Episode 8: The Christmas Surprise
Two figures stood in a dark office. The first one sat in a large behind the desk. The second stood in front of the desk.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" The first figure asked. "She was a very powerful metahuman."
"I'm sure," the second figure simply said.
"Well, we'll need a sample of her DNA." The second figure pulled out a small box, set it on the desk, and slid it to the first figure. The first figure opened the box and pulled out a piece of rock.
"Will that be enough?"
"Yes, that will be enough, but how do you plan to get the rest here?"
"I don't," he said and threw a file on the desk with a picture of a blonde girl on it. "We'll use her." The first figure placed the rock back in the box and picked up the file.
"Why her?" He asked while looking through the file.
"Her personality is a lot like the original; only this one will be good."
"What makes you so sure she'll do it, let alone be better than the original?" The first figure asked putting the file down.
"I have my sources."
"What about her memories?" The second figure pulled out a CD.
"This should cover all her memories," the second figure said placing the CD on the desk. "Just lace them next to her other memories."
"Won't that let her still remember who she was?"
"Exactly. If she thinks she's the original, it will just create a problem down the road. If she knows she's a fake that's better than the original, we shouldn't have a problem with her at least."
"What if the original comes back?"
"The odds of that are very low, and if it does happen, the others must choose, but it will be deciding between a good one and a bad one."
"What about her powers?" The second figure pulled out another CD and placed it on the desk.
"This should have all info you need."
"You came quite prepared."
"Old habit. I need her trained and ready by Christmas."
"That's kind of far way, isn't it?"
"I want to make sure she's up to speed and I don't want you to rush too much. You make more mistakes when you rush than when you pace yourself. Will she be ready?"
"I'm sure we can do it in time. What about the money?"
"You'll get your money when I see results, but don't worry. You'll get your money."
"Some how I trust you." The two figures shook hands, and the second one left. The first turned on the intercom and talked into it. "Sarah, tell the scientist and researcher to drop any projects they're doing. I have a special one I need them on right away."
"Yes, sir," Sarah answered from the intercom.
In a lab somewhere, the first figure stood in front of a large tube with a blonde girl nude inside. The second figure walked up behind him with another figure.
"Nice to see you again," the first figure greeted. "Who is your friend?"
"My friend here has the same powers as her," the second figure answered holding up a hand toward the third figure. The third figure looked up at the tube and then ran to it.
"Is that?" The third figure asked. The second figure walked up and put his and on the third figures shoulder.
"No, it isn't. Your sister was rotten to the core." He then looked up at the girl. "She will be good and have all of your sister's memories."
"Will she be the same?"
"No...she'll be better."
"If you gentlemen are finished, please step into the chairs," the first figure said motioning toward a couple of chairs, "so we can finish the process." The second and third figure stepped into the chairs, and they were strapped in. The chairs were more like dentist chairs and were reclined back. Wires were placed on their temples, and the machine was started. It whined as it powered up. Bubbles started forming in the tube with the girl. Electricity was all around the pair and they looked like they were in pain.
"There bodies can't take much more," said one of the scientists.
"We need just a little more," said another scientist.
"Keep...going," the second figure said in pain.
"Don't...stop," the third figure added also in pain.
"That's it. We're done," the second scientist said after a few more minutes.
"Shut it down and get those two out of there," the first figure ordered. The machine was shut off, and the two figures slowly got out of their chairs moaning. The second figure's hair had changed slightly. All eyes turned as the tube with the girl was drained, and the glass was slid up. The girl fell to her knees with a moan. The gas mask on her face fell off and was raised up. The girl blinked and looked around.
"What happened? Where am I?" She asked. The second figure walked over to one of the scientist.
"Give me your coat," he instructed. The scientist nodded and gave the second figure his lab coat.
"Here," the scientist said handing the coat over.
"Thanks." The second and third figure walked over to the girl. He put the coat around the girl. "You're finished," he said in a kind voice. The third figure helped her up.
"Come on I brought you a costume and a change of clothes," third figure said also in a kind walking her out. "After some rest and something good to eat, we can begin." The girl looked up at the third figure.
"Begin what?" The girl asked.
"Your training," the second figure called after them. The pair looked back at the second figure with his arms crossed and his hair back to normal for a minute and then continued on. The first figure walked up beside the second and watched the pair leave.
"Are you sure about this?" The first figure asked still facing forward.
"She'll be alright," the second figure answered who was also still facing forward. "You finished soon enough for her to get enough training in, and with the original's brother here, she should be able learn to control her knew powers pretty quick." The first figure finally turned his head toward the second figure.
"Now, there still is the matter of payment."
"Half of the money will be in your account by this afternoon," he told him still facing forward. "You'll get the other half when her training is finished. I want you to oversee her training. I don't want her to have any negative influence." The second figure started to walk away.
"Fair enough, but what is your name anyway?" The second figure did not stop or turn around.
"That is not important. All you should care about is getting the job done and your money." He turned as the door closed.
"Why anyone would go through that much trouble is beyond me," he said to himself. He then spoke to everyone else. "Well, get back work." The first figure left as well still wondering about his strange employer.
To be continued...
Starfire flew in an open window into the living room looking a little gloomy. Raven was off to the side reading a book with the stuff animal Beast Boy gave her in one arm. Robin was over in the kitchen making a sandwich. Cyborg and Beast Boy were at the couch playing a racing game.
"Hey, Kory," Cyborg as she flew in. "Any luck?"
"No," Starfire answered in a sad tone. "I've searched the city many times and found many kitties but not the right one. Where could he have gone?"
"He could have left the city," Beast Boy pointed out still facing the screen.
"Yeah, I mean he can orb after all," Cyborg added also still facing the screen.
"I'm sure he'll turn up," Robin tried to reassure.
"I'm not so sure of that," Raven said not looking up.
"How can you say that?" Starfire shouted in an angry voice. "He was your pet. Why aren't you even worried?" Raven closed the book and yelled,
"Because I don't think he even was a cat!"
"Huh?" Starfire said confused.
"If he wasn't a cat, what was he?" Cyborg asked turning away from the screen. He turned back to find he had lost. "Aw man."
"Ha ah, I win," Beast Boy said happily. Raven stood up and said,
"A half-dragon."
"You don't think," Robin said catching the implication.
"Ah ha." Raven turned and left.
"Huh?" Starfire said even more confused now.
"I'll tell you later," Robin told her.
"What I want to know is, why won't she put that stuff animal I gave her down?" Beast Boy asked.
"You gave it to her," Cyborg said surprised.
"I went to Raven's room the night Tiger left and turned into a cat for her. When she turned down the offer, I went back to my room and found that laying on my floor. It looked like Tiger, but it was stuffed, and I thought Raven would like."
"You should have given it to her as a Christmas present."
"A what present?" Starfire asked.
"That right we need to go Christmas shopping and beat the rush," Robin said wolfing down his sandwich. "Everybody get changed and let's go." Starfire's face lit up.
"Is it that time of the year already?"
"Almost."
"I'll go tell Raven." Starfire quickly left the room and hurried to Raven's room.
Raven sat on her bed hugging the stuff animal when Starfire called from the hall.
"Raven, we are going to the mall of shopping shortly for presents for the day of Christmas. Do you wish to come?" Raven let out a sigh.
"I'll be there in a minute." Raven sat the stuff animal in Tiger's basket, which she never got rid of. She then turned and changed into some casual clothes and went to meet the others.
The third figure walked out of the room as the second walked in. The girl was on her knees panting.
"Why does he have to be so hard?" She asked.
"When you are sent out, you're expected to be in full control of your powers, and time is running short," the second figure told her.
"But does he have to be so hard?"
"You knew it would not be easy and don't forget. You chose this. Nobody made you."
"I know, but I'm starting to wonder, if I'm cut out for this." The second figure placed a hand on her shoulder.
"You'll be fine. You may not be the original, but once your training is finished, I'm sure you'll be better than the original."
"You really think so?"
"I know so." He turned and proceeded to leave. "Now get so rest and something to eat," he said looking back over his shoulder. "Your new brother will want to train some more. I need to go. I have other presents to prepare. Keep up the good work."
"Thanks. I will."
The Titans wore casual clothes not to get mobbed. But seeing how Beast Boy was all green and Cyborg was half-metal, they still had a few fans attack them. The Titans were all together when they walked pass a hardware store. Raven noticed something in the store and told her friends she would catch up with them later. Raven thought she saw the red-headed White Dragon in the store and decided to check it out. When she got close, she saw it was him, but he didn't have a tail.
"Hey. What are you doing?" Raven casually asked. White Dragon turned to Raven and did not seeming surprised
"Hey, Rae," he said, "just picking up a few things for gift." Raven looked at the pile he set on the counter.
"Are you going to make a present?"
"Sort of, you'll just have to wait and see."
"Is this everything, sir?" The cashier asked.
"No, but you can start ringing it up. I still need a few things." Raven followed as White Dragon went to get more stuff. "So, what's new?" He asked Raven.
"If you didn't already know," she started, and White Dragon laughed at the implication. "I got a cat."
"Is it boy or girl?"
"It's a boy," Raven said playing along, "and his name is Tiger."
"Really, how is he?"
"I don't know. He's been gone for a week now."
"How could you lose a cat?" He asked sarcastically.
"He was special. He could fight and orb."
"Sounds like my cat."
"What does he look like?"
"Will that be all?" The cashier asked.
"Yeah, that's everything," White Dragon told the cashier. He then turned to back answer Raven. "He's white with black tiger stripes. I also call him Tiger."
"Looks like we have the same cat," Raven pointed out.
"That'll be $375.48, sir," the cashier said.
"I'll do credit," White Dragon said handing the cashier a card. He then addressed Raven. "It seems like that."
"So am I going to get him back?" Raven asked.
"Here you go, sir. Thank you for coming," the cashier said handing White Dragon some bags.
"Thanks," he told the cashier. Again he turned back to Raven. "Maybe, you'll just have to wait see." He tapped Raven on the nose. White Dragon walked out of the store, turning to go the opposite way the Titans had passed. Looking back, he raised both eye brows twice and then walked on. Raven just smiled, shook her head, and chuckled. She left the store and caught up with her friends.
"I wonder what he's up to," she wondered.
To Be Continued...
The girl stood at attention as the second figure paced back and forth in front of her while examining her. He stopped and stared at the girl. The girl was wearing an unusual costume.
"Is she ready?" The second figure asked. The third figure stepped up also in a similar costume and said,
"She's ready."
"Thank you, G-Force. I will send the money to your account."
"You didn't have to pay me."
"I know, but you needed something for your time beside a new sister."
"Thanks." He turned toward the girl and asked, "How are you feeling, sis?"
"A little nervous," the girl answered.
"That's normal," the second figure told her. "Do keep in mind that you are not the original, but to the others you are."
"I know, and I feel kind of guilty for taking over somebody else's life. I remember what she did like I was the one who did, and I regret it."
"That's a good sign. The original had no regrets of what she'd done, and I'm sure you'll make better use of her powers."
"But will others buy it?" G-Force asked.
"Even though she volunteered, I specifically chose her, because I knew she would look and act like the original. I also chose her, because I knew she would do better with her powers."
"But if you knew," the girl started, "why was I so heavily watched?"
"Because you are still only human and so there was still a chance that you would turn bad. The main reason the original went bad was because she had a very bad influence when she was learning, when she was most impressionable. That is why you were so heavily watched. I was making sure history would not repeat itself."
"But what did you care, if she went bad?" G-Force asked.
"Because the original hurt her friends when she turned evil, I would not let that happen again especially since I'm the one who masterminded this whole thing."
"So if she turned evil, you're responsible."
"Exactly now, get some rest. We will be leave early." The second figure turned and started to leave. "I need to finish making preparations."
"But tomorrow's Christmas," the girl protested. The second figure turned around as the doors close.
"Exactly." He looked up once the doors were closed. "It's almost done." He let out a sigh "I hate being this secretive, but it's my job."
It was Christmas Eve in Titans Tower. Everyone was joyful, even Raven. The whole tower is decked on the inside, and the outside is covered with lights courtesy of Cyborg. A tree stood in the middle of the living room with a few presents under it. Starfire was giddier than usual. Cyborg kept blowing fuses with all his decoration. Beast Boy would not stop telling jokes. Raven tried to avoid Beast Boy, so his bad jokes wouldn't ruin her mood. Robin could be seen smiling at any time of the day, which is odd for him. Raven was the same way unless she had to listen to one of Beast Boy's jokes. Of course, if she wanted a good joke, her Special Secret Admirer started putting jokes in his letters that made Raven laugh. He had some good jokes like: What do get when you cross a snowman and a vampire? Frostbite.
"Oh, when will the Christmas come?" Starfire whined.
"Relax, Kory. It'll be here tomorrow," Robin reassured her. Cyborg set the stockings on the counter and said,
"Yeah, the speed twins just came by to drop off the gifts from Titans East and pick up our gifts for them."
"Oh, I cannot wait," Starfire complained.
"Don't worry. It'll be here before you know it," Raven told her. Starfire sighed
"I guess."
"Why don't we all turn in," Cyborg said locking down the tower, "so it will be tomorrow sooner."
"Good idea," Robin said. All the Titans went to bed, and Cyborg turned off the lights. During the night, one-by-one each titan got up and placed at least one more present under the tree. When all five had put their presents under the tree, a mysterious, skinny figure snuck in without tripping the alarm, put a few gifts in the corner and in the stockings, and then left without a sound while smiling the whole time.
All of the Titans woke bright and early. They all rushed for the gifts. Raven didn't have her stuffed animal with her for a change. They exchanged the gifts from each other and then opened the ones from Titans East. Then the Titans notice there was something in their stockings. Robin found a new cape. Beast Boy and Cyborg each found a new video game in theirs. Starfire found a whole bottle of mustard. She added it to the two cases of mustard she got from the speed twin. Raven reached inside her stocking and pulled out a small wrapped box. She unwrapped and opened the box. Inside the box, she found a note. She picked up the note and saw a necklace with a big blue gem with her symbol on it and a ruby in the eye of the raven. Raven gasped and put the necklace on. She then picked up the note she dropped and began to read it. The note read:
Hey, Raven. While doing my Christmas shopping, a guy caught me orbing and promised to keep my secret if I did this. He had me find a rare gem known as the blue diamond and if trying to find an unclaimed ore with it wasn't hard enough, he wanted me to engrave it with your symbol and put a ruby in the raven's eye. He also told me to say this:
A raven maybe seen as ugly,
But you are the fairest one of all.
I don't get it, but that's what he told me to say. When I asked who he was, he just said he was your Special Secret Admirer. Well for his sake, I hope you like.
Signed, White Dragon.
Raven smiled and put the note and necklace with her other gifts. Looking up she noticed the gifts in the corner.
"Hey, guys. We missed some," Raven said pointing to the gifts in the corner. Cyborg rushed over and brought the gifts back. One box was small. Another box was medium. The last box was big, and there were two cards.
"This is for you," Cyborg said handing Beast Boy a card. "This one's for you," he said handing Raven the medium size box. "This is for you," he said again handing Robin the other card. "This is Kory's," he said once more handing Starfire the small box. "And this one is mine," he said joyfully ripping open the large box. "Wow," was all he could say removing a pair of arms and legs and a note. After he read the note, he said, "Sweat. WD sent me new and improved limbs." Robin had just begun reading the card when Starfire tackled him and started kissing him. Out of the corner of eye, he finished reading the letter. The note told him that White Dragon had sent Starfire the beautiful necklace that was now in her hand, but he signed it love Robin. Robin put the card in his belt and kissed Starfire back. Raven opened her gift, and it was a book. She opened it, and the title was "The Galyan Scrolls". Raven's eyes widen as she turned the page. On the back of the page, White Dragon wrote that he found the Galyan Scrolls and copied them to put them in a book. Raven flipped through the book before closing and putting it with her other gifts. After setting the book down, she looked over at Beast Boy who continually read his card with a disappointed face over and over.
"What's wrong, Garfield?" Raven asked. Beast Boy sighed and said,
"White Dragon says he wants to give my gift in person, but he doesn't say when. I may never get it." Before Raven or Cyborg could say anything, White Dragon walked in and was in his hero form. Everyone turned to see him except Robin and Starfire who were a little preoccupied.
"Are you ready for your present, Gar?" White Dragon asked.
"Yeah, but why did I have to wait?"
"Because your gift is for everyone, but it's mainly for you."
"Huh?" Robin and Starfire finally look up as White Dragon steps to the side. The blonde girl that had been training under G-Force was the one that was standing behind White Dragon. Beast Boy's eyes widened and the other's jaws all dropped.
"Hi, guys," she said.
"Terra, is that you?" Beast Boy asked softly.
"Of course, it me."
"Terra!" He screamed for joy. Terra ran over to the others and got surrounded by everyone except Raven who had walked over to White Dragon.
"I can't believe it," Raven said turning around to watch the others. "How'd you do it?" White Dragon smiled.
"I didn't," he told her. She looked at him.
"Huh?" White Dragon whispered to her,
"The real Terra was rotten to the core. This girl is almost exactly like Terra, but she'll be good."
"But what happens when we go to fight crime?" She whispered back.
"She has all of Terra's powers and memories, so in a sense she is Terra. She knows she's a fake, but I think she's better than the original. You can let the others in on it in private, but I wouldn't tell Gar."
"Not a bad idea."
"Thanks. Oh and I have one more gift." White Dragon turned around and went out the door. The doors closed behind him. The doors reopened as Raven turned around. She looked down and saw Tiger. Raven held out her arms, and Tiger jumped into them. Tiger climbed up onto Raven's left shoulder and then walked around behind her head to Raven's right shoulder.
"I'll stay for night, but I have to go after that," Tiger whispered in Raven's ear.
"Can't you stay longer?" She whispered putting her arms down.
"Sorry, I still have things that need my attention."
"Okay." Raven held out her arms, and Tiger jumped into them. Raven turned around to join the others. When Starfire saw Raven walking over holding Tiger, she rushed over and grabbed Tiger right out of Raven's hands. She hugged him very tight and said,
"Oh, Tiger, where have you been? I was so worried." Tiger struggled, but Starfire's crushing hug was too tight. He orbed out of Starfire's arms and back onto Raven's shoulder. Once on Raven's shoulder, Tiger put his right paw over his chest and breathed very heavy before shaking his head and panting. Everyone except Starfire just started laughing. Terra walked over, picked up Tiger off Raven's shoulder, and petted him gently.
"Well aren't you cute? Who do you belong to?"
"He's mine," Raven said gently taking Tiger.
"Oh." Terra looked down, because she heard a noise. She saw Beast Boy as a puppy, and he was whining. She picked him up. "Are you going to be my pet?" Beast Boy gave a bark. "Okay."
"Just make sure you paper train him," Cyborg joked. Everyone broke out laughing.
Merry Christmas.
The End...or is it?