Post by Deleted on Apr 10, 2015 5:34:03 GMT -5
Titans of Justice Unlimited #35 – “Crisis: Omen of the Phoenix Part 1”
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Edited & Maxi-Micros by: Power Guy
California, Earth 1…
Donna Troy and Scott Trevor hurried down the sidewalk. It was a beautiful day in Beverly Hills. Not a cloud in the sky and 83 degrees. Scott and his aunt were looking forward to having lunch with Lilith Clay-Terzano and both were concerned about her. She had not been her cheerful self lately. Soon, they saw her seated on the patio of one of the most exclusive restaurants and she waved to them.
Scott noticed she had a bucket of champagne on the table.
“A little early in the day to be hitting the sauce, isn’t it?” he smiled.
“Not today. In fact I have been drinking since this morning.” The pretty redhead grinned.
Scott could notice that behind Lilith’s sunglasses her eyes were red and swollen.
Donna asked, “Ok Lilith, I don’t have ESP, but I know when something is wrong with my best friend.”
Lilith sat her glass down and began to speak. “Having ESP is a curse. I’ve known for weeks…but confirmed it this morning. My husband, Franco, has been cheating on me….cheating with one of his skanky back up dancers!”
Donna and Scott both offered their support as Lilith went on. “I could tell something was wrong, didn’t even need my ESP. I guess all the time apart, all the time he was touring…..” Lilith started to cry.
“Dry those tears, Lilith. We’ll get you the best attorney in town!” Scott declared.
“Oh Lilith, I’m so sorry. “ Donna offered.
Lilith composed herself. “It’s ok. I’ve already hired an attorney and Franco is not going to contest the divorce. He’s even gone as far to make sure I am taken care of financially and I can keep the Beverly Hills house.”
Just then Donna and Scott noticed Lilith go into a trance.
In Lilith’s mind she saw a giant fiery bird…calling to her. Lilith looked around. Everywhere she turned she saw fire. Even the ocean was on fire.
“I am coming….coming home!” a voice called into her mind. “We are one, separated too long…..”
Just then Lilith’s eyes popped open and she gasped for air.
Scott kneeled beside her, taking her hand.
“Lilith, what…what did you see?”
Donna Troy had never seen her friend so shaken up before.
“I…I’m not sure….I think I just saw the end of the world…..”
***
Somewhere deep beneath the Earth…
Dr. Psycho sat an instrument panel working furiously. He glanced and saw Despera glaring at him.
“Any results yet Doctor?” I am growing tired of waiting.” She grunted.
“All in time, my dear.” Dr. Psycho grinned.
“I too am growing bored. When you infiltrated my church, promising me unlimited power I thought we would have progressed farther than this.” The man known as Brother Blood smirked.
“Despera, I offered you the chance to destroy the Titans of Justice. They have wronged us both over the years. Brother Blood, I offered you the chance to rule the earth…..with consideration to both myself and dear, lovely Despera…..”
Even though she was an alien, the way Dr. Psycho said her name and glared at her made Despera…uncomfortable.
“That is right my good doctor. I have hated anything to do with all the Titans over the years. Always some group of self-righteous do-gooders stopping my plans at every turn…”Brother Blood’s voice boomed from a throne of skulls and bones, a river of blood pouring behind him. Despite the tranquil sound, the visual effect was disturbing.
“Today is the day my friends. Recently we became aware of alternate dimensions, alternate worlds. Through my calculations, I have found the most powerful entity this universe—or any other has ever known! Behold the Phoenix!” Dr. Psycho gestured towards a screen.
“The Phoenix? What is this?” Brother Blood demanded.
“I have travelled all corners of the cosmos and never heard of such an entity. My father never spoke of this. I believe you are lying to us!” the daughter of Despero huffed.
“Nonsense!” Dr. Psycho retorted. “The Phoenix has terrorized this world I have discovered many times. Unfortunately there are heroes on this world that have thwarted it at every turn. I believe we can summon the phoenix to our world, contain and control it! It will do our bidding!”
Dr. Psycho went on to explain the history of the phoenix. He had been able to locate records of the phoenix along with its human hosts and defeat.
“Brother Blood, your connection to the occult arts and Despera’s knowledge of alien technology, along with my genius—we will control the phoenix and be unstoppable!”
Despara rolled her three eyes at Dr. Psycho’s comments. “You mentioned the phoenix needs a human host. Just who do you have in mind for that? Champion?”
“No, my dear. There is someone here that the Phoenix may confuse with its primary host. A low grade psychic named Lilith Clay. Brother Blood, she was connected to the original Titans years ago. She is more powerful than she knows, but we can control her…manipulate her. Trust me” Dr. Psycho smiled.
Brother Blood was silent for a moment. “Proceed good doctor. But know this, if your plan fails or you dare betray me. You will suffer more than any human has suffered before.”
Despara added, “Count me in, but don’t you dare double cross me!”
“Perfect!” Dr. Psycho added. “Now, let us prepare to open the portal between worlds!”
***
Meanwhile in an alternate universe...
Downtown Los Angeles was bustling as usual. Traffic tie ups, blue skies, and warm weather were in abundance. Wonder Man was the son of Simon Williams and Millie the Model. He streaked through the sky towards the headquarters of the Uncanny Avengers, a team comprised of legacies of both the Avengers and the X-men. He approached the building and could see Wolverine and Frost chatting in the meeting room. The headquarters had been donated to them by Warren Worthington III as the building was the former headquarters for the short-lived team, The Champions.
“What a beautiful day and here I am to make it even more beautiful!” Wonder Man smiled.
Wolverine shrugged as Frost stared at his teammate. “Shouldn’t you be off to a waxing appointment?” he said flatly.
“No way, man! Chest hair is back in this summer!” Wonder Man boasted. He often drew the ire of his teammates as he did not take superheroing very seriously. In his secret identity of Scott Williams, he was the ‘star’ of many reality shows and often made the celebrity gossip websites for his numerous affairs and drunken nights.
“I’m surprised you could fit your ego in the building today, Wonder Man.” Wolverine chided. Despite the years, Logan still looked incredibly young. After the X-Men disbanded he signed on as the Uncanny Avengers government liaison. Better to know what the government was up to than not, was his reasoning. Several of the X-Men and Avengers had retired from their careers and their children and others had taken up their mantles. The Uncanny Avengers were very successful and Logan was pleased that mutants had come to be accepted and no longer feared as they had been in the past.
Despite Frost’s remarks, he enjoyed being on the team. He had inherited his mother’s powers as well as her aloof demeanor. “Wonder Man, if you can come down to Earth, Freedom Falcon has spotted something we need to see. Plus, my psychic powers are showing me something terrible coming……”
“Oh, it’s probably just a terrible offer for me to star in some B rate movie. Nothing to worry about I’m sure.” Wonder Man smiled.
The trio joined Freedom Falcon, Red Hammer, Magneto, and Marvel Man in the monitor room.
Freedom Falcon was chipper and upbeat as usual, despite the news she had to share. Her father, the original Falcon did not approve of her becoming an Avenger, however her mother, Firebird was able to sway him.
“Gentlemen, I believe we are in big trouble.” She began. “Look at the pictures our deep space satellite picked up.”
Magneto looked at the images. “That looks like the phoenix!” My parents told me all about it and we all remember hearing about what it did to Jean Grey!”
Magneto's parents were Alex Summers and Lorna Dane aka Havok and Polaris of the X-men. Magneto's real name is Erik, named after his grandfather the original Magneto. Erik had struggled with his powers, inheriting both of his parents’ mutant abilities. With one hand, he could control all things magnetic and with the other, he could emit concussive cosmic blasts. With the help of his grandfather, the original Magento and his parents, he soon mastered the control of his powers and became a very high profile hero.
Wolverine instantly became uncomfortable. “Where is it now?”
Red Hammer began speaking in Russian.
“Man, somebody get him Rosetta Stone already!” Wonder Man huffed.
“He doesn’t want Rosetta Stone because learning English means he would have to listen to you!” Frost retorted. “Red Hammer is merely saying that he too knows all about the Phoenix and what it did to his father and aunt.” Using his mental abilities, Frost often acted as Red Hammer’s translator.
Red Hammer was new to the team and the United States. His teammates could tell he was agitated and upset about the Phoenix.
“We’re in big trouble if the Phoenix is coming. Half the team is gone on a top secret mission for the government and even we don’t know where they are.” Marvel Man said. Marvel Man recalled hearing stories about the phoenix and the cosmic power it controlled. Despite being the son of Ms. Marvel and wielding powers that matched her own, the news of the Phoenix made him a bit apprehensive.
Just then Frost doubled over. Blood poured from his nose. “AGGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!” he screamed.
Red Hammer grabbed Frost, trying to comfort him.
“Frost, what is it?” Freedom Falcon said in a calm voice.
“The Phoenix….it…it’s here…..and it wants…me!”
The assembled team noticed the temperature in the room become hot and very bright. They all turned and saw the Phoenix hurtling towards them, flying over the Pacific Ocean. The ocean caught fire as it approached. Just then the windows in the building shattered as flames engulfed Frost.
On the sidewalk below, Sebastian Shaw smiled. “Ah, right on time.” The leader of the Hellfire Club backed into the darkness of an alley and waited.
***
Back on Earth-1...
“What is the hold up, Dr. Psycho? Open the portal already and bring the Phoenix here!” Despera demanded.
Dr. Psycho was furiously twisting knobs and typing away.
“Something is wrong. I have everything set up to open the portal and draw the phoenix here. It’s like it knows that we are trying to capture it. I believe it has attached itself to someone in its own world….a psychic…..a strong one….”
“You fool! If you have opened the door to another universe full of heroes, I will rip your heart out and dine on it!” Brother Blood yelled, stomping towards Dr. Psycho and Despera.
“Be quiet!” Dr. Psycho demanded. “I have to concentrate! When I tell you, get outside and aim your staff at the sky. Despera go with him!”
Brother Blood’s staff was centuries old and had infinite mystical powers and energies. Dr. Psycho was sure that the staff, Despera’s alien technology and mental powers, and his own psychic abilities could open the portal between worlds and lure the Phoenix.
“Go! NOW!” Dr. Psycho demanded.
Back on the world of the Uncanny Avengers, the Phoenix rose to the sky.
“Look at it! It’s like it’s trying to take Frost’s form, but it’s struggling!” Freedom Falcon shouted.
“Maybe Frost is fighting it! Come on Frost, fight! Fight!” Marvel Man urged.
Wolverine watched. “Be ready. If the phoenix overtakes him, we may have to fight him…to the death.”
"But Frost is our friend! There has to be another way. Maybe I can combine my powers, somehow reach him before it comes to that!" Magneto urged.
Marvel Man did not like hearing Wolverine's words, but he knew once someone was possessed by the phoenix, death was often the only option.
Deep within the Phoenix, Frost found himself in a room, white hot and ever changing. He had turned to diamond form, but something told him he would be unhurt if he changed to human. He knew he was in the white hot room, the soul of the Phoenix where all knowledge dwelled, all realities met.
“The power here….it’s overwhelming….” He gasped as he could feel the Phoenix trying to claim his soul. “Have to use every trick Mother taught me….have to stay in control…but it would feel so good….to embrace….”
Just then he felt as if he were being torn apart. Alien thoughts filled his head. “You…someone is trying to summon you…out of our world…to theirs….that is why you sought me out….an anchor to keep you here….AGHHHHH!!!!” The thoughts were like tiny daggers in his brain. More thoughts entered his head. “jean grey? She died a long time ago? You were the reason….she couldn’t handle your power…..I can’t either! No, I don’t know how to find her…she’s dead! AGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!” Frost doubled over and screamed.
“Look at the sky! It’s opening!” Wonder Man shouted. The sky opened and blue energy poured out along with lightning bolts. People on the streets below screamed and ran for cover.
“And look out at the ocean, it’s back to normal.” Freedom Falcon said.
“The Phoenix, it’s going towards the portal, with Frost!” Marvel Man said. “We can’t let it take him!”
“Quickly, we have to go! Things are settled down here and I’m sure the others will be back soon.” Wolverine said. “Freedom Falcon, you Marvel Man, and Wonder Man all fly to the portal.
The three of them took off. Wolverine gestured at Magneto and Red Hammer. Red Hammer understood and picked up Wolverine and took a running jump towards the portal. Magneto used his powers to help propel the three of them towards the portal. The phoenix was slowly being drawn away.
“Where are we going?” Freedom Falcon asked as she flew into the portal.
“I’m not sure, but we can’t lose Frost!” Marvel Man said, uncharacteristic fear in his voice. For once, Wonder Man was silent. Within seconds, Red Hammer, Magneto, and Wolverine flew into the portal.
"NAIL!!! NAIL!!!!" Red Hammer shouted. Magneto knew that was the only English word his Russian teammate knew and it signaled he was ready to fight.
"Save your energy friend, I have a feeling we are going to need it." Magneto said, looking towards Red Hammer.
Sebastian Shaw watched. “What is going on? I worked so hard to summon the Phoenix! I had found a new host and my plan was flawless! What the hell is going on here!?” He soon climbed to the top of the Uncanny Avengers headquarters and launched himself towards the portal. He was able to make it to the portal just as it closed.
***
Back on Earth 1, Brother Blood held his staff towards the sky. A giant bolt of lightning came down and sent him flying through a massive boulder.
“Blood!” Despera shouted. Just then she felt the ground beneath her feet begin to shake. She felt intense heat and noticed the sky turning blood red. Black clouds began to roll and silver lightning flashed. She began to feel fear overtake her. “What have we done?”
Across the globe, geographical disturbances began. Electricity shut off, technology failed.
Egypt: Black Adam heard Isis scream. He ran to his wife and saw her eyes. They were solid white.
‘It’s coming…..” she uttered.
Fawcett City: Corporal Marvel was getting ready to fly out on patrol. He felt his eyes roll back in his head as his body went weak, causing him to drop his hammer as he mumbled, “It’s coming…..”
The Hall of Justice: Power Guy was talking with Sargona. “Did you have any luck figuring out who could have set Zy-Kree free?”
Sargona smiled and replied, “Actually, I did. My spell of revelation determined it was our old buddy Ebenezer Faust. He must be on Punchline’s new team as we….” She suddenly began to stutter and dropped her spell book. Power Guy ran to his girlfriend’s side, cradled her, and noticed her eyes turn a milky white.
“It’s coming…….” She gasped.
Outer Space: Green Lantern noticed his ring emitting a bizarre light. He felt a foreign energy pulsate through him.
“It’s coming…….” announced his ring.
Central City: The Flash stumbled and slowed down suddenly. He felt disconnected from the Speed Force for a moment. Energy suddenly surged through him. "It's coming...." he heard a voice in his head.
London, England: Kid Comet flew through the sky over the Tower of London. "Arghhhhh!" he screamed out as mental energy surged through his brain. He plummeted to the ground. Upon standing he muttered, "It's coming......"
Slaughter Swamp: Apotheosis searched for clues as to the whereabouts of the members of the Legion of Doom. A feeling of dread came over him as he felt a foreign energy pass through him. He caught his reflection in the water, his eyes a milky white. "It's coming...." he gasped.
***
Back in Beverly Hills, people were panicked due to the red skies.
Donna Troy remembered another time the skies had turned red. “Scott, this is bad. Signal your teammates, quickly. The fabric between dimensions is being torn open.”
“On it!” he said, noticing Lilith. She was shaking, eyes solid white.
Scott’s and Donna’s eyes widened in horror as they saw a giant, screaming bird rise above the city skyline.
“It’s coming….coming for me…..” Lilith said as the city shook around them.
TO BE CONTINUED!
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Edited & Maxi-Micros by: Power Guy
California, Earth 1…
Donna Troy and Scott Trevor hurried down the sidewalk. It was a beautiful day in Beverly Hills. Not a cloud in the sky and 83 degrees. Scott and his aunt were looking forward to having lunch with Lilith Clay-Terzano and both were concerned about her. She had not been her cheerful self lately. Soon, they saw her seated on the patio of one of the most exclusive restaurants and she waved to them.
Scott noticed she had a bucket of champagne on the table.
“A little early in the day to be hitting the sauce, isn’t it?” he smiled.
“Not today. In fact I have been drinking since this morning.” The pretty redhead grinned.
Scott could notice that behind Lilith’s sunglasses her eyes were red and swollen.
Donna asked, “Ok Lilith, I don’t have ESP, but I know when something is wrong with my best friend.”
Lilith sat her glass down and began to speak. “Having ESP is a curse. I’ve known for weeks…but confirmed it this morning. My husband, Franco, has been cheating on me….cheating with one of his skanky back up dancers!”
Donna and Scott both offered their support as Lilith went on. “I could tell something was wrong, didn’t even need my ESP. I guess all the time apart, all the time he was touring…..” Lilith started to cry.
“Dry those tears, Lilith. We’ll get you the best attorney in town!” Scott declared.
“Oh Lilith, I’m so sorry. “ Donna offered.
Lilith composed herself. “It’s ok. I’ve already hired an attorney and Franco is not going to contest the divorce. He’s even gone as far to make sure I am taken care of financially and I can keep the Beverly Hills house.”
Just then Donna and Scott noticed Lilith go into a trance.
In Lilith’s mind she saw a giant fiery bird…calling to her. Lilith looked around. Everywhere she turned she saw fire. Even the ocean was on fire.
“I am coming….coming home!” a voice called into her mind. “We are one, separated too long…..”
Just then Lilith’s eyes popped open and she gasped for air.
Scott kneeled beside her, taking her hand.
“Lilith, what…what did you see?”
Donna Troy had never seen her friend so shaken up before.
“I…I’m not sure….I think I just saw the end of the world…..”
***
Somewhere deep beneath the Earth…
Dr. Psycho sat an instrument panel working furiously. He glanced and saw Despera glaring at him.
“Any results yet Doctor?” I am growing tired of waiting.” She grunted.
“All in time, my dear.” Dr. Psycho grinned.
“I too am growing bored. When you infiltrated my church, promising me unlimited power I thought we would have progressed farther than this.” The man known as Brother Blood smirked.
“Despera, I offered you the chance to destroy the Titans of Justice. They have wronged us both over the years. Brother Blood, I offered you the chance to rule the earth…..with consideration to both myself and dear, lovely Despera…..”
Even though she was an alien, the way Dr. Psycho said her name and glared at her made Despera…uncomfortable.
“That is right my good doctor. I have hated anything to do with all the Titans over the years. Always some group of self-righteous do-gooders stopping my plans at every turn…”Brother Blood’s voice boomed from a throne of skulls and bones, a river of blood pouring behind him. Despite the tranquil sound, the visual effect was disturbing.
“Today is the day my friends. Recently we became aware of alternate dimensions, alternate worlds. Through my calculations, I have found the most powerful entity this universe—or any other has ever known! Behold the Phoenix!” Dr. Psycho gestured towards a screen.
“The Phoenix? What is this?” Brother Blood demanded.
“I have travelled all corners of the cosmos and never heard of such an entity. My father never spoke of this. I believe you are lying to us!” the daughter of Despero huffed.
“Nonsense!” Dr. Psycho retorted. “The Phoenix has terrorized this world I have discovered many times. Unfortunately there are heroes on this world that have thwarted it at every turn. I believe we can summon the phoenix to our world, contain and control it! It will do our bidding!”
Dr. Psycho went on to explain the history of the phoenix. He had been able to locate records of the phoenix along with its human hosts and defeat.
“Brother Blood, your connection to the occult arts and Despera’s knowledge of alien technology, along with my genius—we will control the phoenix and be unstoppable!”
Despara rolled her three eyes at Dr. Psycho’s comments. “You mentioned the phoenix needs a human host. Just who do you have in mind for that? Champion?”
“No, my dear. There is someone here that the Phoenix may confuse with its primary host. A low grade psychic named Lilith Clay. Brother Blood, she was connected to the original Titans years ago. She is more powerful than she knows, but we can control her…manipulate her. Trust me” Dr. Psycho smiled.
Brother Blood was silent for a moment. “Proceed good doctor. But know this, if your plan fails or you dare betray me. You will suffer more than any human has suffered before.”
Despara added, “Count me in, but don’t you dare double cross me!”
“Perfect!” Dr. Psycho added. “Now, let us prepare to open the portal between worlds!”
***
Meanwhile in an alternate universe...
Downtown Los Angeles was bustling as usual. Traffic tie ups, blue skies, and warm weather were in abundance. Wonder Man was the son of Simon Williams and Millie the Model. He streaked through the sky towards the headquarters of the Uncanny Avengers, a team comprised of legacies of both the Avengers and the X-men. He approached the building and could see Wolverine and Frost chatting in the meeting room. The headquarters had been donated to them by Warren Worthington III as the building was the former headquarters for the short-lived team, The Champions.
“What a beautiful day and here I am to make it even more beautiful!” Wonder Man smiled.
Wolverine shrugged as Frost stared at his teammate. “Shouldn’t you be off to a waxing appointment?” he said flatly.
“No way, man! Chest hair is back in this summer!” Wonder Man boasted. He often drew the ire of his teammates as he did not take superheroing very seriously. In his secret identity of Scott Williams, he was the ‘star’ of many reality shows and often made the celebrity gossip websites for his numerous affairs and drunken nights.
“I’m surprised you could fit your ego in the building today, Wonder Man.” Wolverine chided. Despite the years, Logan still looked incredibly young. After the X-Men disbanded he signed on as the Uncanny Avengers government liaison. Better to know what the government was up to than not, was his reasoning. Several of the X-Men and Avengers had retired from their careers and their children and others had taken up their mantles. The Uncanny Avengers were very successful and Logan was pleased that mutants had come to be accepted and no longer feared as they had been in the past.
Despite Frost’s remarks, he enjoyed being on the team. He had inherited his mother’s powers as well as her aloof demeanor. “Wonder Man, if you can come down to Earth, Freedom Falcon has spotted something we need to see. Plus, my psychic powers are showing me something terrible coming……”
“Oh, it’s probably just a terrible offer for me to star in some B rate movie. Nothing to worry about I’m sure.” Wonder Man smiled.
The trio joined Freedom Falcon, Red Hammer, Magneto, and Marvel Man in the monitor room.
Freedom Falcon was chipper and upbeat as usual, despite the news she had to share. Her father, the original Falcon did not approve of her becoming an Avenger, however her mother, Firebird was able to sway him.
“Gentlemen, I believe we are in big trouble.” She began. “Look at the pictures our deep space satellite picked up.”
Magneto looked at the images. “That looks like the phoenix!” My parents told me all about it and we all remember hearing about what it did to Jean Grey!”
Magneto's parents were Alex Summers and Lorna Dane aka Havok and Polaris of the X-men. Magneto's real name is Erik, named after his grandfather the original Magneto. Erik had struggled with his powers, inheriting both of his parents’ mutant abilities. With one hand, he could control all things magnetic and with the other, he could emit concussive cosmic blasts. With the help of his grandfather, the original Magento and his parents, he soon mastered the control of his powers and became a very high profile hero.
Wolverine instantly became uncomfortable. “Where is it now?”
Red Hammer began speaking in Russian.
“Man, somebody get him Rosetta Stone already!” Wonder Man huffed.
“He doesn’t want Rosetta Stone because learning English means he would have to listen to you!” Frost retorted. “Red Hammer is merely saying that he too knows all about the Phoenix and what it did to his father and aunt.” Using his mental abilities, Frost often acted as Red Hammer’s translator.
Red Hammer was new to the team and the United States. His teammates could tell he was agitated and upset about the Phoenix.
“We’re in big trouble if the Phoenix is coming. Half the team is gone on a top secret mission for the government and even we don’t know where they are.” Marvel Man said. Marvel Man recalled hearing stories about the phoenix and the cosmic power it controlled. Despite being the son of Ms. Marvel and wielding powers that matched her own, the news of the Phoenix made him a bit apprehensive.
Just then Frost doubled over. Blood poured from his nose. “AGGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!” he screamed.
Red Hammer grabbed Frost, trying to comfort him.
“Frost, what is it?” Freedom Falcon said in a calm voice.
“The Phoenix….it…it’s here…..and it wants…me!”
The assembled team noticed the temperature in the room become hot and very bright. They all turned and saw the Phoenix hurtling towards them, flying over the Pacific Ocean. The ocean caught fire as it approached. Just then the windows in the building shattered as flames engulfed Frost.
On the sidewalk below, Sebastian Shaw smiled. “Ah, right on time.” The leader of the Hellfire Club backed into the darkness of an alley and waited.
***
Back on Earth-1...
“What is the hold up, Dr. Psycho? Open the portal already and bring the Phoenix here!” Despera demanded.
Dr. Psycho was furiously twisting knobs and typing away.
“Something is wrong. I have everything set up to open the portal and draw the phoenix here. It’s like it knows that we are trying to capture it. I believe it has attached itself to someone in its own world….a psychic…..a strong one….”
“You fool! If you have opened the door to another universe full of heroes, I will rip your heart out and dine on it!” Brother Blood yelled, stomping towards Dr. Psycho and Despera.
“Be quiet!” Dr. Psycho demanded. “I have to concentrate! When I tell you, get outside and aim your staff at the sky. Despera go with him!”
Brother Blood’s staff was centuries old and had infinite mystical powers and energies. Dr. Psycho was sure that the staff, Despera’s alien technology and mental powers, and his own psychic abilities could open the portal between worlds and lure the Phoenix.
“Go! NOW!” Dr. Psycho demanded.
Back on the world of the Uncanny Avengers, the Phoenix rose to the sky.
“Look at it! It’s like it’s trying to take Frost’s form, but it’s struggling!” Freedom Falcon shouted.
“Maybe Frost is fighting it! Come on Frost, fight! Fight!” Marvel Man urged.
Wolverine watched. “Be ready. If the phoenix overtakes him, we may have to fight him…to the death.”
"But Frost is our friend! There has to be another way. Maybe I can combine my powers, somehow reach him before it comes to that!" Magneto urged.
Marvel Man did not like hearing Wolverine's words, but he knew once someone was possessed by the phoenix, death was often the only option.
Deep within the Phoenix, Frost found himself in a room, white hot and ever changing. He had turned to diamond form, but something told him he would be unhurt if he changed to human. He knew he was in the white hot room, the soul of the Phoenix where all knowledge dwelled, all realities met.
“The power here….it’s overwhelming….” He gasped as he could feel the Phoenix trying to claim his soul. “Have to use every trick Mother taught me….have to stay in control…but it would feel so good….to embrace….”
Just then he felt as if he were being torn apart. Alien thoughts filled his head. “You…someone is trying to summon you…out of our world…to theirs….that is why you sought me out….an anchor to keep you here….AGHHHHH!!!!” The thoughts were like tiny daggers in his brain. More thoughts entered his head. “jean grey? She died a long time ago? You were the reason….she couldn’t handle your power…..I can’t either! No, I don’t know how to find her…she’s dead! AGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!” Frost doubled over and screamed.
“Look at the sky! It’s opening!” Wonder Man shouted. The sky opened and blue energy poured out along with lightning bolts. People on the streets below screamed and ran for cover.
“And look out at the ocean, it’s back to normal.” Freedom Falcon said.
“The Phoenix, it’s going towards the portal, with Frost!” Marvel Man said. “We can’t let it take him!”
“Quickly, we have to go! Things are settled down here and I’m sure the others will be back soon.” Wolverine said. “Freedom Falcon, you Marvel Man, and Wonder Man all fly to the portal.
The three of them took off. Wolverine gestured at Magneto and Red Hammer. Red Hammer understood and picked up Wolverine and took a running jump towards the portal. Magneto used his powers to help propel the three of them towards the portal. The phoenix was slowly being drawn away.
“Where are we going?” Freedom Falcon asked as she flew into the portal.
“I’m not sure, but we can’t lose Frost!” Marvel Man said, uncharacteristic fear in his voice. For once, Wonder Man was silent. Within seconds, Red Hammer, Magneto, and Wolverine flew into the portal.
"NAIL!!! NAIL!!!!" Red Hammer shouted. Magneto knew that was the only English word his Russian teammate knew and it signaled he was ready to fight.
"Save your energy friend, I have a feeling we are going to need it." Magneto said, looking towards Red Hammer.
Sebastian Shaw watched. “What is going on? I worked so hard to summon the Phoenix! I had found a new host and my plan was flawless! What the hell is going on here!?” He soon climbed to the top of the Uncanny Avengers headquarters and launched himself towards the portal. He was able to make it to the portal just as it closed.
***
Back on Earth 1, Brother Blood held his staff towards the sky. A giant bolt of lightning came down and sent him flying through a massive boulder.
“Blood!” Despera shouted. Just then she felt the ground beneath her feet begin to shake. She felt intense heat and noticed the sky turning blood red. Black clouds began to roll and silver lightning flashed. She began to feel fear overtake her. “What have we done?”
Across the globe, geographical disturbances began. Electricity shut off, technology failed.
Egypt: Black Adam heard Isis scream. He ran to his wife and saw her eyes. They were solid white.
‘It’s coming…..” she uttered.
Fawcett City: Corporal Marvel was getting ready to fly out on patrol. He felt his eyes roll back in his head as his body went weak, causing him to drop his hammer as he mumbled, “It’s coming…..”
The Hall of Justice: Power Guy was talking with Sargona. “Did you have any luck figuring out who could have set Zy-Kree free?”
Sargona smiled and replied, “Actually, I did. My spell of revelation determined it was our old buddy Ebenezer Faust. He must be on Punchline’s new team as we….” She suddenly began to stutter and dropped her spell book. Power Guy ran to his girlfriend’s side, cradled her, and noticed her eyes turn a milky white.
“It’s coming…….” She gasped.
Outer Space: Green Lantern noticed his ring emitting a bizarre light. He felt a foreign energy pulsate through him.
“It’s coming…….” announced his ring.
Central City: The Flash stumbled and slowed down suddenly. He felt disconnected from the Speed Force for a moment. Energy suddenly surged through him. "It's coming...." he heard a voice in his head.
London, England: Kid Comet flew through the sky over the Tower of London. "Arghhhhh!" he screamed out as mental energy surged through his brain. He plummeted to the ground. Upon standing he muttered, "It's coming......"
Slaughter Swamp: Apotheosis searched for clues as to the whereabouts of the members of the Legion of Doom. A feeling of dread came over him as he felt a foreign energy pass through him. He caught his reflection in the water, his eyes a milky white. "It's coming...." he gasped.
***
Back in Beverly Hills, people were panicked due to the red skies.
Donna Troy remembered another time the skies had turned red. “Scott, this is bad. Signal your teammates, quickly. The fabric between dimensions is being torn open.”
“On it!” he said, noticing Lilith. She was shaking, eyes solid white.
Scott’s and Donna’s eyes widened in horror as they saw a giant, screaming bird rise above the city skyline.
“It’s coming….coming for me…..” Lilith said as the city shook around them.
TO BE CONTINUED!