32 Productions Presents…
A Teen Titan Fan Fiction
The Teen Titans in…
"A Happy Decapitated Saint Day to You"
Chapter Two
Atop Run-down Apartment Complex
Hit pulled her mask down, allowing her to breath easier. Her gloves and sleeves had blood on them. Her shirt had a few splatters on it too. Sighing, she began running through the mission in her head to make sure she didn't forget anything.
Hit: Job objectives. Eliminate rival drug lord via undeniable proof of illegal activity. Dispose of all traffickers and body guards and incriminate drug lord. Task completed by stabbing and slitting throats. Drug lord given a large dose of his own medicine, so to speak, and given the knife along with a helping of the blood left over. Cops tipped off and drug lord keep around until arrival. Escaped unseen via fire escape. Police conclusion? Drug lord murdered his own employees in a fit brought on by bad trip. Multiple counts of murder, possession and intent to sell. Mission completed.
She pulled her mask back up and began traveling the roof tops to where she parked her car. Time to go home…and then attend to this…loneliness. She thought back to when she collected the equipment for this job.
FLASHBACK
She was in her sewer storage room when a rose appeared floating next to her. Hit's arm shot out and grabbed Red X by his throat.
Hit: I've warned you about this how many times? I'm in no mood to deal with you today, Red X.
Red X became visible. She released him and he rubbed his throat.
Red X: Is that anyway to thank me?
Hit stared at the rose he extended to her.
Hit: …is this supposed to flatter me?
Red X: Now you're flattering yourself. I figured you didn't have anybody, so I got you a present for Valentine's Day.
Hit took some gas pellets from a canister on the wall.
Hit: You assume much.
Red X: Just taking the stupid flower, would you?
Hit took the rose and regarded it for a moment.
Hit: …it's fake.
Red X: Of course it is. It would rot otherwise.
Hit: …what am I supposed to do with it?
Red X: …I dunno. What do you WANT to do with it?
Hit: Throw it away. It's useless.
Red X shook his head.
Red X: You need help, you know that? You're going to go through life like a machine. Do you care about ANYONE?
Hit thought for a moment. Yes…yes she did. Victor…there was something about him that made her…made her feel so close to being…human. Her smiles were less forced. The emotion in her voice was less fake when he was around. Since her first mission against the Titans she had been getting closer to him. They go out often…she's even helped on his projects.
Hit: …perhaps. Why?
Red X shrugged.
Red X: It's just that with your way of life, you're probably going to kill him someday…assuming it is a "him".
Hit: …that can't be helped.
Red X leaned against the wall and waved a finger at her.
Red X: Ah, ah, ah. It CAN be helped. You're just afraid to try.
Hit: I have not known fear since…I can't recall when it was. I think I've been afraid before…but it seems so long ago.
Red X: You're missing the point. Once this person is gone, do you know what will happen?
Hit shook her head.
Red X: You'll retreat further and further into this emotionless shell of yours. Your only hope of salvation is to find a way out.
Hit held her head.
Hit: Don't say that.
Red X: Say what?
Her headache was worse then ever before.
Hit: Get out…please get out…
Red X wasn't sure what was going on, but he decided to do as she said…just to be safe. Hit thrashed around, clutching her throbbing skull. She staggered over to the wall and hit her head against it. Focusing on actual pain seemed to help dull this mentally induced headache. Finally it faded away enough for her to continue preparing for her job.
END FLASHBACK
Now she just had to drop of some things, get cleaned up, run a few errands, and then she could go visit the tower. Victor and she had some things to discuss.
Titan Tower: Training Room
Robin gave the wooden dummy a spin kick. Shade sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.
Shade: Come on, man. You've got to spot me some money here. I'm running out of time.
Robin: I told you I don't have any money on me.
He gave the dummy a 1-2 punch combo.
Robin: Ask one of the others.
Shade threw his hands up.
Shade: Like I haven't tried! Cyborg's broke from buying parts. Starfire bought everybody stuff so she's broke. Terra's missing, Beast Boy wouldn't give me money unless he was under pain of death and I'm not that desperate yet. Raven won't give me any money, and even if she did, it would really defeat the purpose, wouldn't it?
Robin sighed. This was getting annoying. Personally, he thought Shade should stew in the mess he made. Then again, he had seen Raven upset before.
Robin: You don't have to buy anything. Make her something.
Shade: …your cheapskate method intrigues me. What should I make?
Robin: I don't know. You're a decent artist. Draw her something. If you know how to whittle or something like that, make her a figurine. It's not that hard.
Shade thought for a moment.
Shade: Yes…that's it! You're a life saver, Boy Wonder! I'd kiss you, but I'm not that kind of guy!
Shade ran off, leaving Robin slightly confused. He went to his room and light a candle. He didn't have lights because he usually didn't need them. Now he needed light, not to see, but to have shadows to work with. He had never done this before…but he was sure he could do it.
Main Room
Starfire flew around Terra, trying to peer inside the small bag she held.
Starfire: Please, Terra? I implore you. Allow me to see your gift for Beast Boy?
Terra shook her head.
Terra: Sorry, Star. Not that I don't trust you, but…well…you're known for spilling secrets.
Starfire landed next to Terra and put her hands on her hips, indignant.
Starfire: I have done no such thing.
Terra sighed. She didn't want to do this…
Terra: What about the time Raven had that rash?
Starfire sweatdropped and bit her finger lightly.
Starfire: Er…well…that was a slip of the tongue.
Terra: And the time Beast Boy broke Robin's picture frame and was trying to buy a new one before he noticed?
Starfire: …that was simply honesty. Robin deserved to know.
Terra: And the time Shade ate the last of the cookies and you and I promised not to tell because it was an accident?
Starfire sighed and her shoulder's slumped.
Starfire: You are right. Oh, before I forget, I should inform you that Beast Boy is back from the card shop…MALL! I meant mall!
Terra shook her head and sighed.
Terra: Case in point. He bought me a card? That's it? …oh well. It's not like it's my birthday…and it's the thought that counts…yeah.
Woods
Jinx pulled the wig off her head and tossed into her bag. Sonic coughed and held his ribs for a moment.
Sonic: Like I said, kill me if it'll make you feel any better. I just wanted you to know I was sorry.
Jinx kicked him in his stomach. He gasped and hunched forward, panting.
Jinx: Sorry! SORRY! You broke my heart!
Jinx brought her knee up into his face, catching him in the mouth.
Jinx: You left me all alone! And why?
She backhanded him. He fell, groaning. Tears trickled down Jinx's face.
Jinx: Because you were bored. I BORED you!
Sonic: …it was the biggest mistake I ever made.
Jinx kicked him over so that he was on his back and put her foot down on his throat.
Jinx: I'll say it was.
Familiar Voice: Well, well, well. Look who it is. The crud muncher who was too good to hang out with the HIVE Five.
Jinx froze. Oh no…not now. Gizmo lowered himself down from a tree with his spider-legs. The others stepped out from behind the foliage, Kid Wycked teleporting in last. Jinx looked down at Sonic.
Jinx: You…you brought them here!
Sonic: (raspy) Wasn't me.
Gizmo snickered and held up a small device.
Gizmo: Been tracking you since you got into town, Jinx. See, I got all your DNA on record just in case somebody pulls something.
Mammoth: Yeah, like running off with a dork in yellow spandex and leaving us frozen solid!
Jinx didn't know what to do. As good as she was, she doubted she could take them all. Not to say she wouldn't try…but she really didn't want to.
Jinx: I told you it wasn't personal.
Seemore: Yeah, well when you're put in a deep freeze it's hard to NOT see it as personal.
Jinx sighed.
Jinx: And here I was hoping we could just let bygone be bygones. …what have you guys been doing since I left anyway?
Billy: Not much. Just a few robberies here and there.
Billy: Yeah, things have been plum boring.
Jinx smirked.
Jinx: Figures. Come on, I realize I screwed up pretty bad. I got dumped for stealing a necklace, relationship didn't turn out so good. So let's just forget about the whole, "frozen in ice" thing and go back to the way things were.
The others looked like they were actually considering it. Gizmo slapped himself in the forehead.
Gizmo: Hey! Snotwads! She backstabbed us! Focus!
Jinx: Now that's funny coming from you. You want to fight, let's go. Just remember I offered to let you guys slide and join you again.
It was a feeble bluff, but the best she had. She was also stalling for time so she could think of a plan. One was already formulating in her mind. Mammoth cracked his knuckles.
Mammoth: Let's get her!
Before they could charge her, they were knocked back with a sonic blast. Sonic stood, wiping his mouth with one hand, the other pointed toward them.
Sonic: You really want to join them again?
Jinx glared at him. She didn't need his help.
Jinx: What do you care?
Sonic: A lot actually. I don't expect you to believe me…but I've changed a lot and I realize what a good thing we had. That's why I had to apologize before I died. So do you want back in or not?
Jinx: …yes. Why?
Sonic cupped his hands and put them in front of Jinx's mouth. The HIVE started to get up.
Sonic: Say, "You forgive me and want me to join again". Do it quick and use those exact words.
Jinx looked confused but did as he said. They looked at her for a second.
Billy: …maybe we should forgive her.
Gizmo: …yeah…people make mistakes, I guess.
Seemore: She WAS a good leader.
Jinx's jaw dropped. She turned to Sonic how had started coughing again. At least this time he covered his mouth.
Jinx: How…?
Sonic: Hypnotic suggestion. The first sonic blast left them dazed and let's face it, none of them are real mental giants anyway. Their wills are weak.
Jinx: How come you never did that before?
Sonic: I can't use my own voice…and I have to know exactly what you're going to say.
Jinx frowned.
Jinx: You think this will make me forgive you?
Sonic: No. I don't think anything will. I'll see you around.
Sonic turned and walked off. Jinx bit her lip. She shouldn't…but…what if…? Well…
Jinx: Wait. Come back with us…I want to know exactly what's happening to you. You look terrible.
Sonic: …alright.
Jinx: …and maybe…just maybe I'll forgive you. But don't put any money on it.
Sonic just coughed and followed them back to the lair.
Outside Titan Tower
Her heart pounded as fast as her head was, Melissa rang the doorbell. In time a voice came from the speaker.
Starfire: (intercom) Yes?
Melissa pressed the button under the device.
Melissa: Starfire, it's Melissa. Is Victor in?
Her response was the door opening and getting caught in one of Starfire's vicious hugs of doom. Her spine cracked in protest to the pressure being put on it. Melissa's vision swam, already blurred from the pain from her head.
Starfire: Hello my friend! A most wonderful and joyous Valentine's Day to you! We were just about to exchange the presents! Please, join us.
Melissa sighed in relief as she was put down. She had wanted to talk to Victor right away…but she supposed that wasn't going to happen. She could wait…she was strong. The Titans were all gathered in the main room. Shade, however, was still missing. Raven sat with her fists tightly clenched.
Raven: If he doesn't show up…if only to say "Happy Valentine's Day", I'll murder him. I'll splatter his blood up and down these halls. I will. I really will.
Robin: Where's Shade?
Raven's eye twitched at the question, but she didn't answer. Honestly, she didn't know. Terra shrugged.
Terra: He has a sign on his door that says he's very busy and any interruption would be treated harshly.
Cyborg: Meaning he's asleep.
Terra: Probably.
Raven's facial tick was getting worse, but she refused to lose control. Not right now. Not in front of a guest.
Beast Boy: His loss. Let's just go.
Robin: …yeah, alright.
Beast Boy grinned and handed Terra a card. It was horribly dull. No joke or anything like that. Just a picture of two dogs lying next to each other. One dog had its head on the other's.
Terra: …uh…thanks…
Beast Boy: Well…open it.
Terra opened it and inside was a slip of paper. It had a crudely drawn picture of Beast Boy's face. Terra raised a stony eyebrow.
Terra: "Free Mall Pass"?
Beast Boy: Yep! Next time you want to go to the mall, you tell me and we go together. It'll be on me and I'll carry everything. …er…just wait until I get some actual spending money.
Terra smiled a little. Not the greatest gift in the world…then again, buying stuff without spending her own money was good. She pecked him on the cheek.
Terra: Thanks, Gar. Here.
Terra handed him a bag. He reached inside and pulled out a DVD. His eyes widened.
Beast Boy: "Night of the Goo Beasts"! Sweet, I love this movie!
Terra: Special edition.
Beast Boy hugged Terra tightly. If Terra's face was capable of it, she'd blush. Melissa watched, her headache getting worse. She…she was really lonely now. Looking at how happy they were…was she ever happy? She wasn't jealous…just curious. Robin handed everybody a card…well, not Melissa because he didn't know she'd be there. Starfire hid her disappointment. Why couldn't he get her anything special? Even getting TWO cards would be nice. Starfire handed out…something. The Titans weren't sure what they were. They appeared to be some sort of ticking sphere…and they smelled funny.
Cyborg: Uh…Star? What is this?
Starfire: An Orb of Constant Noise. It is used as a relaxation method, much like your metronomes of Earth. I have many. There is no way to rewind them so when they wind down, it is for good.
They sweatdropped. Finally Shade appeared. Raven regarded him with an icy glare. He was sweating for some reason.
Shade: Am I too late?
Starfire: Not at all! Here!
Shade took the orb.
Shade: …an Orb of Constant Noise. …er…thanks.
Starfire: I welcome you!
Robin handed him his card.
Shade: …seriously, why do you give these things out? Nobody but Starfire ever gives you anything.
Raven elbowed him in the stomach. Not very hard, but enough to know she was upset.
Raven: You're being rude.
Shade: I think you're mad at me again.
Raven: What was your first clue, genius?
Shade: Well, maybe this will smooth things over.
Shade handed her a small statuette. It seemed to be made of ebony or something because it was pure black. It was in the shape of a bird, wings spread. Raven took it from him slowly. It wasn't heavy…ebony was usually heavy, wasn't it?
Raven: (softly) It's…very nice. …thank you. What's it made of?
Shade: Shadows.
Raven almost dropped it.
Raven: You gave me a statue that I can't put near a lamp?
Shade: Pfft, no…well, maybe. That's a perma-shadow.
Everybody gave him a blank look. He shrugged.
Shade: It's the best name I could think of. It's a shadow that won't dissipate ever. I've spent the last two hours pulling it together.
Raven was a little freaked out by the idea she was holding a shadow, but didn't show it. A shadow that never went away...that gave her an idea for a poem. She placed it on the table.
Raven: …I'll give you your present later.
Raven's voice echoed in his mind through the link they shared.
Raven: In private.
Shade's eyes widened under his sunglasses.
Terra: (sing song) Shade's blushing.
Shade: (defensive) I am not.
Melissa cleared her throat. She could wait no longer. Her vision was starting to dim. She struggled to keep herself from looking as bad as she felt. The pain in her head had started to spread down her body. She had never let it go on this long before. When did it stop? Did it stop? Or would she die first?
Melissa: I'm sorry to interrupt, but I really do need to speak with Victor in private.
Cyborg looked a little confused. She knew why. In her current state her ability to act had dramatically been reduced. Her monotone emotionless voice must have sounded familiar.
Melissa: The hall should suffice.
She stood up and walked toward the door. Cyborg followed. Once they were a little ways in, she turned to him.
Cyborg: So what's up? …you okay? You look a little pale.
Melissa: …Victor…I…I like you…immensely. Therefore I don't think there should be secrets between us anymore. I…
She stumbled a little. Lightheadedness filled her. She almost blacked out. Cyborg helped steady her.
Cyborg: We should get you to a doctor…
Melissa: A doctor can't fix me. Listen…I don't deserve you in anyway. I've done terrible things…
Cyborg: So have I. Once, I returned a video without rewinding it.
Melissa leaned against the wall.
Melissa: …the most terrible thing I've done in my opinion is shoot a rocket at you. Then there was the dust in your joints.
Cyborg's jaw dropped. He never mentioned the rocket…he told her about the dust, but not the rocket. He just said Hit attacked him.
Melissa: Something is wrong with me…my body is reacting violently to my confessions. It's been like this for as long as I can remember. Whenever I thought about quitting my life as a gun for hire…I…it's my mind. There's…Vic…I don't feel so well.
She pitched forward. Cyborg grabbed her and shook her lightly.
Cyborg: Mel? C'mon Mel, wake up…
He was reeling from what he had just learned…but he knew that she needed help more then anything.
END PART TWO