4.04

Brian, Lisa, and Taylor left Fugly Bob’s, a crowded bar, and walked through the emptying Market. Brian shared a personal story, revealing his parents’ separation and his strained relationship with his younger sister, Aisha. One night, Aisha texted him for help, leading Brian to rush to his mother’s place. He found Aisha upset and encountered his mother’s new boyfriend. Suspecting abuse, fueled by a gut feeling and Aisha’s reaction, Brian, trained in boxing by his father, beat the man severely.

This incident triggered Brian’s powers. While cleaning his bloodied hands, he noticed a dark, smoky substance emanating from his wounds, but felt no emotion. Aisha backed Brian’s actions, leading to the boyfriend’s imprisonment and Brian’s community service.

Brian revealed his motivation for joining the group: to gain custody of Aisha. He planned to terminate his parents’ rights and become her guardian, needing financial stability to achieve this. His current employment provided a legitimate source of income, supported by their boss’s recommendation.

They discussed Brian’s costume, and Taylor revealed she made her own from spider silk. Brian asked Taylor to make him one for two thousand dollars. Lisa suggested using the area under the loft to house the spiders needed for the silk, resolving the issue of space and spider management. Alec expressed concern about having thousands of black widow spiders nearby, but Taylor assured him they could be contained.

They arrived at the Loft, and Taylor discovered a gift from Brian: a large piece of amber with a dragonfly inside. Touched, she quickly got ready and thanked him. The mood shifted when Brian couldn’t reach Rachel, and they decided to check on the money, sensing something was wrong. The compression of the chapter is as follows:

1. Departure and Brian’s Story: Brian, Lisa, and Taylor leave the bar and walk through the Market. Brian shares his story about his parents’ split, his distant relationship with his sister Aisha, and the night she texted him for help. 2. Confrontation and Trigger Event: Brian rushes to his mother’s, finds Aisha distressed, and confronts his mother’s boyfriend. Suspecting abuse, he beats the man, triggering his powers. 3. Aftermath and Motivation: Aisha supports Brian’s actions. Brian reveals his goal: to gain custody of Aisha, requiring financial stability. 4. Costume Discussion and Agreement: They discuss costumes, and Taylor reveals she made hers from spider silk. Brian asks Taylor to make him one for $2,000. Lisa suggests using the area under the loft for the spiders. Alec expresses concern about the spiders, but Taylor reassures him. 5. Gift and Unease: Taylor finds a gift from Brian, a piece of amber with a dragonfly. They realize Rachel is unreachable and decide to check on the money, sensing trouble. 6. Character Development: The conversation reveals Brian’s protective nature towards his sister and his determination to provide a stable environment for her. Taylor’s resourcefulness and skill in creating her costume are highlighted, as well as her willingness to help her teammates. Alec’s fear of spiders adds a touch of humor and humanizes him. 7. Plot Advancement: The chapter advances the plot by introducing Brian’s backstory and motivation, setting up a potential conflict with his parents over Aisha’s custody. The agreement to create costumes using the loft’s space further integrates Taylor into the group’s activities. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, with the team sensing danger and rushing to check on their money.

The chapter is primarily focused on developing Brian’s character and his relationship with his teammates. It also sets up future plot points, including the custody battle and the creation of new costumes. The ending creates suspense and anticipation for the next chapter.