The Elite pt. 7

Chapter 7: A Puppet on the String

Before I knew it, we had to fight two whackjobs and two more super powered powerhouses joined our little club. What started as a few people dressing up in costumes, occasionally busting crimes, turned into something a bit more.

Laura rode her bike through the streets, laughing while she did so.

Plus, I could actually sleep now. SEVEN guys working meant less of a load on the rest of us.

The six friends walked into school, sitting in a small cluster in the middle of the classroom.

“Good morning class.” Said their English teacher as she walked in, “First, announcement. To the person who keeps spray-painting the 'Gooey Girl is HOT' graffiti, if you are in my classroom, STOP.”

“Don't act embarrassed.” Laura murmured to Wendy, “Just keep calm.”

“O-okay...” Wendy whispered back, turning a faint shade of pink.

“Second, I would like for us to give a nice welcome to our new transfer student, Austin Corleone.” The teacher said. A boy stepped up, small and lightly built with short, brown hair and emerald green eyes. He wore a baseball cap and a black T-shirt with a bright, green face of Kermit the Frog, “Austin has transferred all the way from New York.”

“That little runt?” Leo asked with a scoff, “How old IS he?”

“Fourteen, but due to having a surprisingly high test score for someone his age, he has been bumped up to this grade.” The teacher stated, shooting Leo a cold glare. She then regarded Austin with a warmer expression, “Now, what are some of your interests, Austin?”

“Robots and puppets.” He said, looking a little timid.

“Very fascinating.” The teacher said, “Just pick a seat now.”

Austin walked over to an empty spot just past Rick and sat down, picking out a copy of The Road.

“Heya, I'm Rick.” Rick said.

Austin simply nodded, looking over the book with rapt attention.

Unbeknownst to the heroes, the head of the Kirby branch of the Baccano crime family was meeting someone in secret. Thomas Baccano was in a dark room, where a feminine figure was sitting on a chair.

“Why ask to be in this room?” Thomas asked.

“Oh, you know, just to add to the mood.” Replied the figure's voice, in a soft, playful tone.

“I hear from my brother that you're the best assassin in the world.” Thomas said.

“No, that was just for good PR, but I admit...I AM good.” The voice said.

“You even beat some of those creeps in Stanton, from what I gather.” Thomas said.

“If this is just you going over my resume, leave.” The woman said, “I've got other clients to attend to.”

“Have you heard of those kid heroes in my neck of the woods?” Thomas asked, holding up pictures of each member of the group—Sports Woman, Super B, Game Boy, Sharpshot, Lion Man, Gooey Girl, and Silverback, “They're becoming threats to my business.”

“The great Thomas Baccano is threatened by kids?” The woman asked, looking over the photos, “And there I was, thinking that your brother was gutless...” she then sighed before saying, “But, I'll indulge you. That's seven targets you want me to off, so that's seven times my normal price.”

“Anything to get rid of those brats.” Thomas stated.

The woman leaned forward, showing a rather catlike, black mask covered her face. A feral smirk was on her face. This was going to be interesting...

At Kirby High, the bell rang and the six friends walked out.

“So, whose turn is it to patrol?” Rick asked in a hushed voice.

“Not me, I've got to cover a shift.” Wendy said.

“I'm in, my parents are outta town.” Laura said.

“Sorry, not available today.” Ken said, walking off while looking a little...distant. He thought to himself, “Not like I can tell them that someone knows who I am. I've gotta make sure it's not just a joke, first...”

“Well, it looks like we're the only ones available.” Damian said, “Sure helps that we've got seven now, makes patrolling a lot easier.”

“Too bad we STILL don't know what to call ourselves.” Laura shrugged.

“As long as it's not something moronic like 'Super Friends', I'm fine with it.” Leo growled.

“We can't call ourselves that if only THREE of us have powers, y'know.” Laura commented.

“Well, see ya.” Rick said, walking away while giving the other three a conspiratorial wink.

“Yeah, you, too.” Laura said, getting onto her bike and riding off.

Leo and Damian ran behind the school.

When she was sure she was alone, Laura hid her bike in some bushes before pulling out her Sports Woman outfit. She took off her glasses and put on a pair of contact lenses before slipping on her hockey mask and quickly changing into her jersey, jeans, and cleats. She pulled her golf bag out of the bushes and found her equipment.

In the back of the school, Damian and Leo turned away from each other. Damian pulled his tuxedo, gloves, and masquerade mask out of the backpack as Leo pulled a box out from under the dumpster. He opened it and tossed Damian his pistols. Leo, meanwhile, put on his mask and wig before putting on his vest and suit before slipping on his claw-like gloves.

As soon as he was alone, Rick bolted into the nearest alley. He pulled the grapefruit-sized orb that was his suit and squeezed it. The orb dissolved and flowed over his skin, encasing everything except his eyes and lower face in crimson body armor with a large, yellow 'SB' emblazoned on his chest.

“Crud...”

Rick, even with his super strength, felt incredibly weak as he looked over. Austin Corleone was looked dumbstruck and had his cellphone out.

“Uh...” Rick's mind went at about five miles a second before deciding to just play dumb. He proclaimed, in the cheesiest, hero-sounding voice he could think of, “What is it, citizen? A crisis requiring my assistance?”

“Dude, YOU'RE Super B?” Austin asked, face turning into a look of excitement, “I chose Kirby High to go to just so I could see you! Now, I KNOW who you are!”

“PLEASE tell me this isn't gonna go where I think it is...” Super B thought to himself, an odd pit growing in his stomach.

“Now...” Austin said, holding his phone close to him so Super B couldn't blast it, “You're gonna let me be a hero with you or else I'm sending this to a guy who's REALLY interested in superheroes!”

Super B sighed in defeat, looking at the younger kid. He could pull the cellphone away, with his strength...no. That would be assaulting a civilian. Yes, he beat people up, but the people in question were usually trying to hurt him or someone else. This kid was blackmailing him, but it would still create a moral conflict for him.

“Fine. E-mail me your costume tomorrow.” He said, “I've got patrol to do.”

Austin whooped out loud, “I've always wanted to be a superhero!” He then walked over and handed Super B a book, “By the way, you forgot your textbook. Just thought you should get it back! LATER!”

Austin ran off, a spring in his step while whistling a happy song. Super B glowered at his book as if it was its fault. He sighed before letting the book get absorbed into his armor. He'd spit it out after his turn. He took off into the air, flying through it.

Unseen, someone had the flying, red figure in the cross-hairs of a sniper rifle. She had heard that this one was bullet-proof, but best to be certain. Her finger went, slowly, to the trigger as she held her breath and took careful aim.

Super B was flying through the sky, lost in his thoughts about how this could have happened. This was, however, interrupted by feeling like he was punched right in the ribs by either the Hulk or the Juggernaut. He couldn't decide which, but that wasn't really the issue at hand. What WAS, however, involved him tumbling through the sky, about ready to crash into a building or the street, whichever came first. Super B righted himself as he shook his head to regain his bearings, some concerned citizens going over.

“You okay, Super B?” asked one.

“Are you hurt?”

“No, no I'm fine.” Super B said, looking at his side and pulling out a rather large round. It couldn't penetrate his armor, but that didn't mean it couldn't hurt him still. He took off into the sky, looking around.

This time, a bullet hit him square in the chest. He was prepared, this time.

“Suit?” Super B asked.

“We are currently going over the possible directions...” the suit replied into his brain.

Super B heard something and dodged as another bullet flew at him.

“Scrap that, I've found it.” He said, flying at the nearest building. He saw a woman with a sniper rifle on the roof of a moderately-sized office building. He sent a burst of energy to blow the barrel wide open.

“Well, that's disappointing.” She said before Super B tackled her off the roof and flew onto the ground, holding her up by the neck, being sure not to grip it too hard, “Who are you and why were you shooting at me?”

“I'm an assassin and I'm an assassin.” She said, reaching to her back and drawing a sword. It was shaped like a movie ninja's ninjato, but the opposite edge was serrated like a saw. She slashed out, Super B barely dodging as she took up a pose, “The Baccano family's interested in seeing your blood on the ground. And, like a genie, I grant wishes.”

“Well, I'll have to put you back in your-” Super B said, charging and throwing a punch only for the assassin to dodge it and elbow him in the chest. He recoiled, she grabbed his arm, twisted it, jumped over his torso with his arm still in a vice-like grip, and she landed behind him, holding her sword at his neck.

“You were saying?” she asked.

Super B took a few heavy breaths before his rocket boots activated, taking them both off into the air.

“I'M FLYING!” the assassin cheered, “WHEE!”

“Is she for real?” Super B asked, swerving as the assassin used his arm to shift his direction before holding up her sword.

“I know you're bullet-proof, but what about a sword?” she asked, slashing at his boots.

Super B yelled. It didn't get through his armor, but it still hurt. He then looked at the concrete. He knew this would hurt. He didn't want to think about collateral, but it was his only option. He angled down and flew at the street.

“This is my stop!” The assassin said, jumping off within a few feet of the ground.

“Crap!” Super B cursed, shifting his position.

He drove himself, screeching, across the street, tearing up asphalt as he went before he crashed into the nearest curb.

“I wonder, do I even NEED to kill you?” the assassin asked, looking at Super B, “You're doing a pretty good job of that yourself.”

“Shut up...” Super B groaned, staggering up.

“Well, if you're going to be like THAT...” the assassin shrugged, plucking out a round object before hurling it at Super B. He threw up his arms, defensively, but the result was an explosion of thick, black smoke.

Super B growled as he took off into the air. Shortly afterward, Sharpshot walked by. He gave the scenario a casual glance.

“Something happened here...” he said to himself as he continued on his way.

The assassin watched from a shadowed alleyway as Rick flew off. Something began ringing a jingle of I Feel Pretty. She answered.

“Tamara's Pizza Parlor, how can I be of service?” she asked.

“Drop the act.” Said Thomas Baccano's voice, “You could have easily killed that kid. Why didn't you?”

“Oh, that was just a trial run.” The assassin shrugged, “Just to see what he was made of.”

“What?” Thomas' voice asked.

“I'm a cat.” She said, “I like to play with my food.”

That night...

“Okay, so HOW did that go down again?” Laura asked over the phone, voice sounding irritated.

“Like I told you, this weird woman showed up, tried to kill me, and I wound up tearing up the streets.” Rick said, thankful that his identity was a secret. He didn't think he'd be up for paying the damages out of his pocket.

“I think it's easy to see who THIS is coming from.” Laura said, “First Captain Stinger, now THIS mystery woman. Did you get a good look at her?”

“Yeah, she had a tiger mask and a sword.” Super B answered.

“I'll see what I can find. Maybe Wendy knows something about her.” Laura sighed before hanging up.

Rick looked over at his family. His grandfather and grandmother were looking through a newspaper with Wendy. She didn't have enough savings at the moment, but she wanted to have an idea on the kind of house she should get for herself when the time came. He sighed. Someone was after him...that idea finally sunk in and a pit of dread appeared in his gut. If someone was wanting to kill him, his family could be in danger. He needed to get away.

“Uh...I'll be going out.” He said, hurriedly, “I'll be back later, see ya!”

“Be safe!” his grandma called as he shut the door.

Rick began walking away. He couldn't risk flying or else that assassin would find him again. He pulled out his cell phone and speed-dialed Ken's cell.

“What is it NOW, Rick?” Ken's voice asked, sounding irritated.

“Ken, I need to talk with you.” He said, “NO, it's not homework-related. It's urgent.”

“Okay.” Ken's voice said, “Meet me in the park, in cos-”

“NOT IN COSTUME.” Rick said, stronger than he meant to.

“Fine, just meet me near Stan's Magazine Stand, then.” Ken's voice replied, taken aback at Rick's tone.

“See ya.” Rick said, hanging up as he walked to the direction he knew the magazine stand would be. He got there and began panting, just arriving as Stan began closing shop.

“Want anything, kid?” Stan asked.

“Oh, uh...not today.” Rick replied, not expecting the salesman to ask him anything.

“If ya say so.” Stan shrugged. He pulled a tarp over his stand and walked away, raising a hand and calling, “See ya later, true believer!”

“What'd he call me?” Rick asked as Ken showed up.

“What'd you wanna talk about?” Ken asked.

“Have you heard about what happened earlier?” Rick asked in return. Ken shook his head, so Rick continued, “I was attacked by this mad lady, who said she was hired to kill me. Laura thinks the Baccanos hired her. Honestly, I can see WHY. We've stepped on their toes long enough.”

“So, what'd you want ME to do about it?” Ken asked.

“You're the brains of the team.” Rick said.

“I never said-”

“WHO came up with the device to track down all the Baccano's meth labs?” Rick asked.

Ken remained silent before sighing in concession, “Touche.”

“If you can, try and find out who it is.” Rick said, “She wore a cat-like mask and had this sword with a saw deal on one end.”

Ken's response was to pull out a Smart Phone and stated typing.

“What're you doing?” Rick asked.

“Google.” He simply said, but was actually IM'ing with the user known as Radar, asking if he or she knew anything about this. He could take the unimpressed look Rick gave. He got a response and his face paled, “Rick...I think we need to see the others about this.”

Rick quickly pulled out his phone and called up the other members of the team, telling them to meet him and Ken as soon as possible. Within the next twenty minutes, the entire team was assembled.

“What was the emergency?” Joshua asked, arms folded.

“It's gotta do with the person who attacked Rick.” Ken said, “The woman who was trying to kill him apparently goes by the name Black Tiger. She tends to be better known in the criminal underworld, which is why we haven't heard about her before, but apparently she's the top assassin in the world. Her slogan is 'Someone dies or your money back' and it shows—whenever she appears, there's at least one fatality, nine times out of ten it's her target.”

“Oh my...” Wendy said, looking mortified.

“Sounds like fun.” Leo smirked.

“No, this one's WAY out of your league.” Ken stated, “Apparently, she bested The Skull in hand-to-hand. Why a ghost needs to know martial arts is beyond me, but...”

“What if she comes after us?” Wendy asked, looking worried.

“We get a plan together.” Laura said, “We lure her out, corner her, and BAM!” To emphasize her point, Laura slammed her fist into an open palm.

“But the question is...who's the bait?” Damian asked. At that point, everyone fell silent. Damian looked over them with a sly smile, “Come now, don't everyone answer at once.”

“I will.” Wendy said. She looked at Damian with a look of fierce determination, “I can't be hurt as easily as the rest of you. I'll draw her out.”

“Well, that was easy.” Damian said.

“Now, onto the plan.” Ken said.

Meanwhile, in a house not far away, Austin had a copy of Pinocchio on a desk as he began piecing together something that looked like a suit of armor.

“Boy, won't Kirby be surprised when THIS shows up in town.” He said, pulling a red vest over the chest and placed a red cap and a pair of black shoes and shorts, “But something's missing...a weapon, maybe...eh, I've got the look. Super B's gonna freak!”

The next day was Saturday, no school. The other members of the team were scattered through the block as Gooey Girl began bouncing up and down, body inflated like a giant ball. Aside from getting the attention from easily-entertained toddlers, there was no sign of Black Tiger. Sports Woman was watching through binoculars about fifty feet away, hidden in the shadows.

“Here, kitty, kitty, kitty...” she said.

“If you ask.”

Sports Woman wheeled around just in time to see Black Tiger slamming her fist into her chest before swinging her foot into her head, knocking her unconscious.

“You didn't have a chance for fun.” Tiger said, pulling out a high-powered pistol with a laser sight, “That's why you die last.”

She turned on the laser and pointed it at Gooey Girl. She then pulled the trigger.

BANG!

A bullet flew out and hit Gooey Girl, literally bursting her bubble and causing her to deflate. People began screaming and fleeing away in droves. Gooey Girl brought herself together and dropped the bullet just as another one flew through her face, splattering blue slime over the concrete.

“Found her!” Game Boy said, pulling a pair of stickers from his pocket and running with Lion Man and Sharpshot.

“That's nice...wherever you are.” Gooey Girl said, her eyes still not having regenerated.

Game Boy hurled a set of stickers with Pikachu faces at the alleyway, which landed at both points. Black Tiger saw this and hurled Sports Woman's unconscious form just as the stickers began to glow.

“CRAP!” he cursed.

Electricity flowed through the entryway, shocking Sports Woman into consciousness. Eventually, the current stopped and the vigilante fell to the ground.

“Thanks, jerk!” she growled.

“Trust me, I was aiming for her.” Game Boy said, pulling out his Zapper as Sharpshot drew his guns.

“Follow the leader, kiddies.” She said, jumping as she dodged shots from Sharpshot before jumping up and bouncing off the wall, drawing her sword, swinging it at Game Boy. Game Boy fired his Zapper, sending a flash of light before drawing his own sword. The two clashed their blades together and began a small fight, “So your sword ISN'T just a cheap imitation.”

“Nope. But, you have to admit, this makes a GREAT distraction.” Game Boy said just as Lion Man lunged behind her, slashing out with his claws.

Black Tiger deflected Game Boy's sword to scrape across Lion Man's claws, the team brawler barely pulling back.

“HEY, THAT'S A COLLECTOR'S ITEM!” Game Boy shouted.

“YOU SAY AFTER NEARLY CUTTING MY FINGERS OFF!” Lion Man barked.

“Hm? Claws on gloves? I got that idea, too!” Black Tiger smiled, holding up her gloves. With a clicking noise, claws appeared on her fingers.

“Oh, COME ON.” Lion Man growled, dodging a slash as he delivered one as well. Black Tiger ducked and grabbed his arm.

“So long, King of the Jungle.” Tiger said, hurling Lion away into the wall.

With a roar, Silverback jumped down and changed into a gorilla, slamming his fists into the ground as Black Tiger narrowly dodged.

“Oh, I LOVE Donkey Kong!” she exclaimed, drawing her pistol, “Too bad Mario didn't have one of these!”

“Hey, game jokes are MY schtick!” Game Boy shouted, pulling out his whip.

Just as Black Tiger pulled the trigger, Super B flew in the way and took the bullet, his armor catching it. Game Boy and Sports Woman lunged, the latter pulling out a golf club and swinging it at Tiger's head as Game Boy flung out his whip to her leg. Tiger did a spinning jump, turning to the side before slashing Game Boy's whip and kicking Sports Woman in the gut.

Suddenly, blue slime burst from the top and began clutching at Black Tiger. Gooey Girl had pulled herself together and caught up.

“You won't hurt my friends any more.” She said.

Super B began running, pulling a fist back to deliver a punch to her. However, Tiger slashed her arm free with her claws before cutting her legs out with her sword. She then lunged at Super B, who began to change directions just as she swung her sword, nicking his cheek. She then spun around before holding it up.

“So, you first, red man.” Tiger said, “We've had our fun...”

“Hey, blackie!” came a voice.

“Hm?” Black Tiger said, looking at the entryway.

At the entry of the alley stood a man...no, a boy. Younger than the rest of them. Wearing silver armor that covered his chest, forearms, shins, and head except for the eyes and mouth. He wore a red vest, silvery metal gloves, pointed black shoes, and black shorts.

“You're missing a member.” The boy said in a loud voice, “You overlooked one certain person. The team's ace in the hole. He is ME. And I am...PUPPET MAN!” he proclaimed, striking a pose.

“I don't know whether that was cool or sad.” Black Tiger said.

“Who's this kid?” Sports Woman asked.

“Someone who blackmailed he way onto the team.” Super B murmured.

“And you were planning to tell us...WHEN?” Lion Man asked.

“Gimme a sec...” Black Tiger said, pulling out a small notebook and rifling through it, “Nothing about you here. Eh, this'll be on the house.”

“Crap.” Puppet Man said in a meek voice before running off, Black Tiger in hot pursuit.

“Hurry, I've gotta save-”

“I'll take care of that.” Sharpshot said, “I'm in the best physical condition.”

“Just save the kid.” Super B said.

“Of course.” Sharpshot nodded, running after them.

“Ohcrapohcrapohcrapohcrap!” Puppet Man cursed as he ran from Black Tiger. There was a construction site nearby and ducked behind a pile of bricks, “When I was gonna audition, I thought it was just 'This is my costume, how do ya like it?', not 'Here's a supervillain, good luck!'.”

“Oh, Mr. Puppet, your strings have to get cut!” Black Tiger called in a sing-song voice.

“I always wanted to be a hero, but now...” Puppet Man thought to himself, “Now, I...”

Everything seemed to stop at that moment.

“You're terrified, Austin Corleone.” Said a voice. Everything went into darkness before a spotlight appeared, revealing what looked like a stage magician with a silk top hat and a face hidden in shadows, “Understandable. You ARE facing one of the world's deadliest assassins.”

“Oh sure, make things WORSE.” Puppet Man said.

“But fear is just something to overcome.” The magician stated, “You have a crossroads. You may either continue cowering and she WILL lose interest, or you could take this path and prove yourself as a hero beyond any doubt. The choice is yours...but maybe this might help you decide.”

The magician took off his hat, showed it to Puppet Man, as if showing that it had nothing in it. He then turned it upside-down and reached inside. He made a strained breath as he heaved out a four-foot-long hammer with a cartoonishy large head. He set it down with a thud in front of Puppet Man.

“The first person who makes skin-contact with the hammer can wield it with complete ease.” He said, “So...make your decision fast. Time will restart in about twenty seconds...”

The magician vanished. Puppet Man looked at the hammer with a torn expression. He could just leave it there and get away alive. But...he did say he wanted to join the team. He removed the glove and reached out to the hammer. He grabbed it and felt a tingling sensation through his hand. He lifted it up as if it weighed no more than a feather.

“Looks like I fight.” He said, sliding his glove back on and grasping the shaft with both hands.

“BINGO!” called Tiger as she lunged with her sword.

“HAMMER TIME!” Puppet Man shouted at the top of his lungs as he mentally cursed himself for using that reference. He swung the hammer down, hitting the ground and springing him forward and right into Black Tiger.

The two tumbled to the ground and Tiger swiftly got up, readying her sword as Puppet Man rolled out of the way. He pulled up his hammer and swung it at Black Tiger, who jumped over and saw it completely destroy a pile of cinderblocks.

“Okay, THAT was cool.” Puppet Man said.

“Admittedly.” Black Tiger said before swinging her swung, Puppet Man narrowly blocking with the shaft of his hammer before continuing to block, “So, newbie, you've found a new toy. But what are you going to do?”

BANG!

A rubber bullet hit Black Tiger in the back of the neck, making her yell and slump forward, unconscious.

“Well, that was easy.” Sharpshot said, spinning his gun around and sliding it back into its holster, “Almost disgustingly so.”

“Yeah...I know.” Puppet Man nodded, looking shocked.

“I saw what you did.” Sharpshot, “Your hammer can do a lot of damage and you have guts. We could use someone like you.”

“Really?” Puppet Man asked, “Thanks!”

As they had their backs turned, Black Tiger's body had vanished.

Later...

“You did WHAT?!” Thomas Baccano shouted, indignantly.

“Decided that a bunch of kids weren't worth the effort.” Black Tiger said, “I figured leaving and regrouping would be the best option.”

“I paid you to get rid of them!” Thomas shouted, “You didn't! You have taken my money and did nothing! Well, I won't have it! YOU'RE FIRED!”

Black Tiger's face fell to one that was dead serious. She held up her finger as one of her claws came out with a clicking noise. Thomas paled as she pulled out a bullet and carved the letters T and B into it.

“Where Black Tiger goes, someone dies.” She stated, standing up and walking away, “The one I DO cause here will be free of charge...some other time, when I feel like it. Have fun with that!”

Black Tiger walked off, singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow to herself, earning concerned looks from Thomas' employees. He just kept a thousand-yard stare on her.

Kirby High...

Monday lunch played out as usual. Laura, Rick, Ken, Damian, Leo, and Wendy sat down at a table, enjoying lunch as usual.

“Hey, guys!” Austin said as he walked over, setting down his tray, “Mind if I sit here?”

“We'll need to find a bigger table...” Laura sighed before saying, “Sure, feel free.”

Austin sat down, eating his food as Ken slowly put his lunch in the right order.