32 Productions Presents…
A HIVE Team StoryThe HIVE Team In…
"Trigon's Arrival"
Chapter One
Titan HQ: Raven's Room
Raven was sleeping in her bed, Shade curled up at the foot of it. Raven suddenly began to whimper in her sleep. Shade twitched, but didn't wake up.
: THE DAY HAS ARRIVED.
Raven's eyes shot open and she sat up.
Raven: Father?
She looked down at herself in amazement. All over her body red glowing marks were appearing, a different shade of red then the rest of her skin. She held her arms up in front of her and slowly a smile spread across her face. The last mark over her chakra stone formed. She shook Shade awake, eager to tell someone the news. Shade yawned, his tongue folding.
Raven: Behold, Shade.
Raven pointed to the mark of Scath on her forehead.
Raven: The signs are clear. Today is the beginning of the end.
Shade blinked at her, confused. She got out of bed and got dressed. Shade felt a burning sensation on his forehead, but ignored it. He had felt similar pain since her left Raven's mirror. He closed his eyes and went back to sleep. He'd worry about the end later.
: CUE THEME :
HIVE Tower: Jinx's Room
Jinx was asleep. They had fought Dr. Light the other day and she was still sore. Suddenly her eyes shot open and she sat up in bed. She was stunned to find that she wasn't IN bed. She was somewhere else. She had no idea where it was. She stood up, shivering. Her pajamas weren't very thick and there was a chill in the air. Jinx was on a cliff. She walked toward the edge and looked down. What she saw was devastation. Burnt buildings, destroyed statues, even corpses lining the ground. She stepped back, covering her mouth in shock.
: It's horrible, isn't it?
She spun around and gasped. Before her was a woman in a white cloak. On her forehead was a gem stone much like Raven's. She had long purple hair and her face was thin, almost gaunt. She looked at her with a sad expression.
Jinx: Who…who are you? Where am I?
: This was once Azarath. A place of peace…where everyone studied the pacifistic teachings of the Elder Azar. My name is Arella. I am Raven's mother.
Jinx was just plain confused now.
Jinx: Her mother? But…you don't look a thing like her.
Arella sighed and shook her head.
Arella: Raven didn't always look that way. Come with me.
Jinx: Whoa, hold on! What's going on here? Why am I here?
Arella: To save your world.
Jinx's eyes widened. Something about the woman's demeanor suggested that she wasn't making things up. She held out her hand. Jinx nervously took it. The world around her seemed to go back in time. The sun rose and set over and over. Suddenly the city wasn't in ruins anymore and they were smack in the middle of it. A crowd of children in robes similar to Arella's walked by them, not even noticing the strange girl in her pajamas. Arella seemed to read her mind.
Arella: They can't see or hear you. This is the past and what has already happened cannot be changed.
Trudging slowly behind the children was a little girl in white. She had short purple hair and pale white skin that rivaled Jinx's. Her face was blank and she stared at her feet as she walked. Other kids passed her, but wouldn't even glance in her direction even though she tried to make eye contact with them. She sighed and kept walking.
Arella: Believe it or not, that was once my daughter.
Jinx: That's Raven?
Arella: Yes. You see…Raven was born under horrible circumstances. So horrible that I won't show them to you. I once lived in your world. I had abusive parents…I wanted to run away from it all. I joined a cult. I was so desperate for acceptance I didn't think about what I was doing until it was too late. I…I was to give myself to the deity the cult worshipped. I thought he was some sort of God.
Arella shuddered and put her hand over her mouth to choke back the sob that escaped her throat. Jinx put her hand on her shoulder and Arella continued.
Arella: But I was wrong. …afterward, he showed his true self to me. He was Trigon the Terrible. Those horrible yellow eyes piercing into my soul…
Jinx: Trigon the Terrible! But he's…he's one of the most powerful demons in existence!
Arella: Yes, but not even he could simply create a life. Not a real one. He sought a family to rule by his side…an heir. The baby grew quickly…four glowing eyes appeared on my stomach. I wanted to die, but whenever I tried to commit suicide the cries of my baby filled my ears. I finally resolved to end it when I was saved by the people of this world. They took me in…helped me cope with my pain. When Raven was born, it was a terrible, painful birth. I begged for them to kill me, but it wasn't their way.
Time moved forward. The children were playing in the streets but Raven wasn't with them. She was sitting on the edge of the street, watching with the same expressionless face.
Jinx: …why doesn't she play with them?
Arella: It was forbidden. The Elders feared that Trigon would manipulate her through her emotions so she was trained to never experience them. She could never laugh, smile, or cry.
Jinx: That's terrible.
Arella: Yes. I wasn't allowed to do more then converse with her…and I rarely did. I admit whenever I looked at her all I saw was the horrible mistake I had made. …I…hated my child…and she knew it. At night she had dreams with Trigon in them. He would speak to her about how she was hated and feared by the people of Azarath. He told her that he would never be so cruel to her. He wouldn't ignore her…make her feel invisible. It was what she wanted. A seed of hate was planted inside her. With each passing day it grew.
Child Raven began to age along with the children around her. It stopped when she was a teenager. Her cloak was now blue.
Arella: One day she demanded that I hug her. "Just one," she begged. "One and you'll never have to do it again. It will be our secret." I refused. She told me she knew I hated her. I tried to reason with her but she wouldn't have it. All her emotions began to build inside her. Despite all our efforts to calm her down…
Raven clutched her head and fell to her knees, crying out. She made no sound, just like before. But Jinx was able to read her lips. She was screaming, "Father!" The sky turned red and the wind began to whip around them.
Arella: …she called out for him. He came for his little girl.
A vortex opened and Trigon stepped out, a triumphant look on his horrible face. Even though she knew it was just an image of the past, Jinx felt herself go weak with fear. Raven pulled at her hair as it slowly went white and her skin turned red. She smiled and began to laugh wildly as an extra set of eyes opened over her other ones.
Arella: It wasn't long before all of Azarath was destroyed. The remaining elders managed to banish Trigon and my daughter. Trigon was sent back to his realm while Raven…
Jinx: …was sent to our world.
Arella: Exactly. Trigon has been using her to strengthen his grip on your realm.
Jinx: Meaning…?
Arella sighed.
Arella: Today he has gained enough power. During the eclipse of the sun, Trigon will enter your world.
The scene changed to Jump City in utter ruins. Terrible black winged creatures flew around, eyes glowing red. In the distance Trigon could be seen, howling. Raven floated next to him, a grim smile of satisfaction on her face.
Jinx: No! No, this can't happen!
Arella: It can and will…unless something is done.
Jinx turned to Arella.
Jinx: What? What do I have to do?
Arella: Raven must go to a certain spot in order for Trigon to enter your world. If you wish to stop him…you must kill my daughter.
Jinx stared at her in disbelief.
Jinx: I…I can't. I can't just kill her.
Arella: …that is one option. You have another chance, though this one is far less likely to succeed.
Jinx: And that is?
Arella lowered her hood.
Arella: Defeat Trigon himself.
Jinx: …
Arella: If that is the path you wish to take, then you'll need these.
Arella handed her four rings.
Jinx: What are these?
Arella: The Rings of Azar. The power of the Elders that repelled Trigon lie within them. They will protect the wearers.
Jinx took them but frowned.
Jinx: There aren't enough of them. I have seven teammates.
Arella: There aren't anymore to give. Only four of your friends can help you if Trigon comes.
Jinx: How am I supposed to make a choice like that!
Arella put her hand on Jinx's shoulder.
Arella: Choose wisely.
Her face seemed to melt off, revealing a charred skull underneath.
Arella: Or your world is doomed.
Jinx sat up in bed, panting.
Jinx: A dream…it was just a dre…
She paused and opened her hand. The four rings were in them.
Jinx: …oh damn.
Titan H.Q.: Main Room
Cyborg and Changeling were playing video games. Starfire and Robin were eating breakfast and Terra was cheering Changeling on. Raven entered and with a wave of her hand, turned the game off.
Cyborg: Yo!
Changeling: Raven, what the hell!
Raven: Well put, Garfield. Gather around my friends. We have much to discuss.
Shade followed Raven in. To their confusion, the mark of Scath was on his forehead.
Robin: What the hell is that?
Raven: The mark of my father. Shade has been chosen to be my special guardian. Today is the day, my friends.
Raven tossed her cloak back, revealing the marks all over her body.
Raven: Today the end of the world is nigh!
Starfire: Your father comes?
Raven: Indeed. Rejoice. Our day is finally at hand. You will all join us as we take over all of the mortal realm.
Starfire smiled, but inside she was concerned. She wasn't ready for this to happen so soon. She didn't have a plan for dealing with Trigon yet. Raven frowned.
Raven: What's wrong? I thought you wanted this.
Starfire: I…I do.
Raven gritted her teeth.
Raven: LIAR! I can feel your emotions, Koridan'r! You've been plotting something, haven't you?
Starfire stood up and shook her head.
Starfire: No, I swear to you. I have nothing planned!
This was the truth. She hadn't thought of anything yet after all. Raven glowered at her for a moment before sighing.
Raven: Very well. I'll let it go this time. Now listen carefully.
Raven floated in front of the couch. Shade came over and made an image of the sun behind her.
Raven: Today an eclipse of the sun will take place.
As she spoke Shade created another sphere to put in front of the "sun".
Raven: I must be in position before the moon moves away.
Robin: And where is that?
Raven snapped her fingers and Shade created a map of the city. Raven smiled at him. He was so useful. She snapped her attention back toward the others.
Raven: There's an old library located in the city. This is where I first arrived. That's where I have to be.
Terra: Okay, hold on. What the hell are you talking about?
Raven sighed. She remembered nobody explained the deal to her.
Changeling: Well, babe, it's like this. Raven's dad is some super powerful demon that's coming to take over the world. If we agree to help, we'll be okay while everyone else suffers.
Terra: …can he…fix me?
Raven shrugged.
Raven: Undoubtedly. The question is, why would he? I suppose I could ask him. My father loves me after all.
The others sweatdropped. Given what they've heard about Trigon the Terrible, that didn't sound likely.
Terra: Thanks, Raven! You're the best!
Raven: This is so true. I recommend we all start preparing. We've got a lot of work to do.
HIVE Tower: Main Room
The HIVE looked at each other with concern. Jinx had come into the room ranting about the end of the world. They were worried for their leader's sanity. Of course, some of them lacked the subtly of keeping it to themselves. Krystal twirled her finger next to her head.
Krystal: Cuckoo! Somebody call the men in white coats. We've got a new resident for their apartments with the nice padded walls.
Jinx clenched her teeth. She was terrified of what was going to happen and they were making fun of her.
Jinx: I'm not crazy!
Jinx let out a wave of bad luck, causing the windows to crack and the springs in the sofa cushions to shoot out, sending Gizmo into the air. Mammoth caught him before he hit the floor.
Krystal: Jeez, Jinx, I was just kidding…sort of.
Jinx grabbed Krystal by her shirt and shook her.
Jinx: This is no joking matter! We're ALL going to die unless we do something!
Red X: …I think your job is becoming a bit too stressful. Maybe you should lie down.
Jinx groaned.
Jinx: Fine, fine, don't believe me, but PLEASE humor me. Just to make me feel better.
The HIVE sighed and agreed.
Blackfire: How can we help?
Jinx: Thank you. Okay. These rings will protect us from the affects of…whatever's going to happen when Trigon arrives.
Gizmo: Count again,
Jinx. You don't have enough rings.
Krystal: Or maybe she has too
many teammates.
Jinx sighed.
Jinx: I know. Guys, this won't be easy…but not all of us are going to be able to fight. Some of us are going to have to count on the others to save the world.
Silence. This wasn't sounding too good.
Jinx: …I can't accept one of them, so I give them all to you. I leave it up to you.
Sonic: Whoa, whoa, whoa! You have to take one.
Gizmo: Why? 'cause she's your girlfriend?
Sonic smacked the midget upside his head.
Sonic: No, you jerk. …well, yes, but also because she's the leader! She knows what's going on, we don't.
Red X: …I have to agree. If you're giving them to us, Jinx, then we say you wear one.
Jinx opened her mouth to say something, but Blackfire grabbed her mouth and held it shut.
Blackfire: We won't take no for an answer, Jinx.
Jinx: (pulling free) …you guys…I…
Krystal nudged Sonic and handed him one of the rings.
Krystal: Go on, I dare you. Put it on her.
Sonic: You're so weird.
Sonic gave Jinx the ring and she slipped it on. Krystal grabbed them both and spoke with an Irish accent.
Krystal: And by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride!
Sonic and Jinx blushed furiously and pulled out of Krystal's grasp.
Sonic: Cut it out.
Krystal: Aw. Okay, so who else gets one? I say Blackie does. She's the strongest out of all of us, can fly, and all that good stuff. Sounds perfect for kicking demon butt.
Blackfire: So does the power to use light any way you want.
Gizmo: …I'm out. My inventions may kick ass, but come on. Against a giant demon? I'd need a megaton detonator or something and that would take me a week.
Sonic: …and I say Red X gets the last one.
Jinx shook her head.
Jinx: Sonic, no I…
Sonic: Jinx…be rational. Red X is a talented fighter and is armed with more weapons then anyone should ever have.
Red X wasn't sure whether to be offended or flattered. He choice neither.
Red X: Maybe so…but a powerful sonic blast isn't easy to replicate.
Sonic: …nope. Made up my mind.
Sonic flicked the ring over to Red X. He caught it and slipped it on. Sonic turned back to Jinx and smiled.
Sonic: Besides…it gives you another reason to win.
He beeped her nose and she smiled, blushing.
Jinx: …I won't let you down, Michael.
Sonic: I know you won't babe.
Gizmo stuck his finger toward his mouth and made a retching sound. Jinx kicked him sharply, still smiling at Sonic.
Gizmo: OW!
Mammoth: Uh…should we be DOING something to prepare for this? I mean, ain't there a way to stop Trigon from even GETTING here?
Jinx stopped smiling and sighed.
Jinx: …we have to kill Raven.
Silence.
Krystal: …we can't do that.
Jinx: I know.
Blackfire: …but maybe we should.
Everyone looked at Blackfire in shock.
Blackfire: Don't you see? If we kill Raven, we could save countless lives. Defeating Trigon will be next to impossible.
Gizmo: And I thought I was harsh.
Blackfire crossed her arms.
Blackfire: I'm a Tamaranian. We are a warrior race. Killing is a part of war. While we don't actively seek battle, we don't back down from it either. …if killing Raven will save this world…then by X'hal, we should do it.
Red X: …Raven is hardly human. Killing her would be no crime.
Jinx shook her head.
Jinx: I saw why Raven is the way she is. It's not her fault. It doesn't excuse what she's done, but it does suggest that she COULD be helped.
Blackfire: But…
Jinx: I said NO! I'm the leader here! I'm in charge and I'm telling you HIVE will NOT purposely take the life of anything remotely close to being human!
Blackfire: If we don't kill her everyone in the universe could die! Do you want that many lives on your head!
The alarm went off before the argument could continue.
Red X: …it's them.
END PART ONE
