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THE YOUNG TEEN glared at the bottom of the fire escape that stood unrolled, mocking her as rain fell against the metal. 'If you can't even jump down from here, how are you going to go after Carnage?' The ladder teased. In her mind at least.
She shivered in the cold air, hating herself for choosing a night that was rainy and cold.
Well she had to, didn't she?
In order to keep a low profile and her identify a secret, the streets would have to be at least a little empty for her to get around to anywhere. The only time the streets of Queens would be anywhere near empty was when it was raining heavily.
Unfortunately, it was like someone had poured a bucket over Queens and Mina's once dry hood that covered her high ponytail was now soaking wet, drowning her hair for sure and she was fairly certain even Spider-Man wouldn't be going out tonight.
That realization had brought both anxiety and relief. If she was in trouble, he wouldn't have her back but if she was doing something she wasn't supposed to be doing but she had to in order to hunt the son of a bitch, Peter wouldn't try to stop her.
Mina knew she was stalling with all her thinking so she shook her head, to clear her thoughts.
Carnage.
Remember Matt.
The bodies. It's horrible breath and terrifying smile.
Drawing in a deep breath, Mina pinched herself hard and then launched herself fearlessly and gracefully down from her perch in the fire escape ladder to cold, wet ground.
Landing on her feet, her fingers clutched the solid concrete through the thin black gloves that protected her hands and a wave of excitement and adrenaline hit her.
Letting out a small scoff, Mina stood up and touched the katana that hung securely from her waist for support. As long as she had it, that thing couldn't get her. Touch her, hurt her probably but kill her? No way.
This string of thoughts and promises in her mind, the ninja girl broke into a brisk run, out of the alleyway and into the dimly lit, empty streets.
She was headed towards the dojo that had killed her old life and had started her new one, knowing Carnage might not be there but figuring it was her best shot.
It was about 15 blocks over and though it was tiring, Mina ran the whole way there, her breathless lungs motivating her. The familiar slapping of the katana sheath against her thigh comforted her, her all black ninja costume heating up her entire body and the only sound of the rain and her feet hitting the ground.
When she reached the closed and dark dojo finally, Mina stood bent over, coughing to catch her breath and running her fingers over the two small daggers she had taken from their place in the display case in the Miyazaki's living room.
