Trouble With The Outlaws Issue 2: The Doom And Gloom

~San Francisco, Alley Way~

Jason roughly yanked Cory by his bicep into an abandoned alley with Firestar dragging Austin by his hair. Gauge and Roy followed close behind as they escaped from the angry crowd that was slowly forming. Once they made it to a safe spot, Jason threw Cory into a corner, causing him fall on a pile of garbage bags.

(Gauge) Jason, take it easy. This guy just saved your life.

(Jason) I'll "take it easy" when this he tells me why he knows who I am!

(Cory) I told you, I'm a telepath...

(Jason) I don't believe that crap! Are you working with Austin?

Gauge moved himself so he was standing in between Jason and Cory.

(Gauge) Dude, chill. Look at him. Do you honestly think Austin would work with a guy like... that.

Gauge was referring to Cory's physical appearance, since his was a fairly thin and not very intimidating in his extremely tight designer jeans, and lavender t-shirt.

(Firestar) Hey boys, gorgeous here is starting to wake up.

(Jason) Good.

Jason stomped his way over to Austin who began coughing up blood. Gauge extended his hand out to Cory to help him stand up. Cory was a little reluctant to accept his help at first since his "friend" was so rude to him but since Gauge stood up for him, he accepted his help.

(Gauge) I sorry about Jason. He gets a little paranoid.

(Cory) You don't have to apologize for him. Thank you.

(Gauge) Don't mention it. You seem innocent enough.

Jason's fist pounding into Austin's face could be heard echoing through the alley. After his violent assault Jason pulled out his pistol and aimed it at his enemy.

(Jason) If you don't talk I'll get my information from someone else! You've got three seconds.

Cory jumped in front of Jason blocking his path.

(Jason) What the hell are you doing? Move. Now!

(Cory) No, this is senseless violence. You do not need to do this.

One of Firestar's starbolts could be heard exploding behind Cory into Austin. He yelped in pain upon impact.

(Roy) What'd you do that for?

(Firestar) He was trying to capture this boy.

(Cory) Oh... well thank you.

(Firestar) Not a problem.

Jason proceeded to tuck his gun back inside his pants. He eyeballed Cory with a nasty scowl.

(Jason) Well then Mr. Telepath. Since your so against violence, which I'm all about how about you try to fish the information out of his head.

(Cory) And why should I help you? After I saved your life, you pointed a gun at my head! You've yet to even thank me for it.

(Jason) I was asking to by nice, but I will force you if necessary.

Jason began to reach back into his pants which made Cory heart drop. He didn't want to believe that this man would actually kill him because he wouldn't work with him, but then again he didn't know anything about this man. Before Jason could get his hand all the way down his pants, Gauge put his hand over Jason's wrist to refrain him from pulling out his weapon.

(Jason) Gauge, get out of my way...

(Gauge) Jason please, calm down. Let me talk to the guy. I'll try to convince him to help us on his own free will.

Reluctantly Jason removed his hand from his pistol and crossed his arms.

(Jason) Go right ahead, Romeo. I'm pretty he was your type.

(Gauge) That's funny, I was thinking the same thing.

Gauge gave Jason a smug smile, then led Cory to apart of the alley that was away from the group.

(Cory) God! What's his problem. Does he not realize I just saved his life?

(Gauge) Jason can be a little... stubborn but please don't take him to seriously. He won't hurt you.

(Cory) Are you sure about that? I can tell he isn't very fond of me.

(Gauge) Yeah, I'm sure. I won't let him.

Gauge casually wrapped his arm around Cory's shoulder. It made Cory uncomfortable at first since he did have a boyfriend but he tried to not pay attention to it.

(Gauge) Listen, I know Jason hasn't been the perfect gentleman, but try to not focus on that fact right now. What's really important is finding whoever gave this random thug powers. If this happens again, innocent people could get hurt or worse. You seem like the type who fights to protect lives, why else would you have gone out of your way to save Jason.

Cory absorbed the information Gauge just explained to him, and dispute the primitive behavior of his friend, Cory knew that Gauge was right. He needed to stop the person who was handing out super powers like candy.

(Cory) How do I know you guys can handle this? This seems like something I should report to the Teen Titans, or maybe even the Justice League. As far as I know only you only have one superhero in your group, but I'm sure there's a strong possibility that I'm wrong.

Gauge giggled to himself for a moment before directing his attention back to Cory.

(Gauge) And what makes you say that?

(Cory) Well the fact that there already is a hero in your group is pretty much all the proof I need but on top of that, your all abnormally buff and in shape, and your friend Jason carry's a gun I've never seen before. I don't have any friends who carry guns.

(Gauge) Really? That's odd.

(Cory) Very funny. So, are you going to tell me who you are?

(Gauge) I'm Gauge. I don't think I introduced myself yet.

(Cory) Okay wise guy. I've had about enough of you dodging my questions. I've been around enough superheroes to recognize one when there around. I'm dating one.

Cory felt Gauges arm slightly flinch when he brought up his boyfriend.

(Gauge) Your boyfriends a superhero. Which one?

Cory flung Gauge's arm from his shoulder and put hands on his hips as he looked Gauge in the eye.

(Cory) Listen, I am done with your immature little games. Now, if you want me to help, you'll tell me who you are or I'll just fish it out of your head myself. Your choice.

(Gauge) I kind of like the idea of you fishing it out of my head.

(Cory) Fine.

Gauge put on a devilish grin. Cory ignored it and immediately linked himself to Gauge's mind.

' Go d da myo u rattr act iv e. So meth in gab ou t yo u is ve ry allu ring. Whi leth e othe rs ar en't lo oki ng yo u sho u ld giv e me aqu ick... '

Cory instantly blocked out the thought. He was pretty sure he didn't want to hear his request.

(Cory) Ha ha, your hysterical. What is your secret identity?

Cory once again linked his mind to Gauge's.

' Hmph yo ur pu shy. Al rig ht, I'l l su bm it... I 'm Ni ght hun ter.'

After Gauge finally answered his question he severed the telepathic link.

(Gauge) Satisfied? My friend Roy over there is Arsenal, and Jason is Red Hood.

Cory stepped back when he realized who this group was. He was well aware of The Outlaws, and their less then friendly methods.

(Cory) Your the Outlaws.

(Gauge) That's right. But where not as bad as the public makes us out to be.

(Cory) They make you look like vicious cold blooded murders.

Gauge grabbed his chest and acted like he just got stabbed in the heart for a few short seconds.

(Gauge) Ouch. That hurt. Everything we strive for, we do with the best intentions, I assure you.

(Cory) … Okay I'll help you, but only because I'm thinking about the bigger picture.

(Gauge) Whatever helps you sleep at night.

After agreeing to help the Outlaws, Cory went up to the critically injured Austin.

(Cory) Hello Austin, I'm Cory.

(Austin) Fuck you!

Austin attempted to spit blood in Cory's face, but Gauge blocked it with jacket at the last second.

(Roy) Aw man, that's gonna stain bro.

(Gauge) I know, Sergeant Obvious.

(Cory) Thank you for that.

Gauge flung his jacket into a nearby open dumpster.

(Gauge) Don't mention it.

Cory went back to focusing on Austin.

(Cory) So Austin, wanna tell me who gave you your powers?

Immediately after asking his question Cory began to listen in on Austin's thoughts.

'L ike he ll I'd tell thi s pansy a ss faggo t any thing ! Ifthey find the Doom And Gloom I'll lo ose my pow ers for sure. It's n ot like I can re mem ber that weir do's name any way . '

After he got what he needed Cory severed the telepathic link the directed his attention to Gauge.

(Gauge) Any luck?

(Cory) He doesn't remember the persons name who gave him his powers...

(Jason) Of course he doesn't. Some psychic you are,

Cory shot Jason an angry glare before he continued to speak.

(Cory) But I did find out the name of the place that persons does business. It's called the Doom And Gloom.

(Gauge) Great. Jason can you...

(Jason) Already on it hot shot.

Jason fiddled with a high tech looking device for a few moments before speaking.

(Jason) It's a psychic shop in Louisiana. I've got the address. Shouldn't take us more then an hour to get there.

(Firestar) Then shall we go home so we can use your jet Jason?

(Cory) Jet? Of course Red Hood has a jet.

(Jason) You told him my identity? You jackass!

(Gauge) He was going to find out anyway. He's a telepath remember?

(Jason) Whatever, let's just get moving.

The group then began their journey to Louisiana to find the owner of the Doom And Gloom.