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The car hood glistened under the lights, like a bright red apple, showing off the red bird decoration on it. The car zoomed down the street, past a pair on their night out. Though, like the young woman that turned back just to see his car, Jaden didn't bother to. What was the point?Jaden turned the wheel to the left, eyes dipping into the direction, though appearing a tad soft. Though on the road, his thoughts were cruising on the past's highway, thinking of what had occurred many, many, weeks ago. Even though he shouldn't be a past-dweller, he could still see him, his eyes staring at him through the screen. And the boy… laying on the hospital bed with his ankle wrapped up like raw meat at a meat market.The street he rode into was much like the one behind him, only some buildings were abandoned with many boarded up and cracked windows. What mattered was the very building on the far left, an old, dingy, art studio. Jaden paused his Pontiac Firebird halfway down the street and backed it up into a large, grimy, old, and dark alleyway. There was no, obvious, way that he could pause before that building. At all.The young man manifested from the car, going to the back, taking off his cap, and rubbing his black hair. He opened the trunk and viewed the five items that were hidden under a dark blue blanket. Two silvery metal and blue laden pistols, one grenade-shaped device, and a black and gray sniper rifle and a box filled with rifle-bullets. Jaden strapped the rifle onto his back, strapped the device on his belt, picked up both pistols and placed them on the holsters around his baggy, red pants. The young man hummed to himself, feeling just ready for the act he would commit. Jaden's black boots scaled up the brick building he was by, grunting all the way up. The young man backflipped over the cement ledge, two drops of sweat on his temple already. He looked to his right and noticed a black substance emerging from it. Jaden's eyes narrowed, pulling the rifle from his back.
He was right on time for his apparent end.
The limousine paused in front of the art studio, the chauffeur emerging from the front and opening the door for Jaden's target to erupt from. Jaden had his sniper rifle sitting on the edge of the building, the young man biting his lip. He eyed his target through the scope, green eye taking in his target's stupid—blank—white hair!
BANG!
x0xThe bell-chime rang over an opened glass door as Raven calmly walked away from the store she had visited, holding onto a gray plastic bag in her left hand. Raven loved reading books and stowing herself away in her room, but even though she wouldn't admit it, she had to go out sometime. And that wasn't when she was out defeating villains with her comrades or going to some fast-food place. No, mostly for any other necessities, like items for her crafting projects.She walked up to the T-Car, allowing herself in.At the front wheel was Cyborg, his lips pursed up in a very curious manner."So, what'd you buy in there?" he began, starting the car and driving away from the shopping district.The young sorceress fumbled around in the bag and pulled out a cloth wrapped up in a white ribbon. The cloth itself was red and white-flower printed, as Raven stated monotonously, "Fat squares."Cyborg double-took, just perplexed at what he heard. "Fat-what? Heck are those?""These are what quilts are made with." Raven lectured in a rather bored tone, still holding the cloth up in her hand. "People had to use different pattern fabrics to make their blankets."True. Raven had read about quilts, their history, and how they were made, inspiring her to do the same."So what, you're gonna make a ton for all of us then?" Cyborg inquired in a very joking manner, leaning towards Raven in the slightest. He himself wouldn't mind having a quilt made for him, one that he could sleep under during the winter. Starfire would love it too, as she was into doing her hair, cooking (though very nasty alien food), and what not. Robin would call it cool and Beast Boy would be very hyped for it."Ughhh," Raven uttered, her face appearing rather uncertain. That was when something beamed on Cyborg's arm, much like the Titans' communicators meaning…
"Wait, there's something going on at the edge of town," Cyborg reported, sounding strong and serious like a military officer. Cyborg wasted no time in driving them where he and Raven needed to be.x0xWhat the?! Jaden thought to himself, panicked and confused, looking away from the scope. His target was supposed to go down, go down like an old building. But his target didn't because it wasn't the target at all!It was a hologram. The bullet had gone through and the hologram shook and whizzed all other holograms when touched. And the bullet met a mine that was embedded in the cement, causing an explosion loud enough to be heard in the blocks away from it.What has that mad man De Blanco done!? Or rather, what did he know? Jaden screamed in his mind, one of his hands gripping his head. The young man mounted his rifle back on his spine, running, ready to jump off this building. If De Blanco had planted a mine in the cement and expected someone to come and snuff him out, then Jaden had to. He most likely knew of his presence of here as well.Jaden's hand and boot soles scratched the building's wall, black leather jacket looming up in the air as he slid down. When he made it to the bottom, Jaden landed on his hip and his other hand, grunting. He quickly got up again, running to his car. He pulled out the keys and rammed it in, cringing when he heard another car manifest behind him and pause.Jaden froze in the air, refusing to peek at what was looming behind his back."Put your hands in the air," a voice, - feminine? - ordered. Jaden had never heard of De Blanco having a female troop. He advocated strong women, but… it was uncanny."Turn around so we can see you, pal," boomed a male voice.Jaden did not want to obey these people's orders, but he knew what happened to prisoners of war. Should he disobey, it would mean utter end. Jaden turned around, biting both of his lips. He imagined there being troops donning white and carrying guns larger than his sniper, but… it was completely different. Instead, were two oddly-clad figures, one in gray and blue and another in dark blue. The former's hand was a glowing blue light, and the latter had a dark orb in her hand. Jaden couldn't tell how old they were, but he was very sure that they should be either high school or university students right now."Drop the rifle, NOW!" the strange young lady boomed. Even though she wore a hood for who knows what, it was obvious that she was in a serious mood.Jaden huffed, shutting his eyes tight, opening his hand, and letting the rifle fall to the ground. No matter. The strange guy came around and shoved the rifle away with his foot, his odd hand still aimed at Jaden.The strange guy snorted, almost mocking him, "Dude, you may have done what you have done, 'specially at your age, but you're no match for my sonic cannon." How did they find that he accidentally concocted that explosion?"Shut up, I don't take so kindly to anyone getting in my way!" Jaden hissed, pointing his pistols at them. He may be on De Blanco's radar right now, but De Blanco was possibly still somewhere in the city—and Jaden had to find him, and quick.Raven threw her dark orb at the young man, at his left hand. The pistol was knocked back, as Jaden cried out. He gripped his remaining pistol, still not willing to go down, at least not without a fight. He fired twice at Raven, but Raven lifted herself up in the air, evading his attack. Cyborg came to his friend's defense, swinging his fist at Jaden. Jaden side-stepped and grabbed Cyborg's arm, bringing Cyborg to the ground.Cyborg grunted, landing on his back as he slid away from Jaden slightly. Jaden prepared to fire again, but a black cluster surrounded him, keeping the young man frozen like a statue. Jaden cried out as he had not expected what just happened."We'd release you with a warning, but considering your behavior, we will take you into custody." Raven spat, though monotonously. This was one of the very last things she wanted. Next to Beast Boy's dumb gags, someone causing an explosion for whatever reason was not her idea of a good day. Cyborg went to the T-Car's trunk, opening it and pulling out a pair of handcuffs that glowed like glow-sticks as Cyborg clamped them onto Jaden's wrists, behind his back. That may have not been the strangest thing Jaden had seen all day."What about my car? I can't leave it out here!" Jaden bellowed, thrashing his fists down like a fussy child. Cyborg was right by him, hands on his hips, deviously smiling."Firebird like that? Don't worry about it, what matters is that you and everything you have will be taken into custody." Cyborg told him before he passed him off to Raven.After Cyborg picked his guns for evidence and strapped his car to theirs, Jaden hung his head down,At least, De Blanco isn't eradicating me...
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Once the T-Car and Jaden's Firebird reached Titans Tower, Cyborg told Robin everything that happened. While Robin listened to Cyborg's report, Jaden was in awe at everything he saw. How does a big T like this manage to stand on an island in the middle of the sea, perfectly?!Jaden sat on a hard, metal chair in a room that looked like an interrogation room. Raven magically connected his bound hands to a chain that was now connected to the backboard itself. Jaden didn't flinch or carp that the chains were too tight, or the cuffs were chaffing him. Raven raised a brow, curiously, but shrugged, losing interest in why. This wasn't the first time Jaden was apprehended. When Raven left, Jaden thought back to his past.
The day of his twenty-first birthday…
The barbeque…
The cake…
The new car…
Him holding his younger brother around…
The room doors opened, Jaden jolting, a young man in a strange suit and the same blue-gray guy coming in. He had seen people with robotic limbs back home, but nothing like this.Robin's mask folded down slightly, promptly walking up to the table Jaden was trapped by. He slammed his green-gloved hands on the table, demanding him like a cop in a raised voice, "Care to explain why you were exploding things up?"Jaden merely raised a brow. Was this kid supposed to rattle him? Did this kid even wear these clothes daily too? Jaden promptly leaned forward, the chains behind him rattling quietly like a whisper. "I'm trying to get rid of a criminal," He turned one side of his face towards him, his left eye narrowing at him.Robin's mask narrowed, face stern like a father glooming over his misbehaving child. "Who is this criminal? Why are trying to do this?" While, Cyborg was standing by Robin, arms folded over his chest, taking in the interrogation. In the room farther behind them, Jaden's weapons and everything else that was collected from his car sat on a table near some monitors.Jaden knew he had to give it up, telling Robin who the very criminal was, "His name is Doctor Nigel De Blanco, one of the most infamous and mysterious scientists in the world. He's burnt down military stations, poached and auctioned rare wildlife to the wealthy, and abducted people for strange ransoms."
Just like the one recently…
Robin was motionless, registering everything Jaden said. He could understand what Jaden was saying; after all, the Titans nabbed people like De Blanco very often. Robin stood up straight from the table, humming something to himself. Cyborg unfolded his arms, wondering what was going through his head. Robin rubbed his chin and ordered Cyborg. "Cyborg, see if you can find Dr. De Blanco in the criminal database, see if he's speaking the truth," Cyborg nodded, promptly walking out of the room.
Robin turned back to Jaden, the latter staring off into space, demanding, "What is your occupation?""I'm an agent for this secret organization," Jaden admitted solidly, before shrugging, "I've been so for about two years now.""How did you learn about this criminal?" Robin inquired him, walking over to his side.Jaden thought back, eyes almost narrowed and staring right at nothing. "About eight months ago, after my group and I stopped a hit at a sports stadium; we were given intel, and we sought to hunt him down."Meanwhile, in the Titans' living room, Cyborg sat before the computer, hand in his chin as if writing an essay. Starfire and Beast Boy were at the counter, the former happily scrubbing Silkie as Beast Boy was mixing up some tofu and almond milk together. Raven, on the other hand, was at the coffee table, already planning what to put on her quilt. "Friend Cyborg, what are you reading about?" Starfire inquired in a friendly tone, floating to him, her hands still moist from the water."Just someone Robin told me to research," Cyborg merely answered her. Of course, she and Beast Boy did not notice the young man that he and Cyborg brought in. They were too indulged in their own activities to do so. A few moments later, a white glow radiated over Cyborg's and Starfire's faces as the latter cupped her mouth and gasped."Who is that odd character?" Starfire inquired, pointing towards the screen as if seeing a horrid accident occur.The man before looked almost the height as Slade, only with blank white hair and red-pinkish eyes. His skin was very pale, donning a snowy-white suit jacket. He appeared to have his hands cupped before himself, only for Cyborg to scroll down and see him gripping a dark, ebony cane. That was one thing that bothered Starfire. Why would most villains carry around canes when they could walk perfectly fine?"The very man Robin asked me to research," Cyborg answered, rising from his seat. Around that time, Beast Boy turned around watching them curiously - though he went over Raven, holding the blender pitcher ever so gingerly in his hands."Which means that the shooter wasn't joking about him either," Cyborg told, looking down at Starfire. While, Beast Boy offered some of his tofu shakes to Raven, who then shielded herself with her black magic."Huh?" honked Beast Boy, having heard what Cyborg said."Who is 'The Shooter?'" Starfire calmly inquired, just like an innocent child. Cyborg didn't answer though, knowing that he had to return to Robin, now, stepping past her. Raven was already sewing some cloth-pieces, not caring about what was right now happening."Friend Cyborg wait for I," Starfire held her hand out, floating after her large friend. Beast Boy did the same running up behind Starfire as he too was curious."…Even if my little brother escaped, I have to hunt De Blanco down, before he disappears from the earth's face." Jaden explained to Robin.Robin had been in front of Jaden once more, telling him, "I know how that can feel, Jaden." He asked him his name while Cyborg was gone. Robin remembered what had happened much time ago. From almost losing Starfire to the Gordonians, to Raven becoming a portal for her powerful father, and so much more. Jaden was now liberated from the chain, but he was still cuffed, his hands sitting right before him. Though it didn't matter much. Jaden rubbed his eye, the memory still sitting in his head. Fortunately, his little brother Spike had been healed for many weeks since his release from the hospital.The door opened again, with Cyborg standing in front. "Dude's right. This scientist does exist and has a long crime-history too." Cyborg reported to him. Looming behind him were Starfire and Beast Boy.Jaden snorted, turning his head to the side. 'Bout time. "Woah," Beast Boy commented, looking at the very young man that was under their custody. "That's what you were talking about, Cy?""Is this 'The Shooter?'" Starfire asked again; she was correct. Jaden gawked at her. What in the name of Presley was she wearing? And Beast Boy, how did his skin get green?Cyborg only set his arms before his two comrades, as if for their safety. Robin inquired Jaden, "If you really did have a team, why are they not with you right now?""I wanted to go alone, it's personal between De Blanco and I," Jaden answered, pointing to himself with his thumb."Dude, what are you thinkin'?!" Cyborg couldn't believe him, going over to where he was, holding his arms out. Obviously. Jaden appeared pouty, clearly disliking how this man was scolding him. Of course—his teammates would tell him the very same thing. A hologram fooled him."There are utter consequences to this, I know, tin-pants," Jaden vehemently retorted at Cyborg. Cyborg looked like a steaming pot, ready to kill, but Starfire floated up before him."None of that, please," Starfire simply told her friend, before turning to Jaden."It is always best to have someone behind you if you are hunting down a criminal, whether or not you are alone," Starfire lectured Jaden with one finger up, very kindly."I agree with her, Jaden," Robin commented. He learned that a LONG TIMEago. "You're gonna need help catching this man; it's the least we Titans can do for you since we pulled you from your mission."Cyborg's jaw dropped to the ground, in the most cartoonish manner possible. Say what?! Starfire looked absolutely concerned for her friend, crouching down and attempting to pull his chin back.Jaden half-smirked at Robin.