arrived home and left her Shadow gear in the car. She entered the kitchen. "I know you were there," she said to her mother.

    "Helping a little. You, SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon did most of the work."

    "And the fourth," Jane added.

    "How so?" Trent asked.

    "She was firing at the craft," their mother explained.

    "What do you make of the villain?" Jane asked.

    "Looks like some sort of Green Goblin…" her mother mused.

    "Green Goblin, attacks Lawndale. Ninja Talon and SpiderGirl team up yet again…" Trent murmured.

    "That is what happened," Jane mused. "But I think that calling him that in a song isn't the way to go."

    "Like the fourth, got it," Trent said.

    "Exactly," Jane said. "But what does this mean for Lawndale? He's still out there."

    "It's up to you and others to figure that out," her mother said.

    "That's certainly true," Jane said quietly.


    SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon reached the spot below the bridge where they had revealed their secret identities to each other. Both of them looked around before taking off their masks.

    "A villain in Lawndale!" Quinn exclaimed. "I didn't expect that. But, with great power comes great responsibility."

    "I didn't expect it either," Brittany said quietly. "But we dealt with it, for now."

    "For now. But that pilot is still out there somewhere. And there's something else. Officer Peterson suspects that I'm SpiderGirl."

    "She does?"

    "Yes, But I don't think she suspects you as Ninja Talon," Quinn said.

    "Good, but what are you going to do about it?"

    "Other than being more careful around her, I'm not sure. What I haven't told you is that she was there when Daddy died."

    "Oh," Brittany said quietly.

    "'With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility' were his last words," Quinn confessed with tears in her eyes.

    Brittany hugged Quinn. "You're not alone."

    "Thanks," Quinn responded. "And so, she must have overheard."

    They sat their quietly, hugging each other for another minute.


    "We need to get home," Quinn said, wiping another tear from her eyes.

    "Yes, Ashley-Amber and Daria are expecting us after those calls," Brittany said.

    "Maybe, you can talk with Peterson from now on," Quinn suggested.

    "That would probably just make her more suspicious."

    "I know, I was just thinking out loud. I'll see you tomorrow, when I finish at the Historia."

    "OK, have a good night, Quinn."


    SpiderGirl headed home, as Ninja Talon also did.


    Xanthe arrived home. She closed the door and said; "you can trust me, Quinn. If you are SpiderGirl, your secret is safe with me."


    At SHIELD headquarters, Nick Fury arrived back at his office. The news from Lawndale wasn't good. He called up the information that SHIELD had gathered so far.

    Attacker: Unknown
    Craft profile matches an Oscorp Industries prototype.

    Fury had his suspicions. But rumors of Osborn's mental instability were unsubstantiated. He clicked to another screen and satellite footage of the devastated Lawndale Center Hall was shown. He tried rewinding it, but there were no SHIELD satellites looking at Lawndale during the attack. He sighed and clicked on another screen.

    SpiderGirl: Identity Uknown

    Ninja Talon: Identity Unknown

    The Shadow: Identity Uknown
    Suspected Identities:
    Lane, Summer
    Lane, Penelope
    Lane, Jane
    Lane, Courtney

    Rumored Fourth Vigilante: Identity Uknown

    'We are getting somewhere,' Fury thought as he clicked on the information related to the Shadow.

    The Alternative Defender sighted fighting the attacker alongside SpiderGirl, Ninja Talon and the Shadow. Energy Projections similar to those used by the Purple Avenger in Boston in the late 1970s, early 1980s were also observed.

    Alternative Defender: Lane, Amanda Hannah

    'Purple Avenger?' Fury asked himself.

    Purple Avenger: Griffin (nee Moretti), Linda Antiope
    Current residence: Lawndale, PA

    'Children?' he asked himself.

    Griffin, Cassandra Aphrodite age: 16
    Griffin, Samuel Alexander age: 12
    Griffin, Christopher Odysseus age: 10

    He then updated the information on the Rumored Fourth Vigilante

    Rumored Fourth Vigilante: Identity Unknown
    Suspected Identities:
    Griffin (nee Moretti), Linda Antiope
    Griffin, Cassandra Aphrodite

    He then tried to get more information from on the ground in Lawndale.


    Back in Lawndale, SpiderGirl arrived home, entering through the basement. She grabbed some spare clothes from the laundry basket. 'Maybe that's what I could use part of the hidden space for, extra closet space, to hide the superheroism part,' she considered. She then went up to the kitchen.


    Daria saw that Quinn looked tired. "Did you run all the way?" she asked.

    "Not all the way," she answered.

    "I'm just happy that you got away," Daria said as she hugged her sister. "To think that terrorists would attack here."

    "They would attack anywhere, I suppose."

    "I guess so, It's just that Lawndale is out of the way."

    "True," Quinn said.

    Their mother then came into the kitchen. "Thank goodness you're alright."

    "I got away quickly."


    Ashley-Amber saw Brittany enter the lounge room. "Did you run all the way here, honey?"

    "Some of the way," Brittany answered.

    "It must have been quite scary! It certainly looked that way on the TV."

    "It was, but I got out quicky."

    "That's good," Ashley-Amber said. "I'll make you some cocoa."

    "You don't have to," Brittany said with a yawn.

    "I don't want you to have nightmares."

    "I think that might happen anyway."

    "We can talk about other stuff," Ashley-Amber suggested.

    "Sure."


    After talking to her mother and Daria, Quinn went up to her room. She then wrote down everything in her diary, including the low tingle, Peterson's suspicion of her identity, the attack itself and her chat with Brittany. It was good to get it down on paper.

    She then looked at the time. '9:23,' she thought. There was time to do more designing. 'I need a more resilient suit.' The one she had worn that day had gotten torn from the fight. It was just as well she had made spares.

    'More resilient suit. Tougher fabric that will hold up in a fight against that green goblin of a pilot,' she thought as she wrote that down.

    She brainstormed on various fabrics for a while before going to bed.


    Harry came down at 10:30 to find his father sleeping on the couch. 'Not again,' he thought. He noticed something. A leaflet. "Oscorp Industries Glider Prototype Blueprints?" he asked himself. Why did his father have it at home? But there were many things his father didn't talk to him about. 'Where was he earlier?' he wondered. He had wanted to talk to him about the situation at the Lawndale Center and Bernard had been quiet about it. 'Maybe in the morning.'


    At midnight, the Enigma left the Griffin's place via the laneway. She hadn't had much sleep, the gravity of the earlier events and her mother's revelation that she had been a superhero in Boston were heavily on her mind. 'I suppose I could look up 'Boston superheroes' and find out her hero name that way,' she considered. She shook her head as she came to a cross street. 'Not yet, another time. I'll focus on finding my way as I help Lawndale through this crisis and be SpiderGirl's rival.' For she was certain that was what her confronting SpiderGirl would lead to, a rivalry between them.


    Half an hour later, she stood on the top of the Historia, looking towards where the devastated Lawndale Center was. 'I will find who's responsible for what happened tonight,' she decided. Lawndale was owed that much.


    SpiderGirl hadn't slept much either. She was still restless when she crawled out on the roof at the usual time and started listening to the town. 'It was the calm before the storm last night,' she considered. 'Now it's more discordant than when the Enigma first appeared.'


    Lawndale Sun-Herald
    Saturday February 3, 2001
    Lawndale Center Devastated in Terrorist Attack in the Midst of Groundhog Day Celebrations
    SpiderGirl, Ninja Talon and the Shadow assist in Evacuations and confront the attacker
    Police Chief and Mayor Lawson vow to find the attacker

    SpiderGirl read through the paper. There wasn't much she didn't know already. 'It's still very early.' She thought. She then headed towards the Historia, to start her shift.


    Mayor Lawson was at work early. The consequences of the previous night's events were severe. The Lawndale Center looked like it was a write off.

    "Norman Osborn to see you, sir."

    He sighed. "Stall him."

    "I'll try, sir."


    Osborn was annoyed. "Tell the Mayor, that I won't leave until I talk to him."

    "He is very busy, sir, dealing with the fallout of last night's events."

    "I know that! Oscorp can help Lawndale recover! Tell him that!"


    "I don't doubt that Oscorp can help us recover! But I don't want to see him right now!"

    "He is insistent, sir."

    Lawson sighed. "Send him in."


    "I know what you're going to say," Lawson said. "That you want access to the CCTV in return for helping the Council rebuild the Lawndale Center."

    "Exactly, and it will be better than before."

    "I'm tempted to resign and stymie you that way, but Lawndale doesn't need a special election right now."

    "And if it comes out that the Mayor is stonewalling my efforts to help Lawndale recover?" Osborn asked.

    "That can work both ways."

    "I know you don't want the bad publicity, and Oscorp has one of the best public relations departments in the country."

    "It comes down to the fact that you're blackmailing me and I could potentially expose some of the corruption in Oscorp," Lawson said.

    Osborn threw a business card down.

    Lawson picked it up. "You have hired Jim Vitale?"

    "Yes, I know the reputation he has and I'm sure you do too."

    "You still won't get away with this," Lawson said. "Future historians will find out."

    "History is written by the victors."

    Lawson grabbed a piece of paper and signed it. "There! Oscorp has access."

    "Very good," Osborn responded.
     
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    • 13 Aftermath and Investigations Part 1
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    • 13 Aftermath and Investigations Part 1
    At the Historia, various Lawndale High students were talking about what the previous night's events meant.

    Stacy Rowe was thankful that she was working, otherwise she would have been worrying about the possibility of another attack.

    She came up to Jodie Landon and Mack Mackenzie, where they were conversing in a corner.

    "…Like, it's not likely to happen again, right?" Mack asked.

    "The person wasn't caught, so it is likely to happen again," Jodie said. "I don't like to admit this, but it seems that SpiderGirl did good. Her powers allowed her to evacuate a lot of people before she got distracted."

    "But how soon?" Stacy asked in her usual worried tone.

    "That is the question," Jodie said.

    "And SpiderGirl is one person," Stacy said.

    "But Ninja Talon and the Shadow were there too," Mack pointed out.

    "True," Stacy said. She took a deep breath. "May I take your order?"

    "White tea," Mack said.

    "Black Coffee," Jodie added.

    "Sure. It will be a while."


    "But it was luck that all three of them were there," Jodie added once she was sure that Stacy was out of earshot.

    "That's true," Mack considered. "Thus, SpiderGirl might be on her own next time."


    As she worked the tables, Quinn overheard the various teens talk about the previous night. Most of them were nervous, wondering what the future lay in store for Lawndale. 'That pilot needs to be caught,' she thought.


    It was two in the afternoon when SpiderGirl joined Ninja Talon on the Historia's roof. "What's the talk?" the latter asked.

    "They're still taking it in," SpiderGirl said. "But they're resilient. Stacy is holding up better than I expected."

    "That's good. Ashley-Amber and Dad didn't say much about it this morning."

    "Nor did Daria, but I know she's thinking about it."

    "That's obvious," Ninja Talon said.

    "Sometimes I think that I'm not doing enough, or that Lawndale is changing despite what I'm doing, or what we're doing."

    "But we are making a difference."

    "We definitely made a difference last night," SpiderGirl said. "It's another thing. Like, sometimes I feel that many of the things that have happened in the past several months have happened because I got bit by that spider."

    "I don't think that's true."

    "I know it isn't, like those cheerleaders would have been kidnapped anyway and they, including Sarah Robyn, would still be in a worse predicament."

    "Maybe you should get in touch with her," Ninja Talon said.

    "I'm not sure how. But I remember that With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility," SpiderGirl said, with determination. "Like I am SpiderGirl," she lowered her voice; "and Quinn Morgendorffer both and I can handle my double life despite not getting enough sleep."

    "I don't get enough sleep either as Ninja Talon and Brittany Taylor. Last night was exhausting and Ms. Li asked me directly where the cheerleader was, but I did what I could for Lawndale."

    "She did?"

    Ninja Talon nodded.

    "I haven't been asked where I am yet, other than by Gerald, but I'm sure it will happen at some point."

    They sat in silence for a while before agreeing to meet again that night and patrolling in opposite directions.


    Daria Morgendorffer arrived at Casa Lane at the same time.

    "Hey, Daria," Trent Lane said. "Janie's out for a run. She'll be back soon."

    "That's fine," Daria said as she entered. "How are you holding up, given last night's events?"

    "I'm fine, mostly, other than being worried for others I know. Lawndale doesn't seem to be as safe anymore."

    "I know how you feel."


    It wasn't long before Jane Lane returned. She found Daria reading in the kitchen. "Sorry I wasn't here earlier," she said.

    "That's OK. What was this thing you wanted to show me?"

    "Come on up."


    Daria looked around. More of Jane's room was taken up by her project. More maps of Lawndale were scattered about, and she saw more sketches of various places around town. "Wait, some of these are from rooftops."

    "Some rooftops are easy to get to if you know how," Jane said.

    But Daria remembered what Sandi had told her the weekend before. 'What is she hiding? She's not SpiderGirl, Ninja Talon or the fourth vigilante!' she thought. "Maybe you could show me," she said.

    "Sometime," Jane said enigmatically. She took a couple of sketches out of a folder. "One is one I did earlier today."

    Daria saw that it was of the devastated Lawndale Center Hall. "I see that it's totally destroyed."

    "Yeah, it will need to be demolished before any rebuilding can start," Jane said.

    "And the City Council would be significantly out of pocket."

    "Undoubtedly."

    "And that would make things worse," Daria considered, "if the Council can't maintain the roads or other infrastructure due to this."

    "I agree," Jane said.

    Daria looked at the other. It was of her house, but she noticed there was a figure on the roof. "You didn't get a good look?"

    "No," Jane admitted. "You see that it's on the rear of the roof. It could have been SpiderGirl, or Ninja Talon, or one of the other two, keeping an eye on the neighborhood from there."

    "When was this?"

    "A few days ago."

    'The house is one of the largest in the neighborhood, so it offers a good vantage point,' Daria considered. "Doesn't mean that anything untoward is happening."

    "True," Jane responded.


    Jane waited as Daria looked at more of the sketches. She knew Daria was going to investigate the vigilante that she had seen on the top of Schloss Morgendorffer. 'I'm still not sure which one it was.'

    "There's still no pattern," Daria said to herself.

    "Or one that is obvious," Jane said. She handed over one of the maps. "I have even made one with dates on it. SpiderGirl is red, Ninja Talon is black and the fourth is purple."

    "What about the Shadow?" Daria asked as she looked at the time picture.

    "She's too elusive. I haven't put together anything," Jane answered. 'Sorry, Daria, I'm not making it easy for you there.'


    'She's still hiding something,' Daria thought. 'It might be that the Shadow truly is elusive, though.' She looked at the purple markers. Only three places, one of which was the Historia and one of the others, the Lawndale Center. 'Have rumors placed her there too? But what about the Historia? I better go check to see if anything is amiss there.'

    "What do you think?"

    "The fourth at the Historia. I think I need to check something there."

    "I don't think anything happened there," Jane said.

    "I would still like to have a look."


    Fifteen minutes later, Trent dropped Daria off at the Historia. "I'm not sure what you're looking for, the building looks OK to me."

    "It's more that I don't want anything to happen to it."

    "Now, last night has you paranoid."

    "Not just that. Everything that has been going on recently," Daria said, as she glanced at her hairclips in the side mirror.

    "You think you're changing too much? I have noticed your hair is longer, I just didn't say anything."

    "Mom and Quinn have also said something similar and I have decided to grow it."

    "No matter how much you change, you're still Daria Morgendorffer."

    "That's true," Daria said as she got out of the car.


    Sandi Griffin saw Daria get out of Trent's car and enter the Historia. 'Did she find out what I told her about?' she wondered. She followed her in.


    Daria found that many of the Lawndale High students in the café were talking about the previous night's events.

    "Daria?" It was Mrs. Rowe.

    "I'm just checking something."

    "Or everything?"

    "Maybe," Daria considered.

    "You're not the only one who's jittery due to what happened last night."

    "How is Stacy holding up?"

    "Surprisingly, she's not the one I'm talking about," Mrs. Rowe said.

    "Quinn?"

    "No, not her either. It was Andrea."

    "I don't know her, really," Daria said. "She couldn't have been the only one."

    "No, just the most noticeable. What specifically are you worried about?"

    "Just that the rumored fourth vigilante has been sighted here."

    "None of them have been here," Mrs. Rowe said. "If they have been, it's as their secret identities."

    Daria looked around. 'Any of these teens? But what else is new?' "I'll not hold you up for longer."


    Elisabeth watched Daria look around. 'Better let her check.' Helen had told her how stubborn she could be.


    Sandi had overheard the conversation. 'Somehow, someone witnessed my encounter with the Shadow,' she thought. She had thought they were alone. 'I don't think Daria is her.'

    "May I help you, Sandi?" Mrs. Rowe asked.

    "I'm fine. I'll have several energy drinks."

    "Not healthy to have so many."

    "That's what Mother said," Sandi said in annoyance.

    "You should listen to her. How are you holding up, given last night?"

    "I'm fine," Sandi said. She walked off looking for Daria.


    Daria wasn't sure what she was looking for exactly. Every room in the old theatre looked as it should. 'Maybe the outside,' she thought, as she went to the main stairs.


    She emerged onto the roof. She quickly found that there wasn't anything out of place. 'Then why did I come here?' she asked herself as she looked out over Lawndale. 'I may have only been here for 16 months, but it feels more like home than Highland ever did,' she thought. 'What is happening here is what is happening in many other places across the country, but last night was an aberration, something unusual.' She looked around at the town, towards the School, then over the sprawl northwest, towards the Giant Strawberry.
    'One place I haven't been to yet,' she considered. She continued looking at the town, circling around to the court house clock tower, and then the Creek, looking at the bridges and some of the apartment complexes in Lawndale Flats. 'I did hear Jodie tell Quinn that most of the Black population lives there,' Daria considered. That was another thing. 'I'd like to know the demographic data, but it's probably out of date.' She looked around at the Strawberry again. 'But maybe there's something there?'
    As unlikely as that seemed, she couldn't rule out a connection to the vigilante heroes. 'There has to be someone here who would be willing to drive me there,' she thought as she turned back to the roof door.


    Daria found Sandi waiting on the stairs. "What do you want?" she asked.

    "Did you ask Jane about what we talked about?" Sandi asked.

    "Yes! She's not one of the vigilantes."


    Sandi considered Daria's response. 'I can draw suspicion away from myself,' she thought. "What about the fourth?" she asked.

    Daria's eyes narrowed. "She isn't. All she's doing is putting together an art project that involves Lawndale's streetscape!"

    "I doubt that."

    "You can doubt it as much as you want. It's the truth."

    "But not the whole truth," Sandi insisted.


    "I still think you're trying to drive a rift between Jane and I. I'm having none of it," Daria said before pushing past the other girl.

    "Haven't there been times when she has been unavailable?"

    "So? The same is true of Quinn and I know why she is so."

    "I thought I knew her," Sandi said sadly. "But I didn't."

    "She's changing due to grief, and so am I," Daria explained as she continued down the stairs.

    "Wait!"


    Daria dashed into the café, hoping to lose Sandi. She looked around and found Kevin Thompson. 'Kevin? Why him? I have no assurance that his jeep would run well or that he wouldn't be distracted.'

    "Daria!" Kevin called out.

    "Oh no! What is it? I don't want to talk about last night with you."

    "Really?"

    "No! Find Jodie, or something," Daria said.

    "Mrs. Rowe says she and Mack Daddy were here earlier."

    "You know he hates that, right?"

    "No, he doesn't," Kevin denied.

    Daria sighed. "Is Brittany here?"

    "She isn't. Like, I called earlier, and Ashley-Amber said she was out. She has been out a lot lately."

    'Maybe she's taking last night hard. Maybe I'll find her at the Strawberry. But still, who to hitch a ride with other than Kevin or Sandi?'


    Sandi entered the café. She saw Daria talking to that idiot of a Quarterback and overheard him say that Brittany had been out a lot. 'That's interesting,' she thought, although she wasn't sure how. "Daria!"


    Daria turned from Kevin. "Sandi! I told you!"

    "At least look more into it!" Sandi said.

    "Look more into what?" Kevin asked.

    "Jane is up to something and Daria doesn't know about it," Sandi said.

    "Really?" Kevin asked.

    "No," Daria answered. "It's like when the Fashion Club ended. She's just stirring up trouble."

    "Yeah, Quinn and Tori said that you didn't like how Quinn changed, or something," Kevin said.

    "I never knew Quinn!" Sandi said.

    "Or you had a warped view of her," Daria said. "And Stacy and Tiffany didn't."

    "That's not it!" Sandi said.

    "What's going on here?" Mrs. Rowe asked as she came over.

    Daria looked around. She saw that the conversation had drawn attention.

    "Sandi is stirring up trouble, again. But she can stay, I was heading out."

    "Oh. But did you find anything out of order?" Mrs. Rowe asked.

    "Nothing."

    "What did you think was out of order?" Sandi asked.

    "Jane said the fourth vigilante was here," Daria answered.

    "There's no fourth vigilante," Kevin said. "There were only SpiderGirl, the ninja and the Shadow last night."

    "Maybe you could take this into the lobby?" Mrs. Rowe asked.

    "I'm finished," Daria said. "I was looking for a ride to the Giant Strawberry."

    "Something there too?" Mrs. Rowe asked.

    "Probably."

    "I can take you," Sandi said.

    "Great!" Daria groused.


    Sandi and Daria drove away from the Historia. Daria was silent.

    "So, what is Quinn up to?" Sandi asked.

    "None of your business, other than trimming my hair and designing things."

    "I see those clips. They suit you."

    "I didn't wear them to impress you," Daria said. "Or anyone else. Merely practicality, given my growing hair."

    "You're growing it?"

    "Yes. One of many changes."

    Sandi then turned into a less busy street. "Want to get to the Strawberry in less than five minutes?" she asked in a mischievous tone.

    "Not without breaking the speed limit," Daria responded. "But you're going to do it anyway, aren't you?"

    "Yes. I'm a rebel now."

    "You still look like the Queen Bee you've always been."

    "My style is the same," Sandi said as she flicked a switch on the dashboard and accelerated.

    "Don't tell me that's nitrous! Why would your mother have that?"

    Sandi just chuckled as she burned rubber.
     
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