32 Productions Presents…
A HIVE Team StoryThe HIVE Team In…
"A Tragic Loss"
Chapter One
Los Angeles: Abandoned Factory
Kid Flash stood outside the building. Skeptical, he double checked the address he had been told to go to. Yep, this was the place alright. It reeked of a trap. He thought back. Who had he screwed over? That made him develop a long list in his mind. Screw it. Who had he screwed over that he should actually worry about? …still a long list. Eh, screw it. He was the fastest boy alive. If anybody came at him, he'd make them sorry. That said, he went inside. A light fell on him from above.
Female Voice: Ah, the last guest arrives. What an unexpected surprise, however. I thought you'd be the first to arrive, Kid Flash.
Kid Flash was surprised to find a few familiar faces. None of which he needed to worry about, so he didn't bolt. On the other hand, he didn't trust any of them, so he didn't relax either. The familiar ones were the "family" group of Red Star, Panthra, and Wildebeest. Argent, also in attendance, took one look at him and scowled, turning her nose up at him. Must have been sore about foiling that bank robbery. Sitting on a floating chair made of her red plasma energy, she filed her nails, waiting for whatever was going on to get underway. A more curious addition was…well, he didn't really know WHAT it was. It seemed to be a being made of nothing but zeroes and ones vaguely constructed in a humanoid form. Casually lounging on a pile of nearby crates was the one who spoke to him. She sprang to her feet, standing on the crates.
Girl: Now that we're all here, I'll introduce myself. My name is Flamebird. I've called the lot of you here for one reason. To destroy the HIVE.
Glances were exchanged about the room. It wasn't the first time a plan like this was given. Still, it was something you don't just walk out on. You never know, it might work.
Flamebird: As of now, you've all faced the HIVE…save for you, Binary.
The creature made of numbers made a few beeping and hissing sounds. In fact, it almost sounded like a modem.
Flamebird: As I was saying, you've all faced the HIVE and lost. Some loses, more humiliating then others. The reason being that you all fight a team as a single person…or a trio.
Panthra: Damn straight.
Flamebird: The point is, they are a finely tuned fighting force. A head on assault will NEVER succeed in doing anything but annoying them. That is why I've concocted a plan to…
Argent: Oi!
Flamebird sighed in annoyance.
Flamebird: Yes, Argent?
Argent: I'm just wondering who the bloody hell you are? Why the hell should we listen to word one that's coming out of your mouth, mate?
Flamebird: You'll be paid handsomely regardless of the outcome…and if you win, you'll never have to deal with the HIVE again.
Argent: …I dunno…I…I'm not a killer…
Flamebird: But you do agree that the HIVE are a major problem?
Argent nodded.
Flamebird: Then you just do as I tell you and I promise, no blood will fall on your hands.
Argent: Fine…but how big a paycheck are we talking about?
Red Star: Da, this is a big job you are giving us.
Flamebird named a figure.
Flamebird: …each.
Kid Flash: I'm in!
Panthra: We're in!
Argent: …yeah, I'm in.
Binary made some noise, nodding its head. Flamebird clasped her hands.
Flamebird: Wonderful. Then I now pronounce the formation of Titans L.A. completed. Let me show you what I have planned.
::CUE THEME::
The Duo's Apartment
Pam grinned nervously at Gizmo who stared at the dump in shock. He supposed it was to be expected. How much money could Pam actually have? She was splitting the place with her new friend, Kitten. Gizmo thought Blackfire was tall, but Kitten had her beat by a least an inch or two.
Gizmo: It's…great.
Pam: Yeah, our little home…right, Kitty?
Kitten groaned at the sound of her nickname from the couch. She hated that name, but Pam always called her that. She had finally picked out a name for her costumed self, calling herself Athena. She traded in the ridiculous bee costume for one of her own design. It was basically a modern take on a Greek outfit, giving it leggings and thin shoes rather then boots or sandals. She needed to be able to grip the walls, after all. The name "Athena" came from the Goddess of the Hunt. With her various insect like abilities, it could be argued that she was a damn good hunter, so it made SOME sense, at least. As for the rest…well, it helped that the villains couldn't guess her abilities from her name. You expect Spider-man to spin webs and stick to walls and you expect somebody named "Storm" to control the weather, right? Thanks to the "Clark Kent Syndrome" (where in a simple item that shouldn't confuse anyone manages to fool the world when added to the body i.e. horn rim glasses), all she had to do was put on metal band around her head and nobody recognized her. The groan, however, was not from the nickname (well, not JUST from the nickname), but rather from being exhausted. She had been working most of the day, lifting boxes and what not. Combined with going on patrol last night, she was lacking sleep. Just when she decided a nap was on the agenda, Pam showed up with Gizmo to show him her new home.
Kitten: Yeah…sure whatever. Can you keep it down? I'm trying to sleep…and for the last time, don't call me "Kitty"!
Gizmo: Uh…maybe I should go.
Pam sucked in her breath, not sure what to say. While she wanted to hang out more, she did have to get to work at the local supermarket. Sighing, she nodded.
Pam: Yeah, I'll call you later, alright?
Nodding his consent, Gizmo departed. Sighing in annoyance, Pam leaned on the couch.
Pam: Now look what you did. You went and chased him off.
Kitten: I'll weep openly for your loss when I wake up. Go away.
Kitten rolled over and closed her eyes again. Muttering to obscenities to herself, Pam went to get ready for work. Neither of them liked their jobs much, but they did what they had to do to get by.
Fund Raiser
Blackfire held up her hands, putting a stop to the line.
Blackfire: Okay, okay…the booth is closed for the next ten minutes.
A group of groans came from the long line of hormone driven boys in front of her. Not a one of them went away. Sighing, Blackfire massaged her lips. At first, a kissing booth seemed like a brilliant idea. After all, she was swamped with customers in seconds. All the money was going toward diabetes research, so it was for a good cause too. …but damn it all, she couldn't feel her face anymore! …though she did know Spanish and Chinese now. Blackfire leaned back in her chair.
Blackfire: Krystal, how's the take so far?
No reply. Turning her head, she saw Krystal staring at the line of boys, her teeth grinding and right eye twitching. Blackfire tilted her head.
Blackfire: Uh…baby? You okay?
Krystal: Peachy.
Blackfire: Oookay. You know that's bad for your teeth. You can wear them down and you'll need dental work to fix the damage.
Krystal: (still grinding) I'll keep that in mind, Blackie.
Blackfire sighed.
Blackfire: Krystal, don't get so upset. It's for charity.
The grinding slowed down before stopping completely. Krystal sighed in annoyance, but nodded.
Krystal: I just can't stand how popular you are sometimes.
Blackfire: Baby…
Krystal: You know what? Forget it. I never said anything.
Krystal began counting the money, thankful she had the foresight to put it in stacks of ten. Otherwise she'd be taking forever to count it all. As it was, just before the ten minute break was up, Krystal turned to Blackfire.
Krystal: One thousand, four hundred and eight dollars.
Blackfire: Well, that explains why my lips are numb from slight pecks.
Krystal shouted toward the line.
Krystal: Raise your hand if you've done this more then once!
Not surprisingly, everyone raised their hands. Blackfire groaned.
Blackfire: (whispering) It's for charity, it's for charity, it's for charity…
Krystal grinned and held out her hand. The grin was forced, but only her friends would be able to tell.
Krystal: Next?
Arcade
The people gathered around them weren't sure what was more unbelievable; the fact that two costumed people were in the arcade, or the fact that they were facing each other in a dancing game. Red X clenched her teeth in annoyance. Why did she agree to go to the arcade with Knife-play? Had she taken too many blows to her head lately? …well, he was fun to hang with, Red X had to give him that. Not that she was having much fun now. She was losing! No, not only was she losing, she was losing BADLY! She could dodge just about anything thrown at her with only a seconds notice, but she couldn't react to arrows on a screen?!
Knife-play: You suck. I'm sorry, but you really suck.
Red X: Oh shut up! This was your idea!
Knife-play: Well, duh. I'm enjoying this.
Red X: Grr…
It didn't take long for Red X to lose the match. She glared at Knife-play before holding up a single finger…her index finger, not the middle one.
Red X: One more time.
Knife-play: You said that last time.
Red X: Knife-play…
Knife-play: Alright, alright…but only because I'm so damn sure you're hot under that mask.
Red X: Pig…
Knife-play: You know I'm just joking. Well, if you really want to lose again, let's do it.
Red X would make him eat those words. She was sure of it. The first few times were flukes. She could do it…she could do it! …DAMN, HOW COULD SHE MISS THAT ONE!?
Power Plant
Flamebird allowed the dead body of the plant worker to fall to the floor, recalling the cable she used to choke him into her wrist mounted device. Such pitiful security. Obviously they never expected anyone to try and break into the power plant. Oh well. It was their problem, and her advantage. Stepping over the body, she approached the main frame. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out…a MP3 player? Upon pressing the button, however, Binary came out of the access port.
Flamebird: We're in. You know what to do now.
Binary made its noises before placing its hands on the terminal. It slid inside and the screen began to fill with zeroes and ones. Flamebird turned and walked out of the building, laughing to herself as the generators began to shut down. In less then an hour the sun would set, putting the city in a state of complete darkness, save for the moon in the sky. With no power, every alarm system in the city would be down. The HIVE would have NO idea what was going on. They will probably begin patrolling the city….which was exactly what she was hoping for. Everything was fine. Flamebird's plan had so many back ups that she was guaranteed, at the very least, a minor victory.
HIVE Tower: Main Room
Sonic let out a terrible sneeze, sniffling. Sighing, Jinx wiped his brow with a wet washcloth. Sonic was sick. Bad case of the flu…or to be more precise, HER flu. She had a minor case of it not long ago, and he caught it from her. Unfortunately, it hit him much harder. He had a fever, sore throat, the works. Feeling guilty, Jinx decided to take care of him. After all, he had helped her when she was sick. He coughed and smiled.
Sonic: You know, you could really make me feel better by wearing a nurse's uniform.
Jinx: Or I could give you to Krystal to take care of.
Sonic: You wouldn't…
Krystal was notoriously bad at taking care of the sick and injured. She would spill hot soup on them, hit sore parts of the body by accident, and other unpleasant things. At first they thought it was a coincidence when she had trouble taking care of Gizmo when he broke his leg. …actually, it started out as a fracture. During her "caring" for him, it became broken. What does that tell you? Jinx smiled sweetly.
Jinx: Try me.
Sonic: …seriously, Jinx, thanks. You don't need to do this for me.
Jinx: It's no big deal. Besides, you always complain that we don't spend enough quality time together.
Sonic: Yeah but when I said "quality time" I used quotation marks, meaning it was meant as innuendo for something more interesting.
Jinx: …er…I knew that.
Damn, she thought he was being romantic, not perverted. That was dumb of her. Sonic coughed.
Sonic: Jinx…can we talk about…that night?
Jinx: Sonic, I…
Sonic: Please, Jinx…this is important to me. I mean, we've known each other for almost two years, been dating for one of them…what's wrong with us getting close?
Sighing, Jinx nodded. He had a point.
Jinx: …I guess that…
Jinx trailed off as she noticed something. She walked over to the window.
Sonic: Something wrong?
Jinx: …the city…it's so dark.
Sonic: Um…I think that's because the sun is down, Jinxy.
Jinx: No, I mean there aren't any lights. I think the power's down. If that's the case the alarms won't work.
Sonic: And if the alarms don't work, we don't get alerted to crimes, right?
Jinx: Exactly. We'll have to go on patrol…er…I'll have to go on patrol. You stay here and rest, okay, Sonic?
Sonic: Doctor's orders?
Jinx smiled and nodded.
Jinx: Doctor's orders.
Sonic: Then you got it.
Arcade
Red X hit the side of the machine with her foot.
Red X: Damn you, I was winning!
Knife-play: Only because you stabbed my leg.
Red X: You healed, didn't you? Stop whining.
Red X sighed and shook her head.
Red X: Of all the times for a power outage.
Knife-play: Complain to the power company. Either way…even if you won that time, it would have been seven to one.
Red X: ….why do I hang out with you?
Knife-play shrugged. Sighing, Red X shook her head. Her communicator went off and she answered it.
Red X: Red X.
Jinx: We're going to have to patrol the old fashion way with the power out this way. It's too convenient for the power to go out all over the city.
Red X: I agree.
Red X hung up and turned to Knife-play. He held up his hands.
Knife-play: No, no. Let me guess. Duty calls and all that.
Red X: It's not some day job, Knife-play.
Knife-play: I know that…it's just…
What should he say? That he's just afraid that he'd never see her again? That she'd get hurt? It wasn't that he doubted her ability to fight. He had fought along side her, knew what she could do. The thing was, no matter how good you are, there's always someone better. …what would happen the night they met the better one? He really cared about Red X. He hesitated to call it "love", since he's never even seen her face…but he cared nonetheless.
Red X: It's just what?
Knife-play: …well…you're the first person to treat me like something other then a lunatic since I became this way.
Red X: ...I'll be fine. I'll call you some other time, okay?
Knife-play nodded and she left. Some guy leaned over.
Guy: Look at that a…
Knife-play held a knife to his face.
Knife-play: Finish that statement and I'll kill you.
Guy: Shutting up…
Fund Raiser
Krystal held up a glowing finger, illuminating the room.
Krystal: I know we've been staying in here pretty late and all, but that's no reason to turn off all the lights.
Blackfire would have said something but her lips had gone completely numb from constant use…and some of those jerks didn't seem to understand that it was only supposed to be a gentle peck! All she could muster was a sputtering sigh. It would take some time before she could speak coherently. Krystal answered the ringing communicator.
Krystal: Hello, Sam's Deli. We challenge you to beat our meat.
Jinx: That was a new one.
Krystal: I try.
Jinx: Krystal, the power in the whole city is down. I want you and Blackfire to investigate the power plant. Find out what's going on and report back. This reeks of foul play.
Krystal: Or Mammoth's gym bag. We're on it, Admiral!
Krystal saluted and hung up. She grabbed Blackfire and shook her.
Krystal: No time for sitting around, Blackie! We gots work to do!
Blackfire: Pebbleclt.
She said "perfect".
Krystal: No, we can't stop for fish sticks. …why would we stop for fish sticks anyway? You know I don't like sea food.
Blackfire smacked her head on the booth. How in the world did Krystal get "Can we stop for fish sticks?" out of "Pebbeclt"?
Krystal: TO THE POWER PLANT!
END PART ONE