Titans of Justice Unlimited #43 – “Crisis: Omen of the Phoenix Part 9”
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Edited & Maxi-Micros by: Power Guy


Despera pulled herself from the crevice that she, Dr. Psycho, and Brother Blood had fallen into. The Phoenix had blasted Brother Blood and she noticed he was mumbling and his movements were uncoordinated. Dr. Psycho was not in good shape either.

“This has gone all wrong. I will NEVER work with earthlings again. Better off solo….and working in space.” She huffed, lifting Dr. Psycho to level ground.





Dr. Psycho started coming around. He examined Brother Blood. “No brain activity. The Phoenix has wiped him completely out. He’s just a shell. And no use to us.”





“Have you lost what is left of your mind? There’s no way to control that thing! I think it’s going to destroy Earth and who knows what else. There will be no earth for us to control! Do you understand, you hideous little man!?” Despera screamed. The two of them argued as Brother Blood sat motionless, drool dripping from his mouth.

***

Back in California, Apotheosis, Donna Troy, Frost, and Wonder Man all watched Phoenix hovering in the sky. News crews, reporters, and hundreds of on-lookers had gathered and were held behind police barricades. Apotheosis noticed several of the on-lookers were carrying signs saying ‘Repent! The end is near!’ He was beginning to wonder if the crowd was right.

Frost walked over to Wonder Man. “Chin up, mate. Our friends will be back any moment. Your wife will return with them triumphant.





“I wish I shared your optimism. I can’t shake this feeling. I won’t feel better until I see her.” Wonder Man replied, pacing. Just then he noticed hundreds of military jets appear in the sky. He heard tanks and other assault vehicles surrounding the area.





Donna started, “I just got a message from Mindy. The military has been deployed to monitor the situation. She and Tom were able to persuade the IADC not to send another missile, thank Hera.“





***


In the sky, Lilith was embracing the Phoenix force.

“DON’T YOU SEE, YOU ARE JEAN!? WE ARE ONE AGAIN!” a voice echoed in Lilith’s ear. She was glimpsing into other worlds, alternate universes. She swore she could hear colors.





“I feel so safe here…so comfortable…”

“THEY TRIED TO KEEP US APART…THEY FEAR US JEAN. DON’T YOU REMEMBER? SOON YOU WILL, AND WE WILL BURN THIS WORLD AWAY! WE’LL BE FREE TO ROAM!”

Lilith felt herself slipping away fast as Jean Grey’s memories filled her head.

“AAGH!” Frost grimaced, clutching his head.

Apotheosis asked, “What Frost? What’s happening?”





“The transformation is nearly complete. Lilith is giving in. The Phoenix is preying on her fears. It knows she is a bit of blank slate, always wondering who she is, where she came from. It’s filling her with Jean’s essence. It’s like seeing someone drowning, but you aren’t close enough to help them!”

“We’re running out of time. Titans, Avengers, wherever you are, now would be a good time to show up.” Apotheosis said as the Phoenix flared in the sky.

***

Despera had enough arguing. She left the doctor and made her way to a space ship she had kept hidden. “Good bye, doctor. May you and this miserable planet burn to ash!”

“Wait! Take me with you! We can rule another planet! One full of weak-minded aliens!” Dr. Psycho shouted, jumping up and down much like a child having a tantrum.

As Despera’s ship lifted from the ground, she looked out the window and extended her middle finger towards the doctor. “A tacky earth custom, but I think it suits the situation.” She thought.

Dr. Psycho looked around. Brother Blood was convulsing on the ground. “Hmph. There’ll be a new one to take your place as always.” The tiny doctor said, walking over the sputtering villain. He took Brother Blood’s head in hands, twisted sharply, effectively breaking his neck. “Now, one last shot at controlling the Phoenix.” He thought as he started concentrating.

“JEAN, DO YOU FEEL THAT? ONE OF THEM….THE ONE WHO SUMMONED US….HE’S TRYING TO CONTROL US!”

“I do…but…I’m not Jean…I’m Lilith…..”

“IT’S THAT MAN! HE’S TRICKING YOU!!! I WILL DEAL WITH HIM!!!”

Suddenly, Dr. Psycho was enveloped in a giant, fiery fist.

He screamed as it burnt his skin and lifted him skyward, transporting him several miles away.

He dropped at Wonder Man’s feet.

“Dr. Psycho!” Donna Troy gasped. “Are you mixed up in this? So help me, if this is your fault---“

“I did it! I confess! I summoned that thing here! I can’t control it! It’s going to kill us all!” Dr. Psycho screeched.

Wonder Man picked him, fists clenched around his shirt collar.

“Tell us what you did. Tell us how to stop it and get our friend back.” Wonder Man said, anger in his voice. Dr. Psycho fainted.

“He can’t. What he’s set in motion can’t be stopped. That foolish little man!” Frost replied. “Opening the door between dimensions, trying to control chaos! I thought the villains on my earth were idiots!”

Just then, the air sizzled with energy. A portal opened and the Avengers and Titans emerged. Wonder Man sighed relief at seeing his former teammates, his eyes scanning for his wife.

“Thank God!” Frost said as he saw Marvel Man carrying the Infinity Gauntlet. Frost noticed they all looked grim and his mental powers suddenly made him aware of the situation.

“Where’s Jerrica?” Wonder Man demanded.

Sargona approached him. Wonder Man could see Power Guy behind several of the others. “Scott, I don’t know what to say….”





Spider Girl and Thundercat stepped aside and revealed Power Guy holding Jem’s body.

Wonder Man stood silent and still for a moment.

“Jerrica…?” he whispered taking his wife’s cold, limp body from Power Guy.

“Scott, I am so sorry.” Power Guy stammered, unsure what to say.





“She fought to the end. She died a warrior.” Thundercat offered.





“What in Zeus’s name is going on here??” Wonder Man said, so angry he shook. “How did this happen?” he said walking away with his wife’s body. Scott Trevor sat her on the ground and slumped over her, sobbing.

Scott Williams walked over and put his hand on Wonder Man’s shoulder.

“Hey man, I ‘m sorry. But your wife, she…died a hero. Because of her, your earth stands a chance.”





POW!!!!! Wonder Man didn’t look at Scott Williams, but extended his arm backwards punching him.

“You! You told me you’d look after her!” Wonder Man screamed, tears running down his cheeks.

Freedom Falcon ran over to Scott Williams, “Best to back off pal. Let him be.” She insisted.





Everyone was uncomfortable and not sure what to do or say. Donna Troy walked over to her nephew.

“Scott? Scott, look at me.” She said, softly.

“I…I can’t”

“Scott, this is not your fault. Do you hear me? There’s no way you could have known.”

“It is my fault. I should have gone with her. Should have protected her….I failed her…as a man, as a husband.” He said grimly.

“No, no you didn’t. Don’t think like that. She was doing what she thought best, she was thinking of you and Steven. She wanted to do something, wanted to have a part in saving you for a change.”

“Donna, we have to get to Paradise Island…the purple ray…maybe it can…” Scott said, his words coming fast between sobs.

“Oh my dear, you know that won’t work. Not even Amazon science can give us that kind of miracle.” Donna Troy said quietly as her nephew sunk into her arms, crying hard.

“I can’t watch anymore of this…it’s so unfair.” Isis said, wiping tears from her eyes.





Photographers snapped away and news crews tried to get close.

“yatS kcab!” commanded Sargona, forcing the crowd of onlookers backward. “Let us grieve in private!!!”

Marvel Man spoke to Power Guy. “I hate this. I really do. But we have to deal with the problem at hand.”

“I agree. Let me talk to Wonder Man and then we will proceed.”

Corporal Marvel looked up at the sky. “Look! She’s changing!”





“DO YOU SEE JEAN? THEY HAVE RETURNED! PLANNING ON KEEPING US APART! IT’S TIME FOR THIS WORLD TO END!”

Lilith felt sick. She could see Scott Trevor. “But Scott, he’s like my nephew…I have to go to him….have to help him….”

Confused, the Phoenix thought Lilith was talking about Scott Summers.

Back on the ground, Power Guy walked towards Wonder Man. Before he could say anything, Wonder Man picked up his wife and started walking.

“Let him go.” Kid Comet said. “His thoughts…he needs to be alone.”





“Ok. Listen up people. We’ve already lost one good person today. No more. It’s time to save Lilith and send that thing back where it can’t threaten anyone.” Power Guy said.

Green Lantern joined in. “ I’ve been reading the book, my ring helping me decipher some of the texts. The gauntlet can open a portal to send the Phoenix back to the Avenger’s earth.”





“But, then their earth will be threatened!” Flash replied.





“Not quite! Spider Girl replied. “According to this, the gauntlet can send the Phoenix force to uninhabited realm where it can roam and be free.”





“Right! Sargona just explained to us that the Phoenix was summoned thousands of years ago. Part of the reason it is so angry and seeks out a host is because it is searching for its home. We can send it back!” Magneto said.





“What are we waiting for then?” Wonder Man said.

“Yeah, let’s elect someone to wield the gauntlet and send that thing home!” Corporal Marvel said.

“But Lilith? What about her?” Red Hammer communicated to Frost.





“According to the book, once the Phoenix knows it’s going home it’ll release its earthly host. Hopefully.” Sargona replied.

“I’ll do it. I’ll put the gauntlet on. I can regenerate. It if burns me alive, it’ll suck, but I’ll recover.” Wolverine said.





“But what if it drives you mad. Logan, with your own powers and the gauntlet, none of us could stop you.” Freedom Falcon said.

“She’s right.” Marvel Man said. “I certainly can’t do it, there are things in my past….”

“I’d say none of us are spotless, but there has to be someone here. I mean we’re all brave…fearless most of the time.” Thundercat said.

“Isis, you’re a goddess, in touch with nature and all. What about you?” Flash suggested.

“The idea of that much power….I’m afraid that it would overtake me. I’m sorry.” She replied.

“Is there none of us to do to it? Was all of this for nothing?” Flash protested.

“There is one. If he is willing to try.” Magento said, looking at Green Lantern. “Didn’t you tell me that you were a minister?”

“I am, but that doesn’t mean I’m perfect. I’m just as human as the rest of you.” Green Lantern said.

“I think Magneto is on to something here.” Power Man said. “GL, you always try to do the right thing. Your power ring only works for you because you are noble and brave. What do you say?”

“Green Lantern, you ‘d better make your mind up fast!” Spider Girl said, pointing to Phoenix.

“It’s changing, becoming dark….” Frost added.

“ I can feel it too….Lilith….she’s almost gone.” Isis added.

“I can still feel her thoughts. She’s fighting, but she’s losing her hold on reality. The Phoenix is using her, manipulating her. We have to hurry!” Kid Comet said, urgently.

Down the beach, Wonder Man walked with his wife in his arms. He felt as though a ton of bricks would fall on him and he would not notice. He felt hollow, alone. He sat Jem down and took her hand. His cell phone had been ringing. He checked his missed calls. One was Kimber, another from Murray, Jem’s agent. “They must have watched the news….” He thought. He looked at his wedding ring and remembered the night he had proposed to her. He closed his eyes tightly, but the tears came again. He thought of the day their son had been born.

“What am I going to tell Steven? He’ll never get to know you, Jerrica. It’s not fair…not right! Oh God!! It should have been me! Not her! WHY?? Oh Jerrica, I’d give everything that ever meant anything to me just to have one moment with you….” Wonder Man sobbed. Just then he noticed the sky erupt into fire. “Looks like they failed in the mission after all. I’ll be joining you soon. Steven…..I wish he was here with us…..at least he’s with mother and dad….Mindy…Tom…we’ll all be together today…Grandmother too…..” The sky erupted again.

Phoenix’s voice boomed, “YOU DARE TOY WITH ME! THE BLACK ANGEL, THE CHAOS BRINGER!!! THIS WORLD WILL SUSTAIN ME!!” Isis felt the earth cry out as the ground shook.

The military moved in closer. Phoenix sent out flaming spikes at the hundreds of planes hovering the sky.

“She’s attacking! “ Corporal Marvel yelled as hundreds of pilots auto ejected from their destroyed air crafts.

“YOU CANNOT STOP ME! MANY HAVE TRIED AND FAILED!!!! LISTEN PEOPLE OF EARTH! LISTEN TO MY SONG!!!!!”

“Give me that gauntlet!” Green Lantern said, determination in his voice.

“Frost and I will monitor your thoughts, Green Lantern. We’ll do our best to keep you from being overwhelmed by the gauntlet.” Kid Comet said.

“This is it! Cross your fingers and say a prayer!” Green Lantern said as Sargona placed the gauntlet on his hand. The green gem was the first to light up, soon all the gems were glowing.

Green Lantern felt as though he had been dropped through a black hole in outer space. He heard voices, millions of them all at once. He could see things mortals were not meant to see.

“He’s struggling.” Frost said. “Focus Green Lantern…focus!”

Green Lantern’s uniform changed into armor , the gauntlet becoming one with him as he whispered to himself, "If this is Kingdom Come, then I will accept your will, Lord, but until you give me a sign, I fight on for everything you have created!"





Green Lantern took to the sky, Marvel Man, Power Guy, and Isis following him.

The Phoenix sensed what was going on. “A FEEBLE ATTEMPT TO STOP ME!” it screamed. “WITNESS THE DEATH OF YOUR WORLD!!!”

“Oh no….it’s going full-on Dark Phoenix!” Marvel Man said.

On the ground Simon Williams and the others directed everyone behind the barriers to get to safety.

People screamed and ran.

“It’s useless, she’s Dark Phoenix now.” Wolverine said, popping his claws.

Flames spread everywhere. Down on the beach, a flaming ball headed towards Wonder Man and Jem. Scott Trevor shut his eyes as the fire consumed him and his wife.

Despite the fire, Green Lantern continued on, struggling to remain in control. He swore he could see the sky falling. Soon he was face to face with Phoenix.

“Hold back….give him a chance!” Marvel Man said. Isis and Power Guy watched as Green Lantern held his gauntlet covered fist in the air, gems glowing.

“FOOL! I AM DARK PHOENIX!!!! PREPARE TO MEET YOUR MAKER!” Phoenix screamed as fire erupted all around, consuming Green Lantern, sending him plummeting into the ocean. On the ground, the remaining Titans and Avengers looked in horror.

“It didn’t work! Green Lantern…I sense no thoughts!” Frost shouted.

“But it can’t end this way! It can’t!!!” Corporal Marvel cried as buildings crumbled all around and people screamed. He felt the power of Shazam begin to falter within, due to the Phoenix's energy.

Donna Troy’s communicator buzzed.

“Aunt Donna, she’s off the charts. This is it….and did I just see that Jerrica is dead?” her neice Champion said.





“She is, Mindy. I’m afraid we’re all about to join her.” The former Wonder Girl solemnly said as a giant fireball engulfed the Titans and Avengers. The last thing Donna Troy heard was the Phoenix’s song, echoing through her skull.


TO BE CONTINUED!