H.I.V.E., Part Two:
“Crystal”
“This is beautiful,” Donna Troy said as she walked through the art gallery. She and Roy Harper were walking arm-in-arm. Mr. Jupiter had allowed the Titans to attend the opening of a new artist. “Sure,” Harper said, bored. “It’s about time Mr. J let us go on a field trip.” “These paintings,” Donna said as she stopped before some oils. “They’re incredible.” Her eyes widened as she saw the price. “I’ll never be able to afford one of these,” she said. “Hey, come on,” Roy said, leading her along. “Maybe Mr. J’ll give it to you as a Christmas present.” “There you are,” Dick Grayson said as he approached them. “The display’s getting ready to open and Mr. Jupiter wants us all there.” ”All right,” Donna said as she tore her eyes away from Joseph Wilson’s paintings. “Let’s go before I try to stuff one of these in my purse.” The three walked away. “What is the purpose of this?” Tula asked. Garth, her date, smiled as he replied. “This is how artists make their living. They sell their artworks in galleries.” Tula frowned. “Art. What purpose is there?” “Beauty,” Mr. Jupiter replied as he strode up behind them. “Here, we place a high value on beautiful things. They brighten our homes and sometimes challenge our sensibilities.” ”That may be your way but that is not ours.” Tula fought to keep from mentioning the name of Atlantis. Jupiter smiled. “Perhaps. All I ask is that you try to understand our ways.” ”I shall,” Tula replied. “Even though they make little sense to me.” ”I often feel the same way,” Smith replied. Tula jumped and whirled around. Smith stood behind her. “How did I not hear you approach?” she asked. “My hearing is far superior to yours.” ”I’ve wanted to find that out for a long time,” Jupiter said. “I’d love to learn to do it myself.” He glanced at his watch. “It’s almost time. I’d better go see what’s keeping Mr. Harper and Ms. Troy. Enjoy yourselves.” Jupiter and Smith vanished into the crowd. “So why doesn’t Wally get to come with us?” Donna asked. Dick shook his head. “He’s already seen everything. He had the entire building all but memorized thirty seconds after we arrived. He’s already back at the tower writing his report about the exhibition.” “Why do we have to do those stupid reports, anyway?” Roy asked. “What’s the point?” “Maybe so you can learn something,” Dick shot back. “Guys,” Donna said, putting a hand on each of their chests, “Maybe now isn’t the best time to do this.” “You’re right,” Dick said, taking a step back. “Come on. We’ve got to get over there.” He walked off. “Jerk,” Roy said. “Don’t you think you were pushing his buttons a little?” Donna asked. “Who cares?” Roy asked. “Jerk thinks he’s better than the rest of us anyway.” “I just wish you two could try to get along,” Donna said as they joined the group. “Never happen, babe,” Roy said. “Never happen.” The gallery owner stepped up to the cloth-covered doorway. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he said. “It is my pleasure to welcome this artist to our humble gallery. I have never before seen crystal carved so beautifully. Please join me in welcoming Ms. Kole Weathers.” Amidst applause, the artist stepped up beside the owner. “Thank you,” Kole said. “All I try to do is bring more beauty into the world. And,” she added with a wink, “into your homes.” Laughter and applause greeted her veiled sales pitch as she pulled a rope. The curtain to her gallery fell and the group flooded in. “This is incredible,” Tula said with a gasp as she studied a sculpture of a dolphin leaping out of a sea spray. “Even at home we cannot duplicate this.” ”Do you like it?” Garth asked. He glanced at the price tag. “That’s not bad. If you want it, I’ll see if Mr. J will buy it for your room.” “Yes,” Tula said. “It just…” ”I understand,” Garth said. He turned and began looking for Mr. Jupiter. “I am quite impressed,” Mr. Jupiter said. “I’ve traveled the world and never seen crystal as detailed as this.” ”It’s just a gift,” Kole said, fighting down a blush. “I just create what I see.” ”Indeed,” Mr. Jupiter said. He turned as Garth approached. “Ah, here is one of my students. Garth Curry, meet Kole Weathers.” ”Hello, Garth,” Kole said. “Are you enjoying the exhibit?” ”Very much so,” Garth replied. “Mr. Jupiter, Tula was wanting to ask you about something.” ”Excuse us, Ms. Weathers,” Jupiter said. The two turned and walked back to Tula. “Whatcha doing?” Wally West asked. Dick Grayson jumped and turned. “I thought you’d gone back to the tower,” he said. “Got bored,” Wally said. “What about the report?” ”Finished. So what are you buying?” ”Are you kidding?” Dick fought down a sarcastic laugh. “Look at the prices on these things. I couldn’t afford this if I saved for a year.” “Yeah. It’s all way too much. But look at it.” Wally’s eyes were wide as he studied the sculpture before Dick. “It’s almost like it’s alive or something.” ”Yeah.” Dick’s frown started to soften. “I wish I could do something like this. I can’t even draw a straight line.” ”Me neither,” Wally said. “Remember what happened the last time I tried?” ”You erased so much the friction caught the table on fire.” Despite himself, Dick found a smile crossing his face. “Come on. Let’s go mingle.” “This is boring,” Roy judged. “If it weren’t for that chick artist, the night would be a total loss.” ”Ahem!” Donna said as she elbowed him in the ribs. “Sorry, babe,” Roy said. “This just isn’t my thing, you know?” ”I know,” Donna said, gazing at a crystalline Grecian column. “But can’t you try?” ”Try not to deck jerk-boy. Try to appreciate the glass. You’re not asking for much, are you?” Donna smiled. “I think you’re capable.” “It’s nice that you think so highly of me.” Roy looked around. “Where’s the bathroom at?” ”I think it’s in the back,” Donna said. ”I’ll be back in a few,” Roy said. He gave her a peck on the forehead and walked off. “Did you get abandoned?” Mr. Jupiter asked as he walked up to Donna. ”No,” she replied with a smile. “Roy just had to excuse himself for a few minutes.” Jupiter glanced at the price tag for the column. “I understand you came in top of your class on your last history quiz. Is that correct?” ”Yes, sir,” Donna replied. ”Such diligence should be rewarded. Do you like that?” ”Yes, sir,” Donna said as she studied the column. “There’s just something about it.” “I understand.” Jupiter walked over to a gallery staff member and spoke for a moment before returning to Donna. “It’s yours. Congratulations.” The look on her face made it worth it. “Jupiter!” A harsh, familiar voice came from behind. Mr. Jupiter turned and saw Steve Dayton standing there. A drink, as always, was in his hands. “Going after them a little young, aren’t you?” Despite himself, Jupiter felt his anger rising. “Hardly. I’m surprised you’re here.” ”Really?” Dayton took a drink. “Why do you say that?” ”Simple. I don’t have a lab technician here working on something Dayton Industries could steal.” Jupiter turned and walked off, leaving a seething Steve Dayton behind. Kole rubbed her eyes as she slumped into a chair. “These things wear you out,” she said to no one in particular. “Maybe this’ll bring in enough to pay the bills for a couple of months.” ”Ms. Weathers?” a man asked as he stepped inside the room. “May I speak with you for a moment?” “Of course,” Kole said as she stood. “Can I help you, Mr…” “Dayton. Steve Dayton.” Dayton stepped forward out of the shadows. “I know about you, Ms. Weathers,” he said. “I know that you don’t sculpt that crystal. You create it.” Kole’s hands flew to her mouth. “How did you…” she started. Dayton smiled. “It’s not important. Let’s just say that I have people watching for special people like you.” “I won’t let you hurt me,” Kole said. “Don’t worry,” Dayton said. “I’m sure you’ve seen those Teen Titans in the papers lately.” He continued when Kole nodded. “I’m assembling a team somewhat like those Titans, but we are providing specialized training in the use of your abilities.” Kole didn’t hear much else of what he said. She was too busy waiting for her chance to join. Next Issue: The group called the HIVE makes its move – and Roy and Donna’s relationship changes forever. Previous Issue | Next Issue |
