Titans East Chapter 44 “A Cold, Dark Day”
Written by: Marcus Mebes & Power Guy
Co-conspirator: Green Lantern
Featured Artists: Christophe & RedOrion4
Video by: Stew
Edited by: Marcus Mebes


Crossroads Community Church, by a rural Colorado trailer park…

Wonder Woman surveyed the many people crowded within the walls of the small church. She gazed around at the hangings and decorations, feeling uncomfortable being there. She did not believe in Jesus Christ, and seeing the effigy crucified on a wooden cross so prominently displayed in the front of the church made her feel guilty. But what was she guilty about? It’s not as if she believed what happened to Him was real. But then, why was she thinking so hard about it? She averted her eyes and looked once again at the congregation.





Brushing a stray blonde lock from her face, she made eye contact with the pastor of the church, one Cody Driscoll, a former teammate—as well as an opponent—in her early days of being a Titan. It was strange to see someone that she had known to be eaten up with anger and self-loathing now leading a church. He had married her teammate Raven even, and had a son with her… who was now a member of the new generation of young heroes. Conner had told her once how he and Driscoll, then known as Risk, had met even earlier than that, here in Colorado at Cody’s old high school, and that he was impressed by Driscoll’s honesty and integrity. Perhaps he wasn’t such a bad guy. He did, after all, become a pastor. In a Christian church, even. Here came the guilt again. Perhaps she had been a Catholic in a previous life.

The church had a seating capacity of about fifty people, but more than that were crowded into the venerable hall. Only the front rows of chairs had been left, and the rest of them folded up and stored. An orange-skinned man that she recognized as Prince Ryand’r of Tamaran was ushering people in the church, making sure to keep a clear path in the back and down the center leading toward the pulpit. How on earth did he get here? she wondered. He was dressed in a suit and tie—unlike the other costumed heroes—and looked for all the world like he belonged there, if it hadn’t been for his green pupil-less eyes and orange skin and hair. There again she was thinking of stereotypes and religion. He obviously accepted this place, as she learned he was a youth pastor at the church now. Couldn’t she feel a bit more comfortable knowing that? She wondered if this was the best venue for a funeral, but then realized that NOTHING was the best venue for a funeral; let alone a funeral for six. “Why on earth did they ask ME?” she wondered. She almost said “Why in Hera’s name” but remembered she was in a Christian church.

She wrapped her cloak around herself, preferring to feel modest in this venerable situation. Wonder Woman did not think that showing bare legs in a church was appropriate, no matter what religion. At a sign from Pastor Driscoll and Ryand’r, she cleared her throat and addressed the quiet gathering.

“The Titans have a long history of glory and adventure,” began Wonder Woman. “When I joined the Justice League, I never left the Titans. We have a saying: ‘Once a Titan, always a Titan.’ And it’s true. We’ve lost so many members over the decades; but we never stopped going. When many of the Titans graduated to the League, we brought our feeling of family along with us.” She sighed and gazed at the faces in the crowd. In the front row, in full costume, sat family members, teammates, and friends of the fallen Titans of Justice. She wondered why they asked her to speak at the memorial, but at a look from Batman, she bit her lip and closed her eyes.

***

The Hall of Justice, the previous morning…

Palomé’s fingers slipped off the door handle quietly as he entered the common room of the Hall. His first impulse was to call out “hello?” to the building, but he knew only one soul was in it; and that soul was in despair. He knew it was Venus before he found her, for he could sense her anguish. Closing his eyes, he reached out with his soul-self and found that she was in Power Guy’s room.

He left the common room and strode through the hallway until he stood outside the door of his former teammate’s room. He placed his gloved fingers upon the handle, but stopped before he could turn the knob. There was something still sacred about it, even though the room’s sanctity had been violated by Venus being in it. Out of respect for Power Guy, he decided not to go in there to join her. Who knew what would happen if he was alone with Venus in her grief. He could tell, too, that she was drunk. Her emotions were in turmoil more than just sadness and loss would cause. Alcohol was behind that miasma. He reached out with his soul-self and enveloped her body with it.

In the darkness of Power Guy’s room, Venus did not see the dark, cloudy shape that slipped past the closed door and fell upon her. She was curled up on the large bed, an empty bottle of Malibu clutched in her hands. Her crying jag had ended hours ago, but she was still drained. Getting drunk had not helped either. She only felt worse.

But within moments, she felt herself relax, and her tension lifted. Venus’ eyelids fluttered as she felt the sorrow drain from her; and the grip on the bottle relaxed as it fell to the carpeted floor with a thump. For the first time in days, Venus smiled and sighed before she fell asleep.

As he walked back to the common room, Palomé shook off a feeling of unease. He nodded his head in understanding. Now he was burdened with her sorrow and grief, and had to dispel the emotions before they ate away at his soul. But what was this other feeling he was encountering from her now? Remorse? Regret? “Whatever,” he said, concentrating in an effort to shake off the emotions.

Palomé dialed his father’s phone number from the main landline telephone. “Hey Dad,” he said as Pastor Driscoll answered his phone. “Are y’all set for tomorrow?”

“Ryan’s got the sanctuary cleared already,” answered his father. “We’ve only left three rows of chairs up toward the front. I don’t know how we’re gonna fit everyone, but we’ll do our best.”

“And Wonder Woman’s agreed to give the eulogy?” asked Palomé hopefully. He knew that Cassandra Sandsmark had known his parents and the parents of the other teammates, and was excited to finally meet her. He hoped that she would dress more modestly than her skimpy bustier. As much as he regretted it, he did not want people to be staring lustily at the busty blonde woman when they should be focusing on the event.

“She did.” Pastor Driscoll paused, then added, “The congregation wanted to attend, but I asked them to wait until Wednesday night. I told them it would be respectful to the mourners. I didn’t like pushing them away like that. They only mean well.”

“I know, Dad. Thanks. I’ll see you soon.”

As he hung up the phone, Palomé knew that Nightvision had entered the Hall of Justice, and was already in the same room with him. “Glad you’re here,” he said, startling the dark night detective.

Nightvision had not made a sound, and was startled that the empath knew he was there. He realized that Palomé had powers like his mother, Raven, and that made him nervous.

“You’ll be there, tomorrow,” said Palomé, not expecting an answer. It was not a question, but a statement. “For Huntress.” He turned to face Nightvision, and saw that the other was standing directly behind him. His first impulse was to offer him a comforting hug, but he sensed Nightvision’s reticence and refrained from it. Instead, he offered his hand, which Nightvision surprisingly took.

“Someone had the caskets delivered here,” he told Nightvision. “They’re empty…”

“My grandfather,” replied the other, still shaking Palomé’s hand. “Bruce Wayne… he’s not really my grandfather, but…” Nightvision felt a wave of relief flow through him, and knew it was coming from his contact with the empath. Slowly, his mistrust left him, and he realized that he had been obstinate toward Palomé. “He had them delivered here.”

“You know,” said Palomé. “My mother knew your father. They were teammates for years, and really good friends. My name’s Lukas.”

“Brendon,” replied Nightvision, relieved that he knew he could trust the empath. He allowed Palomé to drain the fatigue and grief from him, and felt invigorated by it. “Thanks,” he added, giving his new friend the hug he needed. It was uncomfortable for him, but in his grief and the relief he buried his inhibitions. He stepped back and wiped the tears from his eyes. “I guess that’s why you’re here, huh?” he asked.

“What do you mean?” asked Palomé as he regarded the six wooden boxes lined up in the morning-darkened common room. They were all the best that money could buy: gleaming mahogany with red velvet linings and platinum trim.

Brendon—Nightvision—was glad that Palomé was there. The empath could deal with the tremendous emotions and take them in stride, and even relieve the sorrow to a degree; allowing the others to deal with it better. He did not reduce the severity of the situation; only helped make it bearable. “You’re here to help us fill these up,” he answered, pointing at the caskets.

The two heroes turned as Black Vulcan entered the Hall, coming into the common room. She was soon joined by the Stranger, Power Lad, Rapido, Whirlpool, Starman, Wonder Warrior and Wonder Man. Jemstone and Power Lad came in close behind, and by mid-morning, all the active and inactive members of the Titans of Justice were crowded in the common room of the Hall of Justice.

Each member had brought a memento, and several of them carried envelopes or notes that they deposited into the caskets. As the solemn gathering had nearly finished—some thought the idea of enclosing notes was brilliant and decided to do the same, which took time—a final member entered the common room. Her entrance silenced the whispers, murmurs and sniffles in the Hall.

Sargona strode over to the casket meant for Daniel Jordan, and looked into it. There were several notes, pieces of clothing, photos and even an old bible. She brushed her fingers along the inside, feeling the red velvet and the mementos within the coffin. She reached her hand into a pocket within her cloak and removed a small box wrapped with a string. She placed it within, next to the bible, and looked around at the others. Placing her hand on the lid, she asked, “Can we close them now?”

Palomé and Nightvision nodded, and looked around to make sure everyone else had made their peace. “Where’s Venus?” asked Nightvision of his teammate.

“She’s fine,” replied Palomé. He looked at the doorway of the common room, where Venus was standing hesitantly, holding a cardboard box in her hands. He held out his hand to her, and she strode over to join them. “We’re all here now,” he said to the general assemblage. “Are we ready to close the…” he did not want to say “caskets” or “coffins” or something so base as “boxes”, so instead he said, “…them?”

Venus said, “Wait. Please,” and then added, “let me do it.”

With no objections, the others stepped back and allowed her to stand next to the open coffins. She looked back at them, and then at the box in her arms. She snaked her hand into the box, withdrew something fragrant and delicate, and placed it in Power Guy’s casket before closing it. She did the same with the other five caskets and then discarded the box in a corner trashcan.

“There,” she said. “That’s that.”

***

Crossroads Community Church, present day…

Wonder Woman watched as the six caskets were carried by the pallbearers into the church, down the empty swatch of people in the center, to be set upon stands in the front by the pulpit. She knew the coffins were symbolic, since no bodies were recovered. In the carnage, there could be no hope of recovering a body. Likely they were burned to ash. She glanced at Batman and Catwoman, knowing that the world’s greatest detective would not stop until he had 100% proof that his daughter was dead. Batman stared grimly ahead as they walked, not seeing anything, nor making eye contact with anyone. Catwoman was crying softly behind him. Nightwing and Nightvision were on the other side of Huntress’s coffin, and they led the procession. They were the first to set the casket down upon the stand.

Though Superman, Power Woman, Superwoman and Supergirl all could have carried the weight of a full coffin with one finger alone, the weight of Power Guy’s near-empty coffin was almost more than they could bear. Each anguished face was turned downward, and they silently deposited the casket next to the first.

Nucleus’s coffin was borne by Hawkman, Hawkwoman, Strato Hawk, and the Atom, who followed suit. They were trailed by Flash, Liberty Belle, Hourman and Lady Light, who carried Junjie Quick’s coffin. The fifth casket’s entry was announced by a strangled sob from Sargona, as Green Lantern’s coffin was borne in by his father, John Stewart, Starman, and Air Wave. Wonder Woman raised her eyebrows, not recognizing the new Air Wave. She knew Starman was from the new Titans West team, but she had not seen the latter before now. Then again, there were several costumed heroes crowded into the church that she did not recognize.

Her attention was diverted to the final casket as it was carried inside. Green Arrow’s lip was bleeding; he was biting it so hard to keep from crying. Black Canary showed no signs of the despair that her husband felt, nor did Connor Hawke, behind her. But behind his father, Dark Arrow was having the worst time of it all, and threatened nearly to drop the casket as he trembled with agony. Tears flowed in torrents down his face, and he choked on his sobs, making awful, sorrowful noises as they proceeded. It was with relief and anguish that they deposited her coffin onto the stand next to the others.

Wonder Woman’s eulogy seemed to drag on and on, even though she had practiced it and timed it at no more than five minutes. She spoke of the courage, heroism, and sacrifice of the six young heroes individually, and the tragedy of their loss. But the assembly did not hear her words. They all seemed numb, and uncomfortable, and sad, and wanted it to end.

As if in a trance, the same pallbearers retrieved the coffins and carried them back out and to the small cemetery behind the parking lot of the church. They had all agreed that the small, out-of-the way cemetery next to the rural community church would be the best. It was off the beaten path, and their final resting places would not be disturbed by well-wishers or vandals alike. No one knew where this church was, so there was no fear that super-villains with no decency or morals would ravage the graves.

NOTE: The following video is part of the story. It is highly recommended that you watch the whole thing:



Interring the coffins seemed to take an eternity, and was prolonged as Pastor Driscoll spoke over each one, quoting from the book of Psalms. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.” He droned on, repeating the same sentiment over each one, and remained as the coffins were lowed, and covered with voluminous bouquets of white lilies, red roses, and lavender orchids.

The crowds of costumed heroes and heroines began to disperse, sharing comforting words with each other, offering handshakes, hugs, and even kisses here and there.

Prince Ryand’r and Pastor Driscoll left the cemetery and strode back to the church, where they alone remained to restore the seats to the sanctuary and clean up what mess was made by the many shoes tracking in mud and other evidence of a large funeral.

Out in the cemetery, only a handful of heroes along with the current members of the Titans of Justice remained. None spoke, but stood there, motionless, looking at each other. Dark Arrow had remained behind, and was staring into the hole in which his sister’s coffin was adorned with beautiful flowers. He glared angrily at the blooms, as if they were lying to him, trying to convince him that everything was fine. Flowers were telling him the world was beautiful, and that he shouldn’t have a care in the world. He grabbed a handful of dirt and threw it at the flowers, as if punishing them for their arrogance.

Atmosphere approached Dark Arrow. “Again, I’m sorry for your loss my friend,” the young hero said, trying to console the upset archer. He was the only one who had the courage to confront him.

“Thanks pal,” replied a grateful Dark Arrow, still gritting his teeth. He made meaningful eye contact with the other, and said, “I want to move ahead with our plan… immediately.”

“You’re sure about this?” asked Atmosphere. “You may not be thinking 100% clearly right now.”

“Oh, I’m thinking clear enough to know that this can’t wait much longer,” countered Dark Arrow. “In fact, I see some possible candidates here in the crowd.”

As the two heroes continued to talk, the new Air Wave made his way up to them. “Hey Arrow. It’s, uh… good… to see you again. Even though it’s not under the best of circumstances,” stammered the young hero.

“Good to see you too,” muttered Dark Arrow gloomily, not really meaning it. Then he realized who he was talking to. “This can’t be an easy day for you either with having to carry your cousin’s coffin.”

“No, it hasn’t,” admitted Air Wave. “The worst part about it is that I wanted to wear the green version of my Air Wave costume… you know: to honor Danny. But my dad misplaced it so I had to settle for the blue one. I’m having a new version of the green suit made. To use in the future.”

“So you’re really going to make this Air Wave thing a permanent gig?” asked a curious Dark Arrow. He was trying to get his mind off the funeral, but there was no escaping it. He flung another stone at the mocking flowers.

“Yeah,” affirmed Air Wave. “I’d like to pick up where Danny left off. You know… in memory of him.”

“Well, if you’re serious about this, I may have a proposition for you…” revealed Dark Arrow.


Meanwhile, several yards away…

Wonder Man was consumed with grief and uncertainty. With six of his teammates gone, would the Titans East have the adequate strength to carry on their mission? With two of the teams’ big guns gone, he was saddled with being the team’s powerhouse. As turned to walk away, he noticed Vixen and Totem standing close by. “Mari! Rachel!” he called out. “I thought you’d left with everyone else.”

The two African-American beauties turned in acknowledgment. “Hello Scott. I’m sorry for your loss,” offered Vixen. “You and your friends must be going through a lot right now.”

“That’s one way to put it…” sighed Wonder Man.

“Times like this are never easy,” agreed Vixen. “I remember when I first joined the JLA. Several months after I joined, Professor Ivo had Steel and Vibe killed. The team had been suffering for months but that was the final blow that tore us apart. What are you and the rest of the Titans of Justice going to do now?”

“Well, our future looks pretty uncertain right now… but I believe we can build the team back up. In fact, I was wondering if Rachel here would like a spot on the team?”

“When’s my first monitor-duty shift?” asked an excited Totem.

“Wait just a minute young lady,” interrupted Vixen. “You will NOT be joining the Titans of Justice any time soon.”

“But Mom, this is the opportunity of a lifetime!” retorted her daughter defensively.

“Mrs. Stewart, I know you’re a bit nervous about your daughter becoming a hero, but we would take the time to fully train her before she went out in the field,” pleaded Wonder Man.

“My daughter being a hero is not what I’m worried about,” revealed Vixen. “What I’m worried about is you and your team, Scott. Six of your teammates when off half-cocked and got themselves killed. And don’t get me started on Vibe. The original Vibe was MY teammate, and he died tragically. And how come you all didn’t have a big funeral for your Vibe?” She placed her hands on her hips and stared angrily at him. Her voice was rising, and he could tell she was near hysterics. “Was he just as worthless as the world thought MY Vibe was?” As the tears burst from her eyes, Mari controlled herself, and took a deep breath. She continued, after a moment. “Back in my day we occasionally did something stupid in the JLA, but we never hung out in a building that was laced with bombs. Maybe Superman would have done that but the rest of us knew better than to take a chance like that. I’m sorry but I don’t want my daughter ending up next to Nucleus or the Huntress in this cemetery.”

“Or next to Green Lantern, or Sonic Boom,” came the angry voice of Dark Arrow as he approached. “I can’t seem to find Vibe’s grave here,” he added, picking up on Vixen’s accusation. “Or in any other cemetery in this country, or on this planet even!” he said grasping at straws trying to bolster Vixen’s support.

“Look Arrow, I know you’re upset but this is none of your business,” stated Wonder Man firmly.

“None of my business?” he demanded, almost laughing. “NONE OF MY BUSINESS? You guys sent my sister and my best friend to their deaths! The h_ll it ain’t my business!” retorted Dark Arrow pointing his right index finger in Wonder Man’s face.

Nightvision was standing several feet away but saw the argument taking place and rushed over in hopes of cooling things down before they got any worse. “Okay guys, let’s take a step back from each other.”

“The high and mighty Nightvision,” spat Dark Arrow. “Where the h_ll were you when the bombs at S.T.A.R. Labs went off, huh? You’re probably the only one smart enough on this team to defuse the bombs and you were hundreds of miles away skulking in Gotham City!”

“Cool it Arrow!” ordered Nightvision. “Huntress is gone and she was like a sister to me.”

“Didi WAS MY SISTER you @&$#*<{!!!” yelled Dark Arrow as he cold-clocked the unsuspecting Nightvision in the jaw, knocking him off of his feet.





The pressure of the last few days had been eating away at Nightvision but this was the last straw. His anger finally erupted. “You want a piece of me, Arrow? Let’s go!” he said as he dove into Dark Arrow’s chest, knocking him off of his feet. The two heroes landed on top of each other and started exchanging blows.

Adrenaline was pumping fiercely through both of the heroes’ bodies. Punches were exchanged when finally the two heroes had their hands around each other’s throats.

Wonder Man reacted quickly and pulled Nightvision off of Dark Arrow. “Calm down Nightvision, this isn’t the time or place!”

Totem followed Wonder Man’s lead and whispered “Gorilla,” and used her new-found strength to hold back Dark Arrow. “Ease up big guy!”

Superman and the Flash, both of whom had remained in the church parking lot long after the others had departed, raced over to help dispel the situation.

“You two–take a breather!” ordered the man of steel. He looked at the two heroes in disgust. “After what happened to Power Guy and the others, I’m certainly not about to let two heroes tear each other apart. You both should know better than this.”

“I’m sorry Superman, it just makes me so… MAD when I think of how reckless and unprofessional the Titans have acted,” Dark Arrow said in defense. “I mean they’ve been around less than a year and this is the second time one of their missions has resulted in a fatality. And this time, it hit way too close to home.”

“I understand your point of view Dark Arrow, but we’re all upset and emotional now,” said Superman as he looked at the young heroes with compassion in his eyes. “We all need to take some time to reflect and then decide what the best course of action is for our futures. I think it’s best if we all go home now.”

“C’mon,” murmured Palomé, who had stood back when Dark Arrow and Nightvision had exchanged blows. The emotional overload he had absorbed over the past few days had depleted his strength, and he did not have the energy to intervene; but he still had enough strength to teleport. “I’ll take y’all home.” He extended his hands to Nightvision, Venus, Sargona, and a few others as they gathered around him, and were soon enveloped in his soul-self.

“Yeah,” grunted Dark Arrow, hurling a handful of dirt into the open grave of his sister. “I’m going ahead full speed with our plan,” he stated, looking directly at Atmosphere.