Book I - Chapter XII

Her fingers curled around the guardrail. As her grasp tightened, the skin beneath her knuckles turned porcelain white. Her pale skin clashed with the dark purple polish upon her nails. "And what brings YOU here?" Jinx spat.

"It's been a while, hasn't it, my pet?"

Her eyes narrowed. "I don't have time to catch up on old…out dated…things. I have a battle to attend."

"Yes, yes, so I've heard." The man flashed his pearly white teeth to the girl. "I have no business interrupting your current obligations, but I must have my way with you."

"Make it quick." She growled, "State your business with the HIVE."

"Ah yes!" He chuckled. "You see, this is exactly the kind of dedication that made you so great! You're so hostile, even to the friendliest of faces," His grin grew wider as he spoke, "You always put your work obligations first! Admirable, indeed. However, dear child, don't let your dedication blind you from your team's best interests."

She released her grip upon the railing and spun on her heels to face him. "You always did know how to flatter. Skip to it. What do you want?"

"Your attendance," He stated. "I saw it fit to deliver the invitation to you in person."

Her lips tightened. "We're not interested."

The man clucked his tongue, "Such a hasty refusal. Surely your team can benefit from such a valuable experience? We'd love to hear the Fearsome Three's accomplishments first hand. Won't you enjoy gloating and boasting of your current achievements?"

Jinx yawned. "What's the catch?"

"There's no catch, young one. You see…your presence alone will be quite a profitable venture for me. Not to mention how valuable such an experience will be for my students! I simply cannot let you refuse."

She turned to face him, fixating her eyes on his ashen robe. "So, you're being paid off? No wonder you didn't bring a goon to meet with me." Jinx lowered her gaze to her polished nails. It was apparent they would need a new coat after the impending fight with the Titans, perhaps only minutes away. "What's in it for us? We're a bit too old to be under your influence; we already have access to your network of contacts."

"Ah! But on the contrary, my pet. I'm afraid you're possibly still too young for the role I'd love to give. It is one of leadership. Besides…I hear your subordinates are still a rowdy bunch. Just think…a little vacation and some team bonding won't do any harm, will it?"

She shook her head. "Too much harm. We're busy; this is delicate work. I'm sorry, but we don't have enough time to waste it on your school. Come back another year and we'll talk."

"This is precisely why it must be now. It is only as you are busy with valuable work, does your presence become precious and your words authoritative. I simply must have you speak as an active leader in the field—I have no interest in the washed up." The elderly man sighed. He brought his fingertips to his graying hair and brushed his locks to one side. "Tell me…I've never led you astray, have I, dear? You have your team's career to thank because of me. Is attendance not the least you could do?"

"I don't know if you've been kept in the loop, but we're on a critical mission here. Taking a break could absolutely wreck whatever advantages we currently have. I will not repeat myself again: We refuse."

"You never were the fun one. I bet Gizmo would go, and you know he'd love it."

Jinx scoffed. "And what does his immaturity have to do with me? I still forbid it."

"And Mammoth! I'm sure he'd love to see his old mates again. You are simply much too hard on your subordinates, aren't you?"

"It does them well," She defied. "They're no longer small time crooks because of me. It takes a harsh leader, to make a harsher impact on this world."

"Does a good boy not deserve a little treat, once in a while?" The elder glanced up at the darkening, evening sky. "How does that one go again? Ah yes… Too much hard work—dull boy."

"I fail to see how…" Jinx began with a curt, sardonic tone to her voice, before his sudden interruption.

The man took several brisk steps, poising himself inches from her face. "Exactly," He repeated. "You fail to see. Being a good leader isn't about neglect, is it? Or is it? Is it about neglect? I hope not! I'd hope a good leader wants what's best for her pupils! When she is too hard on them, she erodes their trust and their confidence. She ruins their motivation and willingness to follow!" The man turned away from her, crossing his arms behind his back. "I understand your hesitance during such a crucial time, so I will make my leave. However, I'll impart with you some wisdom. Heed my advice well." He licked his lips before continuing. "As a leader…try to assess how best to reward a job well done. Obedience is a rare, invaluable quality…you could have ten thousand men at your side and still lack true disciples. Don't lose what cannot be bought back. An anger not quelled seethes until it bursts—the damage cannot be undone. If you offer Gizmo a vacation, his anger at you might subside. He might forgive you for insulting his intelligence earlier." The man sauntered toward the stairwell, about to leave.

Her mind flashed to Gizmo; she thought of the dog she couldn't possibly buy. They had yelled, and the anger in his voice emanated through her thoughts. He was likely infuriated with her. He may never forgive. "Wait…" She muttered under her breath, "When?"

The elder beamed in response. "A week from today, my Jinx."

"How long?"

"An all-day event, culminating in the Welcoming ceremony for the current year. If you duck out after the late-night feast, you may just make it back before dawn the next morning. Surely, even the most extensive of operations can take a single day's break."

"I will need to discuss with…"

"No!" He shouted. "I'm afraid I'll need a decision now. If I cannot have your team, I'll need enough time to book another. I'll either need full commitment from you right now, or a sincere rejection."

She bit her bottom lip. "Who was your first choice?"

"Your team, of course!" His abrupt voice spilled out from behind his clenched jaw and twisted lips. "There's no better example of my services! You three are the pinnacle of envy. The halls still glimmer with your photos, and everyone maintains your image in only the highest of regard. Why, you are our best graduates! I am insulted you could even suggest I wanted another! Trust me when I say the students are anxious to lay their eyes on the Academy's finest. I can only hope you three will continue to make me proud."

"We'll do it," Jinx stated at once.

"Excellent! You will not regret it. Your team's speech will be an inspiration to all who hear."

Jinx cleared her throat. "May I ask one other thing?"

"Certainly."

"Who is the sponsor this year? The one who wants us to show."

"My, an ambitious question. Unfortunately, I'm not in the position to disclose that information."

Jinx lowered her head, focusing on the mortar engraved between the tiles of the rooftop. "I suppose it doesn't matter. They will make themselves known to me in time."

"Ah, yes! I'm sure you will be hearing from him soon. Now, you best get off to your subordinates and help with that battle thing you were telling me so much about…Yes, yes, I look forward to your speech. Farewell for now."

The man nodded to the girl once, before he disappeared.

The little boy's fingers gripped the edges of the bag tightly. A slight grin grew on his face. "Crud, I forgot how much I love the smell of stealing."

"You can say that again," Mammoth grunted, slowly sifting through the goodies of the vault. He rubbed his right shoulder. "Forgot how much metal hurts, though..."

"As I keep tellin' ya, let me build something that'll blast the door down. You don't need to take one for the team each time, ya know."

The bulky beast of a man grunted louder. "If I ain't smashin', I ain't doin' my job." He considered grabbing a couple bags himself, but paused. "Say…what do we do when we're…done?"

Gizmo shrugged. "Sit tight? Wait for the magic to happen?"

"We ain't keepin' the money, are we?"

The boy shook his head. "Pretty much impossible to make out with any of the goods this time around. We're just here to make it convincing."

"So it's no better than last time, eh?"

Gizmo winced at the thought of their last bank robbery attempt. The three were ridiculed rather heavily for that one. "Except this time, we're at least breaking more than a window."

Mammoth nodded. "You got that right."

"Plus, Jinx will be happy when she sees the defeated look on the Titan's faces. This is mostly for her, after all."

"Think she's still pissed off at us? Pretty low blow to not even look for her when she needed us..."

The bald kid frowned. "'Though I hate to admit you're right…you're right. But still! There's no cruddy way we coulda known. We can't assume she's gone every night she's out playing vigilante villain. Jinx is out most nights as it is. If she goes out without us, it's her responsibility to come back in one piece, or for crud's sake! Let us know she's in danger! She had her communicator on, so at the very damn least, she could have cried 'Raven' before going down. Otherwise, there ain't much of a sign she wasn't okay."

"Still, man. She trusted we were out lookin'. She seemed pretty upset. She was out slavin' away, and we were bakin' cookies…"

"Damn good ones, too." Gizmo paused, before heaving a deep sigh and glancing toward the ground. "Hey...I know how you feel, I really do. It sucks. We shoulda done more. But, that's in the past. I've already apologized as much as I can. But still, she betrayed OUR trust as much as we betrayed hers. If she was going to go out and cause trouble, she should have either told us beforehand, or let us tag along. She coulda told us she was getting into dicey shit as she was leaving. At the very least, then we'd know to pay attention to an unexplained absence. When she just bolts out without telling us, I don't think much of it. I trust she knows how to handle herself. If she's in over her head and needs help, she should be confident enough to say so. I'd never think less of her. It kinda pisses me off she won't let us know when she's upset, though. All we can do is fucking spectate her wars."

"Can you blame her? We rag on her all the time."

"And she rags on us! It's healthy criticism. If she does something wrong, I'll let her know. I expect her to tell me when I make a mistake, too. We'll never get better if we baby each other. We're criminals through and through, and it's what'll keep us strong. Let everyone else have nice words, but at the end of the day, words don't matter. We'd never betray each other, you know? Doesn't matter what Jinx calls me, I'll still be here. I'll protect her at all costs, and I know she'd do the same for me."

"Isn't everyone like that?"

"Mammoth…have you ever heard the phrase, 'there's no honor amongst thieves?'"

"Yea...?"

"It's crap. The phrase should be, 'there's no honesty amongst friends.'"

Mammoth's grip on a sack of money tightened, until his fingers started to throb. "We're friends…right?"

Gizmo sighed. "For as long as our friendship mutually benefits us all. If we weren't of use to Jinx, she might not be here right now. Be that as it may, we're companions."

The overgrown man knelt to the ground. "You mean, if one of us is unable to fight, they get ditched?"

"Jinx's rules, not mine. I'd stick around if you got maimed, but I wouldn't blame Jinx for bailing. I'd expect her to. She aims high…"

Mammoth's eyes focused on the boy. "I hear anger in your voice."

"Not anger…just…disappointment. Sometimes I wish she'd listen to the people that matter: The people that care for her."

"You mean us."

A long while passed before Gizmo spoke again.

The two villains stood there for what felt like hours, most of which was in silence. They had sorted most of the bank's vault into two piles, 'keeps' and 'trash'. The sentiment was almost entirely symbolic, as neither young adult planned on coveting their loot. The sorting was mostly an attempt to pass the time. An abnormally long period of time.

"Reckon they'll show this time?" Mammoth grunted aloud.

Gizmo sneered. "The snots don't have a choice. They'll show. Their jobs depend on it."

"Eh—Ya never know. If Raven's…out, they might be mournin'."

"Not likely. We're robbin' a bank. Maybe if we were petty criminals, that cruddy Mayor might send the police. But because it's us, not likely."

"About that…" Mammoth muttered. "What makes us so special?"

"Beats me," The boy shrugged. "But we do know one thing for certain. We're on the same level as Jinx—yet we're still free. If they went through such trouble to lock up Jinx, they'll do the same to us."

"You figure?"

"Pretty much. If they captured Jinx, they'll capture her friends too. Let's face it; any crime those snots pin on Jinx as an excuse for detaining her…well, we're just as responsible for doin' 'em."

Mammoth groaned. "Still doesn't make sense. Why wait for another crime? Why not seek us out and book us earlier?"

Gizmo's lips twisted into a devious smile. "Not so easy. Those crudmunchers are pretty stupid; they still don't know where our hideout is. And, we've done a pretty good job keeping their intel' to a bare minimum. Hell, I wouldn't doubt those shits don't even know we split from the HIVE FIVE yet."

"I'nno…Do we really outsmart them that well? I doubt it…"

Gizmo sighed. "You and I both. But crud, try telling that to Jinx. I'm just repeating her worldview. Remember, we're doing this for her."

"Ah." Mammoth furrowed his brow. "You think this could go wrong…"

"Yes—but I calculate only a small chance. We both know what we're doing and nothing too major can happen. Jinx is watching. If anything goes sour, she'll completely mindfuck those snots by making her grand entrance. They aren't planning for locked-up-in-a-mountain Jinx to show, so we already have the upper hand. Drop 'em down a Titan—estimate that they're likely emotionally defeated—and you get one weak shit team."

Mammoth's fingers curled into a fist. "Not gunna lie…Jinx looked like she went through hell a few days ago. The chance of going through that shit makes me uneasy."

"And how do you think I feel? Jinx has the skill to actually get out of that shit. Christ…At least you can smash your way out if push comes to shove. I'm shit outta luck. What can I do without my tech?" He paused, staring off into the distance, before clearing his throat. "You know—we can use that fear to our advantage. It'll make us more cautious; make us better for it. I swear, I ain't gunna let anyone mess with my tech, because I know…it's all over for me if they do."

The bulky man shook his head. "As if I'll ever let that happen to you. They'd have to disarm me before either you or Jinx gets taken again."

A puzzled look covered Gizmo's face. "Disarm? Mammoth…you don't use any weapons…"

Mammoth grinned. "I know."

"Do you believe friend Raven to be okay?"

Robin, sitting in the passenger seat, shifted his body to face Starfire sitting in the back. "Of course, Star. Raven wouldn't push herself. Even if she doesn't say what's on her mind…I trust she knows what she's doing."

"Besides," Interrupted Cyborg, "That girl's tough. She can handle anything."

"I suppose you two are most certainly right. But…I feel as if she needs comfort. Those who seclude themselves seek companionship, but they do not know how to ask."

Robin sat back in his seat and faced the winding road. "Let's just say…Raven has a way of getting what she wants. If she wanted companionship, she'd be with us right now. Besides—There's always Beast Boy."

"Would she appreciate his company?" The girl asked, "Or would she find it bothersome?"

The Boy Wonder shrugged. "There's no telling. But, I think she's pretty shooken-up about almost losing Beast Boy as a teammate. If there's anyone she wants to talk to, it's probably him. I bet she wants to yell vehemently at Beast Boy for his irresponsibility and his stupidity. She won't be pleasant."

"Guys, I don't mean to interrupt, but it's been bugging me," Cyborg cut in, "The elections. Don't tell me ya'll haven't been thinkin' about it! We gotta go do that soon. Where you guys placin' your vote?"

Robin grinned, "I have been looking forward to them. I don't suppose you're voting for Jon Mitch, right?"

"Well, albeit a bit meaningless, he's definitely got my vote. I mean, statistically, there's no way any one vote will matter. But, doesn't mean I ain't excited!" Cyborg's eyes seemed to sparkle as he spoke. "Makes you feel all adult, ya know? Plus, I'm obligated to vote, given my position as a Titan. As for Mitch…according to the information you sent out, he seems to be the candidate that will help us, as a team, the most."

Robin nodded. "But, you know, as always, vote for the candidate you prefer. I don't mean to commandeer your right to vote. Just so long as you are familiar with both sides, vote for one that will make the best president...still, keep our interests in mind. Mitch will likely fund vigilante and future justice efforts, alike. His competitor won't."

"Definitely, Robin. I understand both candidates rather well, and like I said, he takes my vote."

"I…wish I could say the same," Muttered Starfire, reluctance dripping in her voice. "I have heard your politicians speak, and I fear I do not quite understand this Earthly convention."

Robin ran his fingers through his hair. "Don't worry about it, Star. Voting is for the informed and for the politically savvy. Those who vote without researching and understanding each platform dilute the system. You're not forced into it, if you're not up for the task. And besides, it's a bit different for you. You're not from around here."

"I thank you for your concern, but I still feel uncomfortable missing out on what seems to be a momentous occasion."

"It's actually not all that impressive. Politics is stuffy and boring, but it's important to our line of work. The right politician will increase our funding and keep us in operation. The wrong politician will make our jobs more difficult. Now, it's true that closer elected officials like our Mayor or the state congressmen directly influence us more. But still, it's nice to have an ally in the executive branch too…" He glanced behind his back and saw the girl's clueless eyes staring back at his masked face. "Uh…I'll help you get into it more by the next election. Don't worry about it for now."

"Aight guys, perfect timing. We're here. And by the looks of it, we have company."

"Titan's…GO!"

The Titan car swerved to a stop near the bank, and the heroes spilled out of the car. Gizmo and Mammoth slowly strolled through the bank's glass doors and met the heroes face-to-face on the pavement outside.

"You crud-munchers! It took you about damn time. We've been here for hours!" Shouted the techno-boy. He had balled his fingers into a raised fist.

"That certainly does raise a few questions," Robin responded with a calm demeanor. "Don't villains normally try to escape with the loot?"

"Or…you know…begin the gold-gathering process?" Cyborg continued.

A confused expression filled Starfire's face. "Yes, it seems as though you two have been most peculiar lately. Why are you not of the normal villain behavior?"

Gizmo grinned. "What can I say? We're here for a specific purpose."

"Gizm—"

"Can it, Mammoth. I got this!" Gizmo whispered as he glared at his teammate. He spoke louder, wondering if the Titans would call his feint. "Let me make our demands." Gizmo stepped forward, staring the Boy Wonder down.

"I'm listening," Replied Robin, who began unconsciously gripping the unextended bo-staff hanging from his belt.

Gizmo's voice went flat and unwaivering. "Give us all the money in this vault, you snots."

Robin couldn't help but laugh in response. "Oh really? Don't you think it's a bit strange to make such a bluff with just the two of you? I'm not dumb. Where are the other two hiding?"

"What a load of crud! Does it really matter how many of us are here? Lock up as many criminals as you can, but we ain't stoppin' what we do. And more will replace us."

Robin's eyes narrowed. "How long before it isn't worth it? You put so much effort into so little reward. Get a real job, you won't have to risk the severe punishment of failure."

"It's not about the worth." Spat Gizmo, "It's about right."

"You have a right to steal?" the Boy Wonder responded back.

"I have a right to freedom, even if I steal."

Robin's eyes narrowed. "No. At least under this law, you don't have the right to do whatever you want."

"Which is why you unlawfully detain the untried? You are the antithesis to freedom, and it is despicable that you pretend to be heroes."

"What?" Asked Robin. He seemed baffled for a second, before shaking his head. "Look, we both know we're not here to discuss politics…"

Gizmo shrugged, "I'd discuss politics anywhere. But, not with you crudmunchers. I only do so with people who have an open mind. Remember, Robin...critical thinking requires listening to all sides of an argument."

"I should say the same to you. Besides, absurd arguments can easily be ruled out. I don't have to listen to why the sky is lava. Likewise, Criminals who break the law deserve punishment. No amount of absurd logic suggests otherwise."

Mammoth grunted. "Enough talking! More smashing. We're all here for the same reason."

"No!" Gizmo shouted, "Mammoth, calm down. Our revenge comes later. Don't let it blindside you."

Mammoth looked incredibly perplexed, but he remained silent.

"Revenge?" Robin scoffed. "Is that what this is about? Getting revenge for Jinx doesn't even make sense. She's locked up for a reason. If she cannot do the time, she shouldn't do the crime."

"Cute rhyme, but wait...want a dime?" Gizmo tossed a small, metallic object into the air, and it landed near Robin's feet. The metal object exploded, causing a black ball of smoke to surround the boy. Robin jumped back, just barely outside the harm's radius. His hand covered his mouth, but he heaved a cough regardless.

"Cute trick," Robin muttered back between wheezes, "but you'll regret that."

The chilled breeze whistled through the leaves of the city's plantlife; the giant oaks creaking and groaning under the stress. Bushes and bloomed flowers swayed to and fro'. The night's full moon out-shined the streetlights; it's ivory glow illuminating the skies, demonstrating not a cloud in sight. A small bird flew up into the sky, and momentarily blocked out the glistening moon; the creature chirped in a steady, patterned rhythm as it swooped away from the battle and out of sight.

The boy wonder nodded to the redhead, and the two took off, running in parallel. The muscular hulk watched the two run toward him, his eyes steadily on the deadlier of the two. Mammoth readied his arms to lunge at Starfire when she came within distance. Mammoth leaned his body weight forward as the girl neared his fingertips. He intended to grab and then constrict her within his grasp. She stopped moments before his reach.

Mammoth felt a sharp blow to his head; Cyborg had lobbed a waist-sized rock, which crumbled on impact. The tall villain fell momentarily to his knees, onto his hands. Robin, still parallel to Starfire, tossed his birdarang at the man's feet. Starfire lunged forward with glowing green fists, to strike. Cyborg thew another boulder from the distance.

Mammoth pressed his palms against the cement and tensed his fingers as he arched his back and rose his knees off the ground. He supported his muscular frame with his triceps, balancing the weight of his lower body on his forearms. He snapped his bent elbows straight and leaped a foot away from his prone position.

The boulder missed its mark. The birdarang swirled around the spot where Mammoth once stood, catching on Starfire's arm, before swinging back to the boy wonder; the girl came with. The force of Starfire's weight offset Robin's light grip, ripping the rope from his hands. The birdarang spun to the ground, a sharp edge indenting inches deep into the chalky white sidewalk. Starfire sat prone on the ground next to the weapon; several rolls of the birdarang's cable-like rope draped near her shoulder. As Starfire pulled the cable from her body, she felt a sharp force against the nape of her neck. A loud pop echoed against the city walls; the miniature flash that followed was bright enough to cause Robin's wide-eyes to flinch to block out the blinding light. The sound of electricity soon followed.

Robin ran to the now motionless, electrocuted girl's aid. Gizmo giggled in response. "What's the matter? Shocked?" The mechanical boy threw from his pouch a bottle of ink at Robin and the prone Starfire. Robin shielded the girl from the attack, which fell, harmless, a foot away from them and shattered on impact. The ink leaked steadily out of the container. Gizmo was gone.

Cyborg stood with his left foot forward, right foot firm against the cement, fingerlocked with Mammoth. The two leaned forward, pushing their bodyweight and the leverage of their legs against their opponent. The two men gave off a low, continuous grunt, emanating from beyond their teeth. It was a maneuver of showmanship; a declaration of brute strength. The loser would recoil, lose footing, and most importantly, lose valuable positioning. Being propelled backward would allow the pursuer to lunge forward and strike the now vulnerable, off-footed defendant. Although not a particularly effective attack, the two had a history of attempting to best the other in physical strength, rather than aim for attacks that lead to direct violence. It was a form of ego, and it mattered to them more than anything else.

Starfire's hair tangled above her brow, in a mess of sweat and under-brushed bangs. Robin gripped the hem of her uniform and leaned closer. He put his ear near her upper chest, before raising his head and glancing at her closed eyes. Breathing, but unconscious. He heaved a sigh of relief, before standing up. "I'll be back," he whispered to Starfire, before turning to the direction Gizmo had dashed. "But...I can't stay. I must find out where he's hiding. This is our best lead on them yet..."

The two remained in deadlock. "Admit it," grunted Cyborg. "You ain't got nothing on my superhuman strength."

Mammoth gave a quick glance toward the unconscious alien girl and the masked boy. His teammate had disappeared. "You're good," Mammoth muttered back, "But I'm better." Mammoth drew back a bit, letting Cyborg lean forward and gain further leverage. With a loud yell, Mammoth threw an excessive surge of strength into a single shove; his entire strength. The sudden change from slipping strength to overpowering fortitude caused Cyborg's front leg to lift slighty off the ground and his arms to spring outward. In an attempt to maintain his posture, he broke out of his grip on Mammoth, left the ground, and landed several feet backward. He drew his hands close and into fists, positioned to shield his head, anticipating the attack. Mammoth was nowhere to be seen.