Blanket Disclaimer: Poison Tonic LX does not own the Teen Titans or any characters therein. Don't sue her, please, because if you do I won't have a home anymore…-Ralph, the muse
He had just gotten into the gym when the alarm went off, and he sighed and ran to the living room, where the Sorceress, Cyborg, the Original, and the Kid were already assembled, everyone other than the Sorceress looking like they'd only arrived seconds before him. A moment later the Dolt and Comic Relief entered the room, both looking very groggy (but then, only he and the Sorceress didn't look tired).
"What is it, Raven?" The Kid asked, everyone giving the Sorceress an expectant look.
"We're receiving a call, and I thought everyone should be here to hear it." She replied, and he saw her glance over at him as she typed something and a face appeared onscreen.
"Dawson, my old friend! It's been such a long time since we last saw each other."
His breath caught in his throat and he felt his stomach churn as he heard the all-too-familiar voice and saw the all-too-familiar face of the man who had single-handedly destroyed his life.
"So this is where you're hanging out now, eh, Dawson? Quite a change from when I last saw you eight years ago." The huge, greasy lips twisted into a malicious sneer, cheeks nearly burying his beady eyes beneath folds of skin.
"It's no business of yours where I am." He snapped. "Didn't I tell that brat to tell you to stay away from here? That included phone calls, you stupid freak!"
The Man took a deep drag off his cigar, blowing out smoke as he chortled. "Now, now, Dawson, no need to get so upset. I just called to say hello to an old friend."
"I'm no friend of yours, you disgusting pig!" He growled, hands balling into fists.
"You have such a short temper…" The Man shook his head sadly, taking another drag of his cigar and puffing the smoke out through his nose.
"What do you want, Methuss?" The Original asked, crossing his arms over his chest and glaring up at the Man, spitting the Man's name out like poison.
"I just wanted to see how my boy was doing. Did you know Dawson here was going to be the man all of my clones were made of before you came along, Prime? If he hadn't run off like such a coward eight years ago, you would be a free man."
"Shut it, Methuss. No one cares." The Original bit out.
"And I'm not your boy." He added.
The Man chuckled again. "Very well, very well. What did you think of your clone, Dawson? Quite a piece of work, eh? He's the most powerful of all my clones, even Prime's super clones. It's hard to believe he was one of the first, and still growing, at that. When I think of how powerful a super clone of you will be…" The Man let out a pleased sigh. "I look forward to the day a super clone of you is born."
"Keep looking, 'cause it ain't happening as long as I'm alive." He said. "And the next time I see that second-rate clone, I'll kill it."
"You're hurting my feelings, Dawson. Neo is a magnificent specimen. Unfortunately, he and his…brother were the only clones we were able to make from the blood we salvaged when you knocked my syringe out of my hand."
"There's another one of those things?" He snarled.
The Man just laughed, not answering the question. "So tell me, Dawson, why the sudden change of sides? The last time I saw you, you were a thief…a very talented thief, at that. I've heard of a few of your exploits from some of my contacts. You're very accomplished…they hardly ever got a chance to see you. The pictures they've sent me don't quite do you justice."
"Shut up. That doesn't matter anymore."
"Oh? Have you given up on thieving, Dawson? Joined up with the 'good guys', have you? Come now, you're wasting your talent by doing something so foolish as that."
"I'm pretty sure I've never said anything about giving up thieving, Methuss." He said, ignoring the shocked expressions on the Titans' faces. "Let's just say I'm putting it on hold while I see if the grass really is greener on the other side. I'll worry about my retirement from the world of thieves after I've decided if it is or not."
"I can assure you it isn't."
"Like I'd believe you."
"Now Dawson, when have I ever lied to you?"
"I don't trust murderers."
The Man laughed. "Don't tell me you're still sore over that? Come now, Dawson, you hardly knew those two imbeciles. And these idiots," he nodded at the Titans, "can never fully appreciate your talents—not like I can. Come put your talent to good use!"
"Helping you take over the world? Thanks, but I'll take my chances with the Titans."
The Man's sneer returned. "Ah, but are the Titans willing to take their chances on you?"
"What're you talking about?" The Kid asked, looking just as furious at the Man as he felt.
The sneer widened. "You mean they don't know? Certainly you've told them by now, Dawson? I know how proud you are of your past exploits. As a matter of fact…quite a few of those exploits have taken place right there in Jump City, have they not?"
"Shut up, Methuss!" He hissed. "Don't you dare tell them—"
"Don't I dare tell them what?"
His mouth snapped shut.
"Go on, Dawson, I'm sure they're all dying to know. Or are you afraid they'll turn you out once they know everything? You know they have every right to lock you up right now, and guess who has connections that can get you relocated into Bludhaven's prison? I'm sure no one would mind me taking you into custody to help you…change your ways."
"I said shut up, Methuss!"
"So, you really are scared, Dawson. Are you getting attached to the dear Titans?"
"Stop talking, Methuss. Your voice is beginning to grate on my nerves." The Sorceress said.
The Man paused for a moment before letting out a barking laugh. "Oho! So that's how it is, eh, Dawson? Are you falling in love, or is that possible for someone like you? I suppose it's more likely she's just a really good—"
"SHUT UP!" He roared, so angry his vision was beginning to blur. "If you ever dare finish that sentence I swear I'll bite your other thumb off and take your hand with it! Insult me all you want but don't you dare bring Raven or any of the others into this! It has nothing to do with them!"
"Just like it had nothing to do with Tandi and Kylan?" The Man asked tauntingly.
"You despicable—"
"What do you think she would say if she found out about the real Caleb Dawson? And even if she didn't mind, do you think the others would actually let you anywhere near her? No one trusts a thief, Dawson, especially one like you."
His mouth shut tightly, and he could feel the color draining out of his face. "Shut up, Methuss. Just shut your stupid mouth!"
"Have I hit a sore spot? I'll bet I have—you know they'd never accept you if they knew—"
"We are already aware of the fact that Friend Rush was once the Red X!" The Dolt interrupted.
Everyone gaped at her.
"But more than that we are aware that Friend Rush is just that—our friend! No matter who he once was or what he has done in the past, it is the now that matters! And now he is our friend!"
"Starfire's right!" The Comic Relief said. "Here and now is all that matters!"
"And here and now we're telling you to leave Rush and Maxwell alone!" The Kid said. "If we ever see you or any of those clones around here again, you're dead meat!"
And with that, the Kid punched a button on the dial, the screen blacking out.
(THE RUSH)