CassidyCoyote wrote:

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*sobs* THE SADNESS!!! THE SUSPENCE! THE CRUELTY TOWARD TEDDY BEARS!

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Hope you don't mind if this goes into my sig! =D

 

Dragon Wing wrote:

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CassidyCoyote wrote:

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*sobs* THE SADNESS!!! THE SUSPENCE! THE CRUELTY TOWARD TEDDY BEARS!

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Hope you don't mind if this goes into my sig! =D

 

 

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 Really? I'd be honored! *glomps you*

Techfan: Sadly no. In fact you won't find out what happens to her for quite some time. The uncertainty caused, however, is extremely important to what happens. It is necessary that we don't find out what happens to her so soon. (We will eventually, though.)

Cassidy: Haha, it's not a problem :D It's definitely an awesome quote.




-- Edited by Dragon Wing at 19:34, 2008-03-18

Nevermind, this post gave out too much spoiler.

-- Edited by Dragon Wing at 20:33, 2008-03-18

Oh noes! What's gonna happen!? There's so much suspense in this, I just can't wait for the next chapter! A really good piece of writing there.

*Sits at the computer and waits for the next chapter.*

This is a very touching chapter. I'm not assuming that Shannon is dead yet. But already I am very curious which makes me want the next chapter to come up soon. The amount of detail you've put in this is great. I'm starting to think you're a better writer than me. But keep up with the work

BFF, Best Friends Forever?

Indeed touching, but I noticed something and had to ask, has my inspiration become your inspiration?

I know it was only that one detail, but as you also know those two stories really influenced mine.

Techfan: Yeah, I know. My answer doesn't change though.

Crap, this chapter is called "A Warm Place", by the way.

-- Edited by Dragon Wing at 23:53, 2008-03-20

Aaw. This is such a sweet chapter. The emotions you've portrayed in it make me sympathise for the characters. Keep it up ! 

And I repeat:

THE SADNESS! THE DRAMA! THE CRUELTY TOWARDS TEDDY... wait, not teddy bears,...THE CREULTY TOWARDS REV AND SHANNON!!!!

Yeah, that wasn't as funny as the last freakout I had.... either way, great chapters! I really want to know what happened to Shannon.

No, I mean the question in my mind about what happened to shannon.

Which you also answered but I'm just too stupid to remember, so forget it.

Crapcakes! Thanks for reminding me.

Edit: Reaallyy sorry for the delay guys. D: School and stuff. Last week I was on Spring Break and therefore able to post a bunch of stuffs in a relatively shory amount of time. Not now! >:@

Chapter 11 tomorrow I promise!


-- Edited by Dragon Wing at 01:05, 2008-03-30

Finally got it. This is a longer chapter (I've split it into two sections), but it's (in my opinion) probably the most intricate one I've written yet.


Chapter 11: Solitary Shell

The days passed, slowly but surely, eventually extending into a couple of weeks. Despite this, Rev made no significant progress in opening himself back up to the group. He remained as a newfound introvert – albeit not a total loner, either. To be certain, he did eventually mingle amidst the living quarters of HQ, making meager small talk to the other four members of the team (save Tech) and listening to their sympathies which, sadly, had little significance to him. He only came out for the necessities - official meetings or meal times. Other than that, he kept to either his own room or Tech’s lab.

Contrary to the growing distance between Rev and the other four members of the team, Rev seemed to be growing all the more closer to Tech, almost becoming a shadow to the coyote. Tech found this behavior to be quite peculiar, and perhaps a bit irritating at first. But he had eventually grown used to it. In fact, he was a bit amused by it. Tech, generally a loner himself, had never had anyone take to him to the extent Rev was taking to him. It was weird and new, but oddly satisfying. Sure, he and the roadrunner had always probably considered themselves good companions, but Rev had always spend pretty much an equal amount of time with everyone else. Now it was different. As a result, Tech inadvertently allowed himself to become more conversational and open than ever.

As previously mentioned, Rev and Tech spent much time in the lab. Rev was still in somewhat of a solemn state, but he was in the process of cheering up a bit. In the morning, Rev would usually depart from his room and go straight to Tech’s lab, usually before Tech himself got out of bed. To pass the time, he analyzed Tech’s creations thoroughly (but did not fiddle with them, as that had had disastrous, even world-threatening results in the past.)

One particularly bright morning, Tech burst open the door to the lab (in which Rev was patiently waiting) with bloodshot yet excited eyes. He had some papers full of calculation in his right paw, which he slammed down on the nearest table.

“I got it,” he spoke triumphantly, panting slightly from an evidently exhausting trip from his room to his lab.

“You mean the blueprints to get started on that mysterious project of yours well the one which you won’t tell me what it is and can I assume you worked all night on?” Rev asked.

“Blueprints, calculations, whatever,” said Tech, regaining his posture, “and yes, it was a long, strenuous night of mathematical and theoretical experimentation, but it’ll all be worth it.”

“Oh please please please tell me what this whole project is about already it’s been driving me nuts for days now and since you have it all figured out now it seems just please tell me tell me tell me!”

Tech grinned. “Oh, I suppose I can unveil my plans now that I’ve sorted all of this out, since I assume you’d like to aid me in the making of my new creation?”

Rev was enraptured at this suggestion. “Ohmigosh yes yes a million times yes! When can we get started?” Rev’s grin was so wide it looked like one could stuff eighteen seed sandwiches into his mouth.

“Whoa, calm down there, Sparky,” Tech said, laughing. “At least let me say what it is”.

“Whoa you’re calling me Sparky doggy-boy?”

“Touché, my feathered friend. Maybe I’ll just keep this all to myself after all.”

“No no no I take it back you’re not a dog you’re obviously a coyote I mean anyone with a brain can see that now what is it?”

“Thank you for the sincere apology,” Tech chuckled, “and now let’s move on. Well, to put it into simple terms, I plan to build a machine that will essentially mimic my regeneration powers.”

Rev looked confused. “So basically it just fixes itself when it gets destroyed?”

“I didn’t word that right,” Tech clarified, “it will be a machine that regenerates people, heals their injuries, et cetera, no matter how bad of shape the victim in question may be”.

Rev was wide-eyed. “Whoa… a machine that actually brings people back from the dead! Man that would be revolutionary when did you get the idea for this?”

Tech’s triumphant demeanor faded slightly, and he cast his eyes down towards the floor. “Around the time when you and… with the... well, the influence is not important.” Tech straightened up. “The point is I’ve finally figured out how do it.”

“You mean this machine can actually just make anyone alive again?”

Tech grimaced. “Well, not just anyone. You must understand, while this machine will certainly be a huge step in the progress of the biological field of technology, it’s not God, either. No, it has its limitations. First of all, it must be familiar with the genetic structure of the person it’s reviving; otherwise it simply will not work at all. Secondly, I estimate it has a time limit of 17 minutes to work. That means, once a person has been deceased for more than 17 minutes, the machine will be useless”.

“Well yeah I guess those are some pesky limitations but still it’d fantastic if we can pull this off!”

“Oh, I have no doubt that we will.” Tech scratched his chin.

“Hey Tech I’ve been meaning to ask while you were working on those calculations you were also building this big black thing,” Rev sped towards a six foot tall black tower, riddled with scanning lights. “What exactly does this do I didn’t ask before because you were pretty secretive about it but now I want to know. Plus it has this big red button that I want to push really really badly just like this,” Rev poked the button. “…oops.”

All at once, blinding lights emanated from the machine, casting Rev in a luminous cascade of white. Rev felt bright, thin lines of red light moving across his body, creating an odd tingling sensation. And before he knew what had started, it was all over.

“Oh my gosh what was that?!”

Tech laughed. “Congratulations, Rev, you are the first specimen to be genetically scanned. I didn’t even know if it was fully operational yet, but it appears that it is! You are quite the lab rat, I’ll give you that.”

Rev scowled. “OK yeah but why was I just scanned ooohhh!” The reason dawned on Rev.

“Yep, that’s going to be the scanning machine that keeps a database on everyone’s DNA makeup, so the regeneration machine can operate. It’s quite pivotal.”

“So you have started working on it!”

Tech shrugged. “Well, I knew how to build a scanning machine. Those things are a dime a dozen, easy as pie. And, admittedly, I think I’d have more trouble making a pie.”

Rev rolled his eyes. “Anyway can we get started on this today because I’m really excited about it and-“

Rev was interrupted by a knock on the lab door. Tech allowed entrance, and the team’s leader walked in.

“Hey guys, in light of the new activity that’s been goin’ on, we’re going to have another practice simulation startin’ in about 10 minutes. Tech, get the virtual reality simulator ready,” Ace said.

“Alright, chief, I’ll be right out,” Tech said. Ace left, and Tech turned to Rev. “Hey Rev, a simulation. Your favorite.” And it was true – Rev had loved to play around in the simulator; constructively, of course.

However, he roadrunner looked surprisingly disheartened. “I guess…”

Tech was puzzled. “What’s wrong?”

Rev shrugged. “I guess I just don’t feel like doing it.”

“Well, we have to. So get ready.”

“Okay,” Rev said without a fuss, but his temporary cheerful attitude was now vanquished.




----------





Ten minutes later, the simulation was ready as scheduled. The six Loonatics gathered in the middle of a large metallic room made specifically for simulations such as these. Before the pictorialization actually started, however, Ace pulled Tech to the side for a private word.

“Hey, Tech, I’ve been meaning to ask ya something.”

Tech was puzzled. “Well, okay. Shoot.”

“Well, its about Rev. You must have noticed he’s been hanging out with you a lot lately, but avoidin’ the rest of us. Do you know what’s the matter with him?”

“Ah,” Tech said, “yeah, I do have a theory on that. I think it’s a form of post-traumatic stress syndrome, taking the form of the mother-duckling effect”.

“The mother-duckling effect?”

“Oh, let me explain. You see, after the whole… event… I was the first person Rev really talked that night, and ever since he’s wanted to stick around me, perhaps as some subliminal cry for protection. I’m not sure. But, you see, it’s much like when a baby duckling hatches and sees his mother for the first time. For months afterward, he never lets her alone.”

“Ah, I see,” Ace said. “And that would make sense. But let’s hope it doesn’t effect his in-combat performance.”

“Yeah, here’s hoping,” Tech said, and the two made their way back towards the center of the room.

“Alright, we all ready?” Ace asked. The five nodded determinedly.

“Alright, then Tech, take it away.”

Tech held out a small remote control with two simple buttons on it; one labeled “Start Sim” and the other labeled “Kill Sim”. Tech pressed the top button labeled “Start”, and the entire room instantly transformed. The Loonatics were now on a very tiny urban side street, complete with many run-down, graffiti ridden buildings to each side. There was not much width to the road, but there were plenty of nooks and crannies in the buildings from which villains would inevitably pop out. And, in accordance to the predictability to the scene, exactly 13 armed, anonymous gunmen appeared in front of the Loonatics.

The gunmen formed one large group, and started to advance upon the six, obviously outnumbered.

“Lexi, maneuver number 7!” Ace shouted.

“Got it,” she replied, and she used her brain blast simultaneously along with Ace’s laser blast to scatter the advancing men. The planned worked, and many were even blasted against the walls, temporarily dazed. A good amount was resilient, however, and got right back up.

“Slam!” Ace shouted. “Use your tornado maneuver!”

“Grrblb okay,” Slam acknowledged, and transformed into a raging twister as he flung himself at the villains. Within the blink of an eye, men were flying everywhere. A particular group of four slammed against a wall, right beside each other.

“Tech, quick, trap them!” Ace ordered. Tech concentrated on a stack of metallic cross beams stacked alongside the road, magnetically lifted them up in the air and placed them atop the four men recovering lamely in the corner where they had landed. They were trapped, and thus taken care of.

“Good goin’, Tech. Now Duck, Rev, get in there and distract them – you can get in and out of there the fastest”.

Duck quacked immediately, waiting for something to do, while Rev merely nodded and sped off at a speed not quite as speedy as usual.

“Hey, Sims! Looking for some roast duck?!” Duck taunted. The nine men now still standing began firing lasers at the mallard. Duck quacked out and reappeared 12 meters from where he previously stood.

“Then, bully for you,” Duck quacked again, and reappeared on a rooftop. “Cause you can never compete with Danger Duck!” More shots were fired, and Duck disappeared, landing atop one of the gunmen’s shoulders.

“Ooh, is that a bald spot?” Duck said before he disappeared once again. Evidently, Duck used simulations to not only practice his moves, but also his snide remarks.

Usually, both Rev and Duck were guilty of taunting their enemies. However, Duck was taunting alone in this scenario. Rev merely ran in a giant circle, not even bothering to randomize his moves as he usually did. Simple as it was, his technique was working, in that he wasn’t yet shot. Unfortunately, he eventually tripped on a curbstone, flew recklessly through the air and landed lamely on the pavement.

“Ow!” he shouted, laying on the ground for far too long. The enemies jumped at the opportunity of a fallen hero, and advanced on Rev immediately.

Lexi jumped in just in time, brain-blasting the advancing gunmen with impeccable aim. They flew back against the wall.

“Nice save, Lex!” Ace shouted. “Rev, be more careful next time.”

Rev picked himself up and sighed. But the action continued.

“Tech, you got a grappling hook on ya?” Ace asked.

“I’m never without it in battle, chief,” Tech said, and took out what looked like a flat iron. Tech advanced on the three men just blasted by Lexi, pulled the trigger on the grappler, and instantly tied up the three men, rendering them useless. Seven down.

“Good job! We’re over halfway there, gang. Now, everyone organize together, we’re going to block the rest of ‘em in, and then take them on one on one” Ace ordered.

However, one of the six remaining perpetrators was apparently not happy with Tech and his grappling hook. While the others hid to prepare a strike, the ravaged man poked out from the corner and aimed to fire at Tech. Rev noticed instantly.

“No Tech watch out!” Rev broke free from the blockade to push Tech out of the way towards the side of the street.

“Rev what are you doing?!” Ace shouted, “this is just a simulation, and even if this were real, Tech has regeneration power, and reflexes! Don’t break the blockade!”

Rev looked up nervously and awkwardly began to work out an apology.

It was too late, though. The opponents took advantage of this distraction to strike the now unorganized Loonatics. The six of them scattered, having no real plan. Occasionally, Lexi, Ace and Slam performed some of their meteor-blessed powers, but very recklessly, as they were using all of their concentration on avoiding the shroud of gunfire.

Duck’s eyes, however, suddenly lit up. “I guess I have to save the day again.” Quacking in and out to avoid any stray laser fires, he began to simultaneously throw eggs all around, seemingly haphazardly, but with amazing precision. He quacked into just the right places to get a perfect shot out the perpetrators, and kept doing so until all six of them were struck with one of Duck’s eggs. Soon enough, the alley-like road was scattered with men dressed in black, grabbing their own faces in agony.

“Wow…” Ace said, amazed. Quickly he ordered, “Tech, the grappling hook!”

“Right,” Tech said, and he ran over to each man, who were still trying to shake off whatever was inside Duck’s eggs, and tied them up. Soon, all thirteen were captured, and the mission was a success.

“Wow Duck,” Ace repeated, “surprisingly nice moves there! What were in those eggs?”

“Oh, just some vinegar,” Duck said proudly, “really stings the eyes. It really distracts them for a few minutes.”

“Well, good thinking, Duck! You pretty much saved all of our skins there.”

“What can I say?” Duck said, “a hero’s gotta do what a hero’s gotta do.”

In spite of herself, Lexi congratulated Duck as well. “Yeah, that was pretty impressive, Duck.”

“Yeah, well, it turns out I’m not a useless idiot after all, hmm?” Duck said. Lexi looked slightly dejected.

“Kill the simulation,” Ace said, and Tech, taking out his remote once again, did so. The room returned to normal.

Duck approached Rev, still looking rather guilty. “Hey, thanks for screwing the pooch back there. No, no, that’s a sincere thank you. If you hadn’t, I might not have proved to, ahem, certain individuals that I’m not totally inept. Then again, it more than likely would have happened eventually.” Rev did not know what to say to him. Duck turned to the rest of the group. “Alright, I’m going out for a while, guys, a little celebration never hurt anyone.” And, like many times before, Duck departed.

“Jeez,” Ace said, “he did a good job, yeah, but a little success and that guy positively milks it”. Lexi, to his side, smiled a little.

Ace then turned to Rev. “Hey,”

“Yeah I know I screwed up,” Rev said with downcast eyes. “Really, really screwed up. I’ll do better next time I promise.”

“Yeah, that’d probably be the best thing,” Ace said slowly. “Just remember, we do whatever we can to protect everyone on the team, not just certain members of it”.

The last comment stung Rev a little, and he considered the matter finished. He stood offside and allowed Ace, Lexi and Slam to exit. Tech, however, stayed behind with Rev, searching for something to say.
“Hey,” Tech at last spoke, “we could get started on the regenerator now, if you’d like.”

Rev shook his head. “Nah, I think I’m going to just go to my room for a while. Lay down, take a nap, I don’t know.”

Tech was surprised at how slow Rev was now talking. “Um, okay, if that’s what you want.”

“I don’t know what I want anymore,” Rev said, and slowly made his way out of the room without another word.

-- Edited by Dragon Wing at 18:35, 2008-03-30

You know, I'm not sure what happens next! There was this one thing I had planned from the very beginning, but now I'm thinking of cutting it and putting something completely different in. But I'm still not sure!

-- Edited by Dragon Wing at 16:58, 2008-03-31

Wow. As Techfan said, this is a well formulated chapter. You convey the emotions really well and overall it's a very very good chapter. Keep up the good work.

Okay, /how/ did I forget about this story? -slaps self-
Dragon Wing, this is AMAZING. I can't wait for the next chapter!
Rev and Tech are so awesomeful, on top of it all...
My LU stories are being put to shame. XD
This story has so much suspense and emotion. /And/ it's well written!
Sadly good plots plus good literacy are a rare combo these days.
So... my point pretty much is: keep writing! I'm excited for this. =D

Colours: Hell yes. JK Rowling is a total amateur. One time we had a rap battle and I owned her.

Akira: Thanks :D Conveying emotions well is a skill I have been attempting to get down for some years now. If it seems to be working here, that is a definite plus!

Rye: Wow, lines of compliments! :D Admittedly it'd probably be pretty easy for you to forget this story, given your move to Ireland. But really, thanks! And also thanks for mentioning that it is well written, that's also one of the things I am aiming for (given how some fan fics on FF.net are written). And yes, Rev and Tech are awesomeness personified (well duh).

Cassidy: I hope my story won't be responsible for any injuries inflicted upon Danielle as a result of her evident panic attack. D:

Anyway, thanks again everyone. :D Chapter 12 will probably be up (possibly late) Friday night.

And the next installment is here. And trust me, after this chapter, things will really get fired up.



Chapter 12: Holding On

The air inside Dan and Vincent’s headquarters remained as stale and bleak as ever. Indeed, conditions of the warehouse had little changed. Dan’s excruciatingly complex work desk remained propped up again the left, slate-gray wall. The remarkable triangular prison still held the same twenty or so captive criminals on the right. And in the middle, the same old portable living space, greatly resembling a fancy trailer, remained assembled. And off in the back of the room, the same extraneous materials and supplies still remained scattered; a few bookcases, several empty boxes, a large, thick metallic crate, some standard weapons and a few food reserves.

The only alteration to the setting was the prism prison’s new feature -invisibility cloaking; very useful if an official were to stop by and inspect the facilities.

It was about 3:30 in the afternoon. If everything were as usual, in another 30 minutes, Vincent would emerge from the trailer in the middle of the plot, when his soaps would finish up.

However, everything wasn’t as usual. Vincent made his appearance 30 minutes early, much to the surprise of his brother, who was, as usual, at his work desk, sipping a cup of coffee. There was somewhat of a wild look in Vincent’s eyes, which suggested that he was having some mad stroke of inspiration.

“I’ve waited for too long now,” he spoke, seeming to stare at some invisible object in the ceiling.

Cypher, in the prism, was the only one paying attention to him. “What now, dude,” he spoke, “going to blow up a few thousand more people for no good reason?” Evidently, Vincent’s first course of action was unpopular even among the super villains.

“First of all,” Vincent started, “that explosion only actually killed two people, since the actual explosion wasn’t as powerful as I expected.” Vincent shot a look at Dan, who immediately looked down and pretending to type in something at the super computer. Vincent started again, “That’s not to say those two lost were tragic. Very tragic deaths, I admit, but one must focus on the greater good. And secondly, no. Hopefully not, that is.”

Mastermind’s attention was caught. “And so what is the big, grand purpose behind this new escapade, Vinny?”

“Well,” Vincent explained, “it’s much more of a progress check then anything. I’ve given the Loonatics a little time to, ah, deal with the inevitably depressed roadrunner. I have a theory that his distraught will negatively effect the psyche of everyone else, throwing off their natural balance”.

Unexpectedly, a small thump was heard from the back of the room.

“What was that?” Mastermind questioned.

Vincent dully glanced at the back end of the room. “That was probably nothing,” Vincent spoke, “we have so much crap piled up back there, I’m slightly surprised things don’t fall down more often.”

“But what if that roadrunner guy’s girlfriend is okay? I mean, do you even know if that bomb accomplished anything you wanted?” Cypher asked.

“She was never found,” Vincent said.

“But how do you know?” Cypher followed up.

“First, because the police put out a search for her a couple of weeks ago, and the search has never been lifted since, so one can conclude that she’s still missing. Second,” Vincent paused, as if he had begun to say something, but then decided against it. “I just know,” he concluded.

Dan glanced at Vincent with grave concern.

“Well, whatever,” Cypher said, “so what exactly are you gonna do?”

Vincent smiled. “Well, that’ll remain a surprise. But, surely, you will find out tomorrow.”






Meanwhile, the Loonatics’ first simulation practice since the bombing was complete. The Loonatics had gathered back in the living quarters, save Rev and Duck; the former had sulkily departed to his room, while the latter was out somewhere ‘celebrating’. Tech plopped down on the couch to continue reading the latest edition of a certain Science & Mechanics journal, when the team’s leader tapped Tech on the shoulder.

“Tech, sorry, could I have another word?” Ace asked.

Tech looked up at Ace in surprise. “Um, sure,” he responded vaguely.

“Follow me into the kitchen, this needs to be private,” Ace added.

“Um, okay.” Tech said again, and followed suit. Ace did not usually ask for a private word; any information shared to one member of the team could be shared to all members of the team, he always said. Not this time, apparently.

They stopped in the kitchen, and Ace delved into the topic at hand immediately. “Something has to be done about Rev.”

Tech sighed. “I know,” he said, but he wished it wasn’t so.

“I mean, the guy’s been sulkin’ around here for the last couple of weeks in general. But if that simulation has told us anything, he’s no longer ready for any sorta fight.”

“I suppose so,” Tech conceded, “so what do you propose we do?”

“Well,” Ace said, his expression much more grim, “the search for Shannon has been goin’ on for weeks now.”

“And nothing’s been found,” Tech nodded.

“Exactly. So, I think we have to assume the worst, now. Usually if someone’s missin’ for more than two weeks in this city, they’re pretty much gone.” Ace sighed. “And I seriously doubt when Rev realizes this, if he hasn’t already, that’ll make him feel any better.”

Tech shook his head. “No, it wouldn’t,” Tech said. This morning had started out fantastically, but now everything was dark again. “Well, again, what should we do?”

“I think Rev needs to have a temporary leave from the team,” Ace said.

“Like a vacation?”

“Eh, sorta…” Ace said, seeming a bit less at ease now.

“Well, that might do him so good,” Tech said, “having him spend time with his family can’t hurt. Maybe it’ll stop him from being so transfixed with me, also.”

Ace shook his head. “No, that’s not the kind of… ‘vacation’ I had in mind.”

Tech was confused. “What, then?”

“Tech, I really think Rev should see a shrink. A full-time shrink. Maybe just for a couple of weeks.”

Tech gazed at the hare wide-eyed. “Do you mean having him institutionalized?”

“Well, that sounds a bit extreme for this,” Ace said, “but face it, Tech. Rev isn’t gonna get any better just by staying here, ‘specially when he has to come to terms with Shannon. For him to really get better, I think he needs some professional aid”.

Tech shook his head. “No, won’t work”.

“And why not?”

“Well, first of all, he’ll never agree to it, especially in his current state. Second… look, chief, with all due respect, I think I know the guy better than you do. Having to go see a psychiatrist would really do a number on his psyche and his self-esteem, and thus affect his enthusiasm. And as I think we all know, Rev’s enthusiasm is probably his greatest character strength in battle”.

“Well, Tech, it’s the only way he’ll get over Shannon and out of this funk he’s in right now. Once he does, I guarantee you he’ll perform better than his train wreck of a performance today.”

Tech was becoming slightly flushed. “Well, sure, he might get over Shannon, but the damage to his self-confidence will be irrevocable! And face it, his confidence can be attributed at least in part to many of our victories.”

Ace sighed. “Well, he’ll still be in a lot better shape than he is now, if that were to happen. But sometimes we gotta do stuff we don’t wanna do, and you know it”. Ace looked extremely severe.

Tech sighed in defeat. “Fine,” he said, “but he still has to agree to it. You, after all, are not his father or guardian or anything, and he’s well into being a legal adult, anyway, and he has not done anything that would require obligatory sessions with a shrink, so he must give his consent. And that’s something I don’t think he’ll do.”

“Yeah,” Ace agreed, “that’s where you come in”.

“Excuse me?”

“Well, as you said yourself, he’s pretty attached to you right now,” Ace said. “If you can convince him that it’s a good idea for him to go, I don’t really think he’d say no, since it’d be coming from you.”

“Ace, I don’t think even I can convince him to visit a shrink.”

“Fine,” Ace said in a somewhat irritated tone, “then tell him it’s just some sessions that’ll help him with his performance when he’s in combat.”

“Ace, that sounds extremely deceitful.”

“Well, it’s more roundabout than deceitful. Cause when you think about it, his performance will be positively affected after these meetings. At least, compared to now.”

Tech shook his head once more. “Ace, are you really sure about this?”

“If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t have asked you to do this for me,” Ace said seriously.

Tech considered himself defeated. “Fine, I guess I’ll go talk to him”.

“Thanks, Tech,” Ace said, “knew I could depend on you. Just tell him that I’m giving him the opportunity to have sessions to make him a better fighter, and that you think it’s a good idea.”

Tech nodded back in acknowledgement. Reluctantly, Tech made his way towards Rev’s bedroom, and knocked on the door.

“Mrrfl,” Rev replied.

Tech opened the door to see Rev lying down on the bed, merely staring up at the ceiling. Rev turned his head around to see the coyote enter.

“Oh, good, it’s you,” Rev said, “I was worried it was going to be Ace or someone else coming to scold me. You’re not going to scold me are you?” The roadrunner was clearly worried.

“No, not at all,” Tech said, “I just came by to see how you’re feeling.”

Rev smiled grimly. “Well, I’ve had my better days, haven’t I?”

“I suppose so, yes,” Tech said, nodding.

“Tech, am I ever going to see Shannon again?”

The question was very abrupt and unexpected, but required an immediate answer. “Well…” Tech started, but then he stopped to think. It was an explosion, not a flood or a tsunami. Shannon wouldn’t have been simply carried away to some distant land by it. She had to have moved herself, or someone had to have moved her, and she was most likely alive at the time. Well, he supposed anything could have happened since, but he just had a strange hunch. He was very convinced that Shannon was still alive – he simply felt it, somehow, just as he knew that Rev was at the restaurant during the explosion. “Rev,” Tech started again, “I wouldn’t lose hope. I really believe that she is still alive out there, somewhere”.

“But it’s been so long, how can you be sure?”

“I guess I can’t, but Rev, really, think about it, only two actually died in that explosion. And she wasn’t found on the site at all. So, clearly, that explosion didn’t kill her. It’s more likely she’s just somewhere recovering.”

Rev sighed. “I guess you’re right, but, Tech, I’m just so sick of all of this.”

Tech couldn’t stand to see Rev like this. He walked over to Rev’s beside and knelt down to see Rev eye to eye. “Of course, I can’t possibly comprehend what you’re going through. But, Rev, I have a really, really strong feeling she’ll be back soon enough. My hunches have never been proven wrong thus far.”

Rev looked at Tech. “But are you sure?”

“You can trust me,” Tech smiled, “I’m a super genius, after all”.

Rev smiled meekly. “Yeah, a super genius who dropped a super magnet on his motherboard last week and completely corrupted the hard drive”.

“Oh, yeah, like you’ve never had any accidents.” Tech felt the mood of the room lift. “Did you see how you flew through the air when you tripped over that curb stone back there? For a second I thought roadrunners could naturally fly”.

Rev sat up. “Ah, you’re just jealous that you coyotes can’t run as fast as us. I mean you guys could never quite catch up to us back in the old days could you?”

“No, but luckily technology has done wonders for us over the course of seven hundred years. I’m sure I could set up a foolproof entrapment system quite easily, in spite of your speed, had I the desire to eat you. But don’t worry, I never would. You’re far too skinny. There’d be practically no meat there.”

Rev stood. “Maybe I’m not so much skinny as you are fat doggy boy!”

“Oh, well that just settles it,” Tech said, grinning like a playful child. He didn’t know what had gotten into him. “I guess I’ll just have make do with what’s available.” And, in spite of himself, he leapt at the roadrunner, but crashed to the floor as the roadrunner darted away in a red, transparent blur.

Rev stood off to the side, looking both triumphant and surprised at Tech’s sudden spurt of playfulness. “Haha foiled again my furry friend I guess some things just never change!”

Tech got himself off of the floor feeling a bit abashed and self-conscious. He brushed dust off of his uniform and reserved himself. He realized how ridiculous he must have looked, and just broke out in laughter. “I suppose,” he conceded, still laughing.

At this point, both were slightly perplexed at how quickly their moods changed. But they weren’t complaining.

“Man I just have to pull off moves like that in practices and I’ll be golden again,” Rev added.

Tech’s ears drooped slightly, along with his mood. That had just reminded him.

“Yeah, oh, and Rev,” Tech started, sighing, “if Ace makes you an offer to have sessions with a trainer to make you improve your performance in combat…” Tech stopped.

“Yeah?” Rev asked.

Tech looked into Rev’s eyes, now wide and full of life again. How could he possibly wish those eyes away again?

Tech shook his head. “If he offers, don’t go along with it. I’m familiar with these ‘courses’, and they pretty much just go over stuff you already know. It’d just be a waste of time.”

“Well if you say so,” Rev said, dismissing the idea of taking any courses without a second thought. “Hey Tech I have to admit it’s kind of boring just sitting around in here moping I think I should be productive maybe we should start working on the regenerator.”

Tech smiled and nodded. “Yeah, I think that’d be a good idea.”

“Then let’s go!”

And thus the two set off to work on Tech’s, or rather, their latest project.

Thanks! =D *counter tackle, natch!*

Yeah, serious stuff's going to go down come next chapter.

What Akira said.

Though it might have done Rev good going to a shrink.

I dont even think its over-the-top.

Your welcome.

Chapter 13 ahoy. You must see here where I voice my own dissatisfaction with a certain aspect of the show.






Chapter 13: A Beautiful Discord

“Love, we shine like a burning star, we're falling from the sky tonight. A man will rise and a man will fall from the sheer face of love like a fly on the wall – it’s no secret at all.”


Both Rev and Tech had failed to go to sleep that night. When one is completely engrossed in a project, the prospect of finishing envelops them, rendering them unable to take a breather - exhaustion be damned. This exact conception engulfed both Tech and Rev that night as they went to work on Tech’s regenerator.

The duo hadn’t fully realized what an efficient team they made until that night. With the mixture of Tech’s super-genius, Rev’s super speed and both of their know-hows, the two worked at a much faster rate than Tech had initially projected. Sure, the two had collaborated on technological projects in the past, but usually Rev played the role of the mere assistant. Now the two were equals – neither one any less important or essential than the other was. The results was nearly perfect compatibility – by the time the first rays of morning sunlight struck the HQ tower, the two were done.

It was still early by most of the team’s standards – 6:30 am – but Tech and Rev decided it was too late to go to bed, so they decided to make their way over the living quarters to wind down. Upon their arrival, they plopped down onto the nearest available sofa.

“I still can’t believe we got it all done in one night I mean I thought that would take weeks or something and man my hands are sore but I guess 16 hours of working with small delicate instruments will do that to you but the point is we got it done and do you really think it will work now?”

“Well, it’s not exactly easy to test, of course. It’s not like someone will volunteer to be part of an experiment where they may or may not come out of it alive. Maybe we’ll get some small insect or something to test it on later, I don’t know, but I think we’re done for now.”

“That’s good because man I’m pretty tired though I think I’m going to go make us some coffee how about double espressos huh what do you say?”

“Oh jeez, you with a double espresso?”

“Hmm maybe you’re right maybe I’ll only go with a single but I sure need a pick-me-up right now because man I’m exhausted!”

“Even a single sounds like treading on dangerous waters. And for being exhausted, you’re talking quite rapidly.”

“Well I always talk rapidly even when I’m tired in fact I bet if I talked in my sleep I’d also talk pretty rapidly and you know its always puzzled me now sleep talking I can kind of understand I mean if you’re screaming something in your dream it makes sense that you would mouth it aloud too but what’s with sleep walking? I mean I can’t imagine climbing out of bed going to the kitchen and making myself the sandwich using all of the food we have left without waking up and you know what I’m starting to think Duck’s story there might not be true.”

“Ah, I thought I heard some yammerin’ in here.”

Tech and Rev jumped. Ace Bunny approached from behind, making his way over to the chair directly across from the sofa in which the coyote and roadrunner had occupied. Ace usually woke up particularly early in order to practice his martial arts via a private simulator. However, he wasn’t used to someone being up with him.

“So why are you two up so early?”

“Oh actually we never went to bed we were just working on this really cool new invention of Tech’s called the Regenerator and oh well you’ll eventually see how it works but we got it all done in one night which is sort of like record time of course I haven’t really been keeping track when push comes to shove the point is it’s all done we think!” Rev was beaming.

Most of Rev’s dialog seemed to fly over Ace’s head, as he sat wide eyed. “Um, okay, can I get a translation for that?”

“We never got to sleep last night because we were working on something in the lab,” Tech affirmed, “now it’s done - aside from the preliminary testing, of course.”

“Oh, well, that’s good,” Ace said smiling, “and judgin’ by Rev’s mood here, he’s taken the news pretty well.”

Rev turned to Ace, puzzled. “What news?”

Ace’s smile faded, and then he turned to Tech. “Tech, did you tell him?”

Rev too turned to Tech. “Tell me what?”

Tech started laughing very nervously. “Ace, can I have a word with you in private?” Tech asked with a painful smile.

“Oh come on guys just tell me this ‘news’ it obviously involves me somehow.”

Ace turned to Rev. “We will, right after I have a word with your pal here.”

“Oh come on! Just tell me please please please please please?”

“In a minute, Rev. Just sit down,” Tech said impatiently.

“Why are you telling me what to do you’re not my father!”

“Rev, if you sit down for just a few minutes, I’ll let you have a single espresso,” Tech replied.

“Well okay then I’ll be good.” Rev sat down obediently.

“There, now that that’s settled, a word, Tech,” Ace said, and the two set off alone and entered the kitchen.

“I’m sorry, chief,” Tech started immediately, “I couldn’t do it. He was in a cheerful mood, and I couldn’t just lie to him and trick him into being institutionalized.”

“Look, Tech,” Ace said sympathetically, “I know you’re worried about him. And I still think ‘institutionalize’ is a strong word for this; I mean, he’d just be in a ward for a couple of weeks with a therapist who’ll help him get over his funk.”

“What funk? He’s clearly not depressed right now.”

“Yeah, because he spent time with you all night! He’s okay when it’s just you, but with anyone else he just breaks down again! That’s not healthy, Tech. Again, I know you’re worried about him there, but it’s for the best.”

“I don’t want him to go because I’m ‘worried’ about him, I don’t want him to go because I legitimately think this won’t work! I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again, having to be institutionalized – yes, Ace, I would still call it being institutionalized – will leave a permanent scar on his self-confidence! He’ll be in the mindset that if anything bad happens to him, he’ll have to see a professional about it. So despite whether or not he gets cured of this, as you call it, ‘funk’, the permanent damage will be irrevocable!”

Ace had never seen Tech so worked up about anything before. Tech was almost fuming at this point, and while such a sight intimidated Ace, he eventually responded to it with his own irritation.

“Look, I don’t want to come off as some sort tyrant or nothin’, but I am the boss around here, and sometimes I have to make orders, whether you like it or not. And I’m afraid I’m going to have to order you to convince Rev to go. Do it any way you’d like. He just has to get there.”

“First of all, Zadavia is our ultimate boss, and second of all –“

What came second was forever unknown, as the lights dimmed down and red-flashing lights filled the tower, accompanied by wailing sirens.

Zadavia’s voice boomed through the walls of headquarters. “Loonatics, meet at the conference table at once. There is an emergency situation at hand.”

Ace and Tech rushed back to the living area and made towards the conference table, where Rev was already waiting anxiously. Upon meeting, the three did not speak, but merely awaiting further news as well as their other teammates in silence.

Lexi was the fourth to come to the table, her hair slightly mussed as she ran her fingers through it, not having ample opportunity to fix herself up.

Slam was next, rubbing his eyes and making his way slowly towards the conference table. He was not as alert as the others, but was soon to be.

Finally, Duck emerged from his room extremely grumpily. “I swear, whoever’s causing trouble this time’s really gonna get it,” he said, scowling, “what’s a duck gotta do to get some decent rest?! Sheesh.”

Zadavia’s figure appeared in the middle of the table. “Loonatics, there’s been a great disturbance around the Greenspoint area. A monstrous coyote hybrid has been released from a very exclusive and classified laboratory. It is unknown how the beast escaped, but it’s wreaking havoc in the neighborhood. Confine and detain this creature at once before it can do any serious damage. Zadavia out.” And her figure disappeared.

Ace stood before the five. “You heard her, guys. Greenspoint. Rev, you stay behind and look after the tower. The rest of you, let’s jet.”

Slam, Duck, and Lexi took off without a word. Ace and Tech were about to follow, when a voice of protest came from behind.

“No.”

Tech and Ace turned around to see Rev, looking strangely aggressive and bold. Anger was rare for the roadrunner, so both of them started back in surprise.

“What do you mean, ‘no’?” Ace finally asked.

“I mean I’m not just going to stand around here and do nothing again I want to go out and help!”

Ace sighed. “Look, Rev, we don’t have time for this. You haven’t been doin’ well lately, and if that simulation yesterday tells me anything-“

“Aw yesterday doesn’t mean anything my heart wasn’t into at the time but now I really really want to do this Ace I feel ready prepared and confident what else do you want from me?”

Ace grew all the more impatient. “Look, Rev, you didn’t do well today so I don’t fully trust you today! Nothing personal, but could you just stay behind just this once?”

“What do you mean ‘just this once’ I get left out of these missions more than anyone I mean I hardly ever get to do anything even when I am on a mission but as time went on I was just assigned the ‘look out’ more and more and frankly I’m really tired of it do you have something against me or something?”

Ace was now uncharacteristically furious. “Rev, just for once in your life, shut your yap! Frankly, I’ve had it up to here with both of ya. Yes, both of ya. All you two do now is skulk around in that lab and forget that we’re a team here, not a duo! And look at the damage it’s done already! I’m still here arguing with you while I should be out there trying to detain a huge monster! And Rev, it’s not my fault if you don’t have any real offensive powers to use in battle, just as it’s not my fault that you’ve been so out of it lately! So please, for the sake of Greenspoint and Acmetropolis, give it a rest and let us do our job!”

The last sentence sobered Rev’s perspective a little, and he conceded. “Fine,” Rev said, sitting down. “For the sake of Acmetropolis.”

“Come on, Tech, let’s go already,” Ace said, and he grabbed a jet pack from the nearby shelf and flew away.

Tech looked up at Ace’s figure and growled. Then he turned around and looked at Rev, who looked more dejected than ever before.

“Rev, I’m sorry, but I really should-“

“Yeah, I know,” Rev cut off.

Tech looked sadly at Rev once more, then activated his jet pack and followed Ace’s suit.


Meanwhile, Lexi, Duck and Slam were struggling against the creature. The monster coyote, while not causing too much damage as of yet, was rampaging through the streets at unbelievable speed. The beast had glistening, rumpled brown fur, a few cuts here and there, sharp, yellowish prominent fangs, and extremely threatening black claws on its feet. The three struggled to keep up with it in the air, much less make any sort attempt to stop it.

“Damn it, where are the others?!” Duck yelled in frustration. “A guy can only do so much here.”

“No kidding,” Lexi agreed, “this isn’t going anywhere. I never realized how much we depended on Tech’s gadgets, but we need one of those now.”

“Rughghg ommina go,” Slam said, and transformed into a raging twister. He threw himself at the coyote, and actually successfully tripped the monster up with his sheer force. It came tumbling down to the ground.

“Wow, nice one, Slam!” Lexi shouted.

“Grrgblb thank you,” Slam replied, smiling.

“Okay, Lexi, quick, do something!” Duck shouted.

“Ah, of course, down to me once again. Alright, big guy, taste my brain blast.” Lexi made to blast the beast, but then the monster reared his head up and turned to Lexi, with a look of pure carnal fury.

“Mother,” Duck said, nervously, “the last time I saw that look was when Tech caught me looking at those websites on his computer.”

Lexi, still caught off guard from the beast’s intimidating nature, had to dodge quickly out of the way as the coyote lunged at her, missing her by near inches. And, once again, the beast ran haphazardly through the streets.

“Shoot, we missed him!” Lexi said. “Well, let’s follow again.”

The three followed in pursuit of the monster yet again, when Lexi turned to Duck. “Wait, what websites?”

Duck’s cheeks went strangely red. “Eh heh heh, that doesn’t matter now, does it?”

Lexi gave Duck a knowing smirk, and continued on.

“Why does this thing even exist, anyway? I mean, who was the genius who said, ‘hey, let’s take a dangerous canine and blow it up to 50 times it’s usual size! It’ll be great! We’ll have tea parties with it, hug it, love it and call it George!’” Duck ranted, gesturing towards the coyote.

“Not now, Duck,” Lexi said, “let’s just focus our efforts on getting this thing.

With that, Lexi aimed a brain blast at the creature, but instead missed and hit a shop window, which shattered accordingly.

“Nice aiming, sharp shooter,” Duck commented.

“Oh, shut up,” Lexi said. However, she was now afraid to use any more of her powers. “Man, when will the others gets here?!”

Just then, a symphony of gunfire was heard from below, coming from every which way. Every shot was aimed at the coyote, and upon a close glance the coyote could be seen with copious amounts of tranquilizer bullets embedded into his coat. The beast slowed down, drooped slowly, then completely collapsed.

“Huh?” Slam said, looking down for the source of the bullets. Duck and Lexi did the same, and as if the shooters had sensed their inquiry, a large number of men in black emerged from the corners, nooks and crannies of shops. The Acmetropolis SWAT team.

The three Loonatics present descended from the air and landed near the nearest SWAT van. Duck looked around for one of the members, and when he found one, he stormed up to him.

“Hey, what’s the big idea here?” Duck asked, “we were just getting started there?”

Lexi, standing off on the side, shook her head.

“It didn’t look like you guys were doing much of anything,” the man in the black uniform responded. “We had to take matters into our own hands here. And it worked, so what are you complaining about?”

“Oh…” Duck said sheepishly, “nothing, I guess.” Then he scowled again, thinking of the two tardy members of their team.

As if on cue, Tech and Ace showed up on the spot, both of them looking quite disgruntled.

“What happened here?” Ace asked Lexi.

“It’s under control,” Lexi sighed.

“Oh, so you were successful?”

“No, the SWAT team took care of it. We couldn’t do anything. Where were you guys?”

Ace scowled at Tech, who accordingly scowled back.

“Okay, don’t want to know right now,” Lexi said, putting up her hands up. “Maybe we should just head back,” she continued.

“Yeah, that’s probably for the best,” Ace said, “come on, guys, let’s jet.”

And the five took off in the air, disheartened by their failure.