A. Poison in the Blood

A.12. Nature and Technology

Ranger watched from atop a building. A small holographic screen hovered over her left glove, showing the time.

22:20

Two minutes till they arrive. Whiskers sat tensely on her knee.

"You okay?"

"What if this is a trap?"

Ranger wondered that herself for a while now. The white haired girl could have easily just manipulated her, pretending to be trustworthy then getting Ranger to face Toxic's mooks alone, without backup.

"I don't think we have much of a choice. We have no other leads and if Toxic gets those ingredients then she'll easily take over." Ranger stared at the vault. One more minute. She sighed, "Toxic may target my parents, aunts and uncles. Since they are the alpha's."

"All your relatives are good fighters. They can take care of themselves."

"Draco can sneak up on them." She reminded him. "They'll be under her control before they know it." She brushed away the wetness in her eyes.

Whiskers didn't respond.

22:22

Two arachnne showed up, one of them Arachnia. Like E predicted. Draco might be with them as well.

"Let's go."

Whiskers started to climb in Ranger's pocket. "And if it's a trap?"

"Then you'll have to get me out of it. Like you always do." Forest gave a small, what she hoped was reassuring, smile.

Whiskers closed the pocket. Ranger could sense his unease.

With a deep breath, she leaped onto the roof of the vault.

.....

Ryker sped through the streets, using his powers to check security cameras as he passed stores. It was pretty quiet except for that robbery he helped stop an hour earlier.

He went around another corner, growing bored. He hoped superheroing would be more interesting then this, but a world threatening villain can't always be on the loose for him to beat. He guessed.

But still, he hoped for an opportunity to prove himself.

He found another break in, at Platinum vault. Two arachnne were caught on the security cameras.

Hopefully this will be one of the more exciting crimes.

He drove to the vault. His exitement grew when he saw a Powerine howler girl. Why was she here? Ryker didn't think there were other Powerines beside him and his mother in New Genesis.

Maybe there's more to this then he thought.

.....

Spinnerett took out a flask and poured the bright red liquid over the vault doors. Within a few seconds the reinforced steal melted away to leave a sizeable hole.

"I do love the colour they painted the walls." Arachnia said, distracted. "What colour is that? Peach? Salmon?"

"Arachnia focus." Spinnerett stepped away from the hole. "Remember what's on the line?"

Arachnia shook her head vigorously, as if to literally shake the thoughts out. "Right, Webbigail. I'll get the stones, you two are on lookout."

"Remind me who put you in charge?" Draco snarked, arms folded and leaning against the wall.

Spinnerett glared at him as Arachnia slipped through the hole.

Draco simply rolled his eyes, annoying Spinnerett even more.