The Wicked One
Chapter 24: X-Factor
XXXXXXX
The wind felt good blowing against his face, even if it was mostly metallic. The Titan's human eye wandered to the sea, it wasn't a hard angle considering the road he was driving on was conveniently situated right beside the ocean. The sun was just now beginning to rise and fill the sky and water with bright oranges and yellows. After driving almost all night it was a welcome sight.
He had turned his music off hours ago and just listened to the sounds of the wind as it soared through his mechanical ears. It had been so long since the accident that he couldn't even remember if the wind sounded like this to a normal ear, it sure didn't sound abnormal to him now, in fact it was quite calming and, coupled with the light coolness, was also somewhat relaxing.
Although he didn't want to admit it Cyborg needed this. He needed a ride in his car; he needed the calm and the quiet. It had been only a few days since Beastboy and Raven were taken but they had been the worst days in Cyborg's life by far. The tower, the ship, everything he had built and spent his life on had been all but destroyed in a single day and, on top of that now, all of his friends had gone to.
Cyborg's hands subconsciously gripped his steering wheel tighter as he made a turn on a particularly narrow bend in the road; he turned his eyes away from the rising sun to focus entirely on his driving.
He never felt more useless than he did now. Beastboy had been taken right under his nose. He always tried to show off how great he was, giving his younger teammates someone to look up to. He couldn't even protect his best friend when it mattered. He couldn't stop Blackfire from destroying their tower and taking Raven. He couldn't stop Starfire from going after her sister alone…and he couldn't stop Robin from going after her.
Cyborg rolled up his window as he stepped harder on the gas pedal.
Why couldn't I have said anything? Why couldn't I do anything?
Fixit's face bore into his head. He thought he had changed him, thought he had helped Fixit.
Why did I fail? Why couldn't I help…anybody?
The sudden alarm on his car's dashboard broke Cyborg from his dark thoughts. Keeping his human eye on the road he pressed a button near where the small red light was flashing, immediately a screen revealed itself in a previously blank space on the dash, a panicked looking Aqualad appearing on the screen moments later.
"Cyborg! Where are you!"
Sparing Aqualad a confused glance Cyborg one again moved his human eye back on the road.
"I'm on my way to you guys right now, shouldn't be longer than another hour or so…" Aqualad rubbed a hand over his face and looked over at something off screen; it seemed like he wasn't even listening, "What's the deal? What's happened?"
"Someone broke into the tower and attacked Bumblebee; she's really banged up…" Aqualad answered after a moment, still looking off screen. Cyborg had to fight the sudden urge to turn both eyes back to the screen.
"What! Who broke in? Was anyone else hurt?
"Mas and Menos are looking over the security videos now, that Kid Flash guy was there to but I think he was just knocked out…but… Cyborg…"
Cyborg was forced to turn his eyes to the screen then due to the sudden urgency in Aqualad's voice. Aqualad was looking directly back at Cyborg now, his two black eyes looking much more menacing than usual.
"Whoever did this stole the ship as well."
"What!" Cyborg exclaimed, taking a stronger hold on the wheel and forcing his normal eye back on the road as he started to swerve. "I thought the thing wasn't even fit to fly yet, how did this happen!"
"Hey, give us some credit Cyborg," Aqualad answered with a weak attempt at a smile, "We aren't as dense as you might think, the ship just had its engines put in last night so it could fly but…"
"But?"
"Whoever took the ship is making a one way trip, there's no way the engines will last long at this stage."
Cyborg focused both eyes on the road then, lost in thought for a moment. Finally, he let out a single sigh before turning his mechanical eye back to the small screen.
"Alright…alright, I'll be there as soon as I can. Just make sure that Bumblebee and the others will be okay. I'll take care of the ship."
"Cyborg?"
"I gotta go."
And with that Cyborg pressed the same button near the screen; the picture of Aqualad's concerned face vanishing into static. The Titan let out a sigh as he kept his finger against the button.
Just one more time.
Just one more time he wished he could feel the breeze. Just for one more moment he wished everything was the way it should be.
"Calling Titan's East Ship, Code: Cybee118."
He released his finger from the button as static continued to buzz on the screen. It was a long shot that the person who just jacked the ship from him would answer. But it was still worth a-.
"Hey, Cyborg." Jinx suddenly answered, her face suddenly filling the screen.
"Jinx? Wha-?"
"Don't ask what. You know what."
Jinx spoke in deadpanned words, her eyes focused somewhere off screen, reminding Cyborg of Raven, though those kinds of thoughts he had been trying very hard to ignore. Just thinking about them…
"Okay then, why? Why did you take Titan's East ship- my ship? Where are you taking it?"
Jinx didn't answer for awhile as Cyborg drove on down the quiet road, the sun rising ever higher. Finally with a sigh she answered:
"I'm going to save them."
"…Raven and Beastboy?" Cyborg had to ask, even though he was suddenly sure what the answer was. Jinx chuckled dryly in response.
"If that's what you want to think, then sure."
"…What's going on with you Jinx…Aqualad said you attacked Bumblebee…and Kid Fla-."
"They got in my way, simple as that."
"Don't give me that!" Cyborg suddenly shot, both eyes momentarily glaring at the screen; Jinx still didn't look back at him. "You helped us defeat the Brotherhood; Kid Flash said you had changed! Robin trusted you…I trusted you! What happened that made you suddenly change your mind again!"
No answer.
"Jinx…" Cyborg tried to calm his temper, saying her name slowly, "I'm putting in an override to the ship. You are gonna have to come back and explain to all of us about what's going on..."
The pink trickster closed her eyes for a brief moment, slowly taking in and releasing a breath. She then opened her eyes and finally looked at Cyborg through the screen.
"Goodbye."
Jinx then raised her arm in a very quick moment. Before the Titan could react, pink energy suddenly shot from her fingertips. The screen immediately began to short circuit and a last picture of Jinx's unemotional face was all Cyborg saw before his own screen suddenly burst in a shower of pink electricity.
The energy did not stop there however. It reached out through Cyborg's car, though it appeared to have affected nothing…that is until Cyborg tried to turn the steering wheel in preparation for another narrow bend.
Odd…the steering wheel won't turn…no matter how hard tried to turn it…
His car went uninhibited towards the very fragile fencing that separated the road from the sea below.
How…unlucky….
Cyborg lost all traces of fear and panic suddenly as he allowed his single human eye to close, removing his hands from the wheel.
For just…one more second…he wished-
All thoughts were then interrupted as the T-Car easily shattered through the wooden barrier and plummeted into the sea, floating for only a moment before sinking into the depths below…
XXXXXX
I tried not to think of anything as I watched what unfolded around me.
Starfire being embraced and handled by her thousands of fellow Tameranians, all weeping and sobbing pitifully at her sudden arrival.
The two Titans held in chains at the back of the room. They looked more like sacrificial lambs than people. I tried to ignore Happiness's voice inside my head as I looked away from them.
And…him…Robin, the Titan's leader. It was oddly ironic that one of the few times I see the supposed brave and heroic hero is when he is being held forcibly against his will. A prisoner. Like all the other Titans have become. My claw twitched as I looked upon his masked face but I kept such desires in check. If even a handful of the aliens in this room had the power Starfire had there was no way I'd even have a chance of getting close to him.
With left me with…
"Dang, Blackfire!" See-More called as he hopped away from several of the Tameranian's bolts of energy, "You're getting better with your aim, you been practicin'?
"Do not patronize me insect!" Number 26 replied to See-More's almost genuine praise with a hiss. "In seconds you'll be nothing more than a stain on my dungeon floor!"
My….friend. See-More. Fighting Blackfire, seemingly holding up his own…with help from Fixit I'd imagine…but still.
"Speak one more word and I swear it will be your last!" Number 26 cried, black hair flowing wildly around her as she threw constant energy blasts, a very much twisted smile on her face, "I'll crush your little throat with my bare hands before I'm through with you!"
Number 26 isn't holding back. Whatever cool, controlling air she seemed to have had around her before was all but gone. She was different now. Different from the Blackfire that controlled me. And much different from the young girl I thought was my friend so long ago. Whoever she was now she was looking for more than just beating See-More. She was trying to kill him.
I felt another twitch then. Though it was in my legs this time. I rose to a standing position in the darkness.
You cannot help us.
A voice in my head, the last voice I wanted to hear right now.
I'm helping See-More, not you. I thought back, making sure my thoughts had every inch of malice I could fit in them. At first I thought it had succeeded when Fixit didn't answer right away, the instant satisfaction was quickly diminished.
This is a fight for the crown. No one can interfere or See-More dies here and now.
It took a few moments for me to process this.
No. At least, that is not our ultimate objective. This is the only scenario where we come out victorious. See-More and I are outnumbered and outmatched any way you perceive it. This scenario had the highest rate of success.
I thought on this for a moment as I watched See-More continue to dodge Number 26's attacks, occasionally using a laser ray from his eye to keep her at a distance.
It doesn't look like you guys are holding out to good.
Another span of time where Fixit didn't answer. Being so used to his habit at being able to answer immediately it only took a few seconds of silence to know when there was a problem.
Even in this best case scenario the odds of success are still below average.
…sounds like you guys could use help.
Another few seconds of silence.
It would be appreciated.
You know this would have been a lot easier if you didn't push your whole team away.
Even though I knew it was pointless it had to be said. Even if Fixit would now berate me with his logical reasons for leaving Red-X and I behind. Even if-
I know, and I am sorry.
Well then…that was…unexpected.
You're…sorry?
See-More has taught me about…hope. Something I had forgotten after my previous life. It is flawed, illogical, and irrational but I see now that it is the only thing we have in our favor. So I am asking you, Kyd Wykkyd, for your forgiveness and your assistance. If you give me these two things I promise to you that I shall never suffer from another error in judgment when it comes to my…teammates.
To say that I was surprised would be an understatement. For such a long time I thought Fixit had no semblance of being human left in him…especially after his detachment from his body, and whatever human parts were left in there, but hearing him now… I could almost picture that human scientist version I saw when I first met him, though not as a hologram…as an actual living thing.
I looked down at the black and purple claw; it twitched reflexively under my gaze.
If someone like Fixit could still hold on to his humanity…then maybe…
Kyd Wykkyd? Is something the matter?
Fixit's voice in my head quickly snapped me back to reality.
No, nothing. I'm helping. What do you need me to do?
Another, although this time unexpected, pause.
I need you to…free the Titans.
I quickly looked from the two chained heroes to Robin. It was not exactly an enticing idea.
Why?
Another pause, this one longer than all the other combined. His plan was already starting to form inside my head, I thought I was going to be sick. I really hoped I was wrong.
We need their help.
Nope.
No. I'm sorry but I can't do that.
And why is that?
Because! Because…
Because Robin killed my friend. Because I want to kill Robin, not ask for his help. I want to be his enemy, not his ally.
Thankfully it appeared quite easy to separate the thoughts I wanted Fixit to hear and the ones I didn't want him to…actually it was quite odd that I could do that…Regardless I took it as a good omen for now.
Because they are our enemies…
I hoped Fixit couldn't pick up tone through brainwaves or whatever he is using to communicate with me. I couldn't exactly say I had a practiced skill with lying and while it wasn't exactly a lie it wasn't the whole truth either…and even that much seemed to add a weight to my thought words.
Enemies or not we will not likely succeed in our escape without their assistance.
Whether Fixit picked up that I wasn't telling him everything or not was unsure but it definitely did not convince him.
But…how do you know they will even help us?
I cannot be positive about it. But Blackfire is an enemy to the Titans. Currently a direr enemy than either you or See-More. Logically they would focus their efforts on Blackfire and her associates…however…
Humans aren't always logical.
I could easily picture Fixit nodding in that philosophical way he does. Eyes closed and in deep thought.
Indeed. But it is a minor setback at most. In every scenario I have discovered Robin will attempt to free Raven and Beastboy if he himself is freed. This will keep the guards attention and potentially distract Blackfire at key points and lead to her defeat.
I looked from Robin to See-More and Number 26 still having their death dance. While my friend still seemed capable of avoiding the alien's attacks and keeping her at a distance I could clearly see the fatigue getting to him.
…and you're sure this is the best way I can help See-More?
It is the only way I'm afraid. Unless you believe you can distract the guards and the rest of these Tameranians by yourself.
I looked at the three guards that hovered in the air slightly above the crowd and the remaining one that held Robin effortlessly with one arm. Each was dressed in very flamboyant and sharp purple armor, coating every part of their body, a spiked helmet covered each head, revealing nothing of the face save for two glowing purple eyes. In each of their hands was a very long and dangerous looking spear. Switching my gaze to the crowd itself I could see hundreds and hundreds of fit looking and unstable aliens, all with potentially the power of Starfire and Number. A chill ran down my spine.
Okay, fine, I'll try and get the Titan's to help…but I'm not sure how I'll be able to convince them…or how good we'd even do against an army of Num- Blackfire's…
I am afraid I cannot guide you on how to sway the Titans, though I believe not many Tameranians possess powers to the extent of Blackfire, Starfire, or even Blackfire's guards. Many may have great strength and endurance but the ability to fly and use energy as a weapon is a rarity.
Ah…so just an army of supernaturally strong warriors…that's so much better.
Just keep your focus on the guards and never stay still in once place. I believe Starfire will strive to keep her people out of harms way.
Here's hoping.
I then gripped my cloak, eyes focused on the guard holding Robin.
Kyd Wykkyd.
Fixit's voice suddenly echoed in my head again, prompting me to lose my focus for a moment.
Er…yeah?
Good luck.
Surprised, I quickly had to force back a smile that tried to surface on my face.
Thanks, you to…and tell See-More…
Tell him what? I'm sorry? Please forgive me? It all sounded so petty and futile in my head.
I shall tell See-More you wish him luck as well Kyd Wykkyd…and I would not worry, it was his intention to go back for you after we had finished here.
Fixit remained silent after that and I knew he would remain so until further notice. I couldn't fight back the small smile that escaped on my face that time.
Okay, let's get this over with.
In a swift motion I pull my cape around my body using my one good hand, disappearing once again into the familiar darkness. For the short instant that I floated in that frozen abyss the pointed fingers on my claw stretched outwards, sensing the battle ahead. I swore to myself I would do my best to deny them the bloodshed I knew they craved.
I reappeared back into the world directly behind the guard who was holding Robin, the only one who remained on the ground. I saw his helmed head begin to turn in my direction as soon as I appeared, but I would not give him long to react.
Using all the strength and built in momentum I had I turned my body, sending a kick into the alien's exposed side. The impact was enough to send jolts of pain up and down my leg, but the guard barely seemed to react at all. Instead he merely turned all the way around so that he was facing me, dropping the spear along the way. Strange…did my attack make him drop it?
Not wasting any time I spun again, this time aiming another kick straight for his face. My foot hit solidly again but as I tried to retract it I found that it suddenly became impossible to move. Still at the awkward position of having my entire body stretched out horizontally from the kick I turned my head just enough to see the large, purple armor-clad, hand gripping my foot.
Uh oh.
Fruitlessly I tried to pull my leg free, but the relaxed way the alien seemed to grip my foot might as well have been a steel bear trap. And before I could think of how to proceed next the purple monster threw me in the air with a casual flick of his arm.
Random images flew through my vision as I hurtled towards the roof. I didn't even have enough time to tell what I was looking at or who was there before the image changed. I desperately grabbed for my cloak before I was to make a very solid impact with the top of this dungeon. Gripping what felt like one of the ends of my cape I quickly pulled it over me, tucking in my legs and claw as I did so.
I vanished again into darkness. My claw again twitched. It wanted attention. It knew I couldn't do anything without it.
I gritted my fanged teeth. I refused to give it the satisfaction.
I reappeared in the air, still curled into a ball, only now it was right over the guard who had thrown me. I pulled myself toward, twirling rapidly in the air, aiming straight down at the guard. At the last instant I kicked my leg out, letting the heel clip the top of his helmet before throwing it downwards as I landed.
I struck the ground and staggered to keep my balance. The blow was again solid and painful; I was forced to keep most of the pressure off my right foot as I attempted to stand again. The clatter of metal on stone rang in my ears as a purple helmet rolled along the floor. I looked up farther to see the alien guard was now hunched over. A less resistant Robin was still in his arm, looking shocked as his gaze switched from the alien to me. My eyes remained on the guard. He had leaned forward, but his feet haven't left the spot since I first attacked him.
Slowly the Tamaran guard rose back to his full height, the missing helmet revealing long, red hair and very bright, very angry purple eyes. I noticed Robin trying to struggle again, his arms were pinned to his sides but it was his hands that seemed to be moving the most, fingers trying to extend towards the belt around with waist.
I could only look on for another moment before the guard suddenly raised his free hand, an instant later purple energy exploding from it. With no time to reach for my cape I spun away from the bolts of energy as they shot out like cannon fire towards me. The Tameranians around us quickly moved aside to make room for the sudden show down. Faintly I could hear Starfire calling my name. Actually…it sounded like a warning… I looked around as I dodged the energy only to see three more guards descending on me from above.
Oh yeah…there were four…
I mentally slapped myself for how long this was taking. Robin should have been freed before I had to worry about the other guards.
My claw twitched again, sensing my stress.
Damn it, fine. I'll use you, but there won't be blood.
As I continued to dodge I forced my clawed fingers to constrict and form a fist. They resisted, knowing my intentions, but it was the only way. I looked around one final time, it was only another second or two before the other guards reached me.
I stopped in place, quickly ducking over another succession of energy bolts before using my human hand to pull the cape over me. I pulled the claw back as I entered the darkness, I would need all the free time I could gather.
I appeared back into the world a second later right in front of the guard holding Robin, hoping my gamble paid off. Sure enough he was busy looking behind him, preparing for another strike in the back.
Surprise.
Taking a rather loud step forward I threw the demonic fist into the face of the alien as he tried to look back in my direction.
I expected the impact. I expected it to feel like hitting a brick wall. What I did not expect was the sudden, bone-white, spikes to suddenly shoot out from the demonic hand right before it made contact with the alien's now fully exposed face.
All I could do was let out a silent gasp as the blow made contact. The sound of crunching bone and torn flesh was all I could hear for a splint instant before the Tamaran was sent off his feet and sailing through the air, dropping the Titan somewhere along the way before finally smacking into the wall some distance away. I watched the guard sink to the ground waited for him to get up as Robin landed smoothly somewhere beside me.
He did not get up.
"What…was that!" The Titan's leader called out, shaking me from my stupor. I quickly looked down at the demon hand before turning my body so that I was standing between it and him. The strange spikes were gone but it was definitely coated in blood now.
I didn't answer as the Titan quickly began to approach me. This was the moment. Would he choose to fight me here and now? Or would he go after his friends?
The now extended clawed fingers twitched. It was pretty clear what it wanted.
Robin got close enough to be able to touch me by simple extending his hand before he spoke again.
"Hey! I said-!" His mask seemed to catch something beside us however and before I could react the Titan suddenly slammed into me.
So that's his answer then…
The claw was already preparing for its next meal.
However as he shoved into me I suddenly took notice of the spear that suddenly cut through the air where I had just been standing.
Oh…
I forced the claw back into a fist as the Titan and I stumbled backwards, trying to keep our balance. While the first guard had missed the other two were now flying rapidly in our direction, spears pointed forwards and ready to pierce our heads. Being in the more favorable position I quickly gripped the Titan's shoulders and shoved him aside, helping him to avoid the spear that nearly split through his head before ducking to avoid the one sent into my own.
Both spears retracted immediately, already prepared to assault again. I leapt backwards and took quick note of Robin quickly attempting to side step his opponent as the two guards split off to chase us both down. The third guard merely stood where he first missed us, clearly looking for an opening.
I wouldn't make it easy for him.
I quickly pulled my cape over myself again as the guard gunning for me tried to gut me through the middle. In the darkness I held the demon fist above my head and tucked in my legs, preparing for the fall.
The fall that came a split second later as I reappeared in the air over the guard who had not moved. I fell down towards him, fist ready to smash down on his unsuspecting head. Unsuspecting until he suddenly looked up right at me. Without a moment's hesitation he switched his spear to one hand, the now free one aimed right up towards me before firing a series of energy bolts.
I didn't have time to quickly react. In that split second I remembered the claw resisting the power of Starfire's eye beams…maybe…
Without another moment's pause I brought down the fist from above my head and simply began swinging it wildly in the air I was rapidly falling down through. I watched almost in awe as the first of the bolts of energy was simply battered away…and then another…and another… As it swatted away the energy as if they were no more than pesky flies I felt my claw begin to move again on its own, removing the threat of the blasts with more precision and skill, I no longer felt as if I was the one moving it any longer. The fear that produced was too late however as the claw suddenly reached out for the helmed guard's face when I had fallen close enough. The guard thankfully reacted quickly enough to avoid it as I landed, but before I could even gain my footing the claw suddenly lurched forward, nearly taking me off my feet.
More than likely surprised at my sudden onslaught the guard swung wildly at my side. The claw reacted quicker than I could, reaching down to interrupt the swing and gripped the pole of the spear, right below the bladed end, stopping it in its tracks. Even wearing his helmet I could tell the guard was just as shocked as I was. He attempted to pull the pole from the demon claw's grip, but to no avail. I felt something focus on the back of my head and, turning my head slightly, I could see the guard who was previously attacking me before I had vanished already sailing towards me again, spear extended and looking to pierce me in the back.
But before either of us could do anything the claw acted on its own. With shocking strength it pulled the spear it was gripping and thrust it over and around my shoulder, forcing me to turn around in order to keep my balance while the hapless guard was sent flying off his spear, taking too off guard from the burst of strength. I did not have the time to focus on where that guard was sent however when I felt the claw suddenly stop.
I looked to where it was, still gripped firmly on the pole of the spear, but the blade itself was missing…but not missing…it was hiding…somewhere deep inside the chest of the guard who had attempted to attack me from behind.
The guard in question dropped his own spear with a final clatter as he gazed down at the wound in his chest. I looked down at it to, deep crimson blood dripping from it like some squished juice box. I could feel the claw bathing in it all like it was some lavish bath. The Tamaran then looked back up at me, gripping the wrist of my more normal arm. I looked into his glowing purple eyes…and kept looking even after the glow had faded and the grip had left my arm.
It took a tremendous amount of effort but I forced the claw to release its grip on the spear, letting it and the body it was still attached to fall to the ground. I looked around me then. Seemingly thousands of Tameranians were still gathered, some now looking on at me with a mixture of fear and horror, but still more had their eyes glued to the contest between Number 26 and See-More that still raged somewhere across the room, while still more were now discreetly being ushered out of the room, being led by a very frightened looking Starfire who was attempting to get her people out of this quickly turning massacre.
At least Fixit was right about that…
I tried to take a deep breath to settle my nerves, forcing my eyes away from the bloody mess beside me. It was nothing I haven't seen before. I don't have time to think about this. About anything besides on helping See-More…on helping…
"Gah!" Robin suddenly cried out as I watched him skid across the now much more spacious ground as more and more Tamarans began exiting the ground. He looked positively thrashed compared to the calm and composed Tamaran that was slowly making his way towards the Titan leader. Guess he hasn't seen how his other comrades have been faring.
I had to hand it to the Titan…he was at least a decent distraction. I made to head towards the two but the sound of someone landing on their feet forced me to spin back around in place. This unfortunately met seeing the dead guard again, though a not so dead guard stood over him now. Judging from his undamaged face I quickly discerned that it wasn't the one that got hit in the face. He bent down, whispering something unintelligible to his dead comrade before standing up again and removing the spear from the other guard's chest.
The guard then removed his own helmet and, letting it clatter to the floor, he held up his spear, pointed end dripping in blood as he pointed it towards me. The glowing purple eyes glowed viciously under red hair that was cropped much shorter than the one I had punched, revealing every detail of his anger as he glared at me.
"Don sta, mach ran!" The guard hissed, and while I could not understand what he said, it was easy to tell it meant nothing good.
The claw's fingers flexed, sensing the challenge. But I couldn't let it attack again…
But what can I do without the claw?
The claw opened and closed its fingers. The blood it had drunk was not enough. Not nearly enough.
But it will kill again…can I let it kill again?
The Tamaran lowered his spear, only slightly, as he began to walk towards me.
But without the claw…he will kill me for sure…
I found myself having to force the claw from rising on its own.
But if I keep this up…I might lose myself again…
Would that be such a bad thing?
A voice inside my head, different from mine, different from Fixit's. It was a voice that dripped with malice. A voice that send instant chills throughout my entire body.
Just let go. Give in to your desire. Isn't that what we really want in the end?
It was a cold voice. Colder than ice…and just as cold as the darkness I always slipped into...
Who are you!
I backed away subconsciously, though I couldn't help but continue to notice the guard's unstoppable advance towards me, glowing eyes still filled with the intent to kill.
Laughter filled my head. It was not a happy laugh, or an uncontrolled one. It was an amused chuckle, a noise that nearly sent me to my knees.
We both know who we are.
The claw then raised itself fully, clawed finger tips pointed directly at the approaching alien, and no amount of my willpower or effort could force it down, even when I tried to grip the arm with my other hand.
That's because we aren't trying to stop it.
I felt my foot take a step forwards. The guard, almost instantly, stopped his approach. I saw something in his exposed face. The anger had faded slightly…replaced with…fear…
Fear of us, fear of what we will do.
I smile crept up on my face. It wasn't my smile and it was my smile. I took another step with a foot that wasn't my foot and was my foot. As the Tamaran took a step back the claw that wasn't my claw and was my claw suddenly reached forwards.
I could smell the blood.
Soon I will taste the blood.
Just a little closer and I will taste the-.
"Hang on Kyd I got ya!" A voice suddenly cut through the stillness that I had found myself in. A second later the guard had vanished from my field of vision as a red laser beam suddenly struck him from the side, sending him far down the room…seconds away from the claw gripping his face.
The claw…the claw! Quickly gaining control I forced the claw into a fist and pinned it to my side. The voice in my head seemed like a bad dream when I turned to see See-More's beaming face standing only a few feet away, hands on his hips and breathing heavy.
"Fixit said…you…couldn't…help me…but he never…said…I couldn't…help…you!" My friend said between deep breaths. I could only look back at him in amazement. A small smile flitted over my face as I tried to think on how to ask him how he dealt with Number 26.
The answer came an instant later.
"Don't think you can ignore me, SEE-MORE!" A voice built with fury suddenly declared.
I could only look on in horror as Number 26 suddenly appeared, floating behind See-More. My friend did not even have the time to turn before she sent a kick against the side of his head.
I cried out in my head as loud as it could go as See-More's body sailed helplessly through the air before slamming against the wall. I watched him slide down into the ground. Waited on stone cold feet for him to get up.
He didn't get up.
See-More…
I tried to move but I couldn't feel my legs anymore.
See-More…!
I tried to take a step but ended up falling to my knees instead.
SEE-MORE!
Number 26 looked at where he lied motionless on the ground before nodding, satisfied. She then turned to look down at me, a proud smile gracing her disgustingly beautiful face.
"The contest is over. It is time to eliminate the rest."
It was an order given in an almost hushed tone, but it was apparently loud enough for the owners of the strong hands that suddenly gripped my arms and held them apart, taking care to avoid the claw that was now freely trying to grasp at anything around it. I looked to either side, expecting more purple armored guards, only to see regular dressed male Tamarans. Apparently Starfire didn't manage to get all of her people to safety. Despite them not wearing armor the alien's strength was still more than enough to keep me from moving, not that I had much willpower left to do anything.
I looked from Robin who was himself pinned to the ground by one of the remaining guards, to the two Titans who remained chained up, to the quiet body of my more than likely dead friend.
Guess that's it then.
I let my head sink downwards. Even the claw suddenly stopped in its trashing. I could hear footsteps approach me.
Guess the plan failed, Fixit.
"It was a valiant effort, I must admit." Number 26's mocking echoed into nothingness in my head. "But it is time to clean up this mess."
Guess it failed…because of me.
Do not be so hard on yourself.
A voice in my head said this. Fixit's voice.
Fixit?
Have hope Kyd Wykkyd. See-More still lives and this is not over.
But…how?
Because we still have Plan X.
Plan...-
"No…" Number 26 breathed, her voice quickly regaining its anger, "How did you find-."
"Best thief in the world, remember?"
A presence was suddenly behind me when there was previously no one there. I looked to my sides to see my captors had noticed it as well. But before they could react a black gloved hand suddenly gripped itself on both of their faces. An instant later red binding quickly wrapped themselves around the alien's faces. The two quickly released their grip on me to try and pull the binding from their faces, though it seemed to do little good even with their strength.
With my new freedom I could only remain on my knees and turn my head to see the almost angelic figure of Red-X. Standing in all his glory as he eyed Number 26 through his skull-masked eyes.
"No! That's impossible!" Number 26 continued to cry, fists glowing purple, "How did you find-!"
She was cut off however when a red x shaped object suddenly flew through the air, smacking her face and wrapping specifically around her mouth, effectively cutting off her words.
"You know I've been meaning to say, babe, you're a lot prettier with that mouth closed." Red-X taunted, earning a death-like glare from Number 26 before she extended her hands, sending energy bolts at him. I watched as Red-X vanished- wait, vanished!
Like he wasn't even there Red-X was gone, the bolts of energy flying harmlessly through the air space he was just in. I thought maybe I had imagined the entire thing for an instant before Red-X suddenly appeared, standing in between Number 26 and I.
"Uh uh uh, didn't your daddy ever teach you any manners?"
This earned a particularly furious cry from Number 26 before she attempted to send a fist straight for Red-X's head. The master thief easily ducked from the blow and quickly send a palm against Blackfire's stomach.
"Now I'm gonna warn you…this will sting a bit…"
And with that red electricity surged through Number 26, her muffled cries drowned out by the crackling energy. The alien princess collapsed to her knees after Red-X had removed his hand all fight seemingly drained out of her.
"Now you just sit there and think about what you did." Red-X scolded before turning around so that he was facing me. I looked from the very recently defeated Blackfire to the masked thief who was looking down at me.
"Hey there Kydo, need a hand?"
He then extended his gloved hand towards me; reflexively I reached out with the claw, earning an awkward cough from the thief.
"Ah, other hand please, I'm allergic to demon."
Bowing my head slightly in apology I reached with the other hand and gripped Red-X's, allowing him to pull me to my feet. I felt as if I would fall as soon as I stood but the thief quickly gripped my shoulder, hand still clenched in mine.
"Man these guys really did a number on yall huh?" Red-X asked me, I could almost see the playful smile behind his mask, "Good thing I decided to stop by and check on you kids."
I didn't know what to say, even if I could say anything. My eyes drifted from the masked face to the teen who risked his life for me, still lying face down on the ground, the mechanical man ever fighting for victory inside of him.
How can they all be so strong? How can I be so weak compared to them?
This all started because I wanted to be strong and save my old teammates…how did things get so screwed up to where I was the one who needs saving? I clenched my fists.
"Ow, hey man take it easy there, I only got four fingers there!" Red-X muttered, releasing our perpetual handshake. I wanted to hug him. Though I quickly took a step away to prevent that from happening. Red-X folded his arms, sizing me up, before looking over to where See-More still lay.
"Well you guys look like crap…where's Fixit? Dead?"
I looked at See-More as well before turning back to Red-X. I wanted to shake my head, but that wasn't a very good explanation. I raised my good hand and, keeping it horizontal, I tilted it from side to side, trying to say 'eh, kinda'. Red-X's cocked head clearly showed that I should have stuck to shaking my head.
"This…only…delays the inevitable…" Number 26 spoke up, fire still in her words.
"My, my, speaking again already?" Red-X commented as he turned to face her, "I guess that electricity got rid of my binding, a pity."
"You will regret using such a tone with me!" Number 26 spat, slowly attempting to rise to her feet, "You stand in the halls of Tamaran's palace! You will find no mercy and no compassion here! Only slow and painful death!"
"I guess I should really read the brochure next time I plan a vacation." Red-X quipped, taking a defensive stand. I gripped my cape, my eyes dancing from See-More to Robin to the remaining Titans. Though as I did this a sea of angry orange faces filled my vision.
The plan was not over, not by a long shot. But we still had a long way to go.
"My people!" Number 26 cried, finally rising to feet and into the air again, "Today is where we make our stand! This is the moment where the enemy tastes its first defeat! Squash the insects that dare attempt to usurp us from our homes! Bring death upon those that would bring destruction upon our home and families! My people! It is time-!"
Number 26 was suddenly interrupted in her speech as the noise of a horrible avalanche echoed loudly throughout the entire expanse of the dungeon. The air itself began to shake and pieces of stone from the ceiling and walls began to break off. Hundreds of Tamaran's cried in terror and fled towards the exit as larger debris began to fall around us.
"What is happening!" Number 26 cried out to one of the guards. The one who wasn't holding Robin flew over to her, some hologram glowing from his wrist.
"An unidentified spacecraft my queen!" The guard answered, his heavily accented voice filled with panic, "It has crashed right through the palace walls, it appears to be-!"
But the guard's shouts were cut off as well when an even louder noise interrupted as something exploded through the roof. What Tamarans that still hadn't escaped the room flew off in random directions as the very large object slowly sunk further through the roof, sending dusk and debris in every direction, Red-X and I were forced to cover our faces with our cloaks as the dust flew out like a storm towards us.
It took several long seconds for the dust to finally clear. But nothing prepared me for what appeared when the horribly loud noises quieted down and the roof and walls stopped caving in.
A spaceship, or what was left of it, stuck out from the ceiling of the very large dungeon room. Fire and pieces of metal and stone seemed to take up what still remained of the ship, but one thing clearly stood out.
The cockpit, made out of apparently impenetrable glass, rested a few inches above the ground, and only a few meters from where Red-X and I stood. In it I could just make out a figure, but it was enough to make my entire body freeze over.
Very slowly, those that still remained in the room watched as the cockpit's large, indestructible window opened, and from the still clearing dust stepped out a girl, no older than 17 or 18, with dark purple and black clothes and bright pink hair.
She landed on the ground with a cat-like grace before looking around the room at everyone who could only stare back at her in awe. She only stopped when her bright pink eyes found me. I felt my insides freeze over as she squinted at me. Maybe she wouldn't recognize me-.
"Hey Kyd." She greeted with a sheepish smile and a polite wave. The only thing I could possibly think to do was raise my own hand in greeting. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Red-X lean slightly towards me.
"Damn, why couldn't I get an entrance like that?"
XXXXXX
To Be Continued…
XXXXXX