So are they buddies buddies, or ''buddies''?

good story!

Awesome story! ^ ^;
I remember your other fic too.
It was also very awesome.
And Tech and Rev, of course, are awesome.
Okay... yeah. I think I've gotten my point across. xD

cool

Like I said on FF.Net:
The definition of awesomeness!

Continue!

Yay, third chapter is finally here. You'll find it to be a stark contrast to the 2nd chapter. Also Rev fans will probably like this particular chapter. I hope. I'll also note that chapters like this are very uncharacteristic of me to write. But hey, nothing wrong with change.



Chapter 3: A Modest Proposal


Elsewhere, one jittery roadrunner was getting ready to ask one of the most nerve-racking questions of his life.

Rev had chosen his and Shannon’s meeting place at the Acmetroplex, which was, though a prominent favorite to many, Rev’s hangout spot of choice. An uncompromisingly energetic yet relaxing vibe flowed throughout the proximity. Basically, it was just a fun place to be. And why not? It had all of the components that would equate to a good time - a massive food court serving every variety of dishes imaginable, a virtual reality court which allowed a patron to live out any conceivable scenario of their choosing, an arcade which combined recent, high-tech games along with the old classics. And, of course, it had the timeless forms of fun – a go-kart center and a mini-golf course.

As was routine, Rev and Shannon were to be found in the cheerily lit arcade center. After some deliberation, and with a lot of persuasive speaking on Rev’s part, they decided to have at a round of Air Hockey. It was one of Rev’s favorites (whether he had an opponent or not).

“Okay, speedy, but remember, please play at a non-abnormal speed,” Shannon emphasized, smiling.

“Oh sure that’s no problem I can go slower heck I can be really slow… like… this… see? No… problem! Heheheh…” Rev chirped.

“You’re quite the smooth talker, Rev,” Shannon giggled, setting up the table to play. Shannon, perhaps unsurprisingly, was also a roadrunner, though with green plumage as opposed to Rev’s natural blue. Also unlike Rev, she spoke normally, not having been genetically altered by a freak meteor landing. She had met Rev through his parents some six years prior. They had not always been good friends (rather, mere acquaintances), but during the last six months they had both grown closer. They simply had a good, relaxing time in each other’s company.

Rev, however, didn’t seem so relaxed.

“Ready?” inquired Shannon, getting ready to make the opening serve.

“I guess I am ready I mean why wouldn’t I be ready I know this game like the back of my hand and… I… can… talk… slowly! So, I guess to answer your question… yes?”

“Thank you,” said Shannon, rolling her eyes benevolently, and proceeded to strike the puck.

Rev took a stance that would suggest an epic return, but instead spastically flinched his mallet towards the puck and missed it completely.

“Wow,” said Shannon, “I just told you to slow down a little. I didn’t say you had to suck.”

“Oh heh heh that? Oh that was just a fluke I’m uh practicing my arm motions you know but this time I’m really going to get it… while… I talk… slowly! Dammit...”

Shannon laughed. “I don’t have an issue with you talking fast, Rev. Just don’t go all rapid fire on me during this round. And don’t suck.”

“Got it! My serve,” Rev replied, making a motion to strike the puck. When he did, however, he slammed it into the wall of the table so violently that it flew completely off the table and struck an unfortunate by-stander in the face.

“Whoa! Don’t go killing anyone either,” Shannon exclaimed, rushing over to the star-crossed patron to make sure he didn’t sustain any injuries that required medical attention.

Meanwhile, Rev was kind of hoping that someone would knock him out. ‘Oh man this is horrible horrible HORRIBLE!’ Rev thought frantically, ‘I’m practically leaving a trail of destruction here!’ After a few moments, Shannon returned the table.

“Well, it’s nothing serious, and bumps like that usually go away after a few days.”

“Hey Shannon I don’t think this is working out how about we go to the food court my treat?”

“Heh, okay. I think that’d actually be good for everyone,” Shannon added, moving to follow Rev.

It was not a very long walk, as the arcade was connected directly to the cafeteria. The court in question was about half full – populated enough to avoid awkward quietness yet sparse enough to not have to wait copious and pivotal minutes for food.

“So what could I do you for madam?” inquired Rev with a pseudo-charming smile.

“Hmm, I could really go for some sushi,” answered Rev, gesturing towards the Japanese bar.

“Yech I don’t know how you can eat that stuff I don’t know maybe it’s just me but raw fish makes me gag not that I am questioning your tastes or anything I’m sure you have lovely tastes so sushi it is I mean I was going to get whatever you wanted anyway but if sushi is what you want then sushi is what you’re gonna get!” Rev’s face went red.

“Right… well, the line starts right there.”

“I’m already there pick a good seat back in a flash!” And with the help of super speed, Rev was already there. He realized that he was now making blunder after blunder, and he used his time in the line to calm himself down.

If only.

“Next customer, please?”

“Yeah I’ll take a um er plate of sushi I think that red stuff over there is the kind she likes yeah see I’m really trying to impress her tonight and I don’t want to screw anything up more than I already have so I really don’t want to pick the wrong kind here. Oh no wait I was wrong it was that kind with the green circle in the middle that she likes yeah I see her eating that a lot when I’m at her place oh and maybe just some noodles for me oh man I don’t want to look like a pig now!”
“Erm, what?”

“The Makizushi and a side of noodles,” the dejected roadrunner replied hopelessly.

The exchange was made, and Rev walked slowly over to the table in which Shannon has chosen to retain what was left of his dignity.

“Ooh, the Makizushi? This is good, not quite as good as the Nigiri, but still yummy,” Shannon commented.

Rev looked positively demoralized.

“Oh, wait, this stuff is perfect with chili sauce. I’m sorry, could you go get some from me really quick?” Shannon requested.

The lights turned back on in Rev’s eyes. “Oh sure no problem coming right up,” and, ill advisedly, rushed over to the sushi bar, knocking over another unfortunate patron in the process.

“Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry sir I really really didn’t mean to oh yes hi can I get a bowl of chili sauce that’d be great,” the flustered speedster spoke.

The server, casting Rev a rather odd look, handed over the bowl and turned away without a word.

“Erm, thank you,” Rev chirped, and rushed frantically back to the table.

Unfortunately for the luckless roadrunner, the customer in whom he had knocked over was still situated on the floor, just now getting up. Given Rev’s frenzied state, however, he did not notice this. Instead, he tripped over the fallen patron, and with his insurmountable speed, flew a good thirty or so feet as a result. To make matters worse, Rev’s untimely target this time was Shannon. Rather inevitably, the chili bowl flew from Rev’s arms straight into Shannon’s shirt.

Shannon let out a gasp of surprise, and Rev’s entire posture simply gave.

“What a fabulous night,” Rev said morosely, rising from the floor very slowly. “I guess I’ll just go home then.”

Shannon, however, simply stared into Rev eyes for what seemed like hours. Then, abruptly, she burst out in laugher.

Rev was initially confused by her uproar, but eventually a smile cracked his face too, and he, himself, started giggling at his own catastrophe.

Well, that is, until he saw Duck and Ace walk by.

“Duck! Ace!” Rev cried, panic-stricken, “what are you doing here?!”

“The movie sucked, we walked out, decided to come here instead,” Duck replied, now looking at Rev and Shannon’s chili sauce-smeared table. “And what happened here?!”

“Rev spilled some chili,” answered Shannon, still laughing.

“Ouch,” Ace added, looking concerned.

“Not so chivalrous with the ladies, are we, Rev? Well, I suppose that’s what a feller gets for rejecting dating advice from Mr. Suave himself,” Duck said smugly, pointing his thumb at his chest.

Shannon shot up. “Excuse me, Mr. McCool, but you weren’t here to see what really happened!” Shannon took Rev’s free hand, much to his surprise. “You see, there was this man, who was this total sleaze ball. He came up to me while Rev was getting our food, and he started making these ‘hints’ of ‘getting it on’ in the men’s bathroom. Well, I was appalled, of course, but luckily Rev came back just in time. Didn’t you, honey?”

“Er-“

“So anyway, Rev just tells him to back off. Like, really defiantly. It was surprising, but I knew he had it in him. Anyway, it looked like it was going to work for a while, but then the guy takes a swing at Rev, and he got him right in the cheek. That’s why his face is all red. Well, Rev falls back, and he spills the bowl of chili sauce,” Shannon noted the chili stains on her shirt, “But then Rev just starts running incredibly fast circles around this guy. I didn’t know why, at first, but the guy eventually got so dizzy he collapsed! Rev held him down and called security over, without making any more of a scene. It was absolutely perfect.” Shannon gave Rev a kiss on the cheek. Rev’s already inflamed face turned even rosier.

“Wow, nice one, Rev,” Ace complimented, giving Rev a pat on the shoulder.

Duck simply let out a irritable “humph”.

“Um, thanks Ace! Uh, I guess I’ll see you back at HQ.”

“Sure thing, Doc,” and Ace and Duck walked off.

Rev and Shannon were once again alone. “Wow,” Rev started awkwardly, “thanks for that. You didn’t have to do that, you know.”

“Believe me, it was my please. And by the way,” Shannon leaned in closer, “the answer is ‘yes’.”

“Wha-?”

“Oh, please, Rev. You’ve been on the edge all night! If I didn’t stop you now, you’d probably destroy the entire premise in 20 minutes! You like me,” Shannon winked.

“Erm, I do? I mean you know I do? I mean whoo this is awkward yes I do like you I’m sorry if that ruins everything or mmph“

Rev’s beak was shut by Shannon’s hand. “It’s fine, Rev! Because, well, I kind of like you too.”

Rev, especially after the disaster that was this night, had never expected this. “So, so, you mean –“

“Yes,” Shannon repeated, “I’ll go out with you. And not just because I’m afraid of you injuring any more customers.”

Rev instantly transformed from being the most depressed sentient being on the planet to the most jubilant.

“I got to get you something to mark this moment!” Rev chirped up immediately.

“Heh, no, you don’t, it’s –“

“Oh yes I do come on!” And with that, Rev swept Shannon off her feet and dragged her back over to the arcade room and in front of the notorious claw machine, in which users could control a claw to select a prize.

“Take your pick,” said Rev, gesturing the prize bin.

“Um, maybe that teddy bear over there, that’s pretty cute,” Shannon answered, giggling.

“You got it!” Rev inserted change into the machine, and went to handle the claw. “Aw man I forgot how much I sucked at this,” Rev added, struggling to make the claw move where he pleased.

“Rev, really, you don’t have to –“

“Oh I will,” Rev shot back stubbornly, aiming at the selected teddy bear. As soon as the claw dangled directly above the prize, he clamped the claw closed, believing he had achieved his goal. However, as the clamp ascended once again, he saw that he had merely selected a rather shoddy looking bracelet. The claw dropped it into the retrieving bin, and that was that.

“Well this is no good I’ll give it another go,” said Rev, motioning to put in more change, but Shannon stopped him.

“No, actually, this is nice.” Shannon took the bracelet and situated it on her wrist. “It will certainly make me remember tonight.”

“Well if you’re happy then I’m happy,” said Rev, taking Shannon’s hand.

“And I’m happy,” said Shannon, granting Rev another peck on the cheek.

Gaw I hate claw machines, they always make the claws too weak to really get a hold of anything.

Really good chapter Dragon_wing, I think your at least 2 times better then me.

-- Edited by techfan979 at 15:36, 2008-02-18

Hmm... wonder what happened. Great chapter dragon_wing

New chapter up in approx. 2 hours.

Also bump.

I exceeded my deadline of 2 hours. But nevertheless, here it is.


Chapter 5: Foreshadowed


Tech had his hopes and aspirations set on the Acme Institute since he was a mere boy of four. He saw it as somewhat of a haven a light, where the tree of knowledge truly grows. ‘It would just suit me,’ he always thought, and subsequently spent all of his youth and teen years preparing for the school. He was Jude Fawley, and the Acme Institute was Christminster. However, much as Jude discovered with Christminster, the Acme Institute was not all it was made out to be. Granted, it did provide seemingly infinite opportunities for its pupils, but cruel and unrelenting classmates hindered anything he could get out of the college. The college, sadly, was comprised dominantly by the sons of wealthy philanthropists, not actually interesting in learning. A select few did build themselves up in the pursuit of knowledge, including Tech, but they were a minority. And Tech in particular was strikingly alone – he was a coyote.

Advanced Technological Engineering (more commonly referred to as ATE) was the worst for Tech, even though it was his strongest subject. However, the fact that he did excel was the very factor that made his time in that class so miserable. One would be hard-pressed to believe that species discrimination still occurred on such an obscene level in the 28th century, but Tech’s ATE classmates, and even his professor, were a clear indication of it. Any achievements or successes Tech made in the course were always overshadowed by the fact that he, well, wasn’t human.

The end of the semester was approaching, and Tech had long given up attempting to associate with his classmates in any way. This did little to quell their need to abuse, though – in fact, the intensity of their jeering only seemed to heighten with each passing day. This particularly day they appeared to be relentless. He just wanted to work on his projects (i.e. – inventions) alone in peace, but was inevitably interrupted.

“Hey, muzzle-butt”, said a ginger, scrawny boy, addressing Tech. (‘Muzzle-butt’ was not a term they particularly used with him all the time – they seemed to come up with some new alias every time they addressed him. This resulted in many of those names being quite lame.)

Tech sighed. “What do you want?”

“What do I want? Touché, my fuzzy friend. Haven’t I always made it clear that all I could ever want is the joy of your company?”

“Whatever.” Tech never made an attempt to be friendly towards any of these wretched souls, but he seemed equally unable to match them in a battle of ‘wits’. He longed to get the better of them, but he never mustered up the strength to do so.

“Aw, looks like someone’s still a little upset about having to turn in his nut-job freak of a girlfriend. And after four months, too. Wow, she must have put out a lot. Ew!”

Tech could only growl under his breath. It always came down to immature jeering, didn’t it?

“Ooh, that’s a nasty growl. If I were a roadrunner, I’d certainly be on my toes.” He snickered.

“Oh, come on, Nigel, quit roughing him up so much,” interrupted a far more distinguished looking (but no less cruel) student in thick-rimmed glasses. “What happened with him was serious business. I mean, look at him. He’ll probably never get laid again in his life.”

Tech had an irresistible urge either to go feral and savagely attack them all, or simply to disappear. He knew he could not or would not do either. In a state of frenzied frustration, he pounded the table with his fist. At least, he meant to. Instead, he pounded the motherboard of one of the laptops sitting atop his desk, powering and controlling the programming for a greater piece of machinery that sat beyond the desk. The sudden destruction of the laptop generated a surge of unyielding power through the system, shorting all of the other laptops. Thus, the machinery lost all of its power quite suddenly, and as a result it short-circuited and imploded in a great puff of smoke, leaving behind a great pile of wires, bolts, shrapnel and dust.

“Haha, oh wow,” the ginger boy said with gleeful astonishment, “have a bit of a short fuse there, don’t we, dogbreath?”

“I suppose this is why they don’t normally allow animals near expensive equipment,” the distinguished looking student added. “Tisk, we are much too tolerant nowadays.”

Tech did not bother to retort. Everyday, he told himself that he wouldn’t give them any new material to work with, no reason to laugh at him. But he did. Yet again. Every damn day, he did something to make him a target. He couldn’t help thinking that he was hopelessly inept at any type of socialization.

Tech drowned out his classmates’ further comments. He did not have the patience to listen anymore. Unfortunately, once his superior noticed, he could not tune the professor’s comments out.

“Tech, sometimes it perplexes me how you ever got into the institute,” said the professor, looking very severe. “All you ever seem to do around here is make a mess of things. And whose parts do you destroy? Mine! I swear, I have to talk to the board to convince them they need to raise your tuition, just to pay for all those garbage. Just – just clean it up. Then, please, for the sake of this course’s integrity, go home.” The professor then muttered under his breath, “this is what happens when you let beast interfere with man’s work.” The professor spoke up again. “You know what, you’re all dismissed early. Get a jump-start on your weekend. Tech, clean.”

Tech’s classmates gathered up their things to go out for the day. “Sorry, Tech,” a third instigator spoke, “we were going to invite you to have coffee with us, we really were, but, whoops! Looks like you can’t make it!” He laughed.

“I don’t know if they would have let you in anyway, though,” the ginger boy added, “they have a strict no pets allowed policy.”

And, much to Tech’s relief, they were gone. Tech, if nothing else, was finally in peace by himself.

While hastily throwing various (destroyed) objects into the nearest garbage bin, he contemplated quitting the class and dropping out all together. He knew he had potential, and the intelligence and know-how to carry out said potential, but this really was not the right atmosphere for such dreams. His brilliance was constantly overshadowed by his social handicap, very much brought on by the fact that he was a coyote. Why did that have to matter? He was physically capable of doing everything a human could – more even. Perhaps they were just jealous? Whatever the reason for the abuse, it was excruciating.

Tech’s thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the entrance door. He figured some student had forgotten his books, or something. Either way, he figured it was best to open it. He did so, but beyond the door student someone who was certainly not a student. He had a delivery boy’s garb, carrying a bag of food. He also happened to be a roadrunner, with blue, smooth feathers and a slick-backed topknot.

“Um, hi,” Tech said reluctantly.

The roadrunner looked up at Tech, and was slightly taken aback at his appearance, probably in the fact the he was a coyote. Nevertheless, he retained a mostly professional manner.

“Hi, did I get an order from this address, room number 3871?”

Tech shook his head. “No, this is room number 3817. The room you want is a couple of halls down, I think.”

The roadrunner looked embarrassed. He checked the number of the door again. “So I see. Well, sorry for the interruption.” Rev went to leave, quietly murmuring, “third address in a row I messed up.”

Tech heard. “Join the club,” he said, “today’s not exactly my day either.”

The roadrunner turned around. “Well, look at your, you go to this great school, your future’s set out.”

The coyote scoffed. “I am getting nothing out of this place. All I do hear is play the role of the freak ‘dog thing’. I’m never actually taken seriously. Well, maybe you know how it is.”

Rev smiled slightly. “Maybe, but I think I bring most of everything on myself. You know, I actually applied to this school.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, but they didn’t accept me. My grades weren’t high enough. I guess I shouldn’t have spent so much time working with all of my little gadgets. I’ve never been very good at inventing, anyway.”

“Well, hey, at least you make an attempt to invent things. That makes you better than at least 75% of everyone who goes here.”

“Well, thanks, but the point is I don’t go here. But by how you describe this place, maybe that’s fine.”

“Yeah.” Tech scratched at the back of his ears. The conversation was getting too quiet. “Well, maybe things will change for us soon.”

“Yeah, I guess you never know what can happen!”

“I’m not saying like a big cosmic miracle will fall out of the sky, or anything,” Tech added, “but, well, you know.”

“Yeah, anything could happen.”

“What’s your name?” Tech inquired.

“Oh, I’m Rev. Rev Runner. My father owns Runner enterprises.”

“Ah, yes, I recognize Runner. Rev, huh? Unusual name.”

“And what’s your name?”

“Tech.”

“Oh, yeah, my name’s unusual,” Rev smiled, “fitting though.”

“Heh, I suppose so.”

“Oh, what am I doing? I’m on the clock! I’ve been really far behind today as it is, and Cookie will have my neck if I’m any later. Hey, maybe I’ll see you later, but I gotta go right now.”

“Alright. Yeah, see you later.” But before Tech could finish his sentence, the roadrunner, Rev, was gone. “Wow,” Tech said, “if he went any faster he’d be unbelievable.”

He turned back towards the room and saw his professor standing right before him.

“And who was that?”

“Oh,” said Tech, scratching his head, “just some delivery boy who go the wrong address.”

“Well, no more interruptions, there’s still at least 75 cubic feet of crap you need to clean.”

“Yes sir,” Tech replied obediently, and unceremoniously went back to work. Even though he was quite as alone as he was before, he no longer felt as hopeless as he had previous.

Sighing, Tech put a halt to his recollections. It was quite late, as Rev had noted. He thusly followed suit and called it a night.

Wow! I'm really getting into this! I love the amount of detail and feeling you've put into this. Keep up the good work .

It is driving me nuts that this is just sitting here. So here is the introduction to the 6th chapter.


Edit: Below post

-- Edited by Dragon Wing at 19:21, 2008-03-11

Great chapter, abit dry, but it leads to something else.

What is the last line supposed to mean? It kind of sounds like a reference to God.

I like how you managed to keep it flowing so smoothly. The feelings you protrayed for each character (for example; Ace's guilt for upsetting Duck and Rev's nervousness for another date) are very well detailed and thought out. Overall, this story keeps getting better and better

Akira: Thanks! :D When I write stories in general I always want to give the reader a good sense of what the character's feeling, to make everything seem more 'real'. There's no better satisfaction than knowing I'm succeeding. \:D/

And it'd be good if this story got better and better, cause it still has a loongg way to go. The inciting incident hasn't even happened yet. But it will very, very soon. Perhaps later tonight. (Haha)

Chapter 7 is here. It's a pivotal chapter as well.


Chapter 7: A Fine Day to Exit


'Good wombs hath born bad sons'.


Rev and Shannon made their way out of Headquarters and into the bustle of the city streets below. Nightfall was beginning to consume the city, and the festivities of the night were now underway. It was an excitedly busy time of day, filled with the rush of automobiles and citizens making their way towards their own personal destinations, presumably out to have a good time. The multitude of city lights made the atmosphere all the more energetic, illuminating the great expanse of the metropolis as if the lights themselves were encouraging the populace to join in. Rev and Shannon, at this point, had joined in, walking along the sidewalks of the reflective streets. They continued along at a relatively fast pace, but did not really have an idea as to where they were going.

“I’m sorry if I seem so nervous I just haven’t done this in a long time,” Rev spoke.

“Oh, but you should be nervous. If everything isn’t perfect tonight, I’ll have your head on a plate.” Shannon smiled.

“That is if you can catch me!”

“I can assure you, I can do anything when I’m angry. And you won’t like me when I’m angry.”

“On the contrary you get so cute when you’re angry you make that little scrunched-up beaver face and ooh it’s so cuutte! See there it is right now!”

Rev became much more relaxed at this point. Their compatibility overtook any feelings of dread.

Shannon laughed. “Point taken. I guess I could never intimate anyone with my overpowering rage."

“Aw I wouldn’t say that your fists wouldn’t do much but your words can bite!”

“Yeah, I should totally enter a rap battle contest.” Shannon snickered.

Silence overtook them for a few minutes, before Rev chirped in with another observation.

“I see you’re still wearing that bracelet I won for you back at the Acmetroplex.”

“Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I? It reminds me of that beautiful night we shared together and the dignity, chivalry and grace you showed all throughout it.”

Rev groaned. “Oh don’t remind me those were some of the most awkward moments of my life!”

“Oh, I have no doubt that it was.” Shannon smiled. “Seriously though, Rev, I wouldn’t not wear this. You know, every time I look at it, it just makes me happy. Cheerful, even. It reminds me of you.”

Rev could only smile, but otherwise didn’t know what to say to such a compliment. Luckily, or perhaps unluckily, the silence that ensued was interrupted by one of Shannon’s own observations.

“Um, Rev, where are we?”

The two had been so involved with each other that they walked without paying a shred of attention to where they were going. They were now amidst a very unfamiliar intersection. The intersection in question glowed heavily with red lights emanating from the surrounding buildings – a bit of an odd color for such a part of town.

“Whoa I’m not sure how we got here. Maybe we can find someone and ask him how we go from here to… to-to-to…”

“Go from here to… where?”

Rev laughed very nervously. “I guess I never thought of a place to go!”

“Hmm, neither did I. Well, that kinda blows.”

The hopeless feel that consumed Rev during his attempt at asking Shannon out at the Acmetroplex rose up within him once again. So this is how their first date went! They immediately get lost in attempt to reach a destination that was unknown to them. Fantastic.

However, as if by fate, a man with the answer to their problems approached them at that very moment. He was dressed in a red uniform, something that a restaurant host might where. He also wore dark sunglasses, completely obstructing his eyes, and had black long hair streaming down from underneath his hat.

“You two appear to be lost,” he began.

“You could say that, yeah,” Shannon replied.

“Well, are you two a couple?”

“Yes we are and this is our first date and so far it’s not going all that well!” Rev replied somewhat desperately.

“Oh, then I have good news for you two. I happen to know that the Golden Chandelier restaurant is having a special discount for couples tonight. It’s quite a nice restaurant, too; it has the perfect atmosphere for a date.”

“That sounds pretty good,” Shannon nodded, “where is it?”

“It’s just one block ahead, on the left. So will you be joining us for dinner?”

“I don’t see why not so yeah!” Rev replied excitedly.

“Very well. Have a nice evening, you two.”

“Thanks sir,” Shannon replied, and the two set off towards the restaurant. “Well, our date’s saved, Rev,” Shannon continued, “but you can’t always expect some random guy to show up and make it all better.”

“Hehe yeah I know I’ll do better next time though I promise!” Rev gave a huge, sheepish grin.

“Aw, with that face, how can I be mad at you?”

The two arrived at the restaurant’s entrance within a couple of minutes. It had all the typical features of a mid-to-upscale restaurant; a couple of rode gardens, a modest fountain, and an archway in the entrance. The inside of the establishment was equally pleasant. As predicted with a name such as ‘The Golden Chandelier’, many a chandelier hung from the some fifteen foot high ceiling. The dining room as a whole had a golden hue, with dark red tables evenly dispersed throughout the proximity. The two were able to get seats immediately, allowing their conversation to continue without much pause.

“This place is pretty nice but now I’m kinda worried about the price,” Rev started, adjusting in his seat.

“Well, if worst comes to worst, you can always just tell them you’re a super hero and probably get a free meal.”

Rev laughed cynically. “Yeah that might work for Ace or Duck or Lexi or someone but lets face it I’m pretty second tier. I mean I love what I do and all don’t get me wrong but sometimes I just wish I was in on all the action a little more than Ace usually allows me.”

“Aw, poor Rev. Are you going to cry? Here’s some napkins.” Shannon giggled.

Rev smiled. “No but get those knives out of my eyesight or my wrists might get it.”

Shannon laughed. “Seriously though, Rev, if you want to be included more on the missions you should probably just talk to Ace about it. He seems like a pretty reasonable guy. And if not, just break out your sad puppy-dog eyes. No one can resist that.”

Rev eye’s widened and his face contorted into a pleading look. “Shannon, will you pwease pay the bill tonight?”

Shannon snickered. “Well, maybe not ‘no one’.”

“Nah I wouldn’t make you pay the bill and especially not on a first date just FYI you know. And you’re probably right about Ace too except now’s a weird time to ask considering the lull we’re in.”

“Well, maybe. But everything aside, I’d say this ‘lull’ was the best thing that ever happened to us.”

“Yeah I guess it is,” Rev agreed, but he grew tenser. The same foreboding feeling of imminent attack suddenly went across his mind again.


Shannon tapped her feathery fingers on the table for a few seconds, and then re-engaged the conversation. “Usually they would have given us menus by now. I wonder what’s the hold up?”

“I guess this place just has slow service after all every rose has its thorn and I guess we just found the thorn.”

“And what’s your thorn, Rev?” Shannon asked wittily, raising an eyebrow.

“Well first of all I don’t talk fast enough and second of all I run too slowly.”

“Oh, well, in that case, I’m out of here. Enjoy your meal, loser.”

Rev laughed. “Well you’re not too perfect yourself missy first of all you’re not pretty enough and second of all you have no sense of humor.”

“Aww, you flatter me, Rev.” Shannon took Rev’s hand and gave it a squeeze.

Rev blushed. “And well just so you know I wasn’t totally inept tonight”. Rev reached his hand into his pocket (he had dressed out of his normal lycra-spandex uniform and into normal clothes for the date) and pulled out the very teddy bear that Shannon had originally requested back at the Acmetroplex.

Shannon’s eyes widened slightly. “Wow, you remembered this?”

“Of course I did why would I forget it? It took 27 tries and over 13 dollars worth of coins to get it but hey once I finally snagged it it was all worth it. Plus I think it goes nicely with your bracelet.”

Shannon smiled. “Well, thank you. You didn’t have to do that, you know, but now that you have,” Shannon’s smile widened, “I’m going to squeeze it and love it and call it George!”

Rev laughed. “Now you see that look on your face was worth well over 13 bucks heck its probably worth even more than what this meal’s going to cost in fact it’s absolutely priceless!”

Shannon touched Rev’s arm. “You’re so corny,” she grinned, “but seriously, thanks”.

For some moments they simply stared into each other’s eyes. A mutual and intoxicating affection was established within their glances, and the rest of the room along with the rest of the world seemed to disappear. This was probably why the waiter had to clear his throat three times before he finally got the roadrunners’ attention.

“Oh, sorry,” Shannon apologized quietly. The menus were presented and the pleasantries were exchanged, and the two were alone once again.

“Hey you know what would really make this night complete?” Rev asked abruptly.

“Hmm?”

“A nice round of air hockey!”

Shannon shook her head. “One tracked mind, eh? But sure, I’m up for it. We can swing by the Acmetroplex on the was back.”

“Whoa I was actually just kidding but hey if you’re game I’m certainly game so it’s on sister!”

“Well, if you play similar to how you did during our last encounter, it won’t be must of a contest.”

“Aw you know I was nervous to the point of being institutionalized that night but now my nerves are clear and I am ready ready ready!”

“Well, okay. Just don’t use your superspeed against me,” Shannon smiled.

“Well you know I’m better than that Shannon,” Rev paused, “man we should do this sort of thing every day.”

“We certainly should,” Shannon laughed, “that way I can get more associating by having a super hero for a boyfriend. I’ll be a celebrity by association!”

Rev smirked. “Ah so that’s why you agreed to go out with me?”

“Of course not, Rev! You know I’m better than that,” Shannon said, “it was get access to your headquarters of course.”

“Oh well of course that’s understandable,” Rev grinned.

“But seriously, I’d love to spend more time with you. You make me happy and warm all over, and being happy is definitely a good thing.”

Rev smiled. “Then consider it done,” Rev reached for Shannon’s free hand (her occupied hand was petting her new teddy bear) and squeezed it. “Because you’re much more pleasant when you’re in a good mood.”

“Aw, thanks,” said Shannon. She took a quick glance at the menu. “So, what are you going get?”

“Heh certainly not anything that stinks up my breath.”

Shannon laughed. “That’s probably a good way to go. Wouldn’t want you to-“

A blinding flash of light.

A deafening explosion.

A sudden rush of air and heat.


A painful thud.



Darkness...





And then, silence.




-- Edited by Dragon Wing at 01:57, 2008-03-16

GAH, its like when Warren cut his wrist, EXCEPT I DIDNT WRITE THIS.

Hope they'll be ok, but I smell drama.

-- Edited by techfan979 at 13:09, 2008-03-16

It's the Acmetropolis bombings RUN!!!!

*comes back* BTW i like your fanfiction.

-- Edited by I_See_Your_True_Colours at 21:38, 2008-03-16

Aahhhhh!

Again, everything will be answered in the next chapter, which I'll probably write tomorrow, since I was GOING to (re)take my Driver's License test but can't now because I'm ill.

Thanks! =)

Dragon Wing wrote:

---

Aahhhhh!

Again, everything will be answered in the next chapter, which I'll probably write tomorrow, since I was GOING to (re)take my Driver's License test but can't now because I'm ill.

---

Get well soon Dragon Wing. Can't wait for the next chappy.

Oh, just because I'm ill doesn't mean I can't write the next chapter. In fact, I will RIGHT NOW!

And thanks for the good wishes ;)

No worries, (finally got it done now).

Definitely the most dramatic chapter yet.



Chapter 8: The Downward Spiral


‘Everything’s blue in this world.’


As is the case with any horrifying tragedy, there is always at least one malevolent spirit smirking with satisfaction at the state of things while the rest of the world mourns it.

Vincent Cavanagh entered the large storage facility he was using as his headquarters with a subtle smile of satisfaction on his face. Mastermind, still trapped in the force field prism prison, was quick to observe this.

“Judging by that stupid boy-grin on your face, I take it that your mysterious ‘plan’ worked?”

“You could say that,” Vincent replied, “and I was gone without a trace.”

“And what was this ‘master-plan’, as you so obnoxiously referred to it?” Mastermind followed up.

“Well, it really wasn’t all that masterful in itself, I admit, but definitely masterful in the chain reaction it will cause”.

“Yes, but what was it?”

“Okay. It was simple, really. My brother Danny had much to do with it, of course. I have, of course, been keeping track of the Loonatic’s locations with my brother’s tracking system, and I noticed that the roadrunner was going out with a, ahem, female companion. Can you say, perfect opportunity? Anyway, then all it was all a matter of noting the general direction of where they were going. I picked a convenient location to strike, put on any kind of costume, they wouldn’t notice, and allowed my brother to teleport me near the scene.

“The first line of business was planting the bomb. Oh, and what a bomb it was. Another one of my brother’s creations, of course. It worked as somewhat of a tiny, timed atomic bomb, and I mean tiny. It had the total raw power of something between a pipe bomb and a propane bomb. The key, fundamental advantage to this weapon, though, is that it was so tiny; could hardly be distinguished from a spec on the ground. Second, upon its explosion, all traces were immediately disintegrated. It left no trace at all!

“Anyway, once that was planted, it was a simply a matter of finding these two lovebirds and getting them into the restaurant. I originally thought it would take a lot of persuasion on my part, but luckily the birdbrain didn’t seem to have a clue where they were going in the first place. Figures. And the rest took care of itself. My brother teleported me out of there before I could ever be suspected”.

“That’s hardly a master-plan, Vinny. That sounds more like something some 18 year-old girl sitting at a computer would come up with. But was it really necessary to bomb the entire restaurant in order to make a point?”

“Unfortunately, yes. If I had just attacked the birds specifically, people would know it was a targeted attack. Security would skyrocket through the roof for the Loonatics, people would protest the hate of it all, and all my plans would be ruined.”

“And how does this establish anything, Vincent? Did the two even die?”

“That I am not sure of. My ultimate plan wasn’t to kill them, though. At least not the Loonatic. The roadrunner looked especially susceptible to some sort of tragedy. I just wanted something to shake him up. If his little female interest did face her ultimate demise, all the better. Though if he did die, the rest would be shaken up, which would admittedly make my plans go a lot faster. No, that wouldn’t be the worst thing”.

“Because…?”

“Because, as I’ve must have explained to you a thousand times over, the anthromorphs are especially susceptible to emotional dismay. Once we have them all in shambles, they’ll be prone to a mass attack. Then, man can finally take back its rightful place.”

Danny now took a moment to glance over at his brother. It was a very enigmatic look – hard to discern properly. Very few knew what Danny was ever really thinking.

“So was this little bombing your way of shaking up?” Mastermind continued.

Vincent smiled. “In part, yes. But I can assure you, this is merely the beginning.”




Duck had eventually returned to HQ, from a location that was still yet unknown. He was mildly surprised upon entering that Rev had not come back by now, but didn’t seem to care quite enough to make note of it.

“Hey Duck, out scoring chicks?” Lexi greeted.

“Whatever,” Duck replied irritably, taking a seat and flipping on the television. Lexi was slightly disconcerted at his response.

“Speaking of scoring chicks,” Ace observed, “Rev’s date must be goin’ pretty well. Still no sign of him coming back. He’s probably laughin’ at the notion that he had something to worry about”.

Lexi giggled. “Surely you’re not suggesting –“

“Hey, I ain’t suggestin’ nothing,” Ace replied defensively, “whateva images you just put into your head you put there yourself.”

Tech, sitting nearby, rolled his eyes, his eyes peeled in the same journal he had been reading during Rev’s initial departure.

Slam, meanwhile, seemed strangely preoccupied at the side of the room. He gazed outside the tower windows, his eyes seemingly transfixed on something in particular. This unusual behavior eventually attracted the attention of Lexi, who shuffled on over to the Tasmanian’s spot to inquire what was the matter.

“What’s up, Slam?”

“Grghghg boom.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Grbhbh explode.”

“Oh, are more kids setting off fireworks illegally? I swear-“

Lexi’s stream of thought was interrupted by Zadavia’s long unheard voice, echoing through the proximity.

“Loonatics, meet at the conference table at once.”

Her request was not all that arduous, considering that the conference table was right in the middle of the room. Still, it had been such a long time since she called a meeting, seeing as nothing had been happening for quite some time. The fact that she called so suddenly worried the team.

Each of the five took their seats, awaiting the presumably bad news. They all looked up as she took her usual foreboding stance, and began to speak.

“Loonatics, I’m afraid that our period of peace is over. There has been a bombing at a local restaurant, The Golden Chandelier. The planter’s identity, motives and whereabouts are yet unknown, as there seems to be little trace of them. But right now, you must go down to the site of ground zero, look for survivors, and try to find any clues that might lead to our new villain”. Zadavia paused and looked around the table. “Tech, find Rev, and then bring him over to ground zero as well. You all know what to do. Zadavia out.” And her figure disappeared.

“Well, looks like our lull is over. Imagine, a bombing! It’s a shame that Rev’s first date had to end like this, but it’s a bigger shame for the victims. Let’s jet.” And Ace, followed by Lexi, Slam then Duck, were off and out. Tech pondered for a moment of where exactly Rev might be. Rev had not told him where he was going, presumably because there was still some tension between them since they night of their quarrel. Tech felt a shiver of shame at that though. He didn’t want to think about it.

Then he realized something. And he didn’t know whether it was by a premature hunch, or some sense of natural instinct, but…

He somehow knew that Rev already knew about the explosion.




All of the sudden, the scent of putrid smoke, burnt timber and, strangely, traces of food overcame him.

And wearily, Rev opened his eyes.

Initially dazed, he took a closer look at his surroundings. Everything was quite dark, but still visible by distant lights and a few vacant fires here and there. Smoke obscured the air, giving it a translucent feel. Remnants of tables, chandeliers and even the walls and ceilings were scattered all throughout the disaster site, now merely reduced to ruins and shrapnel.

Rev was stunned. How did he get here? He thought back to the immediate events preceding the events. Let’s see, Rev had given Shannon the teddy bear, then she asked what he was getting to eat, and he said something about his breath, and then…

Boom.

Rev’s eyes widened. The facility had been bombed. He stood straight up, but screeched in pain by the sensation his right arm shot throughout him as he put pressure on it. The arm hung hopelessly beside him. Clearly, it was broken.

This did not hinder Rev’s jolt of energy stimulated by the unexpected horrors the lay around him. He was afraid of looking too closely in the ruins, given that he might find the graphic figures of the dead. He was already feeling squeamish enough, and –

The dead.

The dead.

No…

Shannon?!

Given a new inspiration, Rev got up and put his superspeed to use, rummaging through the tattered remains as quickly as possible, looking for any sign of her. But surely his feelings were all ridiculous. A preposterous notion! Surely Shannon couldn’t be… no, not right now. It was absurd. If he looked hard enough, or long enough, he would eventually find her simply trapped, but only with a few scratches, and she’d say something funny, like, “Geez, Rev, bring some Beano next time.” She was so funny, and so pretty… no, he’d laugh at the notion of being this panicked in a few minutes. Just a few minutes.

But if the idea of… it… was so preposterous, then how come he was so scared?

He continued searching desperately in spite of his arm, flinging all sorts of debris about as he poked around. Eventually, however, he was exhausted from all the unadvisable use he was putting to his arm, and could only glance frantically around.

And then he saw it.

He moved slowly towards it, and picked up what was left of the cuddly brown object.

The teddy bear gazed back at him with hopeless black button eyes. Parts of his fur were charred black, and other parted were completely torn altogether. His right leg hung by a mere few threads, with puffy white stuffing protruding from the gap.

He put the bear to his chest. The lights vanquished from his eyes.


“…Shannon…”

Well, we still dont know if shes actuelly dead, we just know the teddy bear got blown apart. But seeing as she was holding the teddy bear... yeah.

Excellent chapter Angela.