Haunting Past.
...
Chapter Five
...
On the edge of Jump City, deep within the secluded terrain, loomed a formidable penitentiary designed to contain the most dangerous of meta-humans. Amidst the inky darkness of the night, with the sun long since vanished, the only sources of light were the harsh strobe lights from the prison, casting eerie shadows over the desolate courtyard.
Within the fortress-like walls, where dampness seemed to seep from every crack, two inmates found themselves confined within the confines of their cell. Their existence was defined by monotony, their daily routines etched into the very fabric of their being. And so, in keeping with their accustomed ritual, Gizmo climbed the metal ladder to claim the top bunk, the springs of the mattress protesting with each movement as he settled in, attempting to find solace in the discomfort of his surroundings.
Stretching his arms in a futile attempt to alleviate the tension of the day, Gizmo finally closed his eyes, ready to surrender to the embrace of sleep. The warmth of the summer night seeped through the thick walls of the penitentiary, enveloping the cell in a stifling embrace, offering the promise of a restless slumber. However, just as he was on the verge of succumbing to exhaustion, a foul stench assaulted his senses, originating from the depths of the lower bunk.
The putrid odor clawed its way up from the depths, invading Gizmo's nostrils with an intensity that threatened to overwhelm him. With a grimace of disgust, he recoiled, his senses assaulted by the noxious fumes that permeated the cramped confines of their cell.
"Dammit, did you just let one rip?" Gizmo asked, his hand instinctively moving to cover his nose as he sat up, his eyes narrowing in irritation.
Mammoth, crouched down on the bottom bunk, merely grunted in response, his massive frame barely fitting within the limited space. "You know prison food doesn't settle well with me." He muttered defensively, a sheepish grin tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Well, you can at least warn me- Augh!" Gizmo's protest was cut short as the noxious odor assaulted him once more, prompting a vehement reaction.
"There's your warning." Mammoth quipped, his tone laced with amusement as he offered a wry smirk.
"Do not make me come down there and kick your ass!" Gizmo's voice crackled with anger, his threat hanging heavy in the stale air of their cell.
Mammoth's laughter rumbled through the room, a deep, hearty sound that reverberated off the walls. "I'd like to see you try, short stuff." He retorted in amusement.
With a sudden burst of frustration, Gizmo propelled himself off the top bunk, his agile movements defying the cramped quarters as he landed on Mammoth. The two met in a chaotic flurry of motion, limbs thrashing and fists flying as they grappled with one another, the scuffle escalating into a full-blown brawl within the confines of their prison cell. Punches were thrown with reckless abandon, hair was pulled, and in the heat of the moment, even the biting of limbs became fair game in their primal struggle for dominance.
From outside the steel bars, in the dimly lit hallway that echoed with the muffled sounds of their scuffle, the pink-haired sorceress observed the chaos unfolding within the cell with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. Leaning casually against the wall, she crossed her arms over her chest, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips as she watched the two cellmates unleash their pent-up frustrations upon each other. "Geez, I can't leave you two alone for five minutes." She remarked dryly, her voice carrying through the thick metal door that separated them.
Startled by her sudden appearance, the two inmates froze mid-brawl, their attention snapping towards the source of the interruption. "Jinx!" Mammoth's voice rang out with a hint of excitement, his grip on Gizmo loosening as he turned towards the sorceress, dropping his fellow inmate to the floor with a heavy thud.
Gizmo groaned from his prone position on the ground, rubbing his tender head as he pushed himself up onto his elbows. "It's about time you came for us." He grumbled bitterly, shooting Jinx a reproachful glare.
"Yeah, what took you so long?" Mammoth chimed in, his expression a mix of curiosity and impatience as he awaited her response.
With a snap of her fingers, Jinx conjured a shimmering pink aura around her hand, the magic pulsating with power as it danced at her fingertips, unlocking the cell doors with a soft click and causing the metal bars to slide open with a faint metallic whir.
"I got a bit sidetracked when I was solicited by the top guns." She explained cryptically, a hint of mischief in her tone as she regarded the two inmates with a knowing smirk.
The mention of "big guns" piqued their interest, and the two inmates exchanged a puzzled glance before turning their attention back to Jinx, curiosity gleaming in their eyes. "What 'big guns?'" They chorused in unison, eager for explanation.
...
As part of the Titans rigorous training regimen, each member was assigned a two-hour solo session in the training room. Here, they were tasked with honing their skills, addressing weaknesses, and refining their techniques.
During Raven's designated time slot, she dedicated the first hour to mastering the intricate manipulation of her powers, striving to command them with precision and finesse. In the controlled environment of solitude, she found it easier to focus, the absence of external distractions allowing her to delve deep into her abilities without fear of unforeseen disruptions.
With unwavering concentration, Raven channeled her energy, seamlessly weaving her mystical forces into formidable weapons. With each practiced movement, she felt a sense of empowerment, the familiar hum of her powers responding obediently to her commands.
During the second hour of her training session, Raven shifted her focus to refining her hand-to-hand combat skills. As she squared off against the punching dummy, she channeled her concentration into every movement, each action a deliberate execution of her practiced techniques. While the dummy lacked the unpredictability of a live sparring partner, it provided Raven with a steady opponent against which she could test her techniques without the risk of being knocked off her feet.
Beginning with a wooden staff, Raven assumed a defensive stance, her feet planted firmly on the ground as she adjusted her grip on the weapon. With a fluid motion, she initiated a series of strikes, the staff slicing through the air with precision as she targeted specific points on the dummy's frame. With each controlled movement, she sought to perfect her technique, delivering precise strikes that would hopefully prove effective in a real combat scenario.
Transitioning seamlessly between offensive and defensive maneuvers, Raven's movements flowed seamlessly from one to the next. With a swift twist of her body, she delivered a powerful spin-kick, her foot connecting squarely with the dummy's face with a satisfying thud. The impact reverberated through her frame, a testament to the strength and agility she had cultivated through rigorous training.
Abandoning the staff, Raven opted for hand-to-hand combat, her fists clenched tightly as she closed the distance between herself and the punching dummy. With swift and precise moments, she unleashed a barrage of punches, each strike landing with pinpoint accuracy as she targeted vulnerable points on the dummy's body.
Her assault was relentless, her movements fluid and calculated as she seamlessly transitioned between punches and kicks. With each strike, she felt a surge of satisfaction, the rhythmic cadence of her movements echoing through the training room as she pushed herself to the limits of her abilities.
However, Raven's concentration was abruptly shattered by a lively energy emanating from behind her, disrupting the rhythm of her training and causing her to whirl around and face her intruder.
"Your technique is off." Garfield stated, crossing his arms with an amused smirk, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You would think after all this time you would be better at this." He added, a teasing lilt in his voice as he shook his head and clicked his tongue. "Richard would be so disappointed."
With a playful roll of her eyes, Raven couldn't help but match his smirk. "Oh, and you think you've got it all figured out?" She retorted with a light tone but tinged with challenge.
"I know I stand a better chance than you." Garfield replied confidently, closing the distance between them with easy strides.
Raven's lips curved into a sly grin. "Big talk from someone who got his ass handed to him earlier." She teased, punctuating her words with a playful poke to his chest.
Garfield chuckled, shrugging off her jab with good-natured ease. "That was just a morning warm-up." He quipped, his grin widening as he inched closer. "I'm just getting started."
With a glint of playful determination in her eyes, Raven mirrored his movements, circling him like a predator assessing its prey. "Is that so?" She challenged, with mock skepticism. "That's some big talk with very little follow-through."
"You challenging me?" Garfield asked, his gaze alight with anticipation.
"More like calling your bluff." Raven responded, narrowing her eyes as she baited him.
Garfield grinned, and without missing a beat, he launched into action, his movements fluid and agile as he delivered a swift jab aimed at Raven's side. But Raven was quicker than he anticipated, effortlessly sidestepping his attack and retaliating with a lightning-fast kick aimed at his midsection.
Barely managing to dodge her blow, Garfield's reflexes kicked into overdrive as he countered with a series of rapid punches. Yet, Raven's skills had only sharpened over time, her movements swift and precise as she deflected his strikes with calculated ease, launching her own flurry of blows in return.
"You hit like a girl." Garfield teased, blocking one of Raven's hits and swiftly countering with his own.
"I could say the same about you." Raven shot back, seamlessly blocking his counterattack.
Despite the competitive edge to their sparring, an undeniable sense of camaraderie filled the room. As they danced around each other, exchanging playful insults with every jab and kick, the atmosphere brimmed with lighthearted energy—a stark contrast to the weighty tension that had permeated the room over the past few weeks.
As their sparring session continued, the playful banter and exchange of blows gradually intensified. Garfield and Raven moved with increasing fluidity and speed, each one testing the other's limits while maintaining an air of friendly competition.
"I hate to break it to you, but your moves are kind of predictable." Garfield informed her, once again blocking her fist.
Raven lightheartedly rolled her eyes. "Oh really?"
With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Garfield feigned a jab towards Raven's left side, predicting her sidestep. Anticipating her counterattack, he quickly ducked to the ground as she threw a punch before swiping against her leg, disrupting her balance and sending her crashing to the ground.
"Yep." Garfield declared confidently, standing above her with a smug grin, his victory clear in his stance.
Raven glared up at him, her eyes narrowing with playful defiance, before swiftly sweeping his legs. "I guess you didn't predict that?" She retorted with amusement.
Wincing slightly from the fall, Garfield sat up, shooting Raven a glare. Suddenly, a mischievous smirk crossed his features, and with a burst of energy, he leaped towards her, tackling her in a playful ambush.
Caught off guard by his sudden assault, Raven grunted in surprise as she landed on her back, Garfield's weight pinning her down. With an excited glint in his eyes and a triumphant grin, Garfield pressed his hands firmly against the ground on either side of her head, asserting his dominance in their playful struggle. However, Raven was undeterred, her determination shining through as she swiftly retaliated, delivering a well-placed knee to his gut. Garfield winced at the impact, his grip momentarily loosening as Raven seized the opportunity to break free from his hold.
Their playful sparring had taken on a more primal edge, the close proximity heightening the intensity of their interaction. As they grappled with each other on the ground, their movements were infused with a raw energy that crackled through the air, igniting a palpable intimacy between them. Despite the playful nature of their combat, there was an undeniable tension, an unmistakable heat rising between them as they vied for dominance.
A newfound sensation coursed through Raven, an electrifying surge of competitive fervor that ignited within her, demanding dominance. This sudden compulsion for control propelled her to overpower Garfield with a swift and decisive maneuver, slamming him against the padded mat with a forceful thud. With a firm grip, she pinned his hands down by his shoulders, straddling his waist as she leaned over him.
Raven's eyes lit up with victory and a triumphant grin spread across her face as she peered down at him. However, instead of being met with some sort of annoyed defeat, Garfield's expression was one of shock and apprehension, catching Raven off guard. Her grin faltered, confusion flickering across her features. She couldn't comprehend what had shifted in Garfield. When had their playful banter and competitive wrestling turned into something that elicited such a nervous reaction from him? For a fleeting moment, they remained locked in that intimate encounter, their hearts pounding in sync, chests rising and falling with their winded breaths.
Garfield's heart raced. His senses were overwhelmed by the closeness of their bodies. He could feel the weight of her body pressing down on him, her legs straddling his waist, her presence so close that he could feel the gentle brush of her hair against his cheeks. Heat flushed his cheeks, his mind reeling with a mixture of exhilaration and uncertainty.
Raven looked down at him, concern evident in her eyes. "Why do you feel so anxious?" She asked softly, her tone laced with genuine curiosity and concern as she released his wrists and began to move off of him.
Garfield hastily sat up, his movements somewhat awkward as he turned away from Raven, a visible tension radiating from him. "It's nothing. I'm fine." He muttered hurriedly, hoping to brush off her concern and divert attention away from his own unease.
"Gar..." Raven spoke, her brow furrowed in concern and her hand poised mid-air as if she intended to reach out towards him. However, before she could question him further, their attention was abruptly diverted by the synchronized chime of their phone, signaling an incoming trouble alert.
Relief washed over Garfield at the interruption. Without hesitation, both of them scrambled to their feet, their previous exchange momentarily forgotten as they swiftly made their way out of the training room. Sprinting down the dimly lit hallway, there was an air of quiet anticipation as they rushed into the computer room, where Kori and Richard were already waiting for them.
"Is it Slade?" Garfield asked urgently, his voice betraying a hint of concern.
Richard shook his head, his fingers flying over the keyboard as he accessed the security footage. "Arthur Light." He replied grimly, his tone tinged with annoyance at the unexpected intrusion.
"Doctor Light?" Garfield echoed, his brows furrowing in confusion. "Didn't we put him away three months ago?"
"Well, apparently, he paroled himself." Richard explained tersely, his eyes narrowed in frustration as he pulled up the footage of the escape on the monitor.
"But Doctor Light can't do much damage without his suit." Kori interjected with a hint of skepticism.
"Exactly." Richard agreed, his expression growing more determined. "Which is why getting it back will be his first priority."
...
In the dimly lit expanse of an unmarked warehouse, Arthur Light navigated through the labyrinth of floor-to-ceiling shelves, his footsteps echoing softly against the concrete floor. His excitement was palpable as he scanned the rows of crates with eager anticipation.
With a triumphant exclamation, Arthur finally located the crate he had been searching for. Gripping the crowbar tightly, he pried open the crate with fervor, his movements quick and determined. Arthur's heart raced with anticipation as the lid swung open, revealing the contents inside.
"There it is!" He whispered, barely contained glee as his hands dived into the crate to retrieve his coveted suit. With reverent care, he lifted the bulky uniform from the packing peanuts. "Come to Daddy!" He exclaimed joyously, slipping into the suit with eager haste.
Before he could revel in his power, however, a sudden wingding rocked the crate, causing Arthur to stagger backward in surprise. Gas hissed from the weapon, enveloping him in a noxious cloud that sent him into fits of coughing.
"Cough, cough... Hello, Titans." Arthur managed to choke out between coughs, his voice strained and wheezy. "It's awfully dark in here." Despite his discomfort, he swiftly donned his suit, the familiar fabric providing a sense of reassurance in the darkness. "Let me shed a little light to see you better!" He declared, activating the suit with a flourish. He shot a beam of light into the empty darkness. However, the illumination didn't reveal his adversary's whereabouts. With his senses sharpened, Arthur's gaze scanned the shadows for any sign of the Titans' presence. "Hmm..." He mused, his ears searching for the slightest sound. "I know you're here, Titans. I can smell the stench of nobility." His words dripped with contempt. His confidence was unwavering as he awaited their inevitable confrontation.
Curious about the notion of such a stench, Garfield lifted his arm and took a bold whiff, prompting Raven to swiftly elbow him with a silent reprimand. "Ow." He mouthed, shooting her a glare.
"Not bright enough for you, I see." Doctor Light taunted as his hands pressed together and he prepared to unleash another surge of energy. "How about I turn up the volume!" With a triumphant flourish, he channeled his power, causing it to coalesce before him in a blinding display of brilliance that flooded the entire warehouse with light.
Caught off guard, the Titans instinctively shielded their eyes against the overwhelming brightness, their surroundings illuminated to the point of near-blindness. Doctor Light's grin widened as he surveyed the now-exposed figures perched atop the shelves. "There you are." He gloated, relishing in his moment of triumph.
"Separate!" Richard's authoritative command cut through the chaos like a blade, igniting urgency in the team's actions. Reacting with practiced swiftness, Richard vaulted across the adjoining shelving unit, swiftly finding cover behind the imposing wooden crates. Meanwhile, Garfield transformed into a hawk, his wings slicing through the air as he soared alongside Kori, her movements exuding a blend of elegance and determination. Yet, Raven remained firmly rooted in place, her resolve unyielding.
With a quick mental command, Raven summoned her powers, anticipating the familiar tendrils of dark energy to answer her call. To her surprise, however, the energy coalesced into a shield, instinctively enveloping her in a protective barrier as Doctor Light's searing rays bore upon her. Despite still getting used to the new power, she couldn't deny the shield's effectiveness as it held firm against the onslaught of light, its dark contours providing a formidable defense against the blinding assault.
Enraged by the lack of effect his powers had on her, Doctor Light increased his power level, intensifying the assault with a surge of energy that threatened to overwhelm Raven's shield. With the increased weight of the beam, Raven strained to maintain her defensive barrier, her concentration wavering under the relentless onslaught.
But before the shield could collapse under the pressure, there was a sudden burst of green energy shot towards Doctor Light with pinpoint accuracy. Startled, Doctor Light was forced to redirect his power, using it to create his own shield to defend against the unexpected attack. Meanwhile, Kori launched rapid beams of energy at the villain, her powers allowing her to maintain precision and control over her attacks. Faced with the combined assault, Doctor Light was forced to retreat, darting behind a large crate to regroup and plan his next move.
As Kori's energy blast obliterated the crate where Doctor Light had sought refuge, the explosive force unleashed a shockwave, sending debris flying in all directions. Unbeknownst to Kori, this was precisely the villain's plan all along. Exploiting the chaos of the explosion and his own powers, Doctor Light projected himself high into the air with a triumphant grin etched across his face.
Swiftly grabbing hold of the metal bars on the side of the towering shelving unit, Doctor Light was able to gain an elevated vantage point. From his skewering height, he unleashed a devastating beam of light aimed directly at Kori, the intensity of the attack sending her hurtling towards the ground with a bone-jarring impact.
The Titans quickly rushed to Kori's side, relieved to find her with minimal injuries despite the force of Doctor Light's attack. With gentle but urgent hands, they helped her to her feet, their expressions darkening as they glowered up at the villain, whose high levels of triumph practically radiated off him.
Glancing down at the Titans with a smug expression, Doctor Light took pride in the distance he had managed to put between himself and his adversaries. Positioned near a window leading to the roof, he felt confident in his escape from the heroes' grasp.
But the battle was far from over. Seizing the opportunity presented by Doctor Light's distraction with his victory, Richard discreetly signaled to Garfield to pursue. Understanding the silent communication, Garfield nodded in acknowledgment before swiftly making his way to the bottom of the shelving unit. With a swift transformation into a nimble monkey, he scaled the structure with agile dexterity, each movement bringing him closer to Doctor Light's elevated position.
Meanwhile, Doctor Light, never one to hide his pride, arrogantly swung himself around the end bar of the unit, completely unaware that one of the four Titans was missing from the scene below. "Some just can't handle the power of Doctor Light!" He boasted, his voice echoing through the vast warehouse with misplaced confidence.
"What kind of name is Doctor Light anyway?" Garfield asked, his mischievous grin widening as he made his presence known, perched casually on the bar of the shelving unit.
Caught off guard by the hero's sudden appearance, Doctor Light's initial surprise quickly morphed into anger, his expression darkening as he glared at the changeling. "It's because I have a doctorate and- You know what?! I don't have to explain myself to you, Beast Boy." He retorted, his voice dripping with mockery.
Unfazed by Doctor Light's taunt, Garfield remained nonchalant. "I'm not fully set on the name yet." He remarked casually, just as Doctor Light unleashed a beam of light in his direction.
With lightning reflexes, Garfield leaped out of harm's way, his agile movements reminiscent of a nimble acrobat. Seizing the bar he was perched on, he swung around gracefully, harnessing the momentum to propel himself forward with impressive force.
Caught off guard by Garfield's sudden attack, Doctor Light barely had time to react as the green changeling transformed into a charging rhino, hurtling toward him with relentless determination. Startled by the sudden onslaught, the villain stumbled backward, his feet dangerously close to the edge of the shelving unit. In a moment of panic, Doctor Light lost his footing and tumbled over the edge, his screams echoing through the warehouse as he plummeted to the ground below.
Despite being surprised by the turn of events, Garfield's triumph was short-lived as he found himself sinking through the floor, the ground warping and giving way beneath his massive weight. Unable to shift back into his human form in time, the rhino crashed through the surface, landing with a resounding thud on the crate below him.
Richard rolled his eyes at his teammate's recklessness, focusing on the more important situation at hand, his attention drawn to the villain's rapid descent from the shelving unit. Doctor Light's screams pierced the air, echoing through the warehouse with a pitch reminiscent of a frightened child. "Kori?" Richard called out urgently.
"I'm on it!" Kori responded without hesitation, her determination evident as she sprang into action. With swift movements, she ascended into the air, her powerful strides carrying her toward the falling villain. As she caught him, Doctor Light clung to her desperately, his distress palpable even in the heat of the moment. Kori was taken aback by the unexpected display of fear, noticing the tears welling up in his eyes.
Kori set Doctor Light safely on the ground, but despite the villain's near-death experience a minute ago, he wasted no time regaining his composition. With a swift and calculated motion, he aimed his suit at Kori, his eyes glinting with malice as he unleashed a powerful blast. The force of the impact sent Kori hurtling backward, her body crashing into the wall with a resounding thud, leaving her momentarily dazed and disoriented.
"You didn't think I was going to go down that easily, did you?" Doctor Light taunted, his voice dripping with arrogance as he turned his attention to Raven, who had been stealthily approaching from behind. Without a moment's hesitation, he directed another blast of energy toward her, catching her off guard and sending her tumbling to the ground, her body throbbing from the impact.
As Raven struggled to regain her footing, she realized that she couldn't always rely on her newfound shield power to protect her from every attack.
Meanwhile, Doctor Light's evil laugh echoed through the warehouse as he arrogantly turned around, only to be met with a swift punch to the face from the masked leader of the Titans. The force of the blow sent the villain staggering backward, his expression contorting into a mask of fury as he prepared to retaliate.
With lightning-fast reflexes, Richard evaded Doctor Light's retaliatory blast, his agility allowing him to effortlessly sidestep the attack. Richard understood that Doctor Light would have difficulty targeting him with his powers in close proximity, so he made sure to keep the fight up close and personal. With each strike, he danced around the villain, landing blows with precision and finesse, while remaining vigilant to avoid any retaliatory blasts.
On top of the shelving unit, Garfield slowly regained consciousness amidst the broken remnants of a crate, his head throbbing from the impact. As he pushed aside an oversized hammer and a fuzzy tutu, he couldn't help but grimace at the checkered tights tangled around his head. With a bemused expression, he surveyed the odd contents of the crate, his curiosity piqued before realization dawned upon him.
"Hey!" Garfield's voice echoed with excitement, momentarily diverting Richard's attention. "I think I found Harley Quinn's loot!" He exclaimed, holding up a large hammer adorned with a painted smiley face.
With a quick side glance up at his teammate, Richard was quick to voice his warning. "Gar, be careful! Harley likes-" His words were abruptly cut off by a deafening explosion, leaving Garfield standing amidst a cloud of pink glitter, his face smeared with its shimmering residue. "Boobytraps." He finished with exasperation.
Ignoring Garfield's mishap, Richard swiftly moved to engage Doctor Light, forcefully kicking the villain backward. However, the momentary distance between them proved to be a critical error, as it allowed Doctor Light the opportunity to aim his powers directly at the hero. Richard attempted to close the distance once more, but Doctor Light was quick to thwart his efforts, maintaining a safe distance while a self-assured smirk played upon his lips.
With a smug expression, Doctor Light wiped the blood from his nose, relishing in his perceived superiority. "Time to see the light!" He declared, his powers crackling with renewed intensity as he prepared to unleash a devastating attack upon the Titan.
After wiping the glitter from his face, Garfield's vision cleared, revealing the dire situation below him. Kori lay unconscious against the wall, Raven struggled on the ground, and Doctor Light prepared to unleash his full force on Richard.
Thinking fast, Garfield formulated an idea, though uncertain of its success. Without hesitation, he leaped from the shelf, morphing into a flying squirrel mid-air, and soared down into the fray.
The squirrel landed squarely on Doctor Light's back, its tiny paws scampering across the villain's body in a frenzied attempt to distract him. Startled, Doctor Light's laughter erupted uncontrollably as the furry creature relentlessly tickled him. His face displayed his conflicting frustration, the laughter masking his simmering anger beneath the surface. Aggravated by the interruption, Doctor Light snatched the squirrel in his grasp, his grip tightening as he held the creature aloft. With a manic gleam in his eyes, the villain grinned wickedly. "Say goodbye, Rocky."
With his free hand, Doctor Light aimed a potent burst of light towards the squirrel, the energy gathering rapidly in his palm. But before the beam could strike the Titan, Garfield morphed once again, transforming into an electric eel in a swift and desperate bid for survival. The beam connected with the sea creature, the high voltage channeling through its electric organ and causing it to surge with energy. With a crackling surge of power, the eel absorbed the energy, its body sparking with electric currents before redirecting it back at Doctor Light in a shocking counterattack.
With a sudden jolt, Doctor Light's body convulsed and hit the ground, allowing the sea creature to slither out of the villain's loose grip. Morphing back into his human form, Garfield stared down at the defeated villain. The man lay unconscious on the ground, his body twitching from the shock, and his hair sticking out with singed ends.
"I can't believe that worked," Garfield spoke, his voice tinged with disbelief, his eyes wide in astonishment.
"Neither can I," Raven added, her expression reflecting a mix of surprise and relief as she assisted a staggering Kori in moving forward, her cloak billowing behind her in the aftermath of their battle.
Despite the throbbing pain in her head, Kori couldn't contain her excitement for Garfield's unexpected success. "Garfield, that was amazing!" She exclaimed, her words infused with genuine admiration for her friend's quick thinking and resourcefulness.
Garfield shrugged off the praise with a casual demeanor, trying to downplay his remarkable achievement. "Oh, it was nothing." He replied modestly, his eyes sparkling with pride and relief.
Turning his attention to their approaching leader, Garfield anticipated words of commendation. However, instead of praise, Richard's scowl deepened as he crossed his arms in clear disapproval. "Really? A rhino?" He scolded, his tone filled with criticism. "You need to take into consideration the mass of the animal you transform into and the potential damage it can cause."
Garfield stood before his leader, his expression a mix of shock and incredulity at the sudden reprimand, especially considering he was the one who had ultimately saved the day. Sensing there was little point in arguing with Richard, Garfield let out an exasperated sigh, rolled his eyes, and stomped away in frustration, his footsteps echoing in the tense silence that followed.
Raven shot Richard a critical glare, her eyes flashing with condemnation. "Nice." She muttered harshly before briskly following Garfield, her cape trailing behind her like a shadow.
Kori's sunny disposition dimmed with disappointment as she regarded Richard, her voice tinged with sadness. "Why couldn't you just tell him he did a good job?" She asked, her tone carrying a hint of reproach.
Richard released a heavy sigh, feeling the weight of his decisions settle heavily upon him. "Because even though he did well, he still made several mistakes, and those mistakes could have easily jeopardized the mission." He explained firmly, his unrelenting gaze fixed on Kori.
Kori's disapproval remained palpable, her eyes filled with a mixture of disappointment and frustration. "You know what else can jeopardize a mission? Lack of confidence in your leader." She stated pointedly, her voice carrying a hint of reproach as she turned away, her steps measured but purposeful.
Richard watched her leave, a pang of regret gnawing at him as he wrestled with the implications of her statement. The weight of her words hung heavy in the air, echoing in the silence that followed her departure.
Richard felt the weight of responsibility bearing down on him, the gravity of preparing his team resting heavily upon his shoulders. He understood that he must navigate a path to address their concerns and rekindle the trust of his team, recognizing that the success of their missions depended heavily on it.
...
(Reference - Rocky and Bullwinkle)