Post by Deleted on Mar 28, 2015 17:13:56 GMT -5
Titans East Chapter 53 – “Ladies Night Part 1”
Written by Scotty2Hotty, The Stranger, & Power Guy
Featured Artist: The Stranger
Edited by Marcus Mebes
A luxurious spa in Beverly Hills, CA…
Jerrica Benton relaxed as she listened to the soothing music of Sadé. A day at the spa, which was one of Beverly Hills’ most exclusive, was just what she needed. Jerrica had been working non-stop raising money for various charities and promoting her new album, which had hit #1 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart. In the chair next to her sat Jenna Kent, the current Supergirl. Jerrica had invited the young woman to accompany her to the spa and was surprised that Jenna had never pampered herself.
“Thanks so much for asking me to come with you today,” Jenna said as she yawned.
“I was happy to bring you. Every girl deserves a day of nothing but nail polish, makeup, and pedicures. With all of this super hero business, it’s important to treat ourselves,” Jerrica replied.
“Well, I certainly couldn’t afford this on my own. You will have to let me make this up to you somehow.” The fresh faced blonde smiled.
“Nonsense! If I can’t use my money to make others feel good, it’s of no use to me,” Jerrica said as she leafed through a gossip magazine, which featured a story about Jerrica and her manager Murray.
Jenna was very impressed. Jerrica Benton had more money than she knew what to do with, yet she was one of the most grounded and sweet women around. The two women soaked up the last few minutes of relaxation and made their way to the valet stand.
“Jerrica! Jerrica Benton! How lovely to see you!” It was Melody Hall, the former Electric Girl and now head of the most elite modeling agency in Los Angeles. Melody was also the wife of Hank Hall—who had gone by the name of Hawk during his costumed adventurer years. Their marriage was legendary in the hero community for lasting so long. Jenna Kent stood back as the supermodel and the singer chatted about celebrity life. “Jerrica, I would love for you to pose as Jemstone for a new line of clothing. Are you interested?” Melody asked.
“I sure am… but only if half of my salary would go towards some charity,” Jerrica replied with a smile.
“Oh yes, you are quite the philanthropist, aren‘t you? I am sure we can work it all out. I better get to my appointment. Hank’s meeting me later and I want to look extra beautiful for him tonight. See you later.” Melody waved to them as she entered the spa.
“Extra beautiful?” Jenna said. “She’s already perfect, what does she need done?”
“She’s the ultimate Beverly Hills wife, Jenna. Always wanting some new beauty treatment,” Jerrica said as the valet brought her car around.
“I’ve had fun hanging out today. We should do this again… soon!” the girl of steel said as she buckled her safety belt.
“You know what? You’re right. The Titans need a girls’ night out. All of us, both east and west coast! I’ll call everyone and we’ll all go out tonight!” Jerrica said excitedly.
“I can’t tonight. I have to meet my dad and Kara later for a surprise birthday party for my mom, but don’t let me stop you. Some of the other girls might want to go have drinks… and I’m not 21,” Jenna explained.
“If you’re sure…” Jerrica said as she picked up her cell phone to call Queen Bee.
***
Later that night…
The female members of the Titans of Justice, except Supergirl of course, had assembled in Jerrica’s penthouse apartment.
“Sargona! You look so cute!” Jerrica gushed, admiring her friend’s outfit.
“Oh it’s just something I whipped up!” the sorceress replied. Despite sounding so chipper, she was really not wanting to be with her teammates. The deaths of her teammates and her encounter with Black Orchid was still bothering her. She had only accepted Jerrica's invitation at Venus’s insistence. Venus was a good friend to her and there was little she could do to refuse a request from her.
“You’re the classiest ho I’ve seen!” Black Vulcan—in her civilian garb as Celeste—said as she elbowed her teammate, trying to get her in a festive mood. The former enemies had grown close and Celeste was excited to be hanging out with a group of girlfriends.
“And Isis! Look at you! You look like you could be Miss Egypt!” Jerrica said as she handed the regal goddess a glass of wine.
“Thank you. I am pleased to share this evening with friends. I’ve never had a ‘girl’s night out’,” Isis said, sipping her drink.
“Well don’t worry, girl. We won’t let you cheat on that beefy husband of yours!” shouted Latavia Duncan as she poured a tray of tequila shots for the girls. Once Queen Bee had passed them out, the girls took the shots simultaneously and let out a big “WOOOOOO!!!” then went downstairs. Jerrica had summoned her limo for the girls.
“Jerrica, I am so happy you suggested this. With all that’s happened, we need to let loose,” Venus whispered to her friend. “I’m just lucky that Lukas let me out of the house tonight.”
“Is he getting possessive?” asked Sargona.
“No, it’s just that I went hunting for Black Orchid the other night and blacked out for a while,” revealed Venus. “He was, um… kinda worried about me.”
“You went looking for Black Orchid??? By yourself???” Sargona shouted in disbelief. “Are you crazy or something?”
“Sar, she killed both of Lukas’ parents. I’m not going to let her get away with that,” replied a determined Venus.
“Didn’t you hear how easily she trounced Wonder Man, Isis, and Black Vulcan? You go after her alone and we’re going to have another funeral to attend,” commented Sargona. “And what’s this about you blacking out?”
“Well, as you know, I just learned that I can fly so maybe I just flew up too high and the lack of air got to me?” suggested Venus. “Anyways, I’m feeling great tonight and ready to PARTY PARTY PARTY!”
Soon, the limo was filled with the sounds of Jemstone’s latest CD and the girls were whooping it up.
Their first stop was The Roosevelt Hotel where Jerrica had booked a private dinner for her friends. The conversation was light and filled with laughter.
“So, Celeste, how does it feel to be free from Amanda Waller?” Jerrica asked.
“It feels great! I can finally do what I want… and I finally feel like a real member of the team!” the girl known as Black Vulcan replied.
Several of the girls were laughing at how chatty Isis was becoming. The usually reserved goddess was telling the girls ribald stories and jokes. Sargona was especially surprised at her teammate that she considered stuffy.
Venus spoke up. “Okay Isis, I am going to ask you something.”
“Go ahead Aphrodite… I mean Venus!” Isis giggled.
“What’s Black Adam like? I mean really like.”
“Oh, my dear Teth. He’s the kindest, most intense man. He could kill an elephant with his bare hands, but he’s so gentle. When I’m with him, it’s as if no one else exists. He brings me flowers and little trinkets. He is my heart.”
The other girls were held at rapt attention as Isis told them about Black Adam.
“But, there are some honorable men on both our teams. Handsome men,” Isis added, picking up a glass of water.
“Who do you all think is the hottest?” Venus asked.
“I’ll tell you!” Latavia started. “It’s Scott Trevor!—that face! That body!”
“Wonder Man?” Celeste said, startled. “He’s good looking and all, but he’s so full of himself… so vain! Do you all know how many mirrors he has in his quarters? It’s like a carnival attraction!” The other girls laughed as Celeste struck an exaggerated pose, much like a model.
“Scott’s really deep once you get to know him. I think up until now he’s gotten by on his looks, but with all that’s happened, he’s really stepped up as the team’s laeder,” Sargona added.
“And he’s been a good friend to me,” Venus stated.
“You’re just saying that because you hit the sheets with him!” Jerrica said laughing.
“That was just a one-time thing. While Palomé is the love of my life, Scott has become my best-friend. Scott’s the supermodel, but his cousin ranks pretty high too,” Venus replied, trying to get the attention off the topic of her one night stand. “He’s like a prince and so regal! But of course there‘s Palomé who is THE HOTTEST GUY ON THE TEAM!”
Sargona interrupted. “I think Green Lantern is really cute… he was hot as Starman, but he seems so confident… so self assured now.” The other girls wondered if Sargona had transferred her feelings for the deceased Green Lantern to the former Starman. They were also noticing her fake cheerfulness.
“Yeah, he’s pretty cool,” Latavia added. “What do you girls think about Nightvision?” she asked.
The table fell silent. Finally, Celeste said, “He’s sexy… in the silent kind of way.”
Isis replied, “It’s the quiet ones you have to watch out for! What about you Jerrica? Who is your special friend?”
Jerrica thought for a moment about Rio. She missed him terribly. “I really don’t have time for anyone. With all of my charity work…”
“That’s not what I read in Us Weekly!” Venus sneered. “Tell us about Murray Spaulding! I read that the two of you are an item!”
“Murray’s really cute… and sweet. But he’s my agent and that’s a line I don’t want to cross,” Jerrica explained as she signaled for the server to bring the bill.
Latavia smiled at her teammate and said, “I’d be happy to cross that line for you!”
***
Across town in an abandoned novelty warehouse…
A garish figure danced with carefree abandon. “I don’t know why the chicken dance is saved for weddings! It should be the next dance craze!” the man known only as Wildcard sang. “Whoa! Stop the music! Clear the aisle! I’m getting a hunch!” He shouted “Criss-cross applesauce!” and dropped to the floor and sat Indian style. “Aooooooo, aoooooo… it’s coming… I can see it! Where’s Lilith when I need her? Ah! It’s as plain as the beak on Golden Eagle’s helmet. My true love… my Jem. She’s going out tonight and I have to look my best to win her heart! Yes, I have to pre party before I hit the club!” he shouted as he jumped up and twirled a mannequin dressed as Jem around as the music played.
***
The Ghost Zone, Stranger’s inter-dimensional home…
The Stranger was resting during an uncharacteristically rare bit of downtime. It wasn’t very often he could relax in his home with his wife. Stranger and Jenna were cuddled on their couch reading when the doorbell rang.
Jenna piped up,” Who could be ringing our doorbell in the Ghost Zone? You know, you’ve made an awful lot of enemies since you got your powers.”
Stranger replied, “I doubt an enemy would ring the doorbell, my love. It can only be someone with mystic abilities or that annoying interdimensional huckster, Funky Flashman. When that man began traveling the astral planes, he has annoyed almost all of the Lords of Order and Chaos.”
Stranger glided towards the door and opened it. Standing there was a tall man with white hair in a dark suit, black cloak, and fedora hat. The Phantom Stranger had come to see his pupil.
“Please come in,” Stranger said. “What brings you to our humble home?”
“I am here on a mission of great importance,” the snowy haired man said.
Stranger gestured and his uniform appeared on him. “Tell me what menace we must face, my master, and I will help vanquish it.”
The Phantom Stranger waved his hand and the two men disappeared. Jenna was a bit miffed that she didn’t get a kiss goodbye. But that was one of the things that Stranger never forgot. Just as she thought that, Stranger’s face appeared and gave her a tender peck on the cheek. Jenna just smiled and went to the kitchen. She gestured and an ornate Celtic knife appeared in mid-air. She grabbed it and began reciting some incantation.
The Stranger and his mentor appeared in an area of darkness. When, suddenly, four huge forms appeared. The Phantom Stranger began to grow larger and took his place beside Izaya the Highfather, Zeus (there under protest), the wizard Shazam, and the Guardian of the Universe, Ganthet. Stranger was in the presence of the Quintessence, the council of elders that helped to maintain balance in the universe.
“Why is this cur in my presence?” the thundering voice of Zeus yelled.
Ganthet calmly responded, “Because it is your duty to witness this event. You knew this day would come.”
“He invaded Olympus and helped Hippolyta break my rules!” Zeus hissed back. “There is nothing here that could make me stay!”
“You will not leave this meeting!” Highfather commanded. “The four of us agree on this course of action and you will bear witness as is your duty!”
“Very well,” acquiesced the ruler of Olympus. “This will be done.”
The Stranger finally spoke, “Elders, why have you brought me before you? Surely my transgression on Olympus has been paid for. What is happening?”
Shazam spoke, “The time has come for your mentor to join us permanently. That will leave a void for a Lord of Order on the Prime Material Plane. You are to fill his position.”
Stranger fell to one knee and bowed. “I am not worthy of this honor, Great Shazam. I couldn’t prevent the death of some of Earth’s greatest heroes. I could not foresee the event. I trespassed on Olympus, which I do not regret. So, how can I ascend?”
Ganthet replied, “You have shown great courage and power young one. However, you temper your deeds with great compassion and humanity. There has not been an Agent of Order that could still stay grounded in his beliefs and be anchored to the mortal coil. That is a great strength, bur beware it could also be a weakness. What do you say, you who were known as John Stevens? Will you accept the mantle?”
“I will accept,” the Stranger replied.
Zeus gave a disapproving look, but he added his power to the others and began the ritual.
Stranger arose on a platform of light. Each of the elders imbued him with a small measure of their power.
“John Stevens, you will from this day forward be forever known as a Lord of Order. You will serve us well,” the Phantom Stranger recited. “Now I will return you home.”
Stranger and his mentor appeared in the living room before Jenna. They told her what was happening and she hugged her husband. She was very proud. She even kissed the Phantom Stranger on the cheek. He almost blushed.
The Phantom Stranger gestured, and his pupil was dressed identically to him.
Stranger said, “I’m sorry my master, I just don’t wear hats.”
“I see your human side still has a sense of humor,” Phantom Stranger said.
Jenna left the room and came back. She was holding a very beautiful jacket she had purchased in the Orient.
“Here, my sweet,” she said to her husband, “this will look much better on you that that stodgy old suit.”
The Phantom Stranger responded, “Yes, that look becomes you my student. You will make me proud and serve the cause of Order to help maintain the delicate balance in the universe.”
With that, the Phantom Stranger disappeared in a cloud of smoke. A new Lord of Order had been born.
***
The home of Rapido…
The young speedster had just found out about the death of his father, Mas, at the hands of Black Orchid. As much as he tried to resist, he could not hold back his tears. “d**n her! d**n her to hell!” he screamed. “Why do bad things keep happening to people that I care about?”
“You’ve been dealt a really bad hand, bro,” replied Rudy Lincoln-Tyler, the adopted brother of Junjie Quick. “First Junjie, and now your dad and uncle.”
“And the worst part about it is neither killer has been caught!” said an outraged Rapido. “Why haven’t the d**n Titans nabbed those two witches the Sting Ray and Black Orchid?”
“Who knows? Maybe they’re afraid,” suggested Rudy. “But hey, let’s not worry about what the Titans will or won’t do. I think we need to take matters into our own hands here.”
“I don’t know Rudy. I don’t want you getting involved,” replied Rapido. “You don’t have any powers. You’d be no match for someone like Black Orchid. Heck, even I don’t think I stand a chance.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” revealed Rudy. “Check this out,” he said pulling up his shirt exposing a hourglass-shaped patch on his chest. Pressing the device, his veins and muscles started to bulge. He grew two inches in height. Gone was the average man known as Rudy Lincoln; replacing him was a hulking powerhouse.
“Whoa dude!” exclaimed Rapido. “You’ve been messing with your dad’s Miraclo formula. I guess Junjie and I shouldn’t have made fun of you all those nights you buried your head in those chemistry books rather than going out with us.”
“Yup! For the next sixty minutes, I’ve got enough strength to lift a tank, enough speed to out-race a sports-car, and enough invulnerability to laugh at a bazooka. Just call me the Sixty-Minute Soldier. Now, let’s go avenge us some deaths…”
To Be Continued...
Written by Scotty2Hotty, The Stranger, & Power Guy
Featured Artist: The Stranger
Edited by Marcus Mebes
A luxurious spa in Beverly Hills, CA…
Jerrica Benton relaxed as she listened to the soothing music of Sadé. A day at the spa, which was one of Beverly Hills’ most exclusive, was just what she needed. Jerrica had been working non-stop raising money for various charities and promoting her new album, which had hit #1 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart. In the chair next to her sat Jenna Kent, the current Supergirl. Jerrica had invited the young woman to accompany her to the spa and was surprised that Jenna had never pampered herself.
“Thanks so much for asking me to come with you today,” Jenna said as she yawned.
“I was happy to bring you. Every girl deserves a day of nothing but nail polish, makeup, and pedicures. With all of this super hero business, it’s important to treat ourselves,” Jerrica replied.
“Well, I certainly couldn’t afford this on my own. You will have to let me make this up to you somehow.” The fresh faced blonde smiled.
“Nonsense! If I can’t use my money to make others feel good, it’s of no use to me,” Jerrica said as she leafed through a gossip magazine, which featured a story about Jerrica and her manager Murray.
Jenna was very impressed. Jerrica Benton had more money than she knew what to do with, yet she was one of the most grounded and sweet women around. The two women soaked up the last few minutes of relaxation and made their way to the valet stand.
“Jerrica! Jerrica Benton! How lovely to see you!” It was Melody Hall, the former Electric Girl and now head of the most elite modeling agency in Los Angeles. Melody was also the wife of Hank Hall—who had gone by the name of Hawk during his costumed adventurer years. Their marriage was legendary in the hero community for lasting so long. Jenna Kent stood back as the supermodel and the singer chatted about celebrity life. “Jerrica, I would love for you to pose as Jemstone for a new line of clothing. Are you interested?” Melody asked.
“I sure am… but only if half of my salary would go towards some charity,” Jerrica replied with a smile.
“Oh yes, you are quite the philanthropist, aren‘t you? I am sure we can work it all out. I better get to my appointment. Hank’s meeting me later and I want to look extra beautiful for him tonight. See you later.” Melody waved to them as she entered the spa.
“Extra beautiful?” Jenna said. “She’s already perfect, what does she need done?”
“She’s the ultimate Beverly Hills wife, Jenna. Always wanting some new beauty treatment,” Jerrica said as the valet brought her car around.
“I’ve had fun hanging out today. We should do this again… soon!” the girl of steel said as she buckled her safety belt.
“You know what? You’re right. The Titans need a girls’ night out. All of us, both east and west coast! I’ll call everyone and we’ll all go out tonight!” Jerrica said excitedly.
“I can’t tonight. I have to meet my dad and Kara later for a surprise birthday party for my mom, but don’t let me stop you. Some of the other girls might want to go have drinks… and I’m not 21,” Jenna explained.
“If you’re sure…” Jerrica said as she picked up her cell phone to call Queen Bee.
***
Later that night…
The female members of the Titans of Justice, except Supergirl of course, had assembled in Jerrica’s penthouse apartment.
“Sargona! You look so cute!” Jerrica gushed, admiring her friend’s outfit.
“Oh it’s just something I whipped up!” the sorceress replied. Despite sounding so chipper, she was really not wanting to be with her teammates. The deaths of her teammates and her encounter with Black Orchid was still bothering her. She had only accepted Jerrica's invitation at Venus’s insistence. Venus was a good friend to her and there was little she could do to refuse a request from her.
“You’re the classiest ho I’ve seen!” Black Vulcan—in her civilian garb as Celeste—said as she elbowed her teammate, trying to get her in a festive mood. The former enemies had grown close and Celeste was excited to be hanging out with a group of girlfriends.
“And Isis! Look at you! You look like you could be Miss Egypt!” Jerrica said as she handed the regal goddess a glass of wine.
“Thank you. I am pleased to share this evening with friends. I’ve never had a ‘girl’s night out’,” Isis said, sipping her drink.
“Well don’t worry, girl. We won’t let you cheat on that beefy husband of yours!” shouted Latavia Duncan as she poured a tray of tequila shots for the girls. Once Queen Bee had passed them out, the girls took the shots simultaneously and let out a big “WOOOOOO!!!” then went downstairs. Jerrica had summoned her limo for the girls.
“Jerrica, I am so happy you suggested this. With all that’s happened, we need to let loose,” Venus whispered to her friend. “I’m just lucky that Lukas let me out of the house tonight.”
“Is he getting possessive?” asked Sargona.
“No, it’s just that I went hunting for Black Orchid the other night and blacked out for a while,” revealed Venus. “He was, um… kinda worried about me.”
“You went looking for Black Orchid??? By yourself???” Sargona shouted in disbelief. “Are you crazy or something?”
“Sar, she killed both of Lukas’ parents. I’m not going to let her get away with that,” replied a determined Venus.
“Didn’t you hear how easily she trounced Wonder Man, Isis, and Black Vulcan? You go after her alone and we’re going to have another funeral to attend,” commented Sargona. “And what’s this about you blacking out?”
“Well, as you know, I just learned that I can fly so maybe I just flew up too high and the lack of air got to me?” suggested Venus. “Anyways, I’m feeling great tonight and ready to PARTY PARTY PARTY!”
Soon, the limo was filled with the sounds of Jemstone’s latest CD and the girls were whooping it up.
Their first stop was The Roosevelt Hotel where Jerrica had booked a private dinner for her friends. The conversation was light and filled with laughter.
“So, Celeste, how does it feel to be free from Amanda Waller?” Jerrica asked.
“It feels great! I can finally do what I want… and I finally feel like a real member of the team!” the girl known as Black Vulcan replied.
Several of the girls were laughing at how chatty Isis was becoming. The usually reserved goddess was telling the girls ribald stories and jokes. Sargona was especially surprised at her teammate that she considered stuffy.
Venus spoke up. “Okay Isis, I am going to ask you something.”
“Go ahead Aphrodite… I mean Venus!” Isis giggled.
“What’s Black Adam like? I mean really like.”
“Oh, my dear Teth. He’s the kindest, most intense man. He could kill an elephant with his bare hands, but he’s so gentle. When I’m with him, it’s as if no one else exists. He brings me flowers and little trinkets. He is my heart.”
The other girls were held at rapt attention as Isis told them about Black Adam.
“But, there are some honorable men on both our teams. Handsome men,” Isis added, picking up a glass of water.
“Who do you all think is the hottest?” Venus asked.
“I’ll tell you!” Latavia started. “It’s Scott Trevor!—that face! That body!”
“Wonder Man?” Celeste said, startled. “He’s good looking and all, but he’s so full of himself… so vain! Do you all know how many mirrors he has in his quarters? It’s like a carnival attraction!” The other girls laughed as Celeste struck an exaggerated pose, much like a model.
“Scott’s really deep once you get to know him. I think up until now he’s gotten by on his looks, but with all that’s happened, he’s really stepped up as the team’s laeder,” Sargona added.
“And he’s been a good friend to me,” Venus stated.
“You’re just saying that because you hit the sheets with him!” Jerrica said laughing.
“That was just a one-time thing. While Palomé is the love of my life, Scott has become my best-friend. Scott’s the supermodel, but his cousin ranks pretty high too,” Venus replied, trying to get the attention off the topic of her one night stand. “He’s like a prince and so regal! But of course there‘s Palomé who is THE HOTTEST GUY ON THE TEAM!”
Sargona interrupted. “I think Green Lantern is really cute… he was hot as Starman, but he seems so confident… so self assured now.” The other girls wondered if Sargona had transferred her feelings for the deceased Green Lantern to the former Starman. They were also noticing her fake cheerfulness.
“Yeah, he’s pretty cool,” Latavia added. “What do you girls think about Nightvision?” she asked.
The table fell silent. Finally, Celeste said, “He’s sexy… in the silent kind of way.”
Isis replied, “It’s the quiet ones you have to watch out for! What about you Jerrica? Who is your special friend?”
Jerrica thought for a moment about Rio. She missed him terribly. “I really don’t have time for anyone. With all of my charity work…”
“That’s not what I read in Us Weekly!” Venus sneered. “Tell us about Murray Spaulding! I read that the two of you are an item!”
“Murray’s really cute… and sweet. But he’s my agent and that’s a line I don’t want to cross,” Jerrica explained as she signaled for the server to bring the bill.
Latavia smiled at her teammate and said, “I’d be happy to cross that line for you!”
***
Across town in an abandoned novelty warehouse…
A garish figure danced with carefree abandon. “I don’t know why the chicken dance is saved for weddings! It should be the next dance craze!” the man known only as Wildcard sang. “Whoa! Stop the music! Clear the aisle! I’m getting a hunch!” He shouted “Criss-cross applesauce!” and dropped to the floor and sat Indian style. “Aooooooo, aoooooo… it’s coming… I can see it! Where’s Lilith when I need her? Ah! It’s as plain as the beak on Golden Eagle’s helmet. My true love… my Jem. She’s going out tonight and I have to look my best to win her heart! Yes, I have to pre party before I hit the club!” he shouted as he jumped up and twirled a mannequin dressed as Jem around as the music played.
***
The Ghost Zone, Stranger’s inter-dimensional home…
The Stranger was resting during an uncharacteristically rare bit of downtime. It wasn’t very often he could relax in his home with his wife. Stranger and Jenna were cuddled on their couch reading when the doorbell rang.
Jenna piped up,” Who could be ringing our doorbell in the Ghost Zone? You know, you’ve made an awful lot of enemies since you got your powers.”
Stranger replied, “I doubt an enemy would ring the doorbell, my love. It can only be someone with mystic abilities or that annoying interdimensional huckster, Funky Flashman. When that man began traveling the astral planes, he has annoyed almost all of the Lords of Order and Chaos.”
Stranger glided towards the door and opened it. Standing there was a tall man with white hair in a dark suit, black cloak, and fedora hat. The Phantom Stranger had come to see his pupil.
“Please come in,” Stranger said. “What brings you to our humble home?”
“I am here on a mission of great importance,” the snowy haired man said.
Stranger gestured and his uniform appeared on him. “Tell me what menace we must face, my master, and I will help vanquish it.”
The Phantom Stranger waved his hand and the two men disappeared. Jenna was a bit miffed that she didn’t get a kiss goodbye. But that was one of the things that Stranger never forgot. Just as she thought that, Stranger’s face appeared and gave her a tender peck on the cheek. Jenna just smiled and went to the kitchen. She gestured and an ornate Celtic knife appeared in mid-air. She grabbed it and began reciting some incantation.
The Stranger and his mentor appeared in an area of darkness. When, suddenly, four huge forms appeared. The Phantom Stranger began to grow larger and took his place beside Izaya the Highfather, Zeus (there under protest), the wizard Shazam, and the Guardian of the Universe, Ganthet. Stranger was in the presence of the Quintessence, the council of elders that helped to maintain balance in the universe.
“Why is this cur in my presence?” the thundering voice of Zeus yelled.
Ganthet calmly responded, “Because it is your duty to witness this event. You knew this day would come.”
“He invaded Olympus and helped Hippolyta break my rules!” Zeus hissed back. “There is nothing here that could make me stay!”
“You will not leave this meeting!” Highfather commanded. “The four of us agree on this course of action and you will bear witness as is your duty!”
“Very well,” acquiesced the ruler of Olympus. “This will be done.”
The Stranger finally spoke, “Elders, why have you brought me before you? Surely my transgression on Olympus has been paid for. What is happening?”
Shazam spoke, “The time has come for your mentor to join us permanently. That will leave a void for a Lord of Order on the Prime Material Plane. You are to fill his position.”
Stranger fell to one knee and bowed. “I am not worthy of this honor, Great Shazam. I couldn’t prevent the death of some of Earth’s greatest heroes. I could not foresee the event. I trespassed on Olympus, which I do not regret. So, how can I ascend?”
Ganthet replied, “You have shown great courage and power young one. However, you temper your deeds with great compassion and humanity. There has not been an Agent of Order that could still stay grounded in his beliefs and be anchored to the mortal coil. That is a great strength, bur beware it could also be a weakness. What do you say, you who were known as John Stevens? Will you accept the mantle?”
“I will accept,” the Stranger replied.
Zeus gave a disapproving look, but he added his power to the others and began the ritual.
Stranger arose on a platform of light. Each of the elders imbued him with a small measure of their power.
“John Stevens, you will from this day forward be forever known as a Lord of Order. You will serve us well,” the Phantom Stranger recited. “Now I will return you home.”
Stranger and his mentor appeared in the living room before Jenna. They told her what was happening and she hugged her husband. She was very proud. She even kissed the Phantom Stranger on the cheek. He almost blushed.
The Phantom Stranger gestured, and his pupil was dressed identically to him.
Stranger said, “I’m sorry my master, I just don’t wear hats.”
“I see your human side still has a sense of humor,” Phantom Stranger said.
Jenna left the room and came back. She was holding a very beautiful jacket she had purchased in the Orient.
“Here, my sweet,” she said to her husband, “this will look much better on you that that stodgy old suit.”
The Phantom Stranger responded, “Yes, that look becomes you my student. You will make me proud and serve the cause of Order to help maintain the delicate balance in the universe.”
With that, the Phantom Stranger disappeared in a cloud of smoke. A new Lord of Order had been born.
***
The home of Rapido…
The young speedster had just found out about the death of his father, Mas, at the hands of Black Orchid. As much as he tried to resist, he could not hold back his tears. “d**n her! d**n her to hell!” he screamed. “Why do bad things keep happening to people that I care about?”
“You’ve been dealt a really bad hand, bro,” replied Rudy Lincoln-Tyler, the adopted brother of Junjie Quick. “First Junjie, and now your dad and uncle.”
“And the worst part about it is neither killer has been caught!” said an outraged Rapido. “Why haven’t the d**n Titans nabbed those two witches the Sting Ray and Black Orchid?”
“Who knows? Maybe they’re afraid,” suggested Rudy. “But hey, let’s not worry about what the Titans will or won’t do. I think we need to take matters into our own hands here.”
“I don’t know Rudy. I don’t want you getting involved,” replied Rapido. “You don’t have any powers. You’d be no match for someone like Black Orchid. Heck, even I don’t think I stand a chance.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” revealed Rudy. “Check this out,” he said pulling up his shirt exposing a hourglass-shaped patch on his chest. Pressing the device, his veins and muscles started to bulge. He grew two inches in height. Gone was the average man known as Rudy Lincoln; replacing him was a hulking powerhouse.
“Whoa dude!” exclaimed Rapido. “You’ve been messing with your dad’s Miraclo formula. I guess Junjie and I shouldn’t have made fun of you all those nights you buried your head in those chemistry books rather than going out with us.”
“Yup! For the next sixty minutes, I’ve got enough strength to lift a tank, enough speed to out-race a sports-car, and enough invulnerability to laugh at a bazooka. Just call me the Sixty-Minute Soldier. Now, let’s go avenge us some deaths…”
To Be Continued...