Yessika: Thankies for the review! -tosses govna' ploosh- Have fun!
Tammy Tamborine: Thanks for the review! Make it longer next time! I do love to talk! Lol, more than likely you've figured that out already. xD
AnimationWickedRaven: Tankies for the review! I think this chapter is even, ummm..., awesomer!
Overactive Mind: Now now, don't rush me. Raven and Beastboy, or should I say Logan, will be fluffinated soon enough!
BrokenNevermore: Yo yo dog! Nice R-E-veiw! xD Tankies for all your reviews and keep 'em comin'! -blushy- Tankies for the complements to! I hope to improve on the chapters. For some reason the last two haven't gone as great as the others. Ah well, I'll come around. Hopefully... Anywho! Peace out doggy dog! -gigglesnort-
Rose Mage: Thanks for the review! Although, worship is a bit, hehe, funky.
Silver angel 03: gasps Oh no you did not! You challenge me to a contest with the powers of the peacing out? Fine then! Peace out to the bazzillionth power! BWUHAHAHAHAHAHA! cough Yea... Thanks for the review! .
To All Readers: Woot! I think I've got it back! -does happy good-writing dance- Hope you enjoy the sixth chapter! Also, I totally admit it. Seamus Drake is a complete Gary-sue. It suits him though, neh? If you don't agree with the Gary-sueness, don't worry. The story shall reveal itself in good time. -evil smirk-
Ah yes, I almost forgot! This chapter is dedicated to all those little biscuits at school! -gigglesnort- Mushu is not included because I've already given her a cameo and Steven isn't included because I have a more... interesting role for him. Bwuhahahaha!
Ack! Also also: The next two chapters I think, maybe one, haven't decided, will be in the full P.O.V. of our two favorite little characters. Just to give you a heads up, all the Beast Boy-Raven lovers who're dying for some fluffiness, I think you'll L.O.V.E love the next chapter!-
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"You're late." Charlie Haywood stated, staring blankly at his employee. His employee which looked /extremely/ guilty. Garfield Logan's green ears were drooped and his large, emerald eyes grew into his renowned puppy dog pout. "Don't give me that look." Charlie retorted, his gray mustache twitching and light blue eyes flashing.
This was what Logan had talked about when he said 'I had something I needed to do in Pulse City': Slaving for The Pulse. Charlie's piercing gaze lingered on Logan for a moment later until it flickered behind him where an amused Raven and Rich stood. "/And/ you brought friends?" he asked,"Come one Logan, we don't have time for this!" he added, turning to head into his mahogany office. Logan turned and beckoned Raven and Rich to enter with him.
"Well, they're here whether you like it or not. Plus, I think you might like to have Richard Grayson in your office. He is, after all, the-"
Charlie gasped, "Rich--Richard Grayson!" He asked, pointing a shaking finger in Rich's direction.
Rich sighed deeply and brushed a lock of his hair behind his ear. /This/ was why he made a habit of staying away from the tabloids. "Yea, that's me."
Charlie remained silent for a moment, eyes twinkling with admiration, "You're Richard Grayson! You're Richard Grayson!" He squealed, jumping up and down like a little girl on Christmas morning. "Can I have an interveiw?" he asked, running to his desk and grabbing his tape recorder, all the while mumbling, Amazing, truly amazing. Richard 'No Press' Grayson in my office!
Rich backed up slightly, waving his hands in front of him. "No, I think it might be best to drop it."
Charlie fumbled the recorder slightly as he continued over, "Nonsense! Nonsense, my boy! Come on, one for the record!" Raven had since gotten out of the crazed reporters way and shuffled to Logan, "Is he always like this?" She asked, her tone sounding slightly amused.
Logan shook his head slowly, "Nah, but Rich is the goldmine for any reporter. He hates being interviewed so it makes the story extra rare."
Raven eyed him, "Then why haven't you interviewed him?" she asked as if it was a no-duh.
"Yea, well, I was-" he paused and frowned slightly, "You're right! Why haven't I interviewed him?"
Raven sighed. "Idiot..."
"Ummm... Logan!" Rich called in despair, the recorder now doing it's job. Logan focused his attention back on Rich and his crazy employer.
"Haywood, can this wait? We've really gotta get going." Charlie looked broken as he turned toward the changeling. Rich, on the other hand. looked relieved. "Don't worry, you can have him later." Logan added, smirking. Rich's smile dropped as Charlie grinned in triumph.
"Very good Logan!" He said, turning off the recorder, striding to his desk, and slicking his short gray hair back in repose. "Now, what are you here for again?"
Logan rolled his eyes, "I'm here to find out, sir. You know, you called me a few-'
"Oh yes, yes. Now I remember, Seamus Drake." said Charlie, seating himself. He waved at the chairs in front of him, "Hurry up and take a seat." Raven seated herself quickly, being a few feet away from the first chair, and Logan went for the second one. "Whoa, whoa, Logan! Please, that's for our guest." Logan turned toward Rich, who looked pleased with the gesture, and slipped past him with a 'haha' look plastered on his face. Logan frowned. "Now, I've decided to be nice about this predicament-" Charlie continued, "-and give you this story. Plus, it seems Mr. Drake enjoyed your last interview." Logan flinched. Why did he feel so uncomfortable around that guy? "He's holding a press conference this afternoon in the Plaza. He asked me to invite you. I'm guessing that he won't mind Mr. Grayson there either, although this... What's your name again?" He asked, looking at Raven.
She glanced toward Logan, as if asking if it was okay. He nodded and she answered, "Raven Roth, Mr. Haywood."
"Well, I'm not sure he'll want Ms. Roth there." Raven kept her facial expression blank but Logan could see her fists clenched. He wasn't happy with Charlie's response, but he remained calm. The last thing he needed was an angry Haywood. The guy could send him anywhere and he had no desire to head for the Amazon.
"Anyway, you're going and that's the end of that." Charlie continued, leaning back in his black, extra comfy, looking chair. "I don't care what you had planned, it's canceled. If you were planning to travel, to bad. This takes priority."
Raven and Rich looked dumbfounded at the man's authority. Logan sighed, "Fine fine, don't get your underwear in a wad. I'll be there."
Charlie nodded quickly and began fingering through the papers in front of him. "Well, why're you still here?" he asked a moment later, "Out, out, I have work to do!"
Logan chuckled and turned, Raven and Rich following.
"He seems a bit conceded..." Raven observed upon entering the hall. Rich nodded, "And crazed..."
Logan laughed, "Yea, that's Charlie for ya."
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The Plaza - Downtown Pulse City
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Logan checked his watch once again, ignoring the stares he was getting from the massive crowd surrounding himself, Raven, and Rich, who had opted to get some sun glasses and a rain coat to keep his identity under control. After their run in with Charlie, the Wayne Enterprises owner seemed to become a bit more wary of who saw him. You know, just in case more of the nutcase journalists were running around.
The time was twenty past three, and the crowd was becoming more anxious for the coming speech. If Logan had thought the last crowd was big, this one would be considered titanic! Even the roads had to be closed to fit them all! He glanced toward the stage, which could just be seen from where he was standing, and watched as a few figures ran here and there, setting up for Seamus Drake. Raven shuffled about nervously, not used to being in such a crowd. A dog whistle came from somewhere behind them and Logan turned to see a burly man coming toward them. He passed by Logan quickly enough but stopped in front of Raven and winked before continuing.
"Did he just?" Rich asked, jaw dropped.
"He totally did." Logan replied, rolling up his sleeves, "And buddy is he in for-" His threat was cut off as the man jumped with a yelp, a large hole revealing the back of his boxers. Raven smirked and mumbled, "Sexist pig..."
Logan calmed himself and started to unroll his sleeves, "Dude, nice one one Raven! High fives!" The green man raised his arm, which Raven simply stared at. He flinched slightly and lowered it, "Umm... right."
The speakers blared as a woman, Vixen Broadway as Logan knew her, stepped to mic. "I thank-you for coming today." she began, her voice oddly sensual. Rich and Logan sighed deeply, along with most of the other men in the audience, and she continued, "I am Vixen Broadway and I have been elected to introduce my employer, Seamus Drake." At the mention of his name, the crowd lit up with cheers and applause. Vixen smiled widely at the reaction, "Before I do, however, I would like to inform you that Mr. Drake will be announcing something very important, and warn you to prepare for his announcement." The crowd grew silent with aw and whispering sprung up. "And now, without further ado, Seamus Drake!" She stepped back from the mic. and began clapping, along with the crowd, as Seamus Drake, platinum blond hair pulled into a low ponytail and blue eyes sparkling with excitement, stepped from backstage. The crowd roared and Logan covered his ears quickly, now cursing his sensitive hearing.
"Thank-you Ms. Broadway," Seamus said happily as he reached his destination," for the amazing introduction! And thank-you everyone,"he added, turning to the crowd, his smile wide, " for coming today! I hope that your drive was safe?" The crowd continued to woot and cheer, as if a god stood on the stage before them. "Ah, very good! Very good! Now, if you may settle, I shall continue." The crowd silenced instantly.
"Quite a presence this guy has, huh?" Rich whispered to Logan.
"You have no idea." he replied, almost sounding cold. What was it about this guy!
"Your conformation is appreciated greatly! Now, I would like to address a serious issue. A /very/ serious issue. You have no doubt heard of the disappearances of the Titans', who have protected our cities and nations for years."
"We're not that old, are we?" Raven whispered, sounding amused. Logan and Rich chuckled.
"As you well know, I'm deeply disturbed by our loss. The rates of crime and even death has grown largely in the weeks passed. Our families are suffering because the government fails to act!" Some in the crowd looked on oddly, as if doubting what he had just said. The others, however, had begun to cheer his name with whispers, praying that his announcement would come. "And so I am here today to announce that I, Seamus Drake, am taking up office as the new President of the United States of America."
All was silent. Even the birds in the trees and the cars on the streets, or so it seemed. Logan, Rich, Raven, and everyone else in the crowd looked on with disbelief/re/lief, and, in Logan's case, anger.
Then came the cheering. The huge, ground shaking, ear splitting cheering of almost 25,000 people stuffed into Pulse City's Downtown Plaza. It echoed throughout the city, sending flocks of birds from the trees and the surface of Plaza Lake vibrating. Logan covered his pointed ears once again and winced. So much for cat-like hearing! Raven and Rich seemed to resist the need for coverage with great intensity
Seamus Drake smiled his world renowned smile once again as the cheering continued. He pumped the air lightly with his left hand as a gesture for silence and continued. "I am glad that you're pleased. I will take this moment to thank your former president for his great offer. Although I believe that during his time in office he served his country extremely well, the need of our great nations was too great for him to handle."
I wonder what happened to Wilson... Thought Logan, his ears still ringing. Why would he just back-down so easily?
"Now, I have yet another great announcement to make. As your Commander and Chief, I have decided to initiate the R.P.A, or Residential Protection Act, until our beloved Titans' return." He smirked and turned to the left, leaving the crowd staring with excitement. A large boom came from backstage and a moment later a large machine stepped forth.
The mechanical man towered high above Seamus's head. Just how tall it was, Logan had no idea, but the thing was massive. It's steel skin flashed in the afternoon sun and it's large, box-like head swiveled on it's shoulders, taking in the crowd. "He is our CPU, and from now on will patrol our cities. I hope that he will eliminate our troubles and allow peace to flood the streets once more." Seamus continued, turning once again to the crowd. "This operation will be funded completely by me, leaving you tax free in this affair. My only hope is that our great nation will be safe once again to walk the streets and that our lives will continue with ease..."
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The Plaza - Downtown Pulse City - Stage right
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After the crowd had dispersed, at least most of the crowd, the trio had headed for the stage, hoping that Seamus had waited for the shape shifter. As Logan thought back on the speech it seemed to blur through his mind, questions swirling every which way. Why had he started R.P.A.? Why did President Wilson resign? Why, oh why, did he hate the man so much? He sighed with frustration and continued on. I should be celebrating, right? He asked himself as the stage loomed even closer now. I mean, Seamus Drake is now president. The world's leading political figure is now /our/ president. I should be happy, right/Right?
Logan slowed as he came to the stage. A small crowd had lined the path leading to it. The journalist recognized a few of the people. Destinee Bliss, a fellow reporter for The Pulse, stood there, along with Rebecca Schrenk from the Examiner, Sarah Pickens from The Grade, and Gavin McCort, the renowned loner.
"Who're all these people?" Rich asked, nodding toward the group. "Fans or something?"
"Nah." Logan replied, "Journalists, reporters, you name it. They're all here to get a piece of Seamus more than likely." As he finished, the one called Destinee turned toward them. "Ah! Logan! You're here! I was wondering if you'd ever show up!" She sounded enthusiastic enough, although the other journalists looked less than happy.
"Oh yay!" called Aaron Smith sarcastically, pulling out of the line and heading in the trio's direction, "Now we can have Mr. Green over here steal yet another one of /our/ stories!"
Rich and Raven glanced at each other, their looks holding slight amusement and worry. Who knew the world of journalism was so competitive?
Logan scuffed, "I think that would hurt if I actually cared what a sniveling two year old thought." he retorted, smirking. Aaron had always given him trouble. The man was his age, turning twenty-two a few months before himself, and had been his arch-rival in the newspaper world for as long as he could remember. He was conceded. He played dirty. And worst of all, he was filthy, stinkin' rich.
Aaron cringed slightly but continued none the less,"Quite the talker for one of your... color." he chuckled.
Logan's emerald eye flashed with anger, "I'd watch my mouth if I were you pretty boy."
"Oh, is that a threat?"
"It could be."
Aaron opened his mouth to answer but Destinee stepped between them. It was an odd sight actually. /Very/ odd. Two men stood opposite each other, two very tall men, glaring daggers. And then there was Destinee, just gracing 5'2".
"Back off Logan. This is no time to fight! Especially over something stupid like this." She said sternly Logan seemed to growl slightly and for a moment his pupils narrowed dramatically, looking like a cat's, but he none-the-less backed off.
Aaron smirked. "I thought so..." he mumbled, turning on his heel and heading for the line once more.
"I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say he's a competitor." Raven stated, trying once again to straighten her cowlick plagued hair. Logan nodded.
"So, how have you been Logan?" Destinee asked after a moment, looking up at her friend, "And who might these two be?"
"This is Raven Roth." Logan replied, relaxing greatly and pointing toward Raven. "And this is Richard Grayson. They're old friends."
Rich flinched at the mention of his name. "You just had to go there..." he mumbled darkly, casting him a 'Just wait, you're gonna get it' look through his sunglasses.
Destinee extended a hand to Raven, "Ah, pleased to meet ya both. I'm Destinee, although Des works best."
Raven took it and shook. Des nodded in Rich's direction, "Relax boy, I'm not gonna interview you." she turned to Logan, a bemused look on her face, "I'm guessing he met Charlie?"
Logan nodded and Rich relaxed, although he still grimaced at the thought of being called boy for the second time in the last six hours. "Please to meet ya Des." Rich ventured, "I'm guessing you work for The Pulse?" She bobbed her head.
"So, how's life been treatin' ya, BB? Any interesting stories lately?" Logan went to respond but was cut off by Raven's startled voice.
"You-you just called him BB!" she said, trying to keep her voice low.
"Well, that's his name, isn;t it?" she asked.
Raven turned to Logan, Rich by her side, "You told her!" They yelled together, Raven waving an accusing finger inches from his nose.
He nodded nervously and backed away, "Dudes, calm down. Des is one of us." Rich back off but Raven still eyed him. She looked... concerned? After a moment her violet eyes flickered to Des, "And how do you know this?" she asked, pointing an accusing finger. "For all we could know she's some sort of spy!"
Logan and Des glanced at each other before bursting into laughter simultaneously. "Des! A spy? Yea right!" Logan retorted, "That'll happen whenever Will Ferrel actually learns to be funny!"
Des continued to chuckle, "Good one!" she replied, giving him a high five. "Oh yea..." she paused, "So they died?" The duo remained silent for a moment before falling into another fit of laughter. Raven and Rich glanced at each other. "I think he's gone mental..."
Logan sighed and whipped an imaginary tear from his eye. "Ah, good times, eh?"
Des nodded in accordance, "Good times indeed."
"Ah, Mr. Logan, there you are!" A voice called from the stage, causing all of them to turn. Coming toward them was the infamous form of Seamus Drake, the red-headed Vixen Broadway in tow. "I've been waiting for you!"
Logan forced a smile and greeted the man, "I'm sorry to keep you waiting, sir. Old friend's to catch up with."
The politician nodded and smiled, "Come now Logan. As I've said, sir is unneeded. Call me Seamus!" Logan chuckled half-heartedly.
"Very well, Seamus." The shape shifter corrected, 'Aw, also, I'd like you to meet my friends. This is Raven Roth." He said, nodding in Raven's direction, "And Rich Grayson."
"Ah, Richard Grayson." Seamus said, heading for him. "It's an honor to meet you. I've heard so much."
Rich grinned, "Thank-you, Mr. Drake, or should I say President? I have to say that it's an honor to meet you also."
Seamus nodded and turned toward Raven, "And, Ms. Roth, I must say that it is an honor to meet you as well." He smiled widely and the breeze ruffled his hair. Raven seemed to blush slightly, but only for a quick moment, before responding. "I assure you, Mr. Drake, that the honor is completely mine."
Logan fought his jaw drop with all his strength, trying to keep under control. H-how did he? She blushed! Gah! That's all it takes? A cool smile and some wind? I'm such an idiot...
Seamus turned toward the baffled Logan and said,"Well, shall we get going? I'm afraid you fellow journalists may be planning a riot." Logan glanced behind them and instantly knew what the man was talking about. The group of journalists had since joined a semi-circle and were whispering amongst themselves, every once in awhile casting curious and envious (especially on Aaron's part) looks.
Logan nodded and Seamus headed off toward his limo, which had driven up a moment before. Raven and Rich followed, mumbling excitedly. Am I the only one who doesn't like this guy in one way or another!
The green man turned to Des and smiled, "I'll update you later, okay. It was great to see ya again."
Des smiled widely, "Yea, just like old times."
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Charleston Hotel - Downtown Pulse City - Room 798
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"Ha, yes, it was odd, wasn't it?" Seamus asked, grinning widely. The group had relocated to his hotel room and now were engaged in a small chat. The subject? Wilson's resignation.
"I can only thank him for stepping down. It takes a strong mad to walk away from that kind of position. It was for the better though, at least we believe. Hopefully now out cities can be safe once again." Logan nodded and shot something down on his notepad. His recorder, of course, was set on the table before him. It's red light flashed as it recorded.
Logan could hear Raven an Rich exploring the foyer to his right, just out of ear shot. He sighed before continuing, "We can only hope. Now, what's with this R.P.A system? How can you pay for it?" He queried.
Seamus smirked widely, "I will only say that I am well funded and I assure you that it will continue until the return of our beloved Titans." he paused and pondered the rest of his answer for a moment. "The Residential Protection Act has been a dream of mine since I was a boy. The robots, of course, were not part of the original plan. I feel immensely lucky to be able to put my dream into action. All the world will know about this and, hopefully, will appreciate it fully."
Logan nodded happily and pinned a smile on his face, although he felt as if he would explode with all the thoughts swimming through his head. His friend's seemed to like Seamus, right? Why shouldn't he? "Sounds like you've really got your heart set on this." He paused, "So, how will this work? And when will this all start?"
"Actually, as we speak my machines are being distributed across the country. In a matter of hours our lives will become as protected as before. Perhaps even more..." He smiled and once again it sent shivers down Logan's spine. What is with me! This guy is great! He's like the savior for these people! They all love him and so should I! Right?
"Wow... You're certainly hurrying through this." Logan commented, "I'd think someone of your political prowess would've waited for a vote or something."
At this, Seamus shrugged, "As I've stated, the people needed it. And by the reaction in the park, I don't think they mind."
Logan's ears pricked as he heard the door open behind him. "Sir, someone to see you." Vixen Broadway stated. "It's urgent." Seamus nodded and she exited, leaving the scent of rose wafting through the air.
"I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me..." The politician said, standing. "And I'm so very sorry I've cut our time short again."
Logan stood also, "It's no problem. My friend's seem to be getting anxious." He replied, chuckling for once. Seamus smiled and headed for the door.
"I'll call Mr. Haywood about rescheduling. It may be later than he hoped, seeing my calender is full at this point. Please tell him I'm sorry."
Logan nodded and said, "No problem, I don't think he'll mind."
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Charlie Haywood's Office - Downtown Pulse City
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"Mind? MIND! This guy announces he's president of the U.S. out of the blue and he doesn't think I'll mind! Of course I mind! This is the biggest story to hit the racks since The End." Logan glanced behind him just in time to see Raven flinch at the mention. I really hope Charlie didn't see that... He thought, turning back to face his enraged boss. "And he doesn't think he'll be able to reschedule any time soon! Uggg! This'll ruin our chances at top spot."
Logan rolled his emerald eyes. "Charlie, we've held the top spot for almost three months now. I don't think one little story will harm our chances."
"Logan, this isn't just a /little/ story. This is /huge! We have to have to be the first to get an interview with this guy!" He paused, his mustache twitching as it did when he grew angry, "Get me this interview first or you're fired." Logan sighed. This is what? The fourth time he's threatened me with that?
Charlie huffed and turned to face his window. "Logan, out. I need time to think..." The shape shifter stood, nodded, and headed for the door, friends tailing behind once again.
Once they were in the hall, Raven couldn't help but ask, "Logan, is he actually gonna fire you?"
He smirked and shook his head. "Charlie? No way, he's said that many times before and looky, I'm still here." He couldn't help but noticed she still looked distressed. "Raven, don't worry about it. He'll mellow out in a few days." She glared at him for a moment and passed, shoving him slightly.
"Well, somethings never change." Logan mumbled once she was out of range.
Rich nodded, "Maybe, or maybe not. You know as well as I do she hates to think about The End. If I was in her position, I'd be biting peoples heads of left and right."
Logan chuckled, "Yea, I guess you're right."
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Mesa Crazy: Bwuhahahaha! Another chapter down the drain!
Govnas' and Duckies': Woot woot!
Mesa Crazy: I luff you guys! All the reviews! All the compliments! Ack! I can't stand it anymore! Hug me!
Govnas' and Duckies': Run away! -flee-
Mesa Crazy: Darn it! I told you that was a little too much love! Curse you Blanket of Doom! -shakes fist-
Blanket of Doom: BWUHAHAHAHAHAHA! I chased aways all your little reviewers! Bwuhahahahaha!
Mesa Crazy: -sniff- You'll back to me, right?
Blanket of Doom: Bwuhahahahahaha!
Mesa Crazy: Come back to me!