Spiderman From the Ashes : Volume One

Chapter Three - It Was Just a Sting

Vicky woke up and prepared to head to college. A reporting and journalism competition was underway, and she had a strong desire to win it. Ever since her teenage years, she had been passionate about journalism, even though the city lacked any particularly interesting events.

In science class, she attentively watched the teacher as he moved around the room, explaining a new species of insects. The knowledgeable man, brimming with pride, uttered words that intertwined in a scientific discourse: 'Theraphosa blondi,' 'Lasiodora parahybana,' 'Grammostola rosea'—many strange names, many species to learn. Yet, one of them captured Vicky's attention even more: 'Sanguis Misumena vatia,' also known as the Blood Crimson Spider—a variation of the infamous 'Misumena Vatia' (Goldenrod Crab Spider).

Meanwhile, Arisu took her time getting to work. Her boss had complained about her late arrival, so she hurriedly made her way to the staff room. Unbeknownst to her, a spider hovered over its web on the ceiling, silently observing Arisu.

When she placed her backpack in one of the cupboards, she was already dressed in her pizza uniform and apron. Suddenly, she felt something crawling on her hand, a sensation she hadn't noticed until it stung her. Instantly, a sharp pain shot through her, and she observed the prominence of the bite. Reacting swiftly, she used her other hand to pull the spider away, examining the wound closely.

"Guess who?" a redhead young woman appears behind Arisu at the counter, the woman instantly turns to her rubbing her palms.

"Vicky? You here?"

"Hi, Arisu! Yup! I would like to ask if you could assist me with a reporting contest. Given that you've been in this city longer than I have, I was wondering if there are any exciting events or happenings that could help me win the contest."

"I don't know," Arisu replied. "If it's something positive, I'm not aware of it. However, if it's something negative, rest assured I might have something to discuss."

"Tell me!" 

"...I don't want to talk about it," she said in a serious and cold tone. The subject was delicate and sensitive for her. However, he didn't want to cause her any pain, so he carefully avoided the topic. "There are often cases of theft in the neighborhood and armed robberies by a faction."

"But does that happen often?" she asked, a little confused. Where she came from, armed robberies weren't much common. 

"Yes." she replied.

"Hmm, where I come from, muggings don't happen frequently. However, I'm not...sure if that information would be helpful for my report. In any case, I have two weeks to find a bombshell. If you happen to know anything, please let me know!"

"No problem.."

As evening descended, Arisu trudged homeward, her hands buried deep in her pockets. The narrow alleyway cast shadows around her. Unbeknownst to her, she was flanked by two menacing figures—thieves who cornered her against the cold brick wall.

"Yo, Arisu! Long time no see," the larger thug sneered. "What've you been up to, woman?"

The other thug chuckled. "Given what she did to the boss, she's probably dancing naked on tables somewhere. Only the sleaziest bars would hire her," he taunted, casting disdainful glances at the woman.

"..." She didn't say anything and continued walking down the alley, determined to avoid a fight. She knew that engaging in combat would only lead to trouble.

"Come on, Ari," one of them said. "How are you? We miss working with you. We just wanted to pay you a little visit. The boss doesn't even know we're here."

"...The Arisu you met died a long time ago," she replied, her voice firm. "Please, leave me alone." She turned and walked in the opposite direction.

"Are you going to claim she's a model citizen?" the other thug asked incredulously.

"And do you think I did this willingly?" Arisu retorted. "Have you forgotten our deal? But things changed when I was taken to 'chess.' You owe me nothing." She quickened her steps toward the alley exit, feeling a tug at her arm.

"Listen, girl," the thief said, gripping her tightly. "You know it was your fault. You messed up, and you paid for it. But now we need you."

"Let me go!" Arisu struggled, attempting to break free. "And where were you... when he died?" She tried to flee toward the exit, but the thief pulled her deeper into the alley.

"Oh, you don't want to let me leave? What do you want? Money? Sorry, comrades, but if I die, I won't even have a place to drop dead."

"Don't worry, we're not going to kill you. Consider it a warning." One of the men swung a punch at her stomach, but it missed by a wide margin.

Arisu's reflexes surprised her as she deftly blocked the blow. The second punch came, and she dodged it masterfully.

"What's that? Sorcery?" the frightened man stammered, and both thugs fled.

The woman stood there, momentarily surprised that she had avoided a fight so swiftly. With her arm still throbbing, she made her way back home, grateful she hadn't felt any pain.

"Meanwhile, Vicky was on the balcony studying when she caught sight of the commotion. Concerned, she hurried downstairs to check on Arisu.

"Is everything all right?" Vicky asked.