A/N: Okay I'm going to quit warning that something might be the last chapter until it's actually written. You'd think I'd be able to tell how long this is going to be- no such luck! Anyway, enjoy!
Warning 1: You might need a tissue.
Warning 2: There is a warning maybe I should give, but I'm afraid it'll ruin the surprise. Feel free to flame me about lack of warnings this time.
Episode: Power Outage, #52. (Yeah, it was such a good title for that episode that I had to name the chapter after it.)
From the Diary of Virgil Hawkins (7)
Backpack's Personal Log (9)
Chapter Four: Power Outage
From the Diary of Virgil Hawkins/Static Shock
Dear Diary,January 7, 2004
Richie's at the gas station trying to figure out a way to counteract what Dr. Todd has done, but neither of us has any real hope. Richie's been my best friend for years and years; I don't care if he isn't a genius anymore. But he cares, because he wants to fight crime. He doesn't have to worry about losing my friendship or my love, but he's devastated by losing his powers- powers he didn't even think were any good at first.
And that paragraph made no sense, mostly because I'm trying to woodshed an answer that will make Richie feel better about losing not only his powers, but his connection to Backpack and the mental connection we share.
Let's start over before I get going again. Yesterday, Mr. Boyle returned the math tests we took before Christmas break. I got an A, partially because I knew most of the stuff on my own, and partially because Richie helped me study. But Richie… He got a B-. Richie. I couldn't believe it. It's like something out of the Twilight Zone. Before Richie started showing the signs of being exposed to the Bang Baby gas, a B- is the sort of grade he would get in math if he didn't study.
Anyway, after math, the school day was over, which was good because Richie was pretty upset and trying to hide it. He was probably scared, more than anything. But I don't want it to sound like Richie was just afraid of going back to being normal. He was afraid of losing Backpack, afraid of fighting Brainiac… And he was afraid of confronting his father if he didn't have the genius capacity to avoid him. Meeting his father again is what keeps Richie awake some nights and I know it's what made him truly afraid yesterday.
There wasn't time to talk about it, though, because first Daisy and Frieda approached us, demanding why we didn't help with a recycling campaign we both completely forgot about. Then we were allowed to escape them because Kangor and Ferret were raiding a store for cash and (in Ferret's case) food. I engaged Kangor and Richie went after Ferret. I heard an echo of the brief verbal exchange between Richie and Ferret before Richie was out of range- which shouldn't happen with mental connections, but does now.
Ferret: "Stay back!"
Richie (probably using humor to cloak his earlier fear): "What are you gonna do? Sniff me?"
Ferret: "Naw, smart guy. I'm gonna run!"
Richie: "Ri-ight... What was I thinking?"
Understand this: I couldn't feel any of the emotions behind Richie's words; it was like I was hearing him speak them, even though I was too preoccupied with Kangor to pay attention to Richie with my ears. So I don't know what he did with his fear to hide it; I just know he hid it.
Well, I went back to fighting Kangor. He was giving me more trouble than he should have. I know now that I was losing my powers, but I didn't acknowledge it then. Kangor kicked me out of the air. But just as he was going to try and step on me, he turned a nice, poisonous-looking rosy-pink and fell over. His feet started shrinking. I called Richie to come see what was happening, hoping against hope that his earlier mental lapses were over and he could explain what was happening. But Richie was just as baffled as I was.
We took Kangor to the hospital and called in Dr. Todd, the same guy who worked on Aquamaria. Looks like he finally got the cure right. All it took was Richie telling him one thing about the antidote that was used on Aquamaria. I guess that's some sort of sick justice that Richie was just trying to help one Bang Baby who wanted to be human, and ends up giving the vital clue to the destruction of all Bang Babies. I don't blame Richie; it's not his fault Dr. Todd took the new information and used it to blanket the city in anti-Bang Baby gas.
And I'm so frustrated and angry and worried that I can't stay on topic. Kangor became human again, and Dr. Todd told us that he'd been cured. I saw the mistrust in Richie's eyes. Even before the effects of the Big Bang gas, Richie was no slouch in deductive reasoning. He understood before I did what Dr. Todd had done. Dr. Todd said the same thing would happen to all Bang Babies, even to Gear and me. Then he laid a comforting hand on Richie's arm. Richie stiffened and there must have been enough anger in his face to make Dr. Todd think better of the gesture because he pulled away quickly while still trying to hide his understanding of the anger he saw.
All that happened yesterday, as I've said, and now it's Saturday morning and Richie's been at the gas station all night, trying to save, at the very least, his connection to Backpack. You'd think they'd keep at least their verbal connection, like Richie and I do, right? Wrong. That was the first thing to break down, though I don't understand why, and probably Richie doesn't, either.
The only words Richie spared after we left the hospital yesterday were these: "Wherever Hotstreak is, I hope he's okay." Then he flew off- flying low, just in case his powers gave out- and I went home.
It's almost nine this morning. I've been up since four, fighting the urge to call Richie. I don't want to distract him if he's found something, but, even more, I don't' want to badger him, remind him that we need his intelligence when he's already suffering self-recriminations. But I can't sit still much longer. And I've done everything I can: I called the Justice League to ask advice, I talked to my Pops (that just helped to calm me down), and I called Bernadette and John to brief them on the situation so Richie wouldn't have to. I can't find anything else to do and I can't write much more. I need to try and talk to Richie, maybe start helping him accept things the way they are. Ha. Some joke, Virgil. I'm upset enough, and I'm not even losing my best friend because I can't connect to him anymore. I wonder how Backpack's handling all this?
Hey, maybe I'm actually starting to like Backpack. Yeah, I am, now that it's too late. Great timing.
Backpack's Personal Log
Personal Log
Date: 1-07-04
Subject: I'm losing Richie and I can't reach out to him and we can't connect! Richie, I wish I could help! I can see you falling into despair and I wish I could just tell you everything's going to be all right.
I must calm down. If this is going to be my final log- because I can feel myself shutting down from the inside- I must make sense. I must offer Richie comforting words. Hopefully he will find a way to download my final thoughts so that he can know I loved him right up to the end.
Chronological order will do to help order my thoughts. I will start back at Christmastime, if only to remember good things. Richie delivered Hotstreak's presents. The first was completely practical: stuffed into a medium-sized box were two pairs of pants (just Hotstreak's size because I had measured him a few weeks ago during a battle) two shirts, underwear, socks, a winter coat, toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, shaving cream and half the money Richie received as birthday money from Bernadette and John. Richie also supplied Hotstreak with a walkie-talkie on the same frequency as the Shock Voxes, though it looks nothing like those. Hotstreak was a little embarrassed, but he accepted it with good grace and it was obvious he really needed some of the things Richie had given him.
The second gift was one that Richie kept secret even from me. He had written Hotstreak a poem. Richie does not enjoy creative writing as a rule, and so, by this gift, if in no other way, I know he is serious. He gave Virgil a poem, too; it was in the Static Shock and Gear Scrapbook.
On to my gift. Richie made a card for me that is both physical and electronic. On the outside of the card Richie had drawn the two of us. I was sitting on his lap and his hand rested on me. Richie is not the most talented artist in Dakota (though he could be, if he read some of the art books- his brain would absorb it all) but I could tell what the picture was supposed to be, and it meant more to me that he hadn't used his super-intelligence, but his natural abilities to make the card. I'm not sure why that should make such a difference, but it did. Inside the card, Richie wrote: "Merry Christmas, Backpack. I look forward to a lifetime of learning, arguing, laughing and loving with you." And, on the back of the card, Richie placed a picture of the two of us. I remember when that picture was taken. Richie had only been in costume once before- to save Virgil from Ebon. He was a new superhero in Dakota, so a reporter took a picture of him. It's a good shot of both of us, and one of my favorites, because Richie looks startled at having his picture taken.
The last two weeks have been filled with tracking Brainiac, seeing Hotstreak (who still has not chosen a new name) and trying to figure out what Richie's father and the other members of his parish are planning. Up until this most recent development with the cure, I have watched the Internet, all police bands, and tapped the phone line at Richie's old house, hoping Sean will rear his ugly head before he appears to try and ruin Richie's peace. Now, of course, I can hardly hear Richie.
The gas Dr. Todd sent throughout Dakota was so well hidden in pollution that I never detected it. Perhaps if Gear had been here, he would have done so. He has been gone, "making nice" with Brainiac since December 24th. If Richie and I have lost our connection, does that mean Gear has disappeared? Or was he just separate enough from Richie to survive? Or maybe, since he severed his ties with Richie, he was safe with Brainiac. I know not. Nor do I care right now, except that Gear might see Richie's loss of power and do something drastic.
Richie has been up all night, making no progress. Occasionally, I will hear an echo of his thoughts. Sometimes these things are directed at me, sometimes they are calls to Virgil, and sometimes they are just cries for help as he struggles to rebuild everything we've lost. Sendings from him that must be put down, so that he knows I heard them: BP, I love you. Don't forget I love you… We'll get through this… I love you so much; we won't lose each other. I won't let it (happen- I assume this is the word he meant to end with, but I lost the connection again)… love… BP… Trust me… Need you…
Nothing came through the link for almost an hour, then I heard what might well be the final words we share: Backpack, don't go! Please!
Richie, know this: I heard you and I don't want to leave you. I love you. Do not blame yourself for what has happened.
Warning: system shut-down in two hours.
I am losing you, Richie. I must conserve my strength and shut off this-
Warning: system shut down in one hour, fifty-nine minutes.
-program. It will be saved for ou woetjioashdg;jkao;wihetop
What was that? I can… canot cannot think love richie love alwayzzzzzzjhkhkhiuy
Chapter Four: Power Outage
He was wearing his helmet- they were both in full costume, just for the comfort, mostly- so hitting his head against the desk wasn't going to do any damage. Still…
Virgil caught Richie's shoulders. "Chill, okay?" Yeah, I know it sounds bad, and I hate myself for saying that, but I don't know what else to say.
Richie's hands were shaking. "There's no way to stop it. I'm not going to be a genius anymore and your powers-"
Virgil read the unspoken message in Richie's eyes as his boyfriend reached up to touch one of Backpack's arms. The robot was still clinging to him, but there was no way to know how long that would last. "I know," Virgil said, deciding he would try to help Richie deal with Backpack's "death" when he knew how to help. "I've been feeling them slip away all week."
Richie had been staring into his lap, but now he looked up, his eyes wide with surprise.
"Didn't want to freak you out," Virgil said, trying to smile.
Richie jumped up and began to pace. "Why did they do this to us? We're the good guys. It's not fair!" He kicked the automated cooler he'd built six months ago and muttered, "Ow." When he turned back to Virgil, there were tears in his eyes. "Backpack," he whispered, and he bowed his head, his whole body trembling.
Virgil took Richie in his arms. Okay, looks like I can't wait. "Richie…" But he had no words, so he drew Richie against him and just held him for a moment. When Richie's breathing began to slow and his trembling had eased somewhat- he was forcing himself to be calm in a situation that defied reason- Virgil tried to guide him back to mundane things, tried to distract him. "Then again, if we're not fighting Bang Babies, we'll have time to study. Frieda and Daisy won't hate us anymore. Could be okay."
Even if he couldn't read Richie's mind anymore, Virgil realized how hollow his words sounded. Only a year ago, when he himself had lost his powers for a day due to sunspot activity, he'd gone almost crazy. He watched Richie's eyes narrow a little and knew what was coming.
"Do you honestly believe that?" Richie looked both angry and hurt.
This isn't helping. I'm not very good with death. I never have been. And we're both scared. Because when our powers are gone, Brainiac will still be there. Sean Foley will still be coming. And nothing will be able to bring Backpack back to life. "How long have we got?" Until we lose everything we've depended on?
"I truly have no idea."
"What say we jet over to see if the doctor's in?" Not that he can help us, but moving around might help.
"Assuming we can stay in the air."
"Good point." Virgil had a brief, vivid image of dangling above Dakota, waiting to drop a hundred stories. "Fly low."
But they were only a block from the gas station when Richie flew up to a rooftop and shut off his skates. Fearing the worst, Virgil followed him, landing lightly beside him. "Richie-"
"I'm sorry." Richie wasn't looking at him. "I flipped out and it sounded so childish and stupid and-" His hands were shaking again; he balled them into fists in an attempt to make them stop. "I'm sorry, Virg. I know you're going through this, too. I didn't mean to act like I was two."
Virgil turned Richie's head gently with his fingertips. "Rich, I'm not angry with you. And if you want forgiveness, I'll give it. Come on; when my moms died, I screamed and kicked and threw things and tried to run away. You might lose Backpack. You're trying your best to be brave, but you can't be that way forever." Virgil hugged his lover. "Please, Rich, don't blame yourself. At least you're trying to keep it together."
Richie rested his head on Virgil's shoulder for a moment, then sighed. He stepped back and tried to dredge up a smile. It didn't work. "I love you, V."
"I love you, too."
Richie started to the edge of the roof. "I'll be okay for as long as I have to be. Let's go see what Dr. Todd has to say for himself. I guess it's too much to hope he ever thought of a cure."
"I'd rather hope than have nothing at all," Virgil answered.
Flying close together, they resumed their journey.
oOo
If anybody asks me why I'm back here with Ebon's crew, now that they've all been sprung, I can't tell you. I don't get it myself, except maybe I'm here because I can't find Virgil and Richie and I'm scared that whatever happened to Kangor happened to them. Hotstreak shut off the internal monologue All ti was doing was making him crazy, and making him worry. If I lose my powers, aside from all the fun I won't be having, who's going to protect Richie from his father? Who's going to protect both Richie and Virgil from Brainiac? Because I know them: powers or no powers, they'll still want to fight alongside the Justice League, and I have to be there for them.
He came back to his surroundings as he and Talon walked up behind Ferret, who was trying to explain to Ebon what had happened to Kangor only half an hour ago. Yeah, Talon's here, too. We just can't stay away, no matter how much we tell ourselves we hate it.
"You're not making any sense," Ebon said, glaring at Ferret.
"I don't get it neither," Ferret answered. "It was like Kangor was turning… normal."
Hotstreak grabbed Ferret's arm. No. It can't be. It can't happen. "hat's crazy."
"It was like a monster mov-" Ferret winced and dropped to the floor. He was glowing slightly and Hotstreak stepped back from him. If this was what it was like to change, Hotstreak didn't even want to be close to it.
But I'm going to change, too. Just let me stay strong until Brainiac's gone and Sean Foley's dead. Then I can't say I'll like losing my powers, but I won't complain too loudly.
Ebon approached Ferret, glaring down at him. "Get up, Ferret." His voice rose as Ferret cringed away, obviously in pain. "I said, get-"
Talon jumped between them, throwing out her wings to protect Ferret. She had never been afraid of Ebon, even in the beginning. And he never attacked her, no matter what she did. Hotstreak couldn't understand that, but he let it go. "Stop it, Ebon!" Talon shouted. "Open your eyes! He's-he's becoming human!"
Ferret glowed again, and he groaned. Hotstreak watched, unable to look away, as Ferret's strangely-shaped nose shrank.
"Just like Kangor," Talon added.
And who's next? Hotstreak turned away. I have to get to Richie and Virgil, make sure they're okay.
But before he could take a single step, Ebon said, "There's got to be some more gas. Whoever made the cure must have had some of the gas. We've got to find him."
Hotstreak turned back. If I can get more of the gas, I could help Virgil and Richie. Okay. I'll follow Ebon. For now. Besides, if I go with him, I can find out what he's up to and maybe help him get his black ass thrown back in prison.
oOo
Hotstreak considered the concrete wall. If he didn't have enough firepower, this would be a lot harder. Gritting his teeth, he shot as much fire at the wall as he could. It exploded inwards. He started forward at once. That's done; maybe I can even get us out of here without hurting anyone too badly. Richie and Virgil wouldn't like it if I put somebody in the hospital.
Dr. Todd and his assistant were on the floor; the assistant was unconscious. Damn it. Well, maybe I can keep things from getting any worse. "Hey, Doc. Remember me? Hotstreak? Thought you'd want to meet some of my pals." Stupidest-sounding introduction I've done in a while. But hey, give me a break; I'm trying to be nice here. I'm new at this. "This is Talon, Shiv-"
Ebon shoved his way past Hotstreak. "Skip the intros, Stupid. This ain't a party."
Hotstreak's hands fisted, but for the moment all he could produce was steam. "Who you calling stupid?" Talon grabbed his arm, and Hotstreak glared at her, but most his anger was saved for the shadowy asshole that stood in front of him.
Ebon lifted Dr. Todd off the floor and glared at him. "So, you're the one who came up with this lousy cure." He began to glow, and with a groan he dropped the doctor.
"Yes, and it's working. So whatever you do to me won't change a thing."
Brave, Hotstreak thought, but typical. He watched Shiv kneel beside the assistant, lifting him a little. Shiv turned his right hand into a buzz saw.
"Tough talk," Ebon said, and Hotstreak could hear the smile in his voice. "But are you sure you speak for your homeboy over there?"
Hey, if I'm on the good side, how come I'm not doing something about this?
Simple. I don't know what to do. I made things bad for Aquamaria; I don't want to screw up anyone else's life because I mess with something I don't understand. Hotstreak frowned, not sure he liked this new, cautious side to his personality.
Dr. Todd looked at his assistant for a moment, then turned back to Ebon.
Here is comes, Hotstreak thought. This is why I never wanted to have friends. But here I am, in love with two superheroes. I hope nothing like this ever happens to us.
"You had to have some of the old Bang Baby gas to make up a cure. I want whatever you got left."
I feel like I want to burn something. Hotstreak looked down at his flame-less fists and then slammed his right first into his open left palm in frustration. Ebon's right; there's got to be some of that gas still here. If I can steal that gas from Ebon, I'll take it to Richie and he can make up a cure… assuming he hasn't lost his Bang Baby smarts. And if he has, maybe just taking another whiff of the gas will help him. He glared at his fists. And me, too.
Dr. Todd glanced again at his assistant, and at Shiv, would was grinning like a little, evil gremlin. "in the safe," the doctor said, not meeting Ebon's gaze. "Over there."
"Hotstreak, open it."
Hotstreak pulled his arm free of Talon's grip. What was she trying to do, anyway? Protect him? "Open it yourself."
"Didn't you hear the man? Same thing's going to happen to you as Kangor unless you do like I say."
Hotstreak sneered. "Make me." Why is it that Ebon and Shiv get to keep their powers when I can't even make a single flame?
The air was suddenly shattered by the sound of Talon's Bang Baby scream. Hotstreak and Ebon both covered their ears as the scream went on, taking much longer than it would have if she, too, wasn't suffering the effects. The safe at last opened and Talon said, "You're both acting like jerks."
She sounds scared, Hotstreak thought. Is she afraid of being human again? He wouldn't blame her if she was, and he took a step, as if to help her, or at least shoot her an apologizing look.
Talon picked up the canister of gas. "Now let's-" She began to glow and her words turned into moans. She dropped to the floor and her wings first shrank, then disappeared. Her face, too, changed, and Hotstreak saw how pretty she had once been.
"No!" Ebon shouted. "Not Talon!"
Because she's strong and you can use her, or because you actually care? Hotstreak pushed past Ebon, thinking to get to Talon, to comfort her. His misgivings about being near her while she changed vanished.
Shiv turned his head towards the door. "Hey, look! It's-" A bolt of energy sent him tumbling away from the assistant.
As one, Hotstreak and Ebon said, "Static!"
Hotstreak thought he would never be so glad to fight Virgil and Richie. I can't really do much damage. And in the middle of everything, maybe I'll be able to grab the gas.
"You sure you're up for this?" Richie asked.
"No, but if we go down fighting, I'm glad it's against these guys."
The barest smile appeared on Richie's face. "Oh yeah. That's a real comfort."
"Burn em," Ebon ordered, seeming to forget that Hotstreak had defied him only moments ago. His eyes rested on Richie, and he looked both ready to strangle the blonde and to embrace him.
"With pleasure," since I don't have any flames to speak of, and anything to keep you from dealing with Richie yourself. He advanced on the two teens, snapping his fingers as if he was trying to start a spark. Nothing happened, of course, and Hotstreak grinned inside himself even while he put a frightened expression on his face. "What's the deal?"
Virgil, still able to fly, charged into him and sent him flying across the room. Or that's what it looked like; Hotstreak felt the cushion of electricity Virgil wrapped around him so he wouldn't get hurt. Huh. Controlled falling. Nice trick. He watched out of the corner of his eye as Richie slammed into Shiv without showing any attempt at gentleness.
Hotstreak was vaguely aware that Ebon was close to the gas, but he had to face Virgil, at least for the moment. Virgil's eyes sparkled, but Hotstreak wasn't sure if that was with anger or amusement. Damn. Does he know I'm playing? He had counted on Richie knowing it, but Richie wasn't here to remind Virgil. What do I do? Well, when push came to shove, what did he always do, assuming he didn't have any flames? I talk. "What's the problem, Sparky? You running out of juice?" Oh, yeah, that's sure to let Virgil know that I'm on his side. Way to go, Hothead.
"Ha! Look who's talking? I've seen birthday candles hotter than you."
As one, they jumped at each other, reverting to using their strength instead of their powers.
And while we fight, Ebon might get away. How do I explain that to Virgil without making it look obvious that I'm not trying to kill him? Hotstreak glanced to his right, watching Shiv, whose powers still worked, damn him, advancing on Richie, who didn't seem to have much in the way of defense. I've got to get over there. He tried to shove Virgil backwards, but Virgil had also caught sight of Richie and he was trying just as hard to defeat Hotstreak. Damn it! Damn it! He really does think I've gone back to being bad! Fuck! Hotstreak shoved even harder.
Shiv was taunting Richie, and it made Hotstreak's blood boil.
"By the time I'm done-" slice, slice with those hands-turned-to-buzz saws- "you won't even be half the superhero you once were."
Then Richie's voice, still confident even as he was forced to back up, "Then here's something-" he tossed a Zap Cap- "for you to remember me by."
Any other Bang Baby would have dropped the Zap Cap, which waited half a second before going off. Shiv wasn't most Bang Babies. He stared at the little egg-shaped thing in bewilderment.
Hotstreak waited for the explosion, hoping the Cap would tie Shiv up. Instead, it exploded and Shiv was covered in sticky goo like thick spider webs mixed with vanilla pudding.
"Yuck!" Shiv jumped at Richie again.
Ebon shouted, "Hotstreak! Shiv!" His voice was strained, and Hotstreak shoved Virgil away, surprised at his sudden strength. Flinging out his arms, he pretended to send a stream of fire towards Virgil and Richie.
Except it wasn't pretend, because his fists suddenly ignited. Richie was right in the stream's path! No, I'll take that back!
Virgil pushed Richie out of the way, shouting, "Down!"
Hotstreak leapt into Ebon's vortex, hoping the thing would hold until he got to the other side. Behind him, he heard Ebon order Shiv to get the gas. I guess we're leaving Talon. I hope she's okay. He knew Virgil and Richie would take care of her. And now I'm really screwed. Virgil must be really pissed now. How could I ruin this? How? I'm such a moron! Will they just give up on me now? He thought about trying to run back to them, but… I can't show up empty-handed. I'll have to get the gas, bring them some hope. Maybe then I can earn their trust again.
oOo
Richie was startled that Hotstreak was actually shooting flame at him, actually fighting them both, that he couldn't move. Only When Virgil shouted, "Down!" and shoved him to the floor, out of harm's way, did Richie actually understand that yes, Hotstreak had really attacked them. It made no logical sense to him, but Richie at least acknowledged that such a thing could happen.
As Ebon disappeared, taking Shiv, Hotstreak, and the gas, Richie sat up and said, "You know, if the superhero thing doesn't work out, you could have a real future in pro football."
Virgil smiled a little, then turned to look at the doctor and his assistant. "Dr. Todd, how's your friend?"
The assistant was rubbing his head, moaning softly. "He'll be fine," Dr. Todd said, his hand on the other man's shoulder.
"Looks like everybody's okay," Virgil said as he and Richie stood.
But Richie's eyes had fallen on Talon, who looked completely human again. She was moaning softly and didn't seem to have the energy to stir from her place on the floor. "No everybody."
"We'll take her to the hospital," Virgil said. "It's only a block from here." He glanced at his shield, which he'd started to unfold. "Maybe we'd better walk, just in case."
Richie nodded.
Virgil approached slowly, one hand outstretched. "We're going to take you to the hospital to get some help, okay?"
She blinked up at him, then her eyes closed and she went limp.
"Unconscious?" Virgil asked.
"Maybe, maybe not." Richie knelt and, removing one of his gloves, felt at her wrist for a pulse. Nodding, he stood and put his glove back on. "She should be okay until we get to the hospital." He reached up and touché one of Backpack's arms and his eyes closed for a moment.
"You okay?" Virgil asked as he lifted Talon into his arms.
"No. But I'll make it." Richie didn't even look at Dr. Todd. How could the man understand what it was like to lose someone? He wouldn't understand the link between Richie and his robot, even if Backpack were able to explain his end of it. There were plenty of reason to be furious at the doctor, but nothing would be accomplished by yelling at him. And after that first Zap Cap turned to mush, I don't think I'd even want to try threatening him. There's no use asking if he developed a cure. I know he didn't.
But Virgil was asking, just the same. "Dr. Todd, is there any way to undo your cure?"
Dr. Todd blinked. "Well, I suppose if you inhaled more of the gas… That's what that shadow-creature wants to do, isn't it?"
"Probably," Virgil answered. "Is there any other way?"
"Not that I know of. I certainly didn't develop anything. Trust me; you'll both be a lot happier. I heard her." He jutted his chin at Talon. "She wants to be human again. You'll get used to it."
Richie's hand went to Backpack again.
"Let's go," Virgil said, starting for the door. Richie followed, not trusting himself to look back.
They didn't talk on the way to the hospital. What was there to say? Except Richie was starting to have doubts about Hotstreak; not what the older teen had done, but why he'd done it. Is it possible he wasn't trying to hurt me? All logic argued against that, and Richie decided to keep his mouth shut. They had other concerns besides Hotstreak right now, and as much as Richie wanted to drop everything and make the redhead explain himself, he knew his duty.
By the time Talon had been set up in a hospital room, she was coming around. A minute or so after she first stirred, she asked for a mirror. A nurse brought her one- apparently many Bang Babies had asked for the same thing- and Talon gazed at her reflection, awe-struck. At first, she didn't seem to notice the superheroes, but then she spoke to them.
"It's like waking from a nightmare. And I never want to go back."
Just like Dr. Todd said, Richie thought. She wants to be human. "We're glad for you, Talon."
"Please don't call me that. My name's Teresa."
"Okay, Teresa," Virgil said, and he smiled at her, letting her know all was right between them. "But we need your help. We need to know what Ebon plans to do with that tank of gas."
"We figure he's trying to restore his powers," Richie added.
"It's worse than that. He's gonna set off another Big Bang."
Richie and Virgil looked at each other, and Richie read his own thought in Virgil's eyes: they either needed to stop that from happening, or be there when it did so they would be able to fight back. Other concerns: Brainiac, Sean Foley, Backpack, had to be secondary to stopping Ebon. Richie nodded almost imperceptibly. Let's go.
oOo
A trickle of information started in a far corner of Backpack's mind. Focusing on it, dragging his consciousness towards it, the robot realized that he was hearing an echo of Richie's thoughts. Find Ebon… Stop second… Bang. Can't find…
Backpack turned his attention to the police bands. They were all a-jumble. Channeling them through his conscious mind, he sent them, en masse, to Richie, hoping the blonde would be able to make something of them.
But Richie's mind, slowed by the loss of Bang Baby genius, couldn't cling to any of it. His frustration flooded Backpack, almost sending the robot back into unconsciousness. Then, as if he sensed that he was hurting his invention, Richie pulled back and forced himself to try focusing on the data again. Bits of thought came at Backpack again. Where… Ebon…
Richie, you can't fight Ebon! If he still ahs his powers and you don't, he could rape you again, or- But Backpack's panic was draining him. He forced it away, forced himself not to think of the future. What did Richie need? That's what Backpack would give him.
Set off… Big Bang… need to find metahumans.
One police broadcast caught Backpack's attention and he sent it with all his mind, blocking everything else, wanting Richie to get this one piece of information: Metahumans heading towards the docks. Metahumans heading towards the docks. He didn't even waste power wishing for Richie to get the message. He just sent it, over and over again, until the darkness swam up to meet him and he sank into it, unable to stay conscious any longer.
oOo
On the deserted shit, Slipstream wondered if Ebon would really be able to deliver.
He stood with others- Boom, Shiv- and hoped, though he wasn't sure for what. If I get my powers back, and Static doesn't, I can find him and take him. Or at least I can find Richie Foley and make him take me to Static. But if no one gets their powers back, that might be even better. He glanced down at himself. A few short months weren't enough to turn him into a powerhouse of muscle, but he had lost almost eighty pounds of fat and had gained ten pounds of muscle. There's still a way to go, but I can do it. I know I can. Maybe it'd work out for the best if I just back off and wait to see what happens.
Sighing, he decided, No. I misss my powers. Static aside, I want to be able to take things for my own. Ebon can help me get there, if he'll just get out here already. He called this meeting; why isn't he out here? Doesn't he understand we have work to do? Doesn't he understand we don't have a lot of time? What's he doing- fixing his hair? Slipstream grinned at his own joke, then made his face expressionless. I don't want anyone to know what I'm thinking. That's something else I'm going to change this time out: I'm going to be thinner, meaner, and stealthier.
Finally, a door opened and a tall, dark-skinned, man strode out.
Shiv asked, his voice shocked, "Where's Ebon?"
That's Ebon, Slipstream thought. He's just like the rest of us now. And, in the back of his mind, he wondered if he might be able to take Ebon in a fistfight. It's possible, even likely. I've spent these last months getting stronger while he just relied on his powers. Slipstream glanced around at the other Bang Babies. But I don't know how many of these are loyal to Ebon. Shiv is, but I can't speak for the others. He watched Ebon approach, and knew that his time wasn't yet. But I'll be ready when it comes.
oOo
They had stopped to rest and regroup on the edge of a rooftop. Richie sat with his hands gripping the edge, tension easy to read in the line of his body. Gazing out across the city, he said, "It's no use. I can't decipher Backpack's incoming police data. There's too much."
Virgil reached out, grasping Richie's hand, searching for some way to break through Richie's depression, which had resurfaced after they left Talon. He knew Richie was fighting it; he could see the strain on his boyfriend's face. But he knew his lover was fighting a losing battle. "Is there anything you can understand?"
"Just that…" Richie focused again, like a runner increasing speed for the final approach to the finish line. Virgil admired him for that extra burst of mental energy. "There seem to be some metahumans heading towards the docks." By the set of his shoulders, and the helpless gaze he turned on Virgil, it was apparent he couldn't make himself hope.
"The docks!" Virgil jumped up and Richie doggedly followed. "Where the first Big Bang happened." He met Richie's comprehending gaze. As one, they took off again, praying they would get there before it was too late. The data wasn't much to go on; the docks were huge. But hopefully they would get lucky.
oOo
Hotstreak hated himself. No two ways about it. And he knew Talon had to at least half-hate him. Here she was, back where she definitely didn't want to be, being guarded by someone who was supposed to be her friend, someone she had at least half-trusted. And I'm too much of a coward to- He stopped as rage lit him from the inside. I'm not a coward! I was never a coward! When he'd been young, teachers had taught about bullies, had taught that bullies were insecure and usually afraid. I was never like that. And I'll be damned if I'll be like that now.
Turning to Talon, he met her accusing gaze. He moved so that he was less than a foot from her, and he whispered, "I'm in love with Virgil and Richie. We're together, or at least we were before I screwed up and accidentally attacked them. I thought I wouldn't have enough power to do that, but I did. Now they probably don't trust me, but I'm going to try to regain their-"
"If they really trust you, they still trust you," Teresa said. "You just have to quit acting like a jerk and help them." She was smiling just a little, as much as her fear would allow. "Help them, and help me."
He nodded. "I will."
They could hear Ebon out in the next room, telling the other Bang Babies that they would have to serve him.
"Now's the time," Teresa said. "Let's get out there. I'll challenge Ebon and you look for a way to get that canister away from him. Just make sure it doesn't open around me." She started towards the door without waiting to see if he would follow. She lunged out into the main room, struggling with the ropes that bound her wrists. "No!"
Ebon turned and stretched out his arm, catching her around the throat. "Nobody quits, including you." But he couldn't hold the position; his arm wobbled like Jell-O and he had to pull back.
She sneered at him triumphantly. "You're scared. You were nothing before the Big Bang, and that's you're gonna be again. Nothing."
Unable to face her, Ebon turned on Hotstreak, who stood to her right. "I thought I told you to keep her quiet."
Hotstreak scowled. "No. She's right."
The main door the large room began to smoke and its sides began to melt.
Virgil! Am I glad to see you! Hotstreak started forward, but Teresa glanced at him, and he stopped. She wanted him to wait. And since she'd been right about so many other things...
Richie said, joking with his voice, if not his eyes, "You guys really need to oil these hatches."
Hotstreak read the strain in Richie's face and his heart went out to the blonde.
Extending his hand, Virgil grunted softly, using all the power he had left. "Hey!" Ebon grabbed the canister of Bang Baby gas with both hands and tried to hold it, but he couldn't.
It flew across to Virgil, who glanced at Richie and said, "Okay, now we run."
Hotstreak waited until Ebon and the others had run, then he glanced at Talon. She gestured with her head towards a bit of jagged metal where she could cut her bonds. And her wrists, if she's not careful. Hotstreak followed Ebon, knowing he was doing the right thing. Let Shiv and the Monster- Tamara, follow right on Virgil and Richie's heels- they couldn't catch them. Neither of them was clever enough, or quick enough. Hotstreak wanted to be where Ebon was in case the former shadow man tried to hurt Richie again, not to mention Slipstream, who was looking awfully buff for a guy who had topped the scales at Four hundred pounds only a few months before. Following them, Hotstreak jogged up a flight of stairs and rushed around a corner. He heard Richie ask, "Where to now?" and Ebon's reply: "Nowhere."
Then Virgil did one of the few stupid things in his life; he rushed into a small room.
"Great," Richie muttered. "A dead end."
"Got that right." Ebon shoved his way past Hotstreak, who had wanted to get in first, and advanced on the superheroes. Except his attention was almost solely on Richie.
Hotstreak wondered how he could take out all the others and manage to defend Virgil and Richie at the same time. Okay, six of them, and three of us. But first I have to get between Ebon and Richie.
Virgil moved a little so he was half-screening Richie, making his movement almost seem accidental. He didn't want to give away that he was worried about his partner.
Remarkably, it was Ebon himself who provided Hotstreak an opportunity to step in. "Take the gas from the man, Hotstreak," he said, his eyes flicking to Virgil before resting on Richie again.
"Gladly." Hotstreak stalked forward, trying to look menacing. He caught a look of understanding in Richie's eyes, and smirked, meeting first Richie's eyes, then Virgil's, praying they could read his intentions. He turned and strode out. When he was sure no one was looking, he ran.
oOo
Ebon's reason had almost been overthrown by passion when he saw Gear in the lab he, Talon, Shiv and that damned Hotstreak had broken into. The only thing that stopped him from leaping across the distance was this: he couldn't take the chance that Gear still had his powers or, worse, that they weren't Bang-given powers, but just his natural intelligence. I can still have him. I can still break him. If only I have my full powers. Then he'll submit to me, like before, but this time I'll…
What? Rape him? That took care of your need for all of three hours, remember? You can't keep taking him like that. He'll die.
But he'll never trust me again.
Make him trust you. Force him to obey you, then gain his trust slowly. Rape Shiv if you need to let off some stress. He'll submit; you know he will. Or go find Richie Foley. You know where he lives; it was in the newspaper. And the suburbs aren't far from here. Once you have your powers back, take Richie to be your whore and make Gear your lover. Of course, you'll have to kill Static.
If I have my powers and he doesn't have any, that won't be a problem.
All this had poured through Ebon's head while he stole the canister and tried to bring Talon, failing in that last because she wouldn't come close to him and he could barely hold the whirlpool open. He hadn't even looked at Gear before he disappeared, not wanting to reveal his burning desire, but also not having the strength.
And now, when he had the canister and he was ready to gain back all his old powers, Gear had appeared, as if he were a virgin sacrifice ready to be slaughtered. Ebon's eyes had lit for a moment, and for that brief moment, he'd let his guard down.
It had cost him dearly. Static took the canister.
But I have you again, Ebon thought as he advanced on the trapped, powerless superheroes in the derelict ship's cramped storage room. Static moved a little in front of Gear, protecting him, shielding him, but Ebon didn't need to touch his prize yet. "Take the gas from the man, Hotstreak." The redhead had been a thorn in his side lately, always arguing, but Ebon assumed that was fear of the unknown, of being without his powers. Hotstreak would fall back into his old role of half-here-man when they were all strong again.
Strangely enough, Static didn't try to stop Hotstreak from taking the gas; it was almost as if he'd given it over. Now why-? Wait. If Hotstreak and Static fought, who would protect Gear? Ebon's eyes narrowed as he took in the tender curve of Gear's backside. You'll be mine, soon. "Now, we're gonna lock you in here for awhile. But we'll drop in again, soon as we got our powers back." Ebon registered the furious glare Static sent him, but most of his attention was on Gear, looking for a trace of fear. He saw none, and suddenly his pants felt tight.
But Static was smiling. "You mean if Hotstreak lets you have your powers back."
Ebon whirled. Hotstreak was gone. And it did no good to ask the other Bang Babies because they weren't smart enough to put two and two together, let alone watch each other for treachery.
And when the Bang Babies still stood there, Ebon yelled, "You, go that way. You, go that way." Boom was still standing there. "Find him!" Then Gear asked, stepping right up to Ebon, as of right, "Which way should we go?"
Ebon wanted to make love to the blonde right then and there for his sheer, invincible gall. Instead, he slammed the door in Gear's face and locked it. All right, first thing I do after I have my powers is fuck Shiv. Then I go find Richie and make him mine. Then I'll kill Static and turn Gear's fear of me into love. It won't be easy, but I'm up to that.
But ten minutes later, after the ship had been searched, top to bottom, Ebon was too furious to think about any plans for the future. His one and only goal: find Hotstreak. He sent the other Bang Babies to the docks, ordering them to search the nearby buildings. (Again, Boom was the last to shuffle off, and Ebon almost throttled him.) But, alone on the vessel, Ebon remembered that some of the equipment- like the mechanical lock on the storeroom door- was still working. He dashed up to the cabin on the top deck and flicked on the surveillance screens. On the third screen he checked, there was Hotstreak, just sneaking into a room, probably to hide and sniff the gas.
Ebon ran from the room.
oOo
Richie held Backpack up to the door. "Come on, Backpack. Use your drill." His voice cracked and he turned haunted eyes on Virgil. "It's no use. He can't link to my thoughts anymore." Richie held the robot to his chest and bowed his head, squeezing his eyes shut against the threat of tears. He seemed to shut the world out. Going perfectly still, he gave up the struggle and wept, the tears tricking down his cheeks.
Richie… Virgil wanted to reach out, but he couldn't. He felt guilty enough that he couldn't share Richie's pain. Trying to touch his boyfriend would be yet another sin.
But thoughts of Ebon- of what Ebon would do- and of Hotstreak, urged him forward. He spoke, his voice clear, firm, struggling for the emotion he wanted Richie to hear. "We need to get out of here." And what? Make Ebon pay? Richie doesn't want to hear that. And even if he does, I'm not going to put it in his mind. He'd hate me for it later. "We have to do what Backpack would have wanted. And what he wanted, Rich, more than anything else, was to keep you safe. To do that, we have to escape and stop Ebon." Richie wasn't looking at him, and Virgil wanted to say, "Please," but he was afraid to talk anymore. Memories of Richie's hard voice when the blonde had half electrocuted Slipstream flashed behind his eyes. Even if that had been partially Gear's doing, Virgil didn't want to awake such feelings in his lover.
Richie raised his head, and his eyes locked with Virgil's. "Okay, V." He hugged Backpack one more time, then tucked the robot under his arm and squared his shoulders. "What else can we try?"
"I'm going to try to whip up one more blast," Virgil said, moving so that his fist was less than two inches from the door. "One, two-"
The door clicked open. Talon was standing there, looking at them.
"Of course," Virgil said, "that also works." How did Talon get here? Doesn't matter now.
Her voice was strained. "Ebon and Hotstreak set off the gas. It's gonna fill the ship."
"You better get out of here," Virgil said.
"No kidding!" She turned and sprinted away.
Richie looked to Virgil, his eyes filled with nothing but purpose. "What do we do?"
Virgil started to jog away. "Whatever it takes to stop Ebon, and save Hotstreak, if he's still worth rescuing."
"He's worth it," Richie answered. "He's trying to do the right thing. I know he is."
"Rich, how can you be so sure? I mean, if you say it's true, I trust you, but-"
"I've lost my genius powers, not my powers of observation," Richie answered. "Hotstreak still wants to be with us. And, in his own way, he was trying to stop Ebon."
"By stealing the gas? Rich, does that make sense to you?"
Richie grinned for an instant before his face hardened again as he remembered who he carried with him. "It would if I was Hotstreak. Keep in mind he's never had to be a huge problem-solver. First his fists, then his flames solved his problems for him." Richie jogged a little faster so he could meet Virgil's gaze. "Please trust him, Virg. He's worth it. I promise he is."
"Okay. We'll try it. But if he tries to hurt us…"
"We won't."
Virgil led the way around a corner, even as he heard a muffled boom from up ahead. Suddenly, the corridor was filled with swirling purple gas and both of them sank to the floor, coughing and covering their mouths.
Virgil listened to Richie coughing harshly. The blonde had lost his hold on Backpack, though he reached out to him even as his whole body shook with the strength of his coughing. He could choke to death on this. And me- why am I suddenly protected? The gas wasn't bothering his throat anymore. A soft crackle about his ears and hair startled Virgil and he almost laughed. Reaching out, he extended the electrical field away from his body, pushing the gas away from him, away from Richie. In moments, every trace of gas was gone from the corridor and Virgil stood, reaching out to help Richie to his feet.
Richie's eyes were lit with hope. "Bro, you have your powers again." At once, his eyes went to Backpack.
A beat of silence, then Backpack jumped up, crawling up Richie's legs to settle on his back.
Richie touched Backpack's arm and a radiant smile lit up his face.
"Yeah, looks like you do, too," Virgil said, resting a hand on Richie's where the blonde still held one of Backpack's arms.
"Aw, yeah! I can interpret the data stream again!" Which meant, in Richiespeak, "I can hear Backpack! I really can! And he's okay!"
Virgil gave Richie a moment, then he turned towards the front of the ship. "Come on. We have to find Ebon and Hotstreak." But even as they started away, the ship rocked as other doors, like the one that had expelled the gas into their corridor, gave way. The door two yards ahead of them exploded outward and thick, black tentacles pushed out into the hallway.
"What… is that/" Richie took a step forward and Virgil thought his boyfriend might have already guessed, though he himself had no idea.
The tentacles retreated and the two superheroes followed, too focused to feel the exhilaration of being able to fly again. Virgil wondered if some of the gas had gotten into the water and Bi Banged an octopus, though how such a creature could get on the ship was beyond him.
Soaring out onto the main deck, wanting to be above the creature when it emerged, they waited for it to come out of one of the port holes. But suddenly the deck itself exploded up and out, and they were driven back by a towering creature of shadow and flame that reminded Richie of the balrog in Lord of the Rings. Except this thing had two faces and Richie didn't think the balrog was a two-headed monster. It towered above Richie and Virgil, who were hovering near what remained of the deck. The creature roared.
"Oh man," Virgil whispered. "It's… Ebon and Hotstreak. They musta sucked up so much gas they fused together."
"Whoa." Even as Richie took off to avoid being hit by the creature's descending arm (if you could call such a shapeless bit of destructive power an arm) he thought, But they can be separated again with Dr. Todd's drug, then Hotstreak can be given back his powers. But where are we going to get a big enough dose of it to cure them before Ebon kills us? He could read the intention in the flame-shadow's eyes, and he knew Ebon was driving that brain.
oOo
Hotstreak started to unscrew the canister lid. I'll get my powers back, chase Ebon and others away, then help Virgil and Richie. He imagined their grateful kisses when they had their powers back. We never doubted you, Hotstreak. He winced. Have to tell them my name is now…
"I want that gas!" Ebon leapt on him, and Hotstreak tossed the gas so it rolled across the floor. He couldn't let Ebon get it. He couldn't take the chance that Ebon would get his powers back and leave Hotstreak helpless. Over and over they rolled, grunting, cursing each other. Hotstreak's eyes began to burn. At first, he thought hatred and anger caused this, but then he saw that Ebon's face was changing. His muscles were expanding. Ebon's clothes tore apart and he was consumed in shadow. Hotstreak, on the bottom now, began to feel his own muscles strengthening and he shoved at Ebon until they were both upright, though still locked together. Only then did Hotstreak notice the purple clouds floating everywhere. He cursed himself and struggled to get free of Ebon. The first idea failed. Second one: get to Richie and Virgil with the gas before Ebon finds them. But Ebon wouldn't let him go.
Suddenly pain raced through Hotstreak's body and he screamed, trying now just to free himself of Ebon. He saw triumph in Ebon's eyes, quickly followed by panic. We're stuck! We're stuck! His idiotic mind clanged these words in his head, and Hotstreak couldn't tell it to shut up. All he could do was struggle in vain to pry himself loose. Glancing down for a moment, he screamed again at the sight of his skin melting into Ebon's skin. No wonder he was in so much pain.
Then his legs were fusing with Ebon's and then he lost consciousness.
It lasted only a moment, but Hotstreak sensed it was for a crucial few seconds. He opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling. He had the vague impression that he was lying on his back, and he felt heavier than he ever had before.
That's because you're now two, fool.
Ebon? How the hell can I hear his-?
We're one body now.
Ebon suddenly shut up, and Hotstreak knew why. If Ebon was experiencing even half of what he was, he had a good reason to shut up. Image after image flooded Hotstreak's mind: scenes of the other Bang Babies, scenes of Adam- he knew it was Adam, but didn't know how he knew- as a very young boy. Scenes of Richie- no, Gear; he was in costume; he must be called Gear- crouching by Ebon's bed, fixing Backpack. More: two people (Ebon's parents) pleading for their lives before they were shot. Virgil in the padded room, being watched on a screen as he paced. The first appearance of Gear, who had defeated Kangor and Shiv and Talon. And yet more: not images, now, but feelings, impressions. The feel of fourteen-year old Richie pressed against him, struggling to be let free as Ebon kidnapped him after Static flew away to tend to some emergency, leaving his running buddy alone and vulnerable.
Abruptly, the flow of images and impressions stopped as they found places in Hotstreak's mind. Or rather, as they found places in the new mind that had been created between the two fused Bang Babies.
Ebon's shock ran between them, overwhelming Hotstreak's own as he tried to wonder how they could share a mind and yet retain their own thoughts. Gear is Richie Foley! Gear is Richie Foley! You've known for months and you didn't tell me! You son of a bitch, you didn't tell me! I could have had him all to myself and you- He stopped. Where does he live?
Hotstreak could feel Ebon sifting through the shared information, seeking the answer. Hotstreak threw the picture of the house in the suburbs up, not wanting Ebon anywhere near Richie. He felt guilty the instant he'd done it, knowing he was putting Richie's foster parents in danger, but it was too late. Ebon had taken the information and misconstrued Hotstreak's guilt as a sign that he'd won.
Hotstreak knew now that he could keep information from Ebon, and he only hoped Ebon didn't figure out the same thing. Because besides the obvious lack of secrecy, Hotstreak understood that Ebon had taken over their shared body. The only power Hotstreak had, in other words, was the power of deception. He clung to that power, masking it for terror, as Ebon stood, becoming accustomed to their new limbs.
Hotstreak could still see, feel and hear. He watched the gas escape the room they'd been in and realized that he was seeing it through four eyes. We have two heads, he thought.
Ebon laughed. You mean I have two heads. You're just along for the ride. Your powers are mine, but you can't use them. He looked up. The deck is right above us. He crouched to leap. Then he paused and offered Hotstreak one parting shot: Now that I know, I'll find a way to separate us, then I'll take Gear/Richie to be mine. And with Virgil dead, and Richie mine, you won't have either of them. He laughed. What makes you think they really wanted you, anyway? Why would anyone want a volatile match like you? Richie will come to trust me, but you can never earn their trust. The first time you lose your temper, it's over.
And before Hotstreak could retaliate- though he was too shaken to say anything just then- Ebon pushed them up and out onto the deck.
Richie and Virgil were there before them, obviously back at full power.
"Oh man," said Virgil. "It's… Ebon and Hotstreak. They musta sucked up so much gas they fused together."
Richie, his eyes wide behind the green tint of his faceplate: "Whoa."
Ebon shouted, "Richie, you're mine!" but all that came out was a roar.
Hotstreak snickered; it was either that or be just as horrified as Ebon. I think that lost a little in the translation, he said.
Fuck off. Ebon let loose with two streams of fire that were almost solid as flesh. He was aiming for Static, but both heroes had to dodge. Ebon followed Static with his fire, but Static was too quick. Even as Ebon tried to fry him, the cheeky teen did a flip on his disk, taunting.
They know I'm in here, too, Hotstreak thought. Do they think I wanted to be here? Do they think I'm trying to hurt them?
I told you they'd never trust you. Ebon ignored the small charges Static flung at him. They didn't even sting.
Then Richie shouted, "Static! Move!" and hurled a Zap Cap.
Now we'll know if he cares for me or not, Hotstreak thought the instant before the Zap Cap struck. If it was light, Richie was after Ebon. If it was water, he was after Hotstreak.
The Zap Cap exploded, drenching them in light.
Richie loves me! Richie loves me!
Ebon laughed, more at Richie's attempt then Hotstreak's words, and reached out, swatting Richie like a fly. The blonde tumbled through the air, only to slam into Ebon's open palm. Turning Richie in his hand, Ebon brought the teen towards him. He wouldn't have actually swallowed him, though that's what it looked like with his mouth open, but he wanted to terrify the blonde, at least for the moment, before he decided how he was going to keep him.
Virgil didn't give Ebon a chance to decide his next move. He shouted, "Gear!" and made a ball of energy in his hands as he flew. He slammed into Ebon's arm, where the wrist would have been in a man, severing the hand, at least for a moment. Richie fell, crying out, but landed on his feet. He stared up at the towering shadow-inferno, his hand going for another Zap Cap at his belt, even though he must have known it was useless.
Richie, get out of here! You can't stop him! Don't let him-
Ebon stuck his arm into his chest and was rewarded with another hand. As in his shadow-form, he could regenerate. Then he took a step, reaching for Richie again.
Only to be lifted into the air by Virgil, whose eyes were narrowed in concentration.
But, I'm huge! Ebon thought.
Guess you're not as powerful as you-
Fuck OFF, Hotstreak! He struggled in Virgil's grip.
Dimly, Hotstreak heard Richie say, "I've never seen you do this before!"
"That's nothing," Virgil answered. "Watch this." He crossed his hands for a moment and a wave of light and energy, much like the one an exploding star might make, slammed into Ebon/Hotstreak. They collapsed together, Ebon groaning and trying to get his bearings, Hotstreak rejoicing and hoping that now one of Richie's Zap Caps would defeat Ebon.
But Ebon picked himself up and the hole in his middle, where the light wave had connected, disappeared. Ebon was grinning inside himself, and Hotstreak knew what was going to happen an instant before it did.
Ebon opened up the swirling vortex, much as he would if he was still all shadow, and added suction to it. He was going to pull Virgil and Richie in. Hotstreak read the plan in Ebon's mind: send Virgil spiraling off somewhere, and carry Richie to the old hideout.
And how will you make love to him? He won't want you like this, Hotstreak taunted. But Ebon ignored him. That little detail could be tended to later. He increased the whirlpool's suction.
Richie grabbed onto a pole about ten feet away. Virgil, though… Virgil had nothing to grab. Richie watched, his eyes wide, as Virgil was dragged towards the hole.
"Oh…no…you…don't!" Virgil ground his teeth and pushed himself away from the hole a little. Then he reached out with his powers, seizing a fuel tank. He thrust it behind him so it went into the gaping vortex.
No! He's going to- Hotstreak's warning (he didn't want to die any more than Ebon did) came too late. Virgil used his powers to make the tank explode.
The pain ripped through them both, a thousand times worse than their joining together. The burning in Hotstreak's mind and body, like being dipped in dry ice, almost knocked him unconscious again. But he couldn't give in; this time, he was determined that he would stay awake. If there was the slightest chance of getting free of Ebon, he was going to take it.
Hotstreak lost all contact with the outside world as he fought just to stay awake. He didn't even feel the frigid water of Lake Dakota seeping into him as the ship sank beneath the waves.
oOo
Richie and Virgil hovered above the ship, watching it go down. There was no sign of Hotstreak, Ebon, or the creature they'd become. Their hands found each other as they watched the ship's final descent. Richie was crying again, though he didn't seem to realize it, and he gripped Virgil's hand with a strength that seemed almost impossible.
Backpack tried to soothe them both, reminding them that Hotstreak and Ebon could still be alive; water wouldn't kill either of them, just make Hotstreak a little weak. It wouldn't affect Ebon at all. He spoke to both of them silently, suing the link that had reforged between the two teens.
Virgil felt sick with doubt and a sense that something even more terrible was going to happen. Hotstreak's death, if it really was his death, felt like the first of many to come. And each would tear at him, tear at Richie, try to destroy them. He took Richie in his arms, drawing him onto the saucer and wrapping him in a tight embrace, rubbing his shoulders, his arms, as if Richie was the one who had been thrown into the chilly waters of the lake.
Richie pulled off his helmet (Backpack took it) put his head on Virgil's shoulder and wept.