"UNDERCOVER" - SPEEDY GOES UNDERCOVER TO CONFRONT THE ORGANIZATION CHESHIRE WORKS FOR.
UNDERCOVER
Bumblebee stood by the monitor, the twins and Aqualad sitting before her on the sofa. She pointed at the screen were the picture of a tall man dressed in a black suit and white turtle neck with black hair and goatee was. "This is Vandal Savage. As you all know he is the leader of the criminal organization known as Tartarus that has been plaguing Steel City. The information we have on him and his group is little to none."
A new picture appeared on screen. It was Cheshire.
"Recently we have discovered that Cheshire works for Tartarus," Bumblebee continued. "Our job is clear boys. We gain Cheshire's trust. Once we accomplish that we can get the information we need to bring Tartarus down."
Aqualad raised his hand. "That's easier said than done. I don't think saying 'please' is going to work on Cheshire."
"That's why one of us needs to go undercover. The twins are too obvious, and my wings would be a dead give away for an operation like this. That's why we need someone strong-"
Aqualad leaned forward.
"Someone brave-"
Aqualad's eyes lit up.
"Someone handsome-"
Aqualad blushed. "Well, I wouldn't say handsome. Charming is more I like it."
Bumblebee didn't even hear him as she continued. "-that can trick Cheshire and Savage."
Aqualad stood up. "I'll do it!"
"Someone like Speedy!" Bumblebee exclaimed.
Aqualad's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. He slowly turned to a puddle of water on the floor, his ego crushed. The twins muttered something about how embarrassing that must have been before snickering.
Aqualad stormed up to Bumblebee. "Why Speedy? What's he got that I don't? He didn't even have the decency to show up to this briefing!"
"That's because I was busy getting ready."
Four sets of eyes turned to focus on the person who just entered the room. It was Speedy, only he was wearing a different costume. The costume he wore now was a sleeveless purple body suit with a white arrow head symbol on his chest. He wore blue fingerless gloves that reached his elbows and blue boots that reached his knees and had white straps. Each arm had a blue armband and he wore a blue utility belt. He had a white bow, arrows, and quiver on his back. He also wore a blue facial mask that showed off his hair.
Bumblebee smirked. "Allow me to introduce Arsenal."
Mas' jaw dropped and Menos whistled. They gave a thumbs up and grinned, complementing Speedy's undercover look.
Bumblebee flew over to Speedy's side and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Speedy's perfect for this mission because he's good with weapons and hand to hand combat. He's resourceful in a tight spot. No offense to you Aqualad, but it'll be a lot easier for Speedy to manuever through whatever situation may occur in this operation rather than you. You would be a fish out of water. Literally."
The dark haired teen raised a finger, ready to make a rebuttal, but quickly deflated, his hand returning to his side. "You're right."
Bumblebee smiled. "Aren't I always," she turned to Speedy. "Ready for the first part of your mission?"
"I was born ready," Speedy replied smugly.
"I've sent a list of possible locations Cheshire might go to your communicator.. Hopefully you'll get lucky and spot her tonight."
Speedy nodded.
"Remember your cover story. Your name is Arsenal and you're a villain for hire."
"Right," he nodded and turned to leave, the door sliding shut behind him.
The room filled with silence, everyone's eyes focused on the shut door as they wished Speedy luck on his mission and prayed for his safety. After about a moment Mas broke the silence.
"Hey, since he's gone can we get his room?" Mas asked in Spanish, his brother smiling besides him hopefully.
TT
It took some time until Speedy finally spotted Cheshire. He was perched on top of a building, binoculars drawn to his eyes, when he spotted her leaping from building to building. Speedy touched his ear, activating a comm link, to alert Bumblebee. "Target spotted. I'm in pursuit."
He took off then. At first he remained some distance away, a safety precaution, he didn't want to spook her. It wasn't until he lost sight of her that he picked up the pace, drawing in closer to where he saw her last. He scanned the alley he thought he saw her land in only to discover it was completely empty. He scratched the top of his head. Weird.
Something shifted behind him, and as he turned his head a fist connected to his face. Instantly his body fell to the floor, and just before he drifted into unconsciousness he caught a glimpse of a white cat mask with a smile on it.
TT
When Speedy woke he found that his hands and legs were bound. His bow and arrows were missing, as well as his utility belt. Looking up he noticed he was behind bars, and on the other side were two guards dressed head to toe in black.
One guard nudged the other. "He's up."
"I'll alert the boss," said the other and he left the dungeon.
"Alright you, time for a trip," said the guard that remained. He unlocked the cell. "Let's go."
Speedy pointed at his feet. "How do you expect me to walk with my legs all chained up?"
The guard grumbled and crossed over to him. After a quick moment Speedy's legs were free. He smirked. Perfect.
Speedy jumped to his feet and slammed into the guard. The guard flew backwards, crashing into the bars of the cell. Speedy did a roundhouse kick then, knocking him unconscious. With the guard on the ground Speedy quickly took the key and picked the lock on his hands. The lock fell to the floor and he rubbed his wrist. Time to get out of here.
He took to the stairs and made his way around his unknown surroundings. He had no clue where he was going, but so far he hadn't encountered any doors. Not good. If any guards popped up not only would he not have any place to go, but no weapons either. Speedy continued a little further and grinned when he saw a door.
"Finally. A way out of here," he said as he pushed the door open, bursting into the room.
He froze.
In the room sitting on a throne was Vandal Savage. Standing to his right was Cheshire. Lining the walls were dozens of guards.
Speedy gritted his teeth. Crud.
Although the odds were heavily stacked against him, Speedy raised his fist, ready to defend himself.
"That won't be necessary," Vandal Savage said, raising a hand in good will. "I just want to talk."
"Yeah. That's exactly why your employee knocked me out and chained me up in some dungeon," Speedy replied sarcastically, fist still raised.
"My apologies, but to be fair you were stalking her," Savage smiled when Speedy's face flushed red.
"I was not stalking her!"
"Then exactly what were you doing?" the older man asked.
Speedy lowered his fist. Now was his chance. "I admit, I was following her, but it was only because I wanted to get the chance to meet you. Your organization is growing more powerful by the second. I want to be apart of that," Speedy dropped to one knee in a show of respect. "Please allow me to be on your team."
"Very well."
Speedy's head snapped up. No way it could be that easy. "Come again?"
"I'll allow you to join my organization," Savage said. "You've impressed me. You were able to tail Cheshire without being spotted for some time and you escaped my dungeon with ease. You're good. Tell me, what is your name?"
Speedy rose to his feet. "My name is Arsenal."
Savage snapped his fingers and one of his guards returned Speedy's utility belt and bow and arrows. "For the time being you will work with Cheshire. She'll show you the ropes and escort you around the permiss. But for now, she'll show you to a room."
Speedy had just finished clipping his belt and adjusting his quiver on his back when Cheshire abruptly walked past him and towards the door. He jolted after her. "Hey, wait up!" he caught up to her in the hall. "You know, you didn't have to knock me out before."
She didn't even glance at him.
He frowned. This was going to be a long mission.
TT
It had been less than a week since Speedy, or rather Arsenal, joined Tartarus. So far he had learned nothing that could be used to bring Tartarus down, but he was learning quite a bit about Cheshire. One was that she never talked, and two was that she could beat up just about anyone here. When it came to fighting the girl was ruthless.
Speedy rolled his shoulders as he entered the gym. One requirement of those enrolled in Tartarus was frequent training. He went over to the punching bags, picked a spot, and got to work.
It wasn't long until he had company.
About five guys surrounded him, stopping the swinging bag he was punching. The largest guy, who went by the name of Bull (a nickname given to him because of his strength), stepped up to him.
"Can I help you?" Speedy asked. He could already tell this was going to be no good.
"Well, the boys and I just wanted to initiate you into Tartarus."
Before Speedy could even question them he was thrown across the room, crashing into the weights shelved on the wall. He fell to the floor, a couple of the weights landing on him. That hurt.
Bull and his friends walked over to him, their fist clenched and wearing grins on their faces.
"Welcome to Tartarus, Arsenal," Bull said before raising his fist.
Speedy clenched his eyes, ready for the hit, but it never came. He looked up and was surprised to see Cheshire there, her hand enclosed over Bull's fist. With one strike she had thrown Bull backwards. He landed on his back and quickly scrambled to his feet, his buddies immediately hiding behind him.
"Please accept our apologies, Cheshire. We didn't mean anything by it," Bull stuttered, inching towards the door. Once he was close enough he ran out, his friends doing the same.
Cheshire turned around and extended a hand. Speedy took it and she pulled him to his feet.
"Thanks," he said before wincing. He rubbed his back. That was going to bruise.
"Come with me," Cheshire said, walking towards the exit.
His eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. He zipped in front of her. "You can talk?"
"Of course I can talk. I just never have anyone interesting to talk to."
"Does that mean I'm interesting?" he asked, smirking.
"..."
"Sorry," he said instantly, swearing that behind that mask she was sending him a scary glare.
TT
Cheshire had taken Speedy to the medical room to make sure he wasn't badly hurt. Fortunately he wasn't. Afterwards the two had ventured out to a private area that a balcony and overlooked a lake. It was the first time Speedy had been there and he made a mental note on the location. This might he useful later on. Cheshire hoped up on the balcony's railing and sat down. Speedy stood next to her, leaning against the railing. After a moment he spoke.
"Why did you help me?"
She looked at him.
"Back in the gym, those guys... you chased them off when they were about to kick my butt. Why?"
She looked away. "He was picking on you. I didn't like it."
He blushed at that.
"If Vandal found out his newest interest was beaten under my watch I would never hear the end of it."
The image of him being a happy balloon was popped by Cheshire's claws, her words deflating him.
"Gee, thanks," he muttered.
The two remained in silence as they watched the moonlight reflect upon the lake.
TT
Titans East were getting restless. It had been close one week since they spoke to Speedy last and they were worried. Although it was risky they decided to give him a call via earpiece. It took a moment but the young archer finally picked up.
"Speedy, what the heck is going on?" Bumblebee scolded. "You were supposed to report back days ago!"
Speedy, who was in his private room at Tartarus headquaters, sat down on his bed. "Sorry, I've been busy. Cheshire has been showing me the ropes. Did you know she likes poetry? And that she knows how to play the violin?" he gushed as various images of Cheshire appeared above his head. He sighed sweetly. "She even has a lucky comb."
Bumblebee's face turned an angry red. Steam came out of her ears.
"Look out! She's going to blow!" Menos said in Spanish, ducking behind the sofa with his brother and Aqualad.
"I don't care about what kind of instrument she plays you idiot! Did you forget about your mission? You're supposed to be getting information on Vandal Savage and Tartarus, not Cheshire!"
Speedy winced, then narrowed his eyes. "I know that! Just shut up and listen to me for a second."
Bumblebee dove into her communicator, her hands coming out on the other side to shake Speedy by his shirt while she shouted at him. Aqualad, with much difficulty, managed to pull her away and took the communicator from her.
Speedy dusted himself off, fixing his hair. "Look, Tartarus is going on a mission tonight. A big one. Vandal Savage is after a unique source of energy to power some armor he's making. I'll send you the information from my communicator," he said, taking out the yellow device from his utility belt.
Someone knocked on his door and he quickly shoved the device under his pillow.
"Uh... come in."
The door opened, revealing Cheshire. "Good, you're already in uniform. We're both needed for tonight's mission."
"Tonight's mission?" he repeated. But the Titans were going to be at tonight's mission... He stood up abruptly. "You can't go on that mission."
She tilted her head to the side. "Why not?"
"Because...," he paused. He couldn't tell her the real reason. She was a member of Tartarus. A criminal. He lowered his gaze. "Because... you promised to teach me how to use nunchucks."
She chuckled. "We'll have plenty of time for that later," she said, turning to the door. "Come on, everyone is waiting."
He reluctantly followed.
TT
Vandal Savage and a handful of Tartarus henchmen, along with Cheshire and Speedy, broke into STAR labs, the night sky shadowing their arrival. As they swiftly manuevered through the halls Cheshire noticed Speedy's apprehension as they got closer to their mark.
"Arsenal, what's wrong?" she asked him, keeping her voice low.
He couldn't tell her the truth, so he looked away. "Just a little nervous. It's my first mission afterall."
She took his hand. "You'll be fine. You have better skills than most of the people here... And if anything happens I have your back."
"'Cause you'll never hear the end of it from Savage if something happened to me right?"
"Wrong," she said and he finally looked at her. Before he could ask her what that meant Savage spoke.
"Cheshire, you're up."
Cheshire stepped forward, facing their target which was protected behind a large steel vault. Using her claws she sliced through the metal, making a makeshift door for her and the other to enter through. They stepped inside, Savage going in first.
His face lit up with anger upon realizing the vault was empty. "There's nothing here!"
"I wouldn't say nothing," announced Bumblebee, revealing herself. She, along with Aqualad and the twins, materalized out of thin air. She pointed at a ring on her finger. "Invisibility rings. Something STAR labs recently created and were kind enough to let us borrow once we told them about your plans."
Savage reached for a weapon inside his suit jacket, ready to attack, but was hindered when an arrow shot at his hand, knocking away his weapon. He turned and was shocked to see the arrow had come from Speedy.
"Arsenal, what are you doing?" he snapped.
"My name isn't Arsenal. It's Speedy."
Cheshire backed away from him, her fist clenched. "You're... a Titan?"
"Yes."
Savage pointed a finger at him. "Attack!"
The members of Tartarus jumped into action as Savage and Cheshire sprinted away. Speedy saw this and went after them, leaving his friends to handle the others. He managed to shoot an arrow at Savage. It connected and exploded with a net that wrapped around Savage, sending him crashing to the floor. He shot his next arrow at Cheshire, who turned around and sliced it in half with her claws. She bared her claws at him and he pointed an arrow at her in a standstill.
"What are you waiting for, Cheshire? Finish him!" Savage ordered.
Speedy's narrowed eyes softened, just for a moment, and Cheshire used this opportunity to throw down some smoke bombs. When the smoke cleared both her and Savage were gone.
TT
Bumblebee flew into the common room, the boys trailing behind her. Speedy pulled up the rear, his shoulder slumped. "Boys, we did good today. Not only did we foil Vandal Savage's plan, but the police are on their way to their headquarters. I can't wait to tell Sparky about this," she announced, heading over to the monitor as Speedy collapsed on the sofa.
Aqualad joined him. "You okay?"
Speedy's response was him slowly sliding off the sofa and onto the floor, a groan escaping him.
The twins glanced at each other.
"What's wrong with him?" Menos asked his brother.
"I don't know," Mas replied. "Maybe he broke his favorite comb."
"Speedy, straighten up," Bumblebee commanded, pushing a button that brought the monitor to life. Upon doing so the screen switched to Vandal Savage's face. The team gasped.
"Greetings, Titans."
"Savage," Speedy was up and alert now, his eyes narrowed. "What do you want?"
"A trade," he moved to the side, revealing a tied up Cheshire.
"Let her go, Savage!" Speedy shouted.
"Not on your life, Arsenal," Savaged mocked. "You betrayed me, and she helped."
"She had nothing to do w-"
"I'll offer you a trade. Bring the power source I want to the docks in exchange for her safety. You have until midnight."
The screen turned black and the room filled with silence.
"We have to save her," Speedy told his team.
"What? Speedy, you're crazy," Bumblebee said. "It's clearly an ambush."
"If you won't help me I'll go myself!" Speedy snapped, taking off.
Bumblebee frowned.
TT
Speedy, now dressed in his regular uniform, entered the docks and surprisingly found Cheshire with ease. She was tied up against a crate, alone. Now under normal circumstances perhaps Speedy would have entered the situation with more grace, but the young hero wasn't thinking straight and burst forth to untie his... friend? Enemy? He would smooth out that minor detail later. In the meantime the only thing that mattered was setting her free.
"Cheshire!" he ran towards her.
"Idiot!" she snapped. "Get away! It's a-"
Those soldiers of Tartarus who weren't in custody swarmed the area surrounding them.
Speedy stopped in his tracks. "...trap."
Vandal Savage laughed from his position. He was standing on top of a crate not far away. "What will you do now, Speedy?" Savage mocked. "You're surrounded."
"And so are you!" Bumblebee called out, flying into the scene and landing besides Speedy, her stingers ready. The twins zipped in next, followed by Aqualad who came riding on a surf.
Speedy smirked. "What took you guys so long?"
"Sorry, we were just deciding on who was going to tell Robin about our mission to save a criminal," she told him. She smirked. "We decided it should be you."
"Leaving me with the dirty work again, Bumblebee," he joked.
Savage twitched and took his leave, but not before commanding his soldiers. "Tartarus, attack!"
"Titans, go!" Bumblebee ordered.
The battle was instantly in their favor thanks to Aqualad who created a huge surf that wiped away most of the competition. The twins used their speed to knock their opponents down and then plucked them all into an empty crate. Bumblebee got to work with her stingers and was taking down the enemy two at a time. Clearly the rest of his team had the situation under control so Speedy got to work on freeing Cheshire. Within seconds the rope binding her fell to the ground.
"It's okay," Speedy began. "You're safe n-"
Cheshire pushed him away. "Move! He's getting away!"
She took off and he flowed, the two of them leaping from crate to crate.
"What, no thank you? I just saved you," he pointed out.
"After betraying me," she countered. "And let's not forget you're the reason I needed saving in the first place."
He ignored that. "Just leave Savage to me. I'll make sure to bring him to justice."
"Savage is mine. I will make him regret using me as bait."
The two stopped in their tracks, noticing Savage heading down the dock to a waiting boat. Quickly Speedy fired an arrow. It hit the boat, the head of the arrow ticking, before causing an explosion that forced Savage backwards and swallowed the boat in flames. It soon became engulfed by the water as Savage looked at it in horror. He scrambled to his feet, ready to run, but his path was blocked by Cheshire. He took out a weapon from his pocket but she quickly kicked it away.
He became nervous as he stepped backwards. "Cheshire... my dear... we can discuss this..."
There was a pause, and then Cheshire drew closer, raising her leg and striking him under the chin. He flew backwards and crashed into a crate, the wood breaking under his weight as he fell into unconsciousness.
Speedy whistled. "Nice kick."
The sound of police sirens were heard in the distance, as well as the voices of Titans East. Speedy and Cheshire glanced at each other.
"Go."
She remained where she stood. "...what?"
"Go," he insisted. "Go before they get here and take you into custody. Go!"
The police sirens were louder now.
She threw her arms around him in a brief hug that ended entirely too quickly for their liking. "Thank you."
She turned then, running into the shadows and disappearing. After a few moments passed Titans East arrived.
"Speedy, are you okay?" Bumblebee asked, landing infront of him.
"I'm fine."
Aqualad looked over at the knocked out Savage who was currently being poked by the twins. "What happened to Cheshire?"
"She, uh, got away," Speedy answered.
"That slippery little-ugh!" Bumblebee kicked a crate which landed on Savage's head.
"Well at least we got Savage," Aqualad noted as the twins hauled the criminal up, the crate still stuck on his head, ready to bring him into custody.
The team walked off, ready to join the police, but Speedy lingered behind. The archer sighed heavily and took a step forward. He stopped suddenly as something on the ground caught his eye. He picked it up, holding it in both hands. It was small silver comb with a pink flower attacked to it. This comb didn't belong to just anyone. It belonged to her.
Speedy smiled.
TT
SPECIAL THANKS TOO Angel-of-Energy, TitansFan23, the anonymous reviewer, Pineapple girl 1997, chipmunkswillrule13, Agent of the Divine One AND BerryDrops FOR THE AWESOME REVIEWS! YOU ARE ALL SO KIND, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!
NEXT CHAPTER: SHIMMER, GIZMO, AND MAMMOTH ARE CREATING A NEW TEAM OF VILLAINS BUT NEED TWO MORE MEMBERS FOR THEIR GROUP. WHO WILL THEY CHOOSE?
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