Post by Deleted on Mar 31, 2015 17:09:16 GMT -5
Titans of Justice Unlimited Universe Special #0
Written & edited by: Power Guy
Art by: Argos
Metropolis…
Helena Wayne’s heart raced as the elevator in Power Guy’s apartment building raised her up to the penthouse floor. Since her recent battle with Kitty Kat, it had been difficult for her to sleep, let alone, relax. The thought of someone mimicking her mother’s “bad girl” days was driving her nuts when she had set out to make sure the Catwoman dynasty was pursued with justice and dignity.
The elevator finally stopped after what seemed like an eternity. She stepped out and made her way to Power Guy’s door, knocking gently. A few minutes passed and there was no answer. She knocked again, assuming the Man of Might didn’t hear her(which was virtually impossible with his super-hearing). Finally the door opened but it was not Power Guy that answered but: “Sargona???” the shocked Huntress asked.
“Helena? What are you doing here?” the daughter of Zatanna asked with one eyebrow cocked.
“I was just going to ask you the same thing,” replied the daughter of the Dark Knight as she looked Sargona up and down, finding it strange that she was in her nightgown.
“I’m…uh, staying here temporarily,” answered Sargona.
“Is Vince here?” the Huntress asked, nonchalantly.
“I think he’s in the shower,” Sargona said as she rubbed some sleep build-up from her eyes. “I just woke up when I heard you knocking so you’ll have to excuse my appearance. Why don’t you come in and wait for him. He usually doesn’t take long.”
“Just how long have you been staying here?” Helena asked curiously.
“For a few weeks or so,” Sargona replied as she knocked on the bathroom door, “Vince! You might want to hurry it up. You’ve got company!” Turning towards Helena she asked, “Would you like some tea or a scone?”
Helena was a bit surprised that Sargona seemed so comfortable in Power Guy’s apartment already.
“Thank you but I had breakfast earlier this morning,” the Huntress declined.
“Well, I’m starving so I hope you don’t mind if I indulge,” Sargona said as she made her way to the kitchen.
“Well, it doesn’t take her long to adjust,” the Huntress thought to herself as Sargona seemed to make herself at home in the kitchen.
A few seconds later, Power Guy walked out of the bathroom wearing a t-shirt and a pair of jeans. His hair was still wet and drops of water were running down his face. “Helena! I didn’t think you would be here so soon. I’m sorry that you had to wait.”
“It’s not a problem. I haven’t been here long,” revealed the Huntress. Making sure Sargona was still in the kitchen, she whispered, “So what’s she doing here?”
“Oh Sargona?” Vince whispered back. “Well she finally confronted her mother a few weeks back and let’s just say that things didn’t go well. Her father was also a part of this fiasco so he and Sargona are on the outs. She needed a place to say so I insisted she stay in my spare bedroom.”
“So, you’re everyone’s best friend, not just mine?” the Huntress smiled warmly. “The team is lucky to have you as our leader.”
“Oh stop,” blushed Man of Might. “I’m not Mother Theresa but I do what I can. So, what’s going on?”
“I just need to talk,” admitted the daughter of Bruce and Selena Wayne. “Someone has taken up my mother’s old Catwoman motif and let’s just say, I’m a little ticked off.”
Before the Huntress could continue, Sargona’s cell phone(which was laying on the coffee table in front of Power Guy) rang. “Sargona, your phone is ringing!” shouted Vince Starr.
Sargona yelled back, “Can you get that for me? I’m in the middle of making some tea!”
Power Guy quickly grabbed Sargona’s phone and opened it up, “Hello? Sargona’s phone.”
The person on the other end of the call asked, “Vince?”
Power Guy recognized the voice instantly, “Dan?”
“Yes. What are you doing answering Sargona’s phone?” Green Lantern asked in a bit of a shock.
“She’s tied up right now and she asked me to answer it for her,” revealed the cousin of Power Girl.
“I see….” stated the green guardian. He and Power Guy had a great friendship yet this sudden development had him being a bit short with his fellow Titan. In hopes of getting past the awkwardness, he asked, “So how are you doing?”
“Can’t complain. Yourself?”
“Just frantically busy as always,’ replied Daniel Jordan. “I was just cleaning out my car and found one of Sargona’s CDs. Could you let her know I will give it to her next time I see her at the Hall?”
“I sure will,” confirmed leader of the Titans of Justice. “By the way, how is Di Di healing up from her battle with Bonfire and Slingshot?”
“She’s coming along quite nicely,” Green Lantern answered, “Her sonic scream is almost back to full-strength.”
“Glad to hear it,” Power Guy said warmly. “Tell her I said hello.”
“I will,” promised the son of Hal Jordan. “Talk to you later.” Green Lantern then made his way out of his private quarters at the Hall and decided to make his way to the main meeting room to see who else was around.
In the meeting room, the Silencer was going over the Titans’ date files when Power Lad approached him. “Yo Silent Night, can I ask you a question?”
“What is it?” asked the slightly annoyed Silencer.
“So what exactly did your Uncle Snapper used to do when he was in the Justice League?” asked the sidekick of Power Guy.
“He had a similar role as myself but on a less detailed scale,” replied Stuart Carr.
“Oh, so he sat around playing solitaire all day,” spat the mischievous teenager. “No wonder why he never made it past mascot status.”
Upon hearing that comment, the Silencer snapped like a twig and grabbed Power Lad by his shirt, “Don’t you EVER talk about my uncle like that again!”
“Hey hands off, handkerchief-man,” growled Power Lad as he punched the Silencer backwards.
Wonder Man was sitting on a couch across the room reading GQ Magazine when he heard the ruckus begin. He rose to his feet and flew over to the arguing duo. “What in Hades in going on here?”
“Stay out of this, Wonder Bread,” barked Power Lad as he threw a small table at the Silencer.
The Silencer responded with a martial arts kick that split the table in half, preventing it from doing him any harm. “This kid’s gonna get spanked and sent to his room!” he said, jumping through the air. Before the Silencer could act, he found himself encased in a green energy bubble. “What the?!?!?!”
The trio of heroes turned to see that Green Lantern had entered the room. “I’m not sure what all of the fighting is about but it’s over!” he ordered.
In the meantime, Wonder Man had bound Power Lad with his magic-lasso. “Ok, Power Lad, cool down time.”
“Let me out of this stupid rope or I’ll kick your #&$ too!” threatened the teen trouble-maker.
“We both know that’s not going to happen,” Wonder Man said, sternly. “Now cool your jets or I’m calling Power Guy.”
“You suck!” Power Lad shouted, angrily.
“How did this all start?” Green Lantern asked, trying to get to the root of the problem.
“That little snot started making nasty comments about my Uncle Snapper,” informed the Silencer. “I’ll be damned if I let him or anyone else shoot off their mouth about my uncle. Keep him away from me for his own sake!”
“I ain’t scared,” scoffed Power Lad.
“Come on kid, we’re going to Big Belly Burger for lunch,” advised Wonder Man as he threw Power Lad over his shoulder and exited the room.
***
Somewhere near the planet Oa…
“Daniel Jordan is our last hope for the survival of our cause,” whispered a mysterious figure to another.
“But he has already pledged his allegiance to the others,” countered a second figure.
“Yes, but I can sense that deep within his heart, he believes in the same foundations that we do, peace and hope,” assumed the first figure.
“Then we need to approach him and see if he is willing to accept our offer,” proposed the second figure.
"No, I think we should plant the seed and let him find his way," said the first figure thoughtfully.
"...and I know the perfect place to do so," added the second in agreement.
The two figures exchanged a brief glance and said in concurrence, "Korugar."
***
Kubert’s Jewelry Store, St. Roch, LA…
“Drops the jewels, Ghost!” ordered Nucleus as he flew toward Gentleman Jim, ready to punch him in the face. Sadly, the tiny Titan passed right through the spectral villain.
“Fool, even by altering your density you cannot lay a finger on me,” laughed the Ghost of Gentleman Jim, “You get credit for the effort though.”
“Well if we can’t get you to drop the jewels, how about we get the jewels to drop out on you?” smiled Whirlpool as he drenched the bag that Gentleman Jim had used to collect his stolen jewels with a massive amount of water, causing the bag to rip open, spilling the jewels all over the place.
“Idiot! You have cost me valuable minutes! You will die a painful death for what you have done!” threatened the Ghost as he fired a blast of ghostly energy from his cane. The blast hit Whirlpool like a bolt of lightning, causing him to collapse in pain.
Suddenly, Nucleus slammed into Gentleman Jim with the density of a small car, knocking him over. “Now who’s the idiot? You should know that when you attack us you have to become solid again. Don’t you think that’s the time to watch your back?”
“Enjoy your one way trip to the other side, braggart!” the Ghost screamed as he pointed his cane in Nucleus’ face.
“Haunting time is over, Ghost!” roared a familiar voice.
Within seconds, the Ghost of Gentleman Jim found himself entrapped within an Nth Metal net. “NOOO!!!” howled the Ghost. He knew that this special Thanagarian metal negated his phasing abilities.
Stratohawk and Hawkgirl both landed on one side of the Ghost, binding him tightly with some rope.
“Thanks for keeping him busy while we got our wings on,” Stratohawk complimented the two heroes.
“And to think this guy used to give Hawkman and Hawkwoman so much trouble,” smirked Hawkgirl.
“We got lucky and had the element of surprise,” pointed out Stratohawk.
“As do we!” a sinister voice announced as the four heroes felt their bodies electrified with arcane energy. From the shadows, the Wizard and Vulcan Son of Fire stepped forth.
Vulcan used his fiery axe to cut through the rope and net biding Gentleman Jim.
“Craddock – you should thank me for remembering our old friendship,” smiled the Wizard.
“Oh, I always pay my debts,” the Ghost said, getting up and dusting himself off. “Now, let’s kill these fools and get out of here.”
“Not yet,” countered the Wizard, “All in due time. First, we have an Injustice Society to rebuild,” he said as he and the other two villains mysteriously vanished.
A few minutes later after the Titans had recovered from the attack, Whirlpool was the first to speak. “Did you guys hear what the Wizard said?” As he waited for an answer, he helped Hawkgirl up.
“Yes, he’s reforming the Injustice Society,” grumbled Stratohawk.
“I wonder what he has up his sleeve this time?” Nucleus wondered aloud. “He’s been around for almost a century and every time he pops up, it’s bad news for the Justice Society or their descendants. Now that I think of it, Stellar mentioned a few weeks back that the Wizard and Johnny Sorrow had tried to recruit Bulletboy for some sinister purpose. It looks like they already have four members on their roster and each one of them is a serious threat in his own right.”
***
The fortress of Darkseid, Apokolips…
“Desaad!” bellowed the father of Kalibak and Orion, “How are Granny Goodness’ Furies coming along?”
“Quite well, Lord Darkseid,” answered the sadistic torturer. “Granny has been training them day and night. She said they are near perfection. Soon, you will have four new minions to do your bidding.”
Just then, Argos and Sturmer burst through the door, “Grandfather! We MUST have words,” demanded the son of Orion.
“Well, if it isn’t my brave and courageous grandson,” Darkseid said, producing a small smile. “What brings you to Apokolips, young warrior?”
As Desaad approached the freshly arrived duo, Sturmer bared his teeth and began to growl at him forcing him to step backwards.
“Spare me the false pretenses,” snapped Argos. “I am not here to visit. I want to know what you know about that giant meteor that almost struck Metropolis a few weeks back.”
“I know nothing,” answered Darkseid, falsely. “What would make you ask me such a question?”
“The meteor was composed of one hundred percent Kryptonite and would have landed either directly on, or close to the Hall of Justice if my teammates and I had not stopped it,” growled the young New God. “You are one of the few people in the universe that could pull off such a feat.”
“True but why would I bother? Superman has long retired,” pointed out the ruler of Apokolips.
“True but the Hall of Justice was the headquarters of Superman and the Justice League for quite some time. Perhaps you wanted to pay the Justice League back for your past defeats by killing some of their children,” argued Argos.
“I am above such petty games of revenge,” insisted Darkseid. “Take your accusations to Brainiac or Mongul.”
Argos got right in his grandfather’s face, “You and I have never had issues before, grandfather but I have heard the stories of your past heinous acts and rest assured, if I find out that you are causing trouble on Earth again, all of New Genesis shall rain down on your like a never ending hailstorm!”
Darkseid just stood silent as Argos and Sturmer exited the room.
“What now master?” asked Desaad.
“We continue with my plans,” Darkseid said, with a smug look upon his face. “Argos and New Genesis will not find out about my intentions until it is too late and once the Kryptonian is under my control, Argos will be forced to stand beside me or suffer the horrible fate that awaits New Genesis!!!”
***
A rooftop in downtown Opal City…
“So who do you think is behind these grizzly murders?” ask Starman, a bit impatiently.
“Someone with little to no morals or conscience,” answered Nightvision as he flipped through a series of pictures that Starman had provided him” with. Most of these victims appear to have been sliced to death or had their necks snapped. I had a chance to examine one of the bodies earlier tonight…”
Starman couldn’t help himself interrupt Nightvision, “How did you manage that?”
“That’s not important,” Nightvision commented, dodging the question, “What IS important is the way the victim’s’ neck was snapped. The amount of damage done to his neck and upper back was too large to have been done by any human hands.”
“So, you think this was done by some kind of monster?” Starman asked in a bit of disbelief.
“Either that or someone who’s using Rag Doll’s old methods,” advised the new-age Dark Knight.
“Rag Doll? He’s long since passed on,” pointed out the stellar-powered hero. “He died in a battle with my Uncle Jack years ago and he didn’t have any kids so there couldn’t be a successor.”
“Think outside the box,” suggested Nightvision. “This is Opal City, you know. The legend of Rag Doll still brings shivers to people’s spines. What if someone accidentally or purposely had their body augmented to be able to mimic his abilities?”
“Now why in the heck would anyone do that?” Starman asked, totally confused.
“Like I said, it could have been on purpose out of worship for the previous Rag Doll or maybe it was part of a horrific accident….” advised the son of Dick and Barbara Grayson. “There’s something else I should tell you.”
Starman wasted no time in asking, “What’s that?”
“On the ground beside each of these victims,” Nightvision said as he held up the stack of photos, “was a star symbol scratched into the ground.”
“So you think whoever this is, is trying to send me a message?” presumed Starman.
“I would definitely say that,” agreed the visitor from Gotham City. “I would watch your back if I were you.” Nightvision said as he climbed the ladder to the Batwing which was hovering above.
***
22,000 Miles above the earth….
An old satellite flickers with life as three figures make their way into a place long vacant.
“So Dark Arrow and the others are no longer using this place?” asked the lone female in the group.
“Not for almost a year,” answered one of her male companions.
“That’s good,” interjected the other male. “After all of these years, we’ve finally found him and I don’t want anyone getting in the way.”
“I couldn’t agree more. It’s about time he got what’s coming to him,” added the initial male speaker.
“I just have a few more preparations to make and then we can strike,” explained the second male.
***
The mystic tower of Dr. Fate, Salem, MA…
The Stranger, the White Wraith, and Dr. Fate all hovered in the air in a sitting position as they gazed upon Dr. Fate’s crystal ball.
“The Final Crisis looms,” commented the Stranger.
“I say we act now!” suggested the White Wraith as he moved his head back and forth between the Stranger and Dr. Fate, seeking approval.
“Calm yourself, young spirit,” requested the Stranger. “Dr. Fate and I took you on as our protégé to help you learn the right time and the wrong time to use your vast abilities.”
“And though this crisis could threaten all of creation, the Titans of Justice cannot act…..at least not yet,” added Dr. Fate. “Though, if things get as bad as the oracles suggest, the Titans may be forced to play a role in the upcoming war even though they will not be the main players.”
“But why not go straight to heart of the threat and crush it?” insisted the White Wraith.
“You are much like the Spectre,” Dr. Fate started, “You seek to rush into a situation and condemn all involved to the pits of Hell. Sometimes there is a chance for hope to prevail even when force cannot. The Stranger and I will let you know if and when we need to act.”
“Fate!” shouted the Stranger with extreme alarm. “Look into the crystal. It is worse than we feared.”
“Yes, Stranger, you are right,” agreed Dr. Fate. “The Crisis in the past may soon rip apart the past, present and future of this world and many others.”
“I see what you two are talking about,” the White Wraith said, coldly. “If this comes to pass, our team may find itself fragmented into many different pieces.
Written & edited by: Power Guy
Art by: Argos
Metropolis…
Helena Wayne’s heart raced as the elevator in Power Guy’s apartment building raised her up to the penthouse floor. Since her recent battle with Kitty Kat, it had been difficult for her to sleep, let alone, relax. The thought of someone mimicking her mother’s “bad girl” days was driving her nuts when she had set out to make sure the Catwoman dynasty was pursued with justice and dignity.
The elevator finally stopped after what seemed like an eternity. She stepped out and made her way to Power Guy’s door, knocking gently. A few minutes passed and there was no answer. She knocked again, assuming the Man of Might didn’t hear her(which was virtually impossible with his super-hearing). Finally the door opened but it was not Power Guy that answered but: “Sargona???” the shocked Huntress asked.
“Helena? What are you doing here?” the daughter of Zatanna asked with one eyebrow cocked.
“I was just going to ask you the same thing,” replied the daughter of the Dark Knight as she looked Sargona up and down, finding it strange that she was in her nightgown.
“I’m…uh, staying here temporarily,” answered Sargona.
“Is Vince here?” the Huntress asked, nonchalantly.
“I think he’s in the shower,” Sargona said as she rubbed some sleep build-up from her eyes. “I just woke up when I heard you knocking so you’ll have to excuse my appearance. Why don’t you come in and wait for him. He usually doesn’t take long.”
“Just how long have you been staying here?” Helena asked curiously.
“For a few weeks or so,” Sargona replied as she knocked on the bathroom door, “Vince! You might want to hurry it up. You’ve got company!” Turning towards Helena she asked, “Would you like some tea or a scone?”
Helena was a bit surprised that Sargona seemed so comfortable in Power Guy’s apartment already.
“Thank you but I had breakfast earlier this morning,” the Huntress declined.
“Well, I’m starving so I hope you don’t mind if I indulge,” Sargona said as she made her way to the kitchen.
“Well, it doesn’t take her long to adjust,” the Huntress thought to herself as Sargona seemed to make herself at home in the kitchen.
A few seconds later, Power Guy walked out of the bathroom wearing a t-shirt and a pair of jeans. His hair was still wet and drops of water were running down his face. “Helena! I didn’t think you would be here so soon. I’m sorry that you had to wait.”
“It’s not a problem. I haven’t been here long,” revealed the Huntress. Making sure Sargona was still in the kitchen, she whispered, “So what’s she doing here?”
“Oh Sargona?” Vince whispered back. “Well she finally confronted her mother a few weeks back and let’s just say that things didn’t go well. Her father was also a part of this fiasco so he and Sargona are on the outs. She needed a place to say so I insisted she stay in my spare bedroom.”
“So, you’re everyone’s best friend, not just mine?” the Huntress smiled warmly. “The team is lucky to have you as our leader.”
“Oh stop,” blushed Man of Might. “I’m not Mother Theresa but I do what I can. So, what’s going on?”
“I just need to talk,” admitted the daughter of Bruce and Selena Wayne. “Someone has taken up my mother’s old Catwoman motif and let’s just say, I’m a little ticked off.”
Before the Huntress could continue, Sargona’s cell phone(which was laying on the coffee table in front of Power Guy) rang. “Sargona, your phone is ringing!” shouted Vince Starr.
Sargona yelled back, “Can you get that for me? I’m in the middle of making some tea!”
Power Guy quickly grabbed Sargona’s phone and opened it up, “Hello? Sargona’s phone.”
The person on the other end of the call asked, “Vince?”
Power Guy recognized the voice instantly, “Dan?”
“Yes. What are you doing answering Sargona’s phone?” Green Lantern asked in a bit of a shock.
“She’s tied up right now and she asked me to answer it for her,” revealed the cousin of Power Girl.
“I see….” stated the green guardian. He and Power Guy had a great friendship yet this sudden development had him being a bit short with his fellow Titan. In hopes of getting past the awkwardness, he asked, “So how are you doing?”
“Can’t complain. Yourself?”
“Just frantically busy as always,’ replied Daniel Jordan. “I was just cleaning out my car and found one of Sargona’s CDs. Could you let her know I will give it to her next time I see her at the Hall?”
“I sure will,” confirmed leader of the Titans of Justice. “By the way, how is Di Di healing up from her battle with Bonfire and Slingshot?”
“She’s coming along quite nicely,” Green Lantern answered, “Her sonic scream is almost back to full-strength.”
“Glad to hear it,” Power Guy said warmly. “Tell her I said hello.”
“I will,” promised the son of Hal Jordan. “Talk to you later.” Green Lantern then made his way out of his private quarters at the Hall and decided to make his way to the main meeting room to see who else was around.
In the meeting room, the Silencer was going over the Titans’ date files when Power Lad approached him. “Yo Silent Night, can I ask you a question?”
“What is it?” asked the slightly annoyed Silencer.
“So what exactly did your Uncle Snapper used to do when he was in the Justice League?” asked the sidekick of Power Guy.
“He had a similar role as myself but on a less detailed scale,” replied Stuart Carr.
“Oh, so he sat around playing solitaire all day,” spat the mischievous teenager. “No wonder why he never made it past mascot status.”
Upon hearing that comment, the Silencer snapped like a twig and grabbed Power Lad by his shirt, “Don’t you EVER talk about my uncle like that again!”
“Hey hands off, handkerchief-man,” growled Power Lad as he punched the Silencer backwards.
Wonder Man was sitting on a couch across the room reading GQ Magazine when he heard the ruckus begin. He rose to his feet and flew over to the arguing duo. “What in Hades in going on here?”
“Stay out of this, Wonder Bread,” barked Power Lad as he threw a small table at the Silencer.
The Silencer responded with a martial arts kick that split the table in half, preventing it from doing him any harm. “This kid’s gonna get spanked and sent to his room!” he said, jumping through the air. Before the Silencer could act, he found himself encased in a green energy bubble. “What the?!?!?!”
The trio of heroes turned to see that Green Lantern had entered the room. “I’m not sure what all of the fighting is about but it’s over!” he ordered.
In the meantime, Wonder Man had bound Power Lad with his magic-lasso. “Ok, Power Lad, cool down time.”
“Let me out of this stupid rope or I’ll kick your #&$ too!” threatened the teen trouble-maker.
“We both know that’s not going to happen,” Wonder Man said, sternly. “Now cool your jets or I’m calling Power Guy.”
“You suck!” Power Lad shouted, angrily.
“How did this all start?” Green Lantern asked, trying to get to the root of the problem.
“That little snot started making nasty comments about my Uncle Snapper,” informed the Silencer. “I’ll be damned if I let him or anyone else shoot off their mouth about my uncle. Keep him away from me for his own sake!”
“I ain’t scared,” scoffed Power Lad.
“Come on kid, we’re going to Big Belly Burger for lunch,” advised Wonder Man as he threw Power Lad over his shoulder and exited the room.
***
Somewhere near the planet Oa…
“Daniel Jordan is our last hope for the survival of our cause,” whispered a mysterious figure to another.
“But he has already pledged his allegiance to the others,” countered a second figure.
“Yes, but I can sense that deep within his heart, he believes in the same foundations that we do, peace and hope,” assumed the first figure.
“Then we need to approach him and see if he is willing to accept our offer,” proposed the second figure.
"No, I think we should plant the seed and let him find his way," said the first figure thoughtfully.
"...and I know the perfect place to do so," added the second in agreement.
The two figures exchanged a brief glance and said in concurrence, "Korugar."
***
Kubert’s Jewelry Store, St. Roch, LA…
“Drops the jewels, Ghost!” ordered Nucleus as he flew toward Gentleman Jim, ready to punch him in the face. Sadly, the tiny Titan passed right through the spectral villain.
“Fool, even by altering your density you cannot lay a finger on me,” laughed the Ghost of Gentleman Jim, “You get credit for the effort though.”
“Well if we can’t get you to drop the jewels, how about we get the jewels to drop out on you?” smiled Whirlpool as he drenched the bag that Gentleman Jim had used to collect his stolen jewels with a massive amount of water, causing the bag to rip open, spilling the jewels all over the place.
“Idiot! You have cost me valuable minutes! You will die a painful death for what you have done!” threatened the Ghost as he fired a blast of ghostly energy from his cane. The blast hit Whirlpool like a bolt of lightning, causing him to collapse in pain.
Suddenly, Nucleus slammed into Gentleman Jim with the density of a small car, knocking him over. “Now who’s the idiot? You should know that when you attack us you have to become solid again. Don’t you think that’s the time to watch your back?”
“Enjoy your one way trip to the other side, braggart!” the Ghost screamed as he pointed his cane in Nucleus’ face.
“Haunting time is over, Ghost!” roared a familiar voice.
Within seconds, the Ghost of Gentleman Jim found himself entrapped within an Nth Metal net. “NOOO!!!” howled the Ghost. He knew that this special Thanagarian metal negated his phasing abilities.
Stratohawk and Hawkgirl both landed on one side of the Ghost, binding him tightly with some rope.
“Thanks for keeping him busy while we got our wings on,” Stratohawk complimented the two heroes.
“And to think this guy used to give Hawkman and Hawkwoman so much trouble,” smirked Hawkgirl.
“We got lucky and had the element of surprise,” pointed out Stratohawk.
“As do we!” a sinister voice announced as the four heroes felt their bodies electrified with arcane energy. From the shadows, the Wizard and Vulcan Son of Fire stepped forth.
Vulcan used his fiery axe to cut through the rope and net biding Gentleman Jim.
“Craddock – you should thank me for remembering our old friendship,” smiled the Wizard.
“Oh, I always pay my debts,” the Ghost said, getting up and dusting himself off. “Now, let’s kill these fools and get out of here.”
“Not yet,” countered the Wizard, “All in due time. First, we have an Injustice Society to rebuild,” he said as he and the other two villains mysteriously vanished.
A few minutes later after the Titans had recovered from the attack, Whirlpool was the first to speak. “Did you guys hear what the Wizard said?” As he waited for an answer, he helped Hawkgirl up.
“Yes, he’s reforming the Injustice Society,” grumbled Stratohawk.
“I wonder what he has up his sleeve this time?” Nucleus wondered aloud. “He’s been around for almost a century and every time he pops up, it’s bad news for the Justice Society or their descendants. Now that I think of it, Stellar mentioned a few weeks back that the Wizard and Johnny Sorrow had tried to recruit Bulletboy for some sinister purpose. It looks like they already have four members on their roster and each one of them is a serious threat in his own right.”
***
The fortress of Darkseid, Apokolips…
“Desaad!” bellowed the father of Kalibak and Orion, “How are Granny Goodness’ Furies coming along?”
“Quite well, Lord Darkseid,” answered the sadistic torturer. “Granny has been training them day and night. She said they are near perfection. Soon, you will have four new minions to do your bidding.”
Just then, Argos and Sturmer burst through the door, “Grandfather! We MUST have words,” demanded the son of Orion.
“Well, if it isn’t my brave and courageous grandson,” Darkseid said, producing a small smile. “What brings you to Apokolips, young warrior?”
As Desaad approached the freshly arrived duo, Sturmer bared his teeth and began to growl at him forcing him to step backwards.
“Spare me the false pretenses,” snapped Argos. “I am not here to visit. I want to know what you know about that giant meteor that almost struck Metropolis a few weeks back.”
“I know nothing,” answered Darkseid, falsely. “What would make you ask me such a question?”
“The meteor was composed of one hundred percent Kryptonite and would have landed either directly on, or close to the Hall of Justice if my teammates and I had not stopped it,” growled the young New God. “You are one of the few people in the universe that could pull off such a feat.”
“True but why would I bother? Superman has long retired,” pointed out the ruler of Apokolips.
“True but the Hall of Justice was the headquarters of Superman and the Justice League for quite some time. Perhaps you wanted to pay the Justice League back for your past defeats by killing some of their children,” argued Argos.
“I am above such petty games of revenge,” insisted Darkseid. “Take your accusations to Brainiac or Mongul.”
Argos got right in his grandfather’s face, “You and I have never had issues before, grandfather but I have heard the stories of your past heinous acts and rest assured, if I find out that you are causing trouble on Earth again, all of New Genesis shall rain down on your like a never ending hailstorm!”
Darkseid just stood silent as Argos and Sturmer exited the room.
“What now master?” asked Desaad.
“We continue with my plans,” Darkseid said, with a smug look upon his face. “Argos and New Genesis will not find out about my intentions until it is too late and once the Kryptonian is under my control, Argos will be forced to stand beside me or suffer the horrible fate that awaits New Genesis!!!”
***
A rooftop in downtown Opal City…
“So who do you think is behind these grizzly murders?” ask Starman, a bit impatiently.
“Someone with little to no morals or conscience,” answered Nightvision as he flipped through a series of pictures that Starman had provided him” with. Most of these victims appear to have been sliced to death or had their necks snapped. I had a chance to examine one of the bodies earlier tonight…”
Starman couldn’t help himself interrupt Nightvision, “How did you manage that?”
“That’s not important,” Nightvision commented, dodging the question, “What IS important is the way the victim’s’ neck was snapped. The amount of damage done to his neck and upper back was too large to have been done by any human hands.”
“So, you think this was done by some kind of monster?” Starman asked in a bit of disbelief.
“Either that or someone who’s using Rag Doll’s old methods,” advised the new-age Dark Knight.
“Rag Doll? He’s long since passed on,” pointed out the stellar-powered hero. “He died in a battle with my Uncle Jack years ago and he didn’t have any kids so there couldn’t be a successor.”
“Think outside the box,” suggested Nightvision. “This is Opal City, you know. The legend of Rag Doll still brings shivers to people’s spines. What if someone accidentally or purposely had their body augmented to be able to mimic his abilities?”
“Now why in the heck would anyone do that?” Starman asked, totally confused.
“Like I said, it could have been on purpose out of worship for the previous Rag Doll or maybe it was part of a horrific accident….” advised the son of Dick and Barbara Grayson. “There’s something else I should tell you.”
Starman wasted no time in asking, “What’s that?”
“On the ground beside each of these victims,” Nightvision said as he held up the stack of photos, “was a star symbol scratched into the ground.”
“So you think whoever this is, is trying to send me a message?” presumed Starman.
“I would definitely say that,” agreed the visitor from Gotham City. “I would watch your back if I were you.” Nightvision said as he climbed the ladder to the Batwing which was hovering above.
***
22,000 Miles above the earth….
An old satellite flickers with life as three figures make their way into a place long vacant.
“So Dark Arrow and the others are no longer using this place?” asked the lone female in the group.
“Not for almost a year,” answered one of her male companions.
“That’s good,” interjected the other male. “After all of these years, we’ve finally found him and I don’t want anyone getting in the way.”
“I couldn’t agree more. It’s about time he got what’s coming to him,” added the initial male speaker.
“I just have a few more preparations to make and then we can strike,” explained the second male.
***
The mystic tower of Dr. Fate, Salem, MA…
The Stranger, the White Wraith, and Dr. Fate all hovered in the air in a sitting position as they gazed upon Dr. Fate’s crystal ball.
“The Final Crisis looms,” commented the Stranger.
“I say we act now!” suggested the White Wraith as he moved his head back and forth between the Stranger and Dr. Fate, seeking approval.
“Calm yourself, young spirit,” requested the Stranger. “Dr. Fate and I took you on as our protégé to help you learn the right time and the wrong time to use your vast abilities.”
“And though this crisis could threaten all of creation, the Titans of Justice cannot act…..at least not yet,” added Dr. Fate. “Though, if things get as bad as the oracles suggest, the Titans may be forced to play a role in the upcoming war even though they will not be the main players.”
“But why not go straight to heart of the threat and crush it?” insisted the White Wraith.
“You are much like the Spectre,” Dr. Fate started, “You seek to rush into a situation and condemn all involved to the pits of Hell. Sometimes there is a chance for hope to prevail even when force cannot. The Stranger and I will let you know if and when we need to act.”
“Fate!” shouted the Stranger with extreme alarm. “Look into the crystal. It is worse than we feared.”
“Yes, Stranger, you are right,” agreed Dr. Fate. “The Crisis in the past may soon rip apart the past, present and future of this world and many others.”
“I see what you two are talking about,” the White Wraith said, coldly. “If this comes to pass, our team may find itself fragmented into many different pieces.