Post by Deleted on Mar 26, 2015 20:34:22 GMT -5
Titans West Chapter 1 — “Hotel Heroes”
Written by: The ArchKid
Co-conspirator/Editor: Power Guy
The Grand Hotel, Los Angeles...
“No rooms? You have twenty floors!” Yelled a tall, brown-haired man. “We need three rooms! That’s all! We have the money!”
“I understand all that, sir, but we don’t have ANY rooms.” A skinny desk-clerk said, he smiled weakly. “We hope this hasn’t ruined your L.A. experience, but we can recommend other fine hotels.”
“Fine, we’ll take our business elsewhere.” Yelled the brown-haired man, muttering several things that don’t need to be written.
“I say we put on the costumes, flash them our Titans membership cards and--” Said another brown-haired man.
“Not another word Arachnid. I said we’d take our business elsewhere,” insisted Wonder Warrior.
“But Wondy, they’d want the publicity!” The Arachnid retorted.
“Excuse me, did you say publicity?” The desk-clerk smirked.
***
“The Grand Hotel is proud to announce our latest guests, the Titans of Justice, America’s newest, and greatest heroes!” said the desk-clerk. A few hours had passed, and he was wearing a nice, big, fake grin.
“We’re a fraction of the Titans of Justice. Think of us as the Titans: West Coast. West Coast Titans--” Wonder Warrior, in full costume said. Cameras pointed at him. The Grand Hotel had rung up every news-station in the area.
“Titans West?” a newsman asked.
“Do you have a question?” Wonder Warrior grumbled. He looked back at the Arachnid with a look of intense hatred.
“Uh, yes. Why is this fraction here? Why have one at all?” The newsman asked, looking at the teammates quarrel in the background.
“It was a decision made by the Titans of Justice. The plan is to spread out, and protect the world better. It’s either this, or nothing but a team too large, and getting in each other’s way,” Wonder Warrior responded, “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’d like a good night’s sleep.”
***
Room 102...
“A good night’s sleep? We’ve got free reign of the 20th floor, and I’m rooming with you?” whined the Arachnid, looking at his roommate, the young hero known as Starman.
“I’m trying to read.” Starman complained, his voice filled with annoyance.
“Sh, Spaceman, I’m whining here!” The Arachnid said, he quickly flashed blue, and was in his civvies.
“Starman, the name is Starman.” Starman said with a look of annoyance on his face.
“Oh, I though you were a KISS fan.” The Arachnid laughed.
***
Ivy Town Mental Institution...
“Good evening Mister Choi. Have you had a good evening?” A doctor said. He was a green-eyed, bald man, with a sinister grin.
“Yes Doctor Thorul, those anti-depressants really helped.” The young, Mister Choi responded. He had fair, reddish-black hair, and was half-Asian.
“I was told by your last doctor you had quite a temper. He said you actually grew, when you got mad.” Doctor Thorul said, looking at Choi.
“It’s something I inherited, from my mother.” Mister Choi said. He looked at Doctor Thorul, “Do, do, I know you?”
“No, you don’t, Gigantus. But you will. I’m the man that set you free, Raymond Choi, son of the third or fourth Atom, and an old associate of mine, Giganta.” Doctor Thorul smirked, coldly. “I brought your costume, and those were placebos, boy. I hope you get nice and angry. I need you to test a group for me. Hunt the Titans West.”
“I’m no animal, Doc, I won’t hunt down some super-heroes. I--” Ray Choi said, looking at Doctor Thorul.
“If you don’t, boy, I’ll have this place destroyed, and it’ll be blamed on the only super-powered resident of this Institution - You.” Doctor Thorul laughed, dropping a yellow and black costume at Ray Choi’s feet. “Do as I tell you.”
“Why?” Ray said, dropping to his feet. He picked up the costume, “I only wanted help. Why do you want to make me a weapon?”
“Because,” Doctor Thorul smirked heartlessly, “I can.”
***
Room 106, the Grand Hotel, L.A....
“This is stupid. We came to the past to what? Be nothing more than an advertisement for this over-priced hotel?” Kid Comet complained. He looked out the window, there were several citizens standing outside, some had just come to L.A. to get a look at the new Titans team. After all, the Titans of Justice had gotten a bit of a following now.
“We’ll be leaving soon. The base isn’t ready yet. The Metrotower, isn’t ready.” Wonder Warrior retorted, “Besides, we got the entire floor for free...”
“So? I preferred it when we fought to save people, not sat around to gather publicity for a hotel.” Kid Comet roared. “I’m going to fly around for a while. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone, don’t bother calling me.” Comet said, opening up his room’s window, and leaping out, soaring through the sky, and in a blur, he was gone.
“Just great, what else could come up?” Wonder Warrior frowned.
***
Ivy Town...
The reddish-black haired Gigantus walked down the streets in his costume. Based on one of his mother’s old costumes, with the symbol of the Atom on his shoulders. He looked around, and smirked. He closed his eyes, and grew, first to 10 feet, then 20 followed by 40, 60, and finally stopping at 80 feet tall. He looked at a building, and threw his arm through it, there was screaming, and yelling, and several cracks of something. He pulled his arms back out, a bit of blood covering his glove. “Weaklings.” He said, a whisper to him was a yell to everyone in the office. He closed his eyes again, and grew even more, reaching 200 feet, he looked at two buildings, and pushed on them, they crashed at his feet. He was taller than everyone in Ivy Town, he was taller than just about everything in Ivy Town. “Come on, call the Titans West!” He roared, his voice carrying all over Ivy Town.
The police surrounded him, guns fired, and Gigantus didn’t even feel the bullets.
He laughed off the attack, and stepped on the police. “This is a joke.” He roared, walking down Ivy Town like an angry kid surrounded by cardboard boxes. Gigantus was a very, very mad giant.
***
The Grand Hotel Lobby, L.A....
The phone ran at the front desk, the desk-clerk picked it up. “Good Evening, this is the Grant Hotel, Los Angeles. How may I help you?” The desk-clerk said, “You say this is the Ivy Town Police Department? You need the Titans West? Which room should I direct your call?” The desk-clerk asked, “They occupy Rooms 102, 107, 106 and 101. 106 it is then. Please hold.”
***
Room 106, The Grand Hotel, L.A....
The phone rang, disturbing the silence Wonder Warrior was enjoying. He looked at the phone, and shook his head, as if to say he didn’t want to answer. Wonder Warrior walked up to the phone and picked it up. After accepting the charges, Wonder Warrior was connected to the Ivy Town Police Department.
“Hello? This is Wonder Warrior of the Titans West, can we help you?” Wonder Warrior asked.
“Yes, thank God we got through to you. Ivy Town is in a bit of a problem We’ve had it before, but we can’t find our resident hero at this moment. Have you ever heard of Gigantus?” The police-officer responded.
“I’m sorry, I can’t say that I have.” Wonder Warrior managed to say.
“He stepped on ten of my men. That’s ten families missing sons, brothers, or fathers. I want you to take Gigantus down. Can you manage that?”
“Of course. We’ll be right there.” Wonder Warrior said. He picked up a Titans West communicator. “Titans, get ready, we’re needed in Ivy Town.”
***
The Grand Hotel Lobby, L.A....
“Arachnid, Bee-Sting, and Icemanling, unfortunately, you can’t travel the distance needed in the small amount of time we need to travel to Ivy Town in. Kid Comet is...unavailable, so I’ll be taking Supergirl, Jemstone and Starman with me to Ivy Town. If anything comes up, handle it yourselves. You can decide who gets leadership later. If Kid Comet returns, he’ll be helping out you. Titans, let’s go!” Wonder Warrior commanded, flying out of the lobby quickly, followed by Starman and Supergirl. Jemstone turned into pure light, and in an instant, was in Ivy Town.
“Did we just get left behind?” The Arachnid asked, rubbing the back of his head.
“Yeah. Are you surprised?” Icemanling smirked.
“Not at all, so, who else thinks I’m perfect for leader?” The Arachnid confidently smiled. He heard silence, and saw Bee-Sting whistling. “If anyone needs me, I’ll be in my room.”
“Ha! He’s priceless, where was he all these years?” Icemanling asked, laughing continuously.
“He’s not a hero yet. I think. I’m actually not too sure how it all works out.” Bee-Sting answered.
“Sorry I forgot about the time-travel thing.” Icemanling said rubbing the back of his neck.
“Don’t worry about it, I’m trying to forget all about it...” Bee-Sting said, rubbing her temples.
***
Ivy Town...
Jemstone looked around Ivy Town, what was once a nice, mostly quiet town was all but destroyed. In the distance she saw the monster that caused it all. She wasn’t sure what she could do. What she could even try, after all, the last time she encountered a super-villain, she killed one. She flew up into the air, and soared up to the 200 foot Gigantus. “Um, excuse me, Gigantus...?” She quietly asked, but not only did Gigantus not see her, he didn’t hear her. He walked right into her, not that he felt it at all, and looked around.
“WHERE ARE THE TITANS WEST!” Came a roar. If Jemstone wasn’t in her energy-form, her ear-drums would’ve burst already.
“Right here!” Jemstone yelled.
Gigantus didn’t hear her, but he felt her energy blasts hit him. They breached his costume, and hit his skin, burning it. “YOU. YOU’RE ALL THEY SENT? HOW PATHETIC ARE THEY?” Gigantus said, as softly as possible for him. It was still a loud bellow, but not quite as loud as before.
“No. But I’m the first one you’ll face. I’m Jemstone, and I’m going to kick your--” Jemstone started, but was cut off as a hand swept her away. The biggest problem of being a hard-light hologram, she was still able to be swatted away, like a bug before someone like Gigantus.
***
Half way to Ivy Town...
“Supergirl, can you speed up, fly ahead and tackle Gigantus on your own? Jemstone should be there to help you.” Wonder Warrior said, looking around. “Starman, think you’ll be ready for this guy. The police department told me he was 200 feet tall.”
“Oh, joy.” Starman gulped, he wasn’t ready for this, but he wanted to be.
“Uh, Wonder Warrior, I’m not quite as powerful as my father yet. What if I can’t even slow Gigantus down?” Supergirl asked, looking shyly at Wonder Warrior.
“Then there’s not much of a chance for the rest of us.” Wonder Warrior said, as a blue and red blur disappeared over the horizon.
“Um, boss-man, I’m not too sure of this. After all, I’m more of a rookie than anyone else. I’ve been beaten up by just about everyone,” Starman said, he wasn’t confident about this fight.
“Well, if we really get in trouble, we’ll call the Titans East. They should be able to stop this guy. They did stop the Legion of Doom in their first adventure.” Wonder Warrior said. He actually thought that’s exactly what was going to happen.
“Okay...what about the rest of the team?” Starman asked.
“Well, only Kid Comet could get to Gigantus in time, and if we’re already dead by then, what are the chances of him winning by himself?” Wonder Warrior responded.
“I was talking about Bee-Sting, Icemanling and my roommate from hell.” Starman said, looking at Wonder Warrior.
“Well...they have no way to get to Ivy Town.” Wonder Warrior answered. “I think we’re nearly here.”
***
Ivy Town (Or what’s left of it)...
A red and blue blur hit Gigantus, knocking him down it the rubble he left behind in his warpath. The blur streaked back into the air, and stopped, becoming Supergirl, the daughter of Superman.
“OW.” Gigantus said., standing up. ”SUPERGIRL, HUH? WELL, AIN’T THAT JUST PEACHY. LEAST I RECOGNIZE YOU, NOT LIKE YOUR LITTLE FRIEND...”
“Um, thanks?” Supergirl shyly answered, her eyes turned red, and a blast of heat-vision hit Gigantus. The fire burned away the front of his shirt, but nothing more.
“THAT WASN’T SMART!” Gigantus roared his large fist flying into the near invulnerable Supergirl, flinging her through buildings.
In a turn of events, two invisible handcuffs clamped onto Gigantus’ wrists and in the distance, Starman and Wonder Warrior appeared.
“No, it wasn’t very smart to attack Ivy Town. We hope you enjoy prison.” Wonder Warrior said, with an amplified voice. An invisible mega-phone in front of his face. “You see, Gigantus. We’re the Titans West, and you’re going down.”
“I’M NOT GOING BACK TO THE INSTITUTION!” Gigantus roared, he ran through buildings towards Wonder Warrior and Starman, Wonder Warrior actually cringed at the extra-property destruction.
“Now, Starman.” Wonder Warrior said, making the invisible handcuffs yank Gigantus into the air. Gigantus’ gravity was taken away from him.
“Wow, the plan worked Wondy.” Starman smirked.
“Yeah it did. And it’s Wonder Warrior.”
“Yeah, and it’s red you’re wearing, not pink.” Starman laughed.
“It is red!” Wonder Warrior yelled. “C’mon, Spaceman, I think we’d better retrieve our giant friend.”
“I thought he was our enemy...” Starman joked, following Wonder Warrior up to the thinner atmosphere.
“What’s with the weird sense of humor?” Wonder Warrior asked.
“You shouldn’t have roomed me with the bug-obsessed freak.” Starman answered with a shrug.
“Oh, sorry. I didn’t know he acted like that.” Wonder Warrior said, “Let’s just retrieve Gigantus, and leave. Y’know this doesn’t add up.”
“Oh?” inquired Starman.
“Gigantus wanted us to stop him. We’ve just become a team. It doesn’t seem right,” explained Wonder Warrior.
“You think someone set this up?” asked Starman.
“Of course I do,” insisted Wonder Warrior.
“A little paranoid, isn’t it?” suggested Starman.
“Of course it is,” Wonder Warrior agreed with a smirk.
***
An underground lair somewhere in the United States…
“A very secret underground bunker,” commented a cold robotic voice.
“Of course it is.” Came a voice over a large screen. A fifty-something bald man watched Wonder Warrior’s conversation on his big screen, on another, Supergirl was helping with the clean-up, and Jemstone was explaining what happened to the Ivy Town Police Department.
“Good. Wonder Warrior will become more paranoid. He’s clever, using that invisible material, like a Green Lantern, actually. Too bad I didn’t get the whole team. Otherwise my plan would be ready.” The bald man smirked.
“You shouldn’t obsess with this--” said the cold, emotionless robotic voice.
“Quiet Brainiac! I shouldn’t have freed you. You’re nothing but trouble!” the bald man said, irritated.
“You need me, to test the Titans West. Isn’t that right, old friend? You know, I thought you died.” Brainiac said, completely emotionless.
“You should know better, Brainiac.” The bald man smirked. “I’ve risen from the ashes several times in my fifty-plus years.
“Perhaps. But 25 years is a long time to plan this. Why isn’t it ready yet?” Brainiac asked in almost a mocking tone.
“Because, you bucket of bolts, the team changed. I decided the weakest team must be destroyed first. Once the Titans East finds out that the Titans West has fallen, it will shatter their confidence and reserve.”
***
“Thanks for the help Titans. Any reason why he wanted you?” The commissioner of the Ivy Town Police Department said to Wonder Warrior.
“We’re not sure. But, are you certain Gigantus won’t be a problem?” Wonder Warrior asked.
“He’s drugged up at the moment. Anti-depressants were recommended for him, and he’s being transferred to Arkham Asylum. They say they can take care of him there. Despite, y’know, the constant break-outs,” the commissioner explained.
“Well, we’ll keep our eyes on him. Good day, commissioner.” Wonder Warrior said, he flew away, becoming a blur instantly, followed by the rest of his team.
“Sorry we weren’t much help.” Supergirl said, flying alongside Wonder Warrior.
“It’s fine, no-one really went toe-to-toe with him. I over-estimated your powers and training. I won’t make that mistake again.” Wonder Warrior said.
***
Back in the underground lair…
“No, you won’t Wonder Warrior, but, you’ve only got a few short months of being team leader, maybe less, if I turn you into a paranoid schitzo!” the bald man declared.
“He can’t hear you.” Brainiac said to the bald man who freed him from the Phantom Zone.
“Shut up, Brainiac, I already knew that!” retorted the bald man.
“I was just wondering if you were crazy. Last thing I need is a genius ruled by madness.” Brainiac said, his mechanical eyes actually rolled.
“Gee, thanks. Why’d I ever free you?” grumbled the bald man.
Brainiac started to answer, “Because you need me to--”
“I was talking to myself!” the bald man yelled impatiently.
“I assumed you were talking to me. After all, I’m an android, I’m not used to the monologue problem you human villains have...” Brainiac said, “Age hasn’t improved you has it?”
“Does it improve anyone?” snapped the bald man.
“Me. I’ve upgraded. 20 years of upgrades. Five while imprisoned in the Phantom Zone.” Answered Brainiac as his eyes started to glow.
Written by: The ArchKid
Co-conspirator/Editor: Power Guy
The Grand Hotel, Los Angeles...
“No rooms? You have twenty floors!” Yelled a tall, brown-haired man. “We need three rooms! That’s all! We have the money!”
“I understand all that, sir, but we don’t have ANY rooms.” A skinny desk-clerk said, he smiled weakly. “We hope this hasn’t ruined your L.A. experience, but we can recommend other fine hotels.”
“Fine, we’ll take our business elsewhere.” Yelled the brown-haired man, muttering several things that don’t need to be written.
“I say we put on the costumes, flash them our Titans membership cards and--” Said another brown-haired man.
“Not another word Arachnid. I said we’d take our business elsewhere,” insisted Wonder Warrior.
“But Wondy, they’d want the publicity!” The Arachnid retorted.
“Excuse me, did you say publicity?” The desk-clerk smirked.
***
“The Grand Hotel is proud to announce our latest guests, the Titans of Justice, America’s newest, and greatest heroes!” said the desk-clerk. A few hours had passed, and he was wearing a nice, big, fake grin.
“We’re a fraction of the Titans of Justice. Think of us as the Titans: West Coast. West Coast Titans--” Wonder Warrior, in full costume said. Cameras pointed at him. The Grand Hotel had rung up every news-station in the area.
“Titans West?” a newsman asked.
“Do you have a question?” Wonder Warrior grumbled. He looked back at the Arachnid with a look of intense hatred.
“Uh, yes. Why is this fraction here? Why have one at all?” The newsman asked, looking at the teammates quarrel in the background.
“It was a decision made by the Titans of Justice. The plan is to spread out, and protect the world better. It’s either this, or nothing but a team too large, and getting in each other’s way,” Wonder Warrior responded, “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’d like a good night’s sleep.”
***
Room 102...
“A good night’s sleep? We’ve got free reign of the 20th floor, and I’m rooming with you?” whined the Arachnid, looking at his roommate, the young hero known as Starman.
“I’m trying to read.” Starman complained, his voice filled with annoyance.
“Sh, Spaceman, I’m whining here!” The Arachnid said, he quickly flashed blue, and was in his civvies.
“Starman, the name is Starman.” Starman said with a look of annoyance on his face.
“Oh, I though you were a KISS fan.” The Arachnid laughed.
***
Ivy Town Mental Institution...
“Good evening Mister Choi. Have you had a good evening?” A doctor said. He was a green-eyed, bald man, with a sinister grin.
“Yes Doctor Thorul, those anti-depressants really helped.” The young, Mister Choi responded. He had fair, reddish-black hair, and was half-Asian.
“I was told by your last doctor you had quite a temper. He said you actually grew, when you got mad.” Doctor Thorul said, looking at Choi.
“It’s something I inherited, from my mother.” Mister Choi said. He looked at Doctor Thorul, “Do, do, I know you?”
“No, you don’t, Gigantus. But you will. I’m the man that set you free, Raymond Choi, son of the third or fourth Atom, and an old associate of mine, Giganta.” Doctor Thorul smirked, coldly. “I brought your costume, and those were placebos, boy. I hope you get nice and angry. I need you to test a group for me. Hunt the Titans West.”
“I’m no animal, Doc, I won’t hunt down some super-heroes. I--” Ray Choi said, looking at Doctor Thorul.
“If you don’t, boy, I’ll have this place destroyed, and it’ll be blamed on the only super-powered resident of this Institution - You.” Doctor Thorul laughed, dropping a yellow and black costume at Ray Choi’s feet. “Do as I tell you.”
“Why?” Ray said, dropping to his feet. He picked up the costume, “I only wanted help. Why do you want to make me a weapon?”
“Because,” Doctor Thorul smirked heartlessly, “I can.”
***
Room 106, the Grand Hotel, L.A....
“This is stupid. We came to the past to what? Be nothing more than an advertisement for this over-priced hotel?” Kid Comet complained. He looked out the window, there were several citizens standing outside, some had just come to L.A. to get a look at the new Titans team. After all, the Titans of Justice had gotten a bit of a following now.
“We’ll be leaving soon. The base isn’t ready yet. The Metrotower, isn’t ready.” Wonder Warrior retorted, “Besides, we got the entire floor for free...”
“So? I preferred it when we fought to save people, not sat around to gather publicity for a hotel.” Kid Comet roared. “I’m going to fly around for a while. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone, don’t bother calling me.” Comet said, opening up his room’s window, and leaping out, soaring through the sky, and in a blur, he was gone.
“Just great, what else could come up?” Wonder Warrior frowned.
***
Ivy Town...
The reddish-black haired Gigantus walked down the streets in his costume. Based on one of his mother’s old costumes, with the symbol of the Atom on his shoulders. He looked around, and smirked. He closed his eyes, and grew, first to 10 feet, then 20 followed by 40, 60, and finally stopping at 80 feet tall. He looked at a building, and threw his arm through it, there was screaming, and yelling, and several cracks of something. He pulled his arms back out, a bit of blood covering his glove. “Weaklings.” He said, a whisper to him was a yell to everyone in the office. He closed his eyes again, and grew even more, reaching 200 feet, he looked at two buildings, and pushed on them, they crashed at his feet. He was taller than everyone in Ivy Town, he was taller than just about everything in Ivy Town. “Come on, call the Titans West!” He roared, his voice carrying all over Ivy Town.
The police surrounded him, guns fired, and Gigantus didn’t even feel the bullets.
He laughed off the attack, and stepped on the police. “This is a joke.” He roared, walking down Ivy Town like an angry kid surrounded by cardboard boxes. Gigantus was a very, very mad giant.
***
The Grand Hotel Lobby, L.A....
The phone ran at the front desk, the desk-clerk picked it up. “Good Evening, this is the Grant Hotel, Los Angeles. How may I help you?” The desk-clerk said, “You say this is the Ivy Town Police Department? You need the Titans West? Which room should I direct your call?” The desk-clerk asked, “They occupy Rooms 102, 107, 106 and 101. 106 it is then. Please hold.”
***
Room 106, The Grand Hotel, L.A....
The phone rang, disturbing the silence Wonder Warrior was enjoying. He looked at the phone, and shook his head, as if to say he didn’t want to answer. Wonder Warrior walked up to the phone and picked it up. After accepting the charges, Wonder Warrior was connected to the Ivy Town Police Department.
“Hello? This is Wonder Warrior of the Titans West, can we help you?” Wonder Warrior asked.
“Yes, thank God we got through to you. Ivy Town is in a bit of a problem We’ve had it before, but we can’t find our resident hero at this moment. Have you ever heard of Gigantus?” The police-officer responded.
“I’m sorry, I can’t say that I have.” Wonder Warrior managed to say.
“He stepped on ten of my men. That’s ten families missing sons, brothers, or fathers. I want you to take Gigantus down. Can you manage that?”
“Of course. We’ll be right there.” Wonder Warrior said. He picked up a Titans West communicator. “Titans, get ready, we’re needed in Ivy Town.”
***
The Grand Hotel Lobby, L.A....
“Arachnid, Bee-Sting, and Icemanling, unfortunately, you can’t travel the distance needed in the small amount of time we need to travel to Ivy Town in. Kid Comet is...unavailable, so I’ll be taking Supergirl, Jemstone and Starman with me to Ivy Town. If anything comes up, handle it yourselves. You can decide who gets leadership later. If Kid Comet returns, he’ll be helping out you. Titans, let’s go!” Wonder Warrior commanded, flying out of the lobby quickly, followed by Starman and Supergirl. Jemstone turned into pure light, and in an instant, was in Ivy Town.
“Did we just get left behind?” The Arachnid asked, rubbing the back of his head.
“Yeah. Are you surprised?” Icemanling smirked.
“Not at all, so, who else thinks I’m perfect for leader?” The Arachnid confidently smiled. He heard silence, and saw Bee-Sting whistling. “If anyone needs me, I’ll be in my room.”
“Ha! He’s priceless, where was he all these years?” Icemanling asked, laughing continuously.
“He’s not a hero yet. I think. I’m actually not too sure how it all works out.” Bee-Sting answered.
“Sorry I forgot about the time-travel thing.” Icemanling said rubbing the back of his neck.
“Don’t worry about it, I’m trying to forget all about it...” Bee-Sting said, rubbing her temples.
***
Ivy Town...
Jemstone looked around Ivy Town, what was once a nice, mostly quiet town was all but destroyed. In the distance she saw the monster that caused it all. She wasn’t sure what she could do. What she could even try, after all, the last time she encountered a super-villain, she killed one. She flew up into the air, and soared up to the 200 foot Gigantus. “Um, excuse me, Gigantus...?” She quietly asked, but not only did Gigantus not see her, he didn’t hear her. He walked right into her, not that he felt it at all, and looked around.
“WHERE ARE THE TITANS WEST!” Came a roar. If Jemstone wasn’t in her energy-form, her ear-drums would’ve burst already.
“Right here!” Jemstone yelled.
Gigantus didn’t hear her, but he felt her energy blasts hit him. They breached his costume, and hit his skin, burning it. “YOU. YOU’RE ALL THEY SENT? HOW PATHETIC ARE THEY?” Gigantus said, as softly as possible for him. It was still a loud bellow, but not quite as loud as before.
“No. But I’m the first one you’ll face. I’m Jemstone, and I’m going to kick your--” Jemstone started, but was cut off as a hand swept her away. The biggest problem of being a hard-light hologram, she was still able to be swatted away, like a bug before someone like Gigantus.
***
Half way to Ivy Town...
“Supergirl, can you speed up, fly ahead and tackle Gigantus on your own? Jemstone should be there to help you.” Wonder Warrior said, looking around. “Starman, think you’ll be ready for this guy. The police department told me he was 200 feet tall.”
“Oh, joy.” Starman gulped, he wasn’t ready for this, but he wanted to be.
“Uh, Wonder Warrior, I’m not quite as powerful as my father yet. What if I can’t even slow Gigantus down?” Supergirl asked, looking shyly at Wonder Warrior.
“Then there’s not much of a chance for the rest of us.” Wonder Warrior said, as a blue and red blur disappeared over the horizon.
“Um, boss-man, I’m not too sure of this. After all, I’m more of a rookie than anyone else. I’ve been beaten up by just about everyone,” Starman said, he wasn’t confident about this fight.
“Well, if we really get in trouble, we’ll call the Titans East. They should be able to stop this guy. They did stop the Legion of Doom in their first adventure.” Wonder Warrior said. He actually thought that’s exactly what was going to happen.
“Okay...what about the rest of the team?” Starman asked.
“Well, only Kid Comet could get to Gigantus in time, and if we’re already dead by then, what are the chances of him winning by himself?” Wonder Warrior responded.
“I was talking about Bee-Sting, Icemanling and my roommate from hell.” Starman said, looking at Wonder Warrior.
“Well...they have no way to get to Ivy Town.” Wonder Warrior answered. “I think we’re nearly here.”
***
Ivy Town (Or what’s left of it)...
A red and blue blur hit Gigantus, knocking him down it the rubble he left behind in his warpath. The blur streaked back into the air, and stopped, becoming Supergirl, the daughter of Superman.
“OW.” Gigantus said., standing up. ”SUPERGIRL, HUH? WELL, AIN’T THAT JUST PEACHY. LEAST I RECOGNIZE YOU, NOT LIKE YOUR LITTLE FRIEND...”
“Um, thanks?” Supergirl shyly answered, her eyes turned red, and a blast of heat-vision hit Gigantus. The fire burned away the front of his shirt, but nothing more.
“THAT WASN’T SMART!” Gigantus roared his large fist flying into the near invulnerable Supergirl, flinging her through buildings.
In a turn of events, two invisible handcuffs clamped onto Gigantus’ wrists and in the distance, Starman and Wonder Warrior appeared.
“No, it wasn’t very smart to attack Ivy Town. We hope you enjoy prison.” Wonder Warrior said, with an amplified voice. An invisible mega-phone in front of his face. “You see, Gigantus. We’re the Titans West, and you’re going down.”
“I’M NOT GOING BACK TO THE INSTITUTION!” Gigantus roared, he ran through buildings towards Wonder Warrior and Starman, Wonder Warrior actually cringed at the extra-property destruction.
“Now, Starman.” Wonder Warrior said, making the invisible handcuffs yank Gigantus into the air. Gigantus’ gravity was taken away from him.
“Wow, the plan worked Wondy.” Starman smirked.
“Yeah it did. And it’s Wonder Warrior.”
“Yeah, and it’s red you’re wearing, not pink.” Starman laughed.
“It is red!” Wonder Warrior yelled. “C’mon, Spaceman, I think we’d better retrieve our giant friend.”
“I thought he was our enemy...” Starman joked, following Wonder Warrior up to the thinner atmosphere.
“What’s with the weird sense of humor?” Wonder Warrior asked.
“You shouldn’t have roomed me with the bug-obsessed freak.” Starman answered with a shrug.
“Oh, sorry. I didn’t know he acted like that.” Wonder Warrior said, “Let’s just retrieve Gigantus, and leave. Y’know this doesn’t add up.”
“Oh?” inquired Starman.
“Gigantus wanted us to stop him. We’ve just become a team. It doesn’t seem right,” explained Wonder Warrior.
“You think someone set this up?” asked Starman.
“Of course I do,” insisted Wonder Warrior.
“A little paranoid, isn’t it?” suggested Starman.
“Of course it is,” Wonder Warrior agreed with a smirk.
***
An underground lair somewhere in the United States…
“A very secret underground bunker,” commented a cold robotic voice.
“Of course it is.” Came a voice over a large screen. A fifty-something bald man watched Wonder Warrior’s conversation on his big screen, on another, Supergirl was helping with the clean-up, and Jemstone was explaining what happened to the Ivy Town Police Department.
“Good. Wonder Warrior will become more paranoid. He’s clever, using that invisible material, like a Green Lantern, actually. Too bad I didn’t get the whole team. Otherwise my plan would be ready.” The bald man smirked.
“You shouldn’t obsess with this--” said the cold, emotionless robotic voice.
“Quiet Brainiac! I shouldn’t have freed you. You’re nothing but trouble!” the bald man said, irritated.
“You need me, to test the Titans West. Isn’t that right, old friend? You know, I thought you died.” Brainiac said, completely emotionless.
“You should know better, Brainiac.” The bald man smirked. “I’ve risen from the ashes several times in my fifty-plus years.
“Perhaps. But 25 years is a long time to plan this. Why isn’t it ready yet?” Brainiac asked in almost a mocking tone.
“Because, you bucket of bolts, the team changed. I decided the weakest team must be destroyed first. Once the Titans East finds out that the Titans West has fallen, it will shatter their confidence and reserve.”
***
“Thanks for the help Titans. Any reason why he wanted you?” The commissioner of the Ivy Town Police Department said to Wonder Warrior.
“We’re not sure. But, are you certain Gigantus won’t be a problem?” Wonder Warrior asked.
“He’s drugged up at the moment. Anti-depressants were recommended for him, and he’s being transferred to Arkham Asylum. They say they can take care of him there. Despite, y’know, the constant break-outs,” the commissioner explained.
“Well, we’ll keep our eyes on him. Good day, commissioner.” Wonder Warrior said, he flew away, becoming a blur instantly, followed by the rest of his team.
“Sorry we weren’t much help.” Supergirl said, flying alongside Wonder Warrior.
“It’s fine, no-one really went toe-to-toe with him. I over-estimated your powers and training. I won’t make that mistake again.” Wonder Warrior said.
***
Back in the underground lair…
“No, you won’t Wonder Warrior, but, you’ve only got a few short months of being team leader, maybe less, if I turn you into a paranoid schitzo!” the bald man declared.
“He can’t hear you.” Brainiac said to the bald man who freed him from the Phantom Zone.
“Shut up, Brainiac, I already knew that!” retorted the bald man.
“I was just wondering if you were crazy. Last thing I need is a genius ruled by madness.” Brainiac said, his mechanical eyes actually rolled.
“Gee, thanks. Why’d I ever free you?” grumbled the bald man.
Brainiac started to answer, “Because you need me to--”
“I was talking to myself!” the bald man yelled impatiently.
“I assumed you were talking to me. After all, I’m an android, I’m not used to the monologue problem you human villains have...” Brainiac said, “Age hasn’t improved you has it?”
“Does it improve anyone?” snapped the bald man.
“Me. I’ve upgraded. 20 years of upgrades. Five while imprisoned in the Phantom Zone.” Answered Brainiac as his eyes started to glow.