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Chapter one.
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On a picturesque summer afternoon, the quaint buildings of Jump City basked in the warm glow of the sun, its streets alive with the cheerful chatter of its inhabitants and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. The idyllic scene, however, was marred by a commotion at the heart of the city, where the formidable superhero team known as the Titans were locked in battle with one of their less formidable foes.
In recent days, their encounters had been dominated by petty criminals and minor disturbances, leaving the team yearning for more thrilling adventures. The monotony of their duties had taken its toll, and the Titans found themselves craving a change of pace, a respite from the endless cycle of defending the city.
Mumbo, though not to be underestimated, stood little chance against the combined might of the Titans. His attempts at mischief were swiftly thwarted by the heroes, who had grown accustomed to dealing with such threats in their daily routine.
Restlessness simmered beneath the surface of the Titans' camaraderie. Each member of the team felt the weight of monotony bearing down on them, their once-thrilling exploits reduced to mundane routines. The streets of Jump City, once a stage for epic battles against formidable foes, now felt stiflingly familiar, lacking the excitement that once fueled their passion for heroism.
As they engaged in yet another skirmish with Mumbo, the villain's antics served as a mere backdrop to their internal turmoil. They were due for a much-needed break from being the protectors of the city and, one by one, had banded together to try and persuade the only thing stopping them from going on a vacation.
"Come on, Dick!" Garfield practically whined before skillfully dodging a flurry of razor-sharp cards.
"Yeah, don't be such a stick in the mud." Victor chimed in, his tone a mix of exasperation and longing as he unleashed a volley of energy blasts from his cybernetic cannon.
"Guys, can we talk about this later?!" Richard's voice rang out, a mixture of irritation and resignation evident in his words as he deftly avoided Mumbo's acrobatic onslaught, his mind torn between the battle before him and the pressing need for a reprieve.
"Richard, please." Kori's voice, soft yet firm, cut through the chaos like a beacon of reason amidst the storm. Her gaze, fixed on Richard with unwavering determination, conveyed a silent plea for understanding, for unity in their shared desire for respite.
As usual, the former Boy Wonder's stubbornness seemed carved in stone, his unwavering dedication to duty blinding him to the merits of a much-needed break. His workaholic nature, honed through years of vigilance and responsibility, cast a shadow over his ability to see beyond the relentless demands of their superheroic duties.
"Crime doesn't take a vacation." Richard argued, his words laced with conviction. His movements were fluid and precise as he delivered a swift kick towards Mumbo's face. "Who would protect the city while we're gone?"
Mumbo, seizing the opportunity presented by the Titans' brief distraction, swiftly regained his footing and directed his wand towards the momentarily vulnerable team. Raven, sensing his malevolent intent, moved to intercept, her dark cloak billowing behind her. But before she could summon her formidable powers, Mumbo executed a swift flourish, popping off his top hat and directing it towards Raven with a flick of his wrist. From within the depths of the hat, a flock of dazzling doves burst forth, their wings beating in a frenzy as they homed in on her.
With a satisfied grin stretching across his face, Mumbo turned his attention back to the rest of the Titans, his wand poised for another strike. However, Victor's cybernetic enhancements hummed with contained energy, a silent testament to his readiness to counter any threat.
"You really think we haven't thought about that?" Victor's response towards Richard carried a note of offense as he unleashed a precise shot at Mumbo's wand, the blast of energy sending it spiraling out of the villain's grasp. "Come on, Dick, you have to give us more credit."
"The Titans East have generously offered to stand in for us while we are away." Kori interjected, her voice infused with bright optimism, her earnest gaze pleading with Richard to see reason.
As Raven returned, her usually serene countenance was replaced by evident aggravation. Her cloak bore the burden of an unsavory assault—splattered and weighed down by the foul residue of bird droppings. Despite the indignity of the situation, she remained resolute, her piercing gaze fixated on the villain. With a flick of her wrist, Raven deftly seized the wand with her powers, the crackle of energy dancing ominously around her as she crushed the magical stick before Mumbo's disbelieving eyes.
The villain, now stripped of his magical arsenal, let out a pained cry as he reverted to his human form, his transformation a stark reminder of the Titans' unwavering prowess.
Raven whipped her head towards their leader, her aggravation still palpable despite their victory. "Richard, I need a vacation." She declared firmly, her voice carrying the weight of their collective exhaustion. With a pointed gesture to her poop-covered uniform, the physical manifestation of their need for a break from the relentless demands of heroism, she implored Richard to see reason.
Mumbo made a small, pitiful noise as he slumped in defeat before his broken wand, a tangible symbol of his thwarted plans. But before he could wallow in self-pity, Victor scooped him up with effortless strength, casually tossing him over his broad robotic shoulders.
"Dick, it's only a week." Victor pleaded, his gaze locked onto his leader's with unwavering intensity. "We have everything covered. You are the only thing stopping us from going on this trip." Each word was punctuated by the weight of their collective longing for a reprieve, a chance to escape the relentless cycle of heroism if only for a fleeting moment.
Richard, the epitome of stubbornness, crossed his arms in defiance, his stance unwavering despite the pleading expressions of his teammates. He watched with thinly veiled irritation as Victor and Garfield resorted to their most persuasive tactics, their exaggerated pouts and puppy-dog eyes failing to sway his resolve. Even Raven's palpable irritation seemed to have little effect on him. However, when Kori approached, her sweet voice and earnest gaze seemed to chip away at the walls he had erected around himself.
"Richard." Kori's voice was like honey, soft and soothing as she took a step closer to him, her emerald eyes brimming with sincerity. "It has been six years since our last vacation. We need this."
"I wouldn't exactly call saving Tokyo much of a vacation." Garfield interjected, crossing his arms in defiance.
Perhaps it was the accumulation of weeks of relentless pestering from his teammates, or maybe it was the genuine plea in Kori's eyes, but most likely, it was the combination of both that finally caused Richard to relent. With a sigh of exasperated defeat, he conceded, his resistance crumbling in the face of their collective longing for a break. "Fine." He accepted, his tone laced with resignation.
"Booyah!" Victor exclaimed in relief, his voice filled with joy as he hoisted Mumbo off his shoulder and handed the defeated villain over to the waiting police officers.
"Yes!" Garfield shouted, his jubilant cry punctuated by an animated victory dance.
As Richard rolled his eyes at the boy's antics, his irritation melted away into a soft smile when Kori cuddled up to him, pressing her lips to his cheek in a tender gesture of gratitude.
"Can you believe it, Raven? We are going to Hawaii!" Garfield exclaimed, turning towards her, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. However, his enthusiasm faltered momentarily when he noticed the unsightly speckles adorning her uniform. "Oh, you... you got a... you got a little something on your..." He trailed off into an uneasy silence as he gestured awkwardly to her attire. The tension in the air was palpable as Raven's steely gaze bore into him, her eyes flashing with an unspoken warning that dared him to continue speaking.
After a quick debrief with the officers, the team piled into the T-car and set off for the tower. In the front, Victor and Richard engaged in a discussion about the necessary preparations to ensure the tower remained secure during their absence. Richard, ever the cautious leader, insisted on thorough checks to ensure everything was in order before their departure.
Kori could barely contain her excitement, her bubbly energy palpable as she practically bounced in the backseat. "Raven, are you excited for our upcoming trip?" She asked giddily, her eyes shining with anticipation.
"Oh, I'm full of excitement." Raven deadpanned, her attention fixed on the pages of her book. Her monotone voice a stark contrast to Kori's exuberance. Despite her outward demeanor, Raven couldn't deny a small flicker of anticipation deep within her. After all, even the stoic empath had to admit that a break from their usual routine would be a welcome change.
"Of course, she is excited." Garfield chimed in, matching Kori's enthusiasm with his own. "It's Hawaii! There's beaches, buffets, and bikinis!"
"Woohoo." Raven added sarcastically, clearly unimpressed by the changeling's examples.
The sudden gasp that escaped Kori's lips jolted Raven out of her reverie, the sound piercing through the quiet confines of the car and forcing her to finally tear her gaze away from the pages of her book. "I'll need a new swimsuit." Kori exclaimed, her eyes wide with revelation as she turned to Raven with a sense of urgency. "Raven, we need to go to the mall and get the appropriate attire for swimming!" Her demand hung in the air, laden with excitement and anticipation.
Raven winced at Kori's excessive enthusiasm, her own mood far from conducive to impromptu shopping trips. "Sorry, Kori, but I'm not in the mood for—" Before she could finish her sentence, Kori seized her hand with unexpected strength, her determination evident as she swung open the door to the still-moving vehicle. "Kori, wait, no! The car's still—" Raven's protest was cut short by a startled shriek as Kori yanked her out of the car, the rush of wind and the blur of passing scenery momentarily disorienting her.
In the front seat, Victor abruptly slammed on the brakes, the screech of tires echoing through the air as the car lurched to a sudden stop. Richard's expression bore a mixture of confusion and concern as he turned to the backseat, only to find Garfield sitting alone, a mirror image of their bewildered expressions.
Matching their incredulous stares, Garfield could only shrug his shoulders in response, his expression a mix of bemusement and bewilderment. Clearly, he was as clueless as they were about what had just transpired beside him.
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Inside the bustling shopping plaza, amidst the cacophony of chatter and the bustle of shoppers, Raven found herself perched on a stiff chair outside the dressing rooms of one of the many stores. A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she impatiently awaited Kori's next swimsuit trial. If only she had managed to snatch her book during her abrupt kidnapping from the car, then perhaps she could endure Kori's shopping montage with a modicum of patience.
Meanwhile, inside the dressing room, Kori stood with unwavering determination, holding suit after suit in front of her as she assessed each one with a critical eye. She was determined to try on every swimsuit the store had to offer if it meant finding the perfect one for their trip to the tropical beaches.
Outside, Raven tried to remain composed as she deftly dodged the relentless stream of discarded bikinis being tossed over the dressing room door. With each discarded garment, a pile began to accumulate on the floor, and Raven couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for the poor employee who would inevitably have to clean up the mess. However, her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a gleeful scream emanating from the dressing room.
"Oh, it's perfect! Raven, I think I found the one!" Kori's voice rang out excitedly, as she swung open the door and emerged in a shimmering violet triangle top and thin string bottom. With a quick spin, she showcased her chosen ensemble before turning to the large mirror outside the dressing room.
"It's very nice, Kori." Raven offered with genuine relief, grateful for the prospect of finally being able to go home and escape the chaos of the mall.
Kori continued to gaze at her reflection in the mirror, her expression hopeful as she sought Raven's opinion. "Do you think Richard will like it?" She asked, her voice tinged with anticipation.
Raven huffed, the sound carrying a hint of amusement as she responded. "You know Richard likes anything you wear. I'm pretty sure you could wear a paper sack and still have him swooning."
As if to punctuate Raven's point, a sudden crash echoed through the store, drawing both girls' attention to an unfortunate store clerk who had stumbled into a rack of empty hangers. Apparently, even he couldn't help but appreciate the sight of Kori in her chosen swimsuit.
With a relieved sigh, Raven stood up from her uncomfortable chair, hopeful for the prospect of finally leaving the chaotic mall behind. "So..." Raven began as Kori disappeared back into the dressing room to change. "Now that you've found a swimsuit, can we go home?" She asked hopefully.
Kori emerged from the dressing room with a resolute expression. "Of course not." She replied, a determined glint in her eye. "We still have to find you a swimsuit."
"But I already have a swimsuit." Raven protested, following Kori back to the clothing racks. "Not that I plan on swimming." She added quietly, her reluctance evident.
"Yes, I've seen your bathing suit." Kori acknowledged, thoughtfully as she surveyed the selection. "And while the black one-piece is fine, I think a vacation calls for something a little bit more... sexy." With a mischievous smile, Kori plucked a red string bikini from the rack and held it up to Raven's figure.
"Do I look like I do sexy?" Raven asked, her skepticism apparent as she eyed the skimpy swimsuit.
"Well, maybe this trip, you could step out of your comfort zone." Kori suggested optimistically. "Perhaps get attention from someone special..."
"Yeah, sure." Raven retorted, crossing her arms and rolling her eyes. "Because that is exactly what I'm looking for on this trip."
"I know you're being sarcastic, but I think you'll be surprised at what you might find this vacation." Kori insisted, giving her friend a knowing side glance before selecting another swimsuit and handing it to Raven.
"Really?" Raven drawled sarcastically, immediately dismissing the pink ruffle two-piece and returning it to the rack.
"You're right. That's not your color." Kori agreed, continuing her search with determination.
"Kori, I already told you I don't need a swimsuit." Raven reiterated, her patience wearing thin.
But just like before, Kori was quick to disregard Raven's request. "Raven, we are not leaving the store until we find you a new suit. Now, why don't you work with me here?"
With an exasperated sigh, Raven rolled her eyes. "Fine." She reluctantly conceded. "Pick a solid color, nothing flashy. I won't wear ruffles, glitter, or sequins. I want something modest. Don't even touch anything with strings."
"See, now you're giving me something to work with." Kori said excitedly, her eyes scanning the racks. "So, a plain side-tie, or maybe a hipster with a halter top?"
Raven looked at her blankly, a hint of frustration creeping into her expression. "I don't know what any of this means." She admitted, her voice laced with resignation as she realized she was about to embark on a swimsuit-shopping journey far beyond her comfort zone.
…
"We're back from the shopping mall!" Kori announced cheerfully as she entered the living room, her arms laden with bulging shopping bags. It was evident that in the process of trying to find a swimsuit for Raven, Kori had indulged in a few more purchases for herself. Along with the swimsuits, there were a pair of stylish shoes, some trendy sunglasses, and a floppy sunhat peeking out from the top of the bags.
Garfield, lounging on the couch, turned to greet the girls with a humored smirk playing on his lips. "Have fun?" He asked Raven, knowing full well that shopping, especially for swimsuits, wasn't her forte.
"Shut up." Raven retorted sharply, discreetly hiding her lone shopping bag behind her back.
"Oh, so that's where you guys ran off to." Victor's voice echoed from the kitchen, his tone laced with reproach. "You know, you could have asked me to drive you there or simply get me to stop the damn car!" He scolded.
"There was no time." Kori replied sweetly, her demeanor untouched by Victor's reprimand as Richard entered the room.
"Ah, good, you're back." Richard greeted them with a hint of relief as he acknowledged their return. "You do know you could have just asked Victor to drive you to the place you wanted to go, right?" His eyebrows arched in mild reproach.
Before Kori could explain the reasoning behind her impromptu decision, Victor redirected the conversation with characteristic efficiency. "Did you buy the tickets?" He interjected, his tone businesslike as he cut straight to the chase.
"Yes, but unfortunately, first class was all sold out. Although I did manage to score five tickets in economy." Richard announced.
"And why aren't we taking the T-jet?" Garfield asked, questioning why they weren't utilizing the advanced transportation they had at their disposal.
"Because the engine keeps hiccupping and the wing is still broken from the last time we used it." Victor explained matter-of-factly, providing a straightforward explanation for their alternative mode of transportation.
"Flying economy will just be part of the experience." Kori added cheerfully, her optimism undiminished by the prospect of traveling in less-than-luxurious accommodations.
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