Prologue
It was a quiet night in New York. The only sound being the quiet howl of the wind between the tall skyscrapers, and the occasional yelling of drunks. But even that ended quickly. The eerie stillness continued, a silence before the storm.
A man in his forties peered around the corner of the building. His greasy hair and beer stained coat indicating his poor life habits.
He searched for something, eyes roaming around the deserted streets. Finally, deeming it safe enough, he slowly walked towards an old, rundown apartment, eyes downcast the entire time. At the door, he fumbled with the keys, glancing back once in a while to be sure that he wasn't being followed. As the door creaked open, the man cast one last sweeping look down the streets, then quietly closed the door.
In the dark hallway, the man let out a silent breath. A sigh, that turned into breathless giggle. He was giddy. He finally had what those creeps were working on! He knew something was off the moment he set eyes on them. All with identical face, clothes, and hairstyle. They must have been loaded though, judging by their clean attire. He saw his chance when they seemed to be looking for someone to work with. They would pay well, defiantly! And so, he took it.
The tasks were simple. Drive this person there, or bring this weird glowy thing to another place. He was their transport system. He saw who was in the van. He saw what they had in the van. He just didn't know why they had them in the van, nor what they wanted with them.
He knew another guy worked for them. He has never met him, but he knew that the guy smelt the same thing he smelt on the creeps. They paid well. Oh yes, they paid very well. They payed money, sure, but that was not what he was after. They payed knowledge, willingly or not. He knew there was something going on. He was onto something big! Which is why he decided to work for them and do some research until he figured out what they wanted.
His patience was rewarded.
He snuck in when the identical men weren't looking. There were many containers in the back of the van. Surely, they won't notice the small container in the corner missing, hidden by the large one with what he assumed to be a giant alligator in it. He didn't know what they wanted with these animals that they would have him transport. But he knew they were different and special.
The man didn't understand much about Biology, or the anatomy of animals. In fact, he dropped out of that pointless high school the first chance he got. But even then, he knew that there were no such things as a neon purple monkeys, or green otters.
In fact, none of the animals there were the color they were supposed to be. Today's batch was especially strange, as he never had to carry anything other than the strange ooze, the creeps, and weirdly colored animals. Never were his load multicolored animals that were twice their supposed size. Which is why he decided that it was time to make his move.
Earlier, he had reaching out for the small, easily forgotten container, and quickly wrapped his handkerchief around it, successfully slipping it into his coat pocket without anyone noticing.
Now in the confines of his home, he could examine his prize. Moving towards the living room, he made sure the windows were covered. The doors were locked, and no one from outside would be able to walk in. Of course, that useless kid may be able to make it in. The ungrateful brat didn't know to keep his nose out of other peoples' businesses. Maybe he will have to beat it into him again? After inspecting his prize, that is.
He slowly unwrapped the handkerchief, not realizing that he was holding his breath, or that he was shaking from excitement. Peering into the container, he felt great satisfaction and awe as he took in the sight of the beautiful little creature. A spider, none like he has ever seen before spun its webs on the side of the glass. It sat there, displaying its sapphire and ruby patterns on its sleek, black body. The little beauty seemed to look back at him, its eight eyes glittering in the green light that container provided. He really did it. He hit the jackpot!!
He decided that this achievement should be rewarded. So, he set the container on the table, visible from his position on the couch. Reaching down, he grasped a can of beer, and started drinking, laughing at his cleverness and enjoying his victory.
Little did he know that the victory will be short lived, as three identical, black suited men made their way towards the old, rundown apartment three hours later. Little did he know that his actions will change the life of one child forever.
The universe set into motion the gears that it never intended on using.