The Calling
"Curious as to what to do this evening?" drawled Mad Mod in a snide fashion. "Why not drink your milk?"
And on cue, milk flowed from every vent, every window, and the two doors the Titans had just entered through. It was absurd, how Mad Mod had accomplished such a feat was beyond Klarion. From up on his floating platform on high Mad Mod twirled his cane and whistled softly. In the barren, industrial room, the place was filling fast. Beside Klarion Starfire thrashed, as if trying to fly. It was then it became apparent to all that it was not just any milk holding them down, but a concoction that turned to a gummy substance once settled.
"Disgusting," thought Klarion, "and stupid."
Working with villains over the years had taught him many things. There were those one could never predict (the Joker), absolute evil incarnate (Brain), those with ambition that forced them to err on the wrong side of society's many laws (Lex Luthor), and then there were men and women like Mad Mod. One gimmick or trick, these men were lucky enough to rob a bank, let alone be acknowledged by the larger community such as the Light or Brotherhood of Evil. If Mad Mod or his kind were mentioned at all, it was as the butt of a joke. To be defeated by the likes of him was just too embarrassing for Klarion.
"Die!" shouted Klarion.
Waving a free hand, a blast of fire shot from Klarion's palm and just missed Mad Mod's stupid red head. Teek'l hissed from Klarion's shoulders. Now that was too much for his pride. Mad Mod twirled his cane in a mocking fashion and laughed.
"Drown." called back Mod. "Once the milk goes past your head, the Titans will die, not with a bang, but with a whimper. I'll blow this factory just for good measure though, rest assured."
So stupid, Klarion reaffirmed. Knowing quite a few curses, it would do Klarion much good to send this roof crashing down on them all. Although, not entirely aware of where they were, it was impossible to escape. Where the hell were they? If he knew, Klarion could easily send he, and maybe even the Titans away somewhere safe. Killing them all still seemed appealing, but Klarion would tuck that dream away for a less opportune day. There were things to be done, goals to be met and this could not be the end. Mad Mod would not be his executioner. Klarion turned his fire to the "milk" that had now almost reached his chest, ruining his suit for sure.
"Playing with fire?" teased Mod, seeming nonplussed.
Klarion deemed it prudent to respond with fire instead of words. This time the fire came much closer, causing Mad Mod to back up with another floating platform appearing behind him at the ready. A scowl took over Mod's once calm expression as Klarion flew up to meet him, Teek'l protesting from his shoulders and his team members protesting from the increasing milk trap. Klarion's hands glowed with fire aching to consume this outdated loser. With a hook of his cane, Mod slapped Klarion from the air with alarming speed.
"Respect your elders you little Judas-witch." Mod scolded.
Flailing, Klarion struggled with the goo, still pouring and rising. It was now at Beastboy's chin and approaching dangerous territory. Having fallen in a haphazard manner, both of Klarion's hands were caught and one leg was loose. Escape would be much more difficult this time. Mod's sneer returned, his attention all on Klarion.
"Oh you little turncoat-witch-boy, don't you dare try anything. Die here with your tail between your legs as the collaborator you are. Save yourself further embarrassment as the League's dog."
Squirming in his confinement, Klarion was appalled at the poor excuse for small talk Mad Mod provided. More so, Klarion was taken aback that it was working as he felt the color rise to his cheek. Safe in his ivory tower, Mod carried on.
"Tell me boy, is a man who choose to be bad perhaps better than a man who has the good imposed upon him? Does God want goodness or the choice of goodness?"
His questions went unanswered as Nightwing, stealthy as ever, had snuck behind Mad Mod, and then knocked Mod out with a solid punch. Taking Mod's cane, it was a simple couple pressing of buttons from there. Just in time too, as Beastboy was almost overwhelmed. Grateful as he was, Klarion made notes for the future. Batman and all his little creations were ones to watch. Raven, wringing out her cape, eyed Klarion with what felt like disdain.
"Maybe you should free your team first next time, idiot. There's room for only one moody young adult with a penchant for solo acts, and Nightwing has seniority on you in that regard." she chided.
"Hey!" called Nightwing with his impeccable hearing.
"You know it's true." Raven muttered.
"Let's get out of here, this goo is disgusting." said Beastboy.
A chorus of agreement rose up. Teek'l in arms, Klarion followed his team mates, questioning all the while.
Just as a quick author's aside, I would like to say Mad Mod from the cartoon series enthralls me. He's voiced by my favorite droog, Alex from A Clockwork Orange, so how could I not be obsessed?