Post by Deleted on Apr 10, 2015 13:54:34 GMT -5
Titans of Justice Unlimited #49 – “Titans Lost – Again Part 1”
Main Story Written by: Power Guy & GreenLantern
Tales of the Titans Back-up Story Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Edited & Maxi-Micros by: Power Guy
Central City Observatory…
Minutes earlier, Dark Arrow’s Titans of Authority had subdued and apprehended both Sub Zero and the Sting Ray only to have the Titans of Justice arrive on the scene and demand that Dark Arrow’s team hand over the Sting Ray to them.
“We’re a long ways off from April Fools’ Day guys,” replied Dark Arrow, sternly. “I’m sorry we beat you to it but you’re not taking credit for the Sting Ray’s capture.
“We have no plans to do such a thing, Dark Arrow,” confirmed Green Lantern Daniel Jordan.
Jo Jo Gardner then joined the conversation as he created an emerald halo over his fellow Green Lantern’s head, “Oh and of course we can trust the saintly Green Lantern over here. He’s probably going to make sure she gets a few whacks on her hands with a ruler and says the rosary ten times before he lets her go.”
“Lantern! Stop……even I know that the TOJ aren’t going to take the Sting Ray from us just to let her go,” affirmed Dark Arrow, giving the son of Guy Gardner a dirty look.
“We need her,” began Power Guy. “As some of you know, Ares transformed Wonder Girl into his new Silver Swan months ago. Sargona, Ibis, and even Dr. Fate from Earth Two have tried every trick in the book to turn Wonder Girl back to normal with no luck. Dr. Fate has advised us that if we can’t get Ares to change Wonder Girl back, only an alternate version of the prince of war would be able to do so.”
“So your plan is to journey to some other world and try to convince an alternate version of Ares to change Wonder Girl back?” deduced Dark Arrow. “What makes you think any other version of Ares would be more cooperative than ours?” He then stopped speaking as the Titans of Justice’s plan hit him. “WAIT JUST A MINUTE!” he shouted angrily. “Now I know why you want the Sting Ray. You need her to build you a bomb identical to the one she used at S.T.A.R. Labs to blow some of you into the Universe of Evil some time ago, thinking that the Ares in that universe is on the side of good.”
“He is. Wonder Girl told Wonder Man about the good-natured Ares quite some time ago,” explained Champion. “Please Dark Arrow….this is Wonder Girl’s ONLY chance at becoming her old self again.”
The son of Green Arrow and Black Canary got in the tall woman’s face and pointed his finger at her nose, “Listen Champion, you weren’t around after the Sting Ray’s bomb went off. It was chaos for everyone involved, especially those of us who thought that my sister and the lot with her, had died in that explosion.”
“I know that you tried forming another team of heroes during that time and things didn’t go so well,” revealed the extremely tall, imposing young woman who had become irritated with Dark Arrow’s seeming defiance.
Dark Arrow scanned the congregation of heroes and then looked his best friend straight in the eyes. "Don't tell me you are actually going along with this, GL."
After a few moments of silence he threaded an arrow in his bow and added, "You had better NOT be thinking of including my sister in this explosion."
Champion then continued speaking, “Put down that bow and arrow before I snap them in half just like I could do to you, little man!”
"You want to test those bracelets to see if you are as good as your Mom?" said Dark Arrow angrily as he directed the bow at the young Amazon.
"Hey, now wait a minute here," interjected Green Lantern. "This is getting out of control."
"Right," Power Guy with authority. "We are all on the same side here. We're all friends."
“Speak for yourselves….” Interjected the recently awakened Sting Ray.
“That’s enough out of you for one day,” snapped Sargona as she recited a quick backwards spell that placed a large piece of duck-tape over the Sting Ray’s mouth.
"Sargona, if this is going to work we are going to need Sting Ray's full cooperation," whispered Green Lantern. "Don't irritate 'bomb girl'."
Rolling her eyes Sargona exclaimed, "Oh all right. FINE!" Then she manually ripped the tape off of the villainess.
Sting Ray screamed in agony and glared at Sargona with a renewed sense of hatred.
“Sorry, I need to save my magic for the impending battle here,” smirked the daughter of Sargon the Sorcerer and Zatanna.
"Put the bow down, GA" said Sonic Boom. "The bracelets too, Champion."
Taking his best friend to the side Green Lantern whispered, "Listen, Robert, I promise I am not going to let anything happen to DiDi. I know this plan sounds stupid, but --"
"That's just it, Danny" interrupted Dark Arrow, "It IS a stupid-butt plan!"
“Speak up boys,” urged the Sting Ray. “Surely I could learn a few secrets about you from your conversation but who is a sweet girl like me going to tell?”
All eyes turned toward the Sting Ray in annoyance. Then Sonic Boom said, "This is a volunteer mission. No one is being forced here. We just need the...talents of Sting Ray to pull this off. It will work, Dark Arrow. I know it will."
"And believe me, Arrow," piped up the Huntress, "There is no-one who is more skeptical of this plan than I am!"
"Then why are you agreeing to it?" demanded Robert Queen.
"I was out-voted and am simply going along to help ensure the others' safety"
Dark Arrow silently released the Sting Ray into the custody of the Huntress, looked her straight in the eye and said, "Take care of them."
"I will," vowed the Dark Knight’s Daughter.
***
Later at the Hall of Justice…
“So let me repeat what you just told me to make sure I understand you correctly,” stated the Sting Ray. “If I build a replica of the bomb that sent you into the Universe of Evil, you’re going to let me go?”
“NO!” shouted Sargona, stepping in front of Power Guy. “What he said was if you build an EXACT DUPLICATE of the bomb AND it gets us to the Universe of Evil ALIVE AND IN ONE PIECE, THEN you are free to go.”
“I guess I missed a few details…..hopefully I’ll remember this time,” responded the Sting Ray with a sinister grin.
“Better get it right the first time or we’re dropping you off at Belle Reve and nabbing Devil Ray instead,” pointed out the raven-haired mage of magic.
Just then, Nucleus arrived on the scene. “Hello everyone,” greeted the scientist from Ivy Town University.
“What’s he doing here?” asked the Sting Ray. “He’s not on your active roster.”
“Nucleus is one of our reserve members and was more than happy to come out of his semi-retirement to supervise your building of the bomb to make sure you don’t try and pull anything funny,” advised the sassy sorceress.
“Me, pull something funny?” repeated the daughter of Black Manta. “How could you think so little of me” she asked, sarcastically.
“Oh, believe me, I couldn’t think ANY LESS of you,” smirked Sargona as Nucleus came over to look over the villainess’ blueprints for the bomb she was about to build.
After glancing at the document for about a minute, the protégé of Ray Palmer exclaimed, “We’re lucky we aren’t dead! This bomb should have blown us to bits along with S.T.A.R. Labs!’
“REAL lucky….,” whispered the Sting Ray in a harsh tone before she spoke up again, “So I take it that I have to stay here until you all get back from your little tropical vacation to the Universe of Evil?”
“That’s correct,” answered Power Guy. “Once we’re all back safely, we’ll release you.”
“And what if you don’t make it back?” questioned the mass-murderess.
“Then I get to decide what to do with you,” came the voice of Starman as he entered the room with Gold Bug in tow. “I’ve been waiting since your first bomb went off to spend some quality time with you,” he said as he smacked his Cosmic Rod into his hand. “You and I are going to get acquainted while they’re gone……..REAL acquainted.”
“I’ve got work to do,” huffed the Sting Ray as she pushed her way past Starman and began construction of her bomb.
Several hours later, once the device was completed, Nucleus extended his hand to Power Guy and said, “I’m sorry I can’t go with you.”
“You’re semi-retired now. There’s no need to apologize,” smiled the Kryptonian powerhouse. “Thanks for helping keep an eye on the Sting Ray and don’t worry about us, Black Vulcan and the Flash will be subbing for you and Junjie Quick.”
“And I’ll be tagging along as well,” added Sargona.
“What? No way!” countered Power Guy.
“After all of the turmoil I went through after the last time the Sting Ray set off a bomb, there’s no way I’m letting my friends or the man that I love go back to that God forsaken universe without me,” explained Sargona. “I need to do this, PeeGee. Don’t deny me this,” she said as she pulled Power Guy into a passionate kiss.
“I think I’d rather take the Sting Ray with us,” Sonic Boom whispered to Green Lantern.
“Now, now…..she’s just trying to help,” replied Green Lantern Daniel Jordan, trying to be the voice of reason.
“Then you’ll forgive me if I try to make sure she stays in the Universe of Evil when we come home right?” teased Sonic Boom.
Green Lantern just looked in his girlfriend’s eyes as he said “Sonic Boom,” with a slightly elevated voice.
Nucleus then spoke up again, “Since I can’t go with you, I got you all a gift. I was able to tinker with the Sting Ray’s device and I think this time, is shouldn’t split you guys up as much as it did last time. You might all be together once you get there this time.”
“That alone would be a huge relief,” sighed the Huntress, feeling slightly more optimistic about the mission.
The team began preparing for their journey. Sargona said goodbye to Corporal Marvel and his pet tiger, the armored Tawky Tawny, whom she had grown real fond of lately while the Flash asked Wilma West aka Kid Flash to keep watch over Central City in his absence.
Power Guy approached the Huntress and asked, “So who did you get to watch over Gotham while we’re gone?”
As the daughter of Batman and the Catwoman loaded her crossbow, she replied wit, “Metamorpheous and Halo have volunteered to keep things in check here on Earth One while Robin and Wildcat have agreed to operate full-time on Earth Two while we’re gone,” added the Huntress.
“I’ve got Power Lad and Constellation watching over Metropolis on Earth Two while Supergirl is going to cover its counterpart here on Earth One so it looks like all of our bases are covered,” surmised the son of Power Girl and the original Star-Spangled Kid.
“So where exactly are we going to detonate the bomb so it doesn’t cause any damage or kill anyone?” asked Black Vulcan, joining the conversing group.
Power Guy replied with, “The eight of us will be entering the Hall of Justice Detention Cell with the bomb. Once inside, Green Lantern will shield us from the direct effects of the bomb once it goes off. The walls of the cell are made from a combination of Kryptonian and Amazonian metals. They are virtually indestructible so the explosion won’t be a problem. Is everyone ready to leave?”
Moments later inside the Hall of Justice Detention Cell, Sargona commented, “So, it’s going to be the eight of us against a world full of bad guys until we find the good Ares?”
“That pretty much sums it up,” confirmed Power Guy.
Champion, who was carrying the comatose body of Wonder Girl, announced to the group, “My friends, I thank you all for agreeing to help Wonder Girl and I with this mission to restore her to her normal self.”
“We all care deeply for her, Champion, or none of us would have agreed to go back to that horrible universe,” offered Green Lantern. “Wonder Girl touched all of our hearts from the instant we met her. That’s why we had to give her a new chance at life by bringing her back to our universe.”
“Daniel is right,” agreed Sonic Boom. “Druscilla is such a sweet girl. I think I speak for all of us when I say that we’re happy to be going on this trip if it means Druscilla becomes well again.”
“Thank you, my sister,” replied Champion, gratefully as she kissed Sonic Boom on the cheek. She then turned to the Huntress and said, “Helena, I know you are not fond of the means we are using to get to the Universe of Evil. As one warrior to another, I am grateful for your cooperation on this day.”
“You’re welcome, Mindy,” acknowledged the Dark Knight’s daughter. “Wonder Girl has been one of my brightest pupils in the Super Friends’ training program. It will be nice to see her back in full spirits again. Speaking of our younger members, how is Power Lad taking the news that he can’t come with us?”
“It was like trying to hold back a bull from a red flag,” answered Power Guy. “I know he cares for Druscilla a lot, probably even more than he cares about me but his temper and somewhat irrational behavior may hurt her chances of getting the help she needs. The mission is way too delicate to include him, as sad as that is for me to say.”
The Huntress put her right hand on her best friend’s left shoulder, smiled warmly and said, “He’ll get over it once we get back with a happy and healthy Wonder Girl. As upset as he is right now, I think deep down, he knows you’re doing what’s best for him and Druscilla.”
“Thanks, Helena,” smiled the man of might. “Is everyone set to go?” The other seven conscious members of the Titans within Green Lantern’s power-bubble replied “yes” within almost-unison. Power Guy then spoke into his TOJ communicator, “Alright Starman. We’re all set in here. Detonate the bomb.”
“You’re one hundred and ten percent sure of this, PeeGee?” asked the space-faring hero.
“As sure as I’ll ever be, my friend,” replied the leader of the Titans of Justice.
“Alright. Here goes nothing!” announced the son of Prince Gavyn.
A half of a second later……
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
***
Sometime later at the Hall of Evil within the Universe of Evil…
The Super Fiends were gathered around a cauldron of boiling oil. Suspended by Wonder Woman’s new blue Lasso of Coercion above it, was the heroic version of the Sportsmaster.
“Well, well, Sportsmaster, it looks like it’s finally the end of the road for you,” taunted Robin. “We’re going to boil you alive and feast upon your remains! But don’t worry, we’ll send your bones to the Legion of Hope so they know what’s in store for them once we capture them too!”
“Just because I am dying today doesn’t mean you’ve won the war,” countered the Sportsmaster. “I don’t care if this world or this universe is predominantly evil. A while back, Felicity Faust found that this universe is in the minority of all that is. There are plenty of other good universes out there and one day, some of their heroes will find their way here and put an end to your decades of tyranny. Maybe it will even be those heroes that helped put you in prison a while back!”
Just then, the Universe of Evil’s resident fortuneteller, Lilith, came barging into the Hall and announced, “This little worm may be right on the mark! They’re back! And this time, they came here willingly!”
TO BE CONTINUED!
***
Tales of the Titans Starring: Jem, Sargona, & Starman
“NOOOO!!! NOOO!!!!NOOO!” Luthor screamed, sending the empty wine bottle shattering into a wall of circuitry. “It was not supposed to happen this way!”
“Your father would not be impressed, Alexander.” Brainiac’s mechanical voice hissed. “However, Superman has appeared in public. The first time in a long time. This may all work out yet.”
Hours later at S.T.A.R., Illumina joined Superman in a waiting room.
“I was able to remove the circuitry from his skull, thanks to the Kryptonite surgical implements. Where did you get those?” she asked.
“An old friend keeps items like this, just in case.” Superman said, referencing his old friend, Bruce Wayne.
“How is Connor? That is Connor isn’t it?”
Illumina replied, “Yes. All the exams indicate it is him. Superman, he’s been tortured. Mentally and physically. Where was he all these years?”
“I don’t know. But I have an idea.” Superman turned to walk away. He bumped into Jerrica Trevor, who was carrying Steven.
“Jerrica! I’m sorry, you’d think someone with super senses would know when he’s about to bump into someone.”
“No harm done. I wanted to check on Superboy and introduce you to my son.”
“Hey little fella!” Superman said, taking the baby into his arms. Your grandma Diana has told me all about you. Ha, I can’t believe Diana is a grandmother.”
“Me neither, but she is over the moon about Steven. Superman, if you don’t mind I wanted to see Connor. I could tell he was being controlled. Call it mother’s intuition I guess.”
“He’s just out of surgery. Would you do me a favor? Would you sit with him just for a little while.”
“I’d be happy to.” Jem said. No matter what she saw or experienced, she was still in awe of Superman. He looked almost as young as he did the day he arrived in Metropolis and Jerrica even wondered if anything ever happened romantically between him and her mother-in-law.
Superman took off and Illumina showed Jerrica to Superboy’s room.
“His skin is already healing from the surgery. I’ll be right around the corner if he needs anything.” Illumina smiled at her friend.
Jerrica watched the young man as he slept. She could tell he was having troubled dreams. Steven had fallen asleep in his carrier. She reached over and took Connor’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. He squeezed back.
Superman arrived at the hospital where Lex Luthor’s comatose body was housed. He stared at the bald villain as the machines that monitored him made quiet noises.
“What did you do to him?”
Just then Lance Luthor appeared. Superman became angry and stepped towards him.
“Ha, so predictable! I knew you’d show up here. And don’t bother trying to apprehend me. I’m a hologram! See!”
Superman’s hand passed through the hologram.
“So many questions for my old man! So many that he can’t answer, but I can!”
“I swear I will hunt you down. What did you do to Superboy?”
“Swearing, tsk tsk! Not a very nice thing for a boy scout to do, now is it?! Well, I’ll tell you all about little boy lost. In fact, I think hurting you this way will make my day! You see, my father had located that…..clone in Smallville, USA! He was about to capture him, even weakened him with kryptonite when that old lady just had to happen by. Can you imagine someone with powers like yours fraternizing with a common farm woman!”
Superman wanted punch his teeth out for that comment.
“Anyway, my father strangled the old woman. Superboy was too weak to lift a finger, and had to watch one of your precious innocents die! Can you imagine the horror he felt at being so helpless? HAHAHAHAHA!!!! Oh, and it gets worse! For years my father, then I, kept him. Every mental and physical torture you can imagine…..we did it.” He smiled.
Superman fought back tears as he had to listen to the details of his mother’s death and Superboy’s abduction.
“And how do you like this!? My father released a toxin into the air across Smallville and your precious Hall of Justice, which caused everyone to simply think Superboy had disappeared. Did he kill the old lady? Was he sad he couldn’t save her? Can you imagine how he will feel knowing all these years passed and you did NOTHING to find him. Maybe you really wanted him out of your hair to do whatever you’ve been doing all these years. All in all not a bad day to be a Luthor. Bye now!”
With that the hologram was gone. Superman looked over at Luthor. It would be so easy to punch his face in. Superman merely looked at the man. He could have sworn he saw Luthor’s face smirk.
Superman arrived back at S.T.A.R. He thanked Jerrica for sitting with Connor. Jerrica and her son left and returned home. Superman sat with Connor. He called Lois and explained all that had happened. Suddenly Connor sat up, gasping for air.
“MA!!!!!” he shouted. He thrashed around, hovering in the air.
“Connor! Connor, calm down…it’s ok!”
“Clark! It’s Luthor…he’s going to kill Ma!”
Illumina and her staff came rushing to the room. Superman gestured them away.
Connor soon became aware of his surroundings and was confused.
“How did I get here? Where’s Ma? Luthor? We have to find him!”
Superman explained all that happened.
“You mean it’s years later? Ma is gone?” Connor started to cry. “She gone because of me, I couldn’t save her….”
“No, don’t you think like that. You did your best.”
“Where have I been? I don’t remember anything….” Connor said, slumping into his bed.
“I…I don’t know where to start……” Superman began.
***
Days later, Superboy streaked across the sky. He had been released from the hospital. Superman and Lois insisted he join them in Metropolis and they would start a new life for him. He flew over San Francisco, where the old Titans Tower had been. He smiled as he remembered the fun and laughter from those days and wondered where his old friends were and what they were doing.
“They all moved on and I’m still 17….” He mused. He then flew aimlessly and found himself over Beverly Hills. He landed in a park and sat in the quiet. He spotted a pretty blonde pushing a stroller. Something about her…something besides her beauty caught his eye. He walked towards her.
“Ma’am…do I know you?”
Jem was unsure what to do.
“Hi Connor. You do know me. Sort of. He looked at Steven and patted his head.”
The two of them walked and talked. He was amazed that she was Jem and that the 2 of them had fought recently.
“I can’t believe I fought one of my favorite singers.”
“It’s ok. You were being controlled. I’m just glad you’re ok. What are you going to do now?”
“I don’t know. I don’t really fit in anymore. All of my friends gone. Oh my gosh! How is Cass? You must see her often. I can’t believe you’re married to Wonder Woman’s son!”
“We see her occasionally. She’s busy working with museums.”
“Ha, like her mother.”
The two of them walked and talked all afternoon. Jerrica filled him in on all the Titans of Justice, villains, who was married, who was dead, and discussed what Connor would do now.
“I don’t know. Superman and Lois want me to live with them. They have a grown daughter. I don’t feel like…I would fit.”
“Of course you would. They’re your family and Jenna would welcome you as a brother.”
“I guess. You know, so much time has passed. Ma is gone. In a weird way, I feel like I’ve been given a second chance at life. Like a rebirth. I had moved to Smallville, tried to do everything Superman did. Thing is, I know nothing….nowhere to go. I miss Smallville…I miss Ma….” Superboy said, his voice choking.
Jerrica said, “You know, the day you came back I just found out that I had lost a baby. So many dreams I had for him…or her. Never going to happen now. I sort of know how you feel.”
“You lost a baby? Did I--?”
“Oh no, not you. It was that morning before any of the fight happened. My husband was devastated. He is so young at heart…and fun. I think you would like him, you remind me of him in a way.”
“He does sound pretty cool.”
“Connor, I just thought of something. I’d like to talk it over with you.”
***
Days later that night at the Trevor home…..
“You want to what?” Scott Trevor said to his wife.
“Scott, he needs a home. He has nowhere to go.”
“What about Lois and Clark? I mean, we just lost a baby! I’m not quite ready to open our home as a halfway house for runaway teen heroes. We have Steven to think about!”
“I know we do, but Connor and Steven get along great. Scott, the Starlight Foundation has taken care of so many kids. But it only applies for minors. Connor is nearly 18. I have a good feeling about this, I think Connor would do well here. He wants a fresh start.”
Scott Trevor looked at his wife. He knew it was useless to argue with her. “You know my dear, I cannot say no to you. If you want this I’m on board.”
Scott and Jerrica went outside where Connor was playing with Steven. They broke the good news to him.
“Yahoooooo!!!! He shouted, flying into the air and quickly landing before the neighbors saw.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Steven clapped.
“I think I can even get you a job down at the agency. Oh gosh, and we have to get you enrolled in school---“
“Aw, look at my responsible husband!” Jerrica laughed.
“I’d like that.” Connor smiled as the three of them hugged.
Later that evening, Connor called Clark and Lois and explained his plans. They supported him, although Clark wished he would move to Metropolis.
“I have to do this on my own Clark. Times have changed, everyone has moved on. I have to find my own place now.”
“I understand Connor. Just know you always have a home here with us if you ever want it.”
“I’ll come to Metropolis for visits, “big bro.”
***
Weeks later…
“So are you nervous? First day at school and all?” Scott Trevor smiled.
“I am. Beverly Hills is lots different than Smallville.”
“Well, you’ll fit right in.” Jerrica smiled. She had taken Connor shopping and he looked sharp in his new clothes.
“Ah, before you go in, here’s this. “ Scott said handing him a packet.
Connor opened it up. Inside was a California driver’s license, and other documents.
“Connor Trevor?”
“Yeah, we thought it we’re going to do this, we’re going all out! My family has big contacts so you have a new identity, new everything. I hope it’s ok.”
Connor looked at the driver’s license. “Connor Trevor. Yeah man, it’s more that ok! I don’t know how to thank you guys.”
“And after school, you have job at my agency…if you want it. Nothing too big, just helping with the phones and not to mention hanging with some of the world’s biggest models. “Scott added.
“Heck yeah!” Connor smiled.
Connor stepped out of the car and headed into Beverly Hills High. Jerrica noticed several girls checking him out.
“I know we did the right thing, Mr. Trevor.” Jerrica said, kissing her husband’s cheek.
“I know we did too. Mrs. Trevor. You happy?”
“I am.” Jerrica smiled.
Connor turned and waved to Jerrica and Scott as they drove away.
A very pretty blonde approached Connor.
“You must be the new student. I’m your guide for the week. My name’s Katie.”
“Katie. I’m Connor. Connor Trevor.” Superboy smiled as he began the first day of his new life.
THE END(For Now)!
Main Story Written by: Power Guy & GreenLantern
Tales of the Titans Back-up Story Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Edited & Maxi-Micros by: Power Guy
Central City Observatory…
Minutes earlier, Dark Arrow’s Titans of Authority had subdued and apprehended both Sub Zero and the Sting Ray only to have the Titans of Justice arrive on the scene and demand that Dark Arrow’s team hand over the Sting Ray to them.
“We’re a long ways off from April Fools’ Day guys,” replied Dark Arrow, sternly. “I’m sorry we beat you to it but you’re not taking credit for the Sting Ray’s capture.
“We have no plans to do such a thing, Dark Arrow,” confirmed Green Lantern Daniel Jordan.
Jo Jo Gardner then joined the conversation as he created an emerald halo over his fellow Green Lantern’s head, “Oh and of course we can trust the saintly Green Lantern over here. He’s probably going to make sure she gets a few whacks on her hands with a ruler and says the rosary ten times before he lets her go.”
“Lantern! Stop……even I know that the TOJ aren’t going to take the Sting Ray from us just to let her go,” affirmed Dark Arrow, giving the son of Guy Gardner a dirty look.
“We need her,” began Power Guy. “As some of you know, Ares transformed Wonder Girl into his new Silver Swan months ago. Sargona, Ibis, and even Dr. Fate from Earth Two have tried every trick in the book to turn Wonder Girl back to normal with no luck. Dr. Fate has advised us that if we can’t get Ares to change Wonder Girl back, only an alternate version of the prince of war would be able to do so.”
“So your plan is to journey to some other world and try to convince an alternate version of Ares to change Wonder Girl back?” deduced Dark Arrow. “What makes you think any other version of Ares would be more cooperative than ours?” He then stopped speaking as the Titans of Justice’s plan hit him. “WAIT JUST A MINUTE!” he shouted angrily. “Now I know why you want the Sting Ray. You need her to build you a bomb identical to the one she used at S.T.A.R. Labs to blow some of you into the Universe of Evil some time ago, thinking that the Ares in that universe is on the side of good.”
“He is. Wonder Girl told Wonder Man about the good-natured Ares quite some time ago,” explained Champion. “Please Dark Arrow….this is Wonder Girl’s ONLY chance at becoming her old self again.”
The son of Green Arrow and Black Canary got in the tall woman’s face and pointed his finger at her nose, “Listen Champion, you weren’t around after the Sting Ray’s bomb went off. It was chaos for everyone involved, especially those of us who thought that my sister and the lot with her, had died in that explosion.”
“I know that you tried forming another team of heroes during that time and things didn’t go so well,” revealed the extremely tall, imposing young woman who had become irritated with Dark Arrow’s seeming defiance.
Dark Arrow scanned the congregation of heroes and then looked his best friend straight in the eyes. "Don't tell me you are actually going along with this, GL."
After a few moments of silence he threaded an arrow in his bow and added, "You had better NOT be thinking of including my sister in this explosion."
Champion then continued speaking, “Put down that bow and arrow before I snap them in half just like I could do to you, little man!”
"You want to test those bracelets to see if you are as good as your Mom?" said Dark Arrow angrily as he directed the bow at the young Amazon.
"Hey, now wait a minute here," interjected Green Lantern. "This is getting out of control."
"Right," Power Guy with authority. "We are all on the same side here. We're all friends."
“Speak for yourselves….” Interjected the recently awakened Sting Ray.
“That’s enough out of you for one day,” snapped Sargona as she recited a quick backwards spell that placed a large piece of duck-tape over the Sting Ray’s mouth.
"Sargona, if this is going to work we are going to need Sting Ray's full cooperation," whispered Green Lantern. "Don't irritate 'bomb girl'."
Rolling her eyes Sargona exclaimed, "Oh all right. FINE!" Then she manually ripped the tape off of the villainess.
Sting Ray screamed in agony and glared at Sargona with a renewed sense of hatred.
“Sorry, I need to save my magic for the impending battle here,” smirked the daughter of Sargon the Sorcerer and Zatanna.
"Put the bow down, GA" said Sonic Boom. "The bracelets too, Champion."
Taking his best friend to the side Green Lantern whispered, "Listen, Robert, I promise I am not going to let anything happen to DiDi. I know this plan sounds stupid, but --"
"That's just it, Danny" interrupted Dark Arrow, "It IS a stupid-butt plan!"
“Speak up boys,” urged the Sting Ray. “Surely I could learn a few secrets about you from your conversation but who is a sweet girl like me going to tell?”
All eyes turned toward the Sting Ray in annoyance. Then Sonic Boom said, "This is a volunteer mission. No one is being forced here. We just need the...talents of Sting Ray to pull this off. It will work, Dark Arrow. I know it will."
"And believe me, Arrow," piped up the Huntress, "There is no-one who is more skeptical of this plan than I am!"
"Then why are you agreeing to it?" demanded Robert Queen.
"I was out-voted and am simply going along to help ensure the others' safety"
Dark Arrow silently released the Sting Ray into the custody of the Huntress, looked her straight in the eye and said, "Take care of them."
"I will," vowed the Dark Knight’s Daughter.
***
Later at the Hall of Justice…
“So let me repeat what you just told me to make sure I understand you correctly,” stated the Sting Ray. “If I build a replica of the bomb that sent you into the Universe of Evil, you’re going to let me go?”
“NO!” shouted Sargona, stepping in front of Power Guy. “What he said was if you build an EXACT DUPLICATE of the bomb AND it gets us to the Universe of Evil ALIVE AND IN ONE PIECE, THEN you are free to go.”
“I guess I missed a few details…..hopefully I’ll remember this time,” responded the Sting Ray with a sinister grin.
“Better get it right the first time or we’re dropping you off at Belle Reve and nabbing Devil Ray instead,” pointed out the raven-haired mage of magic.
Just then, Nucleus arrived on the scene. “Hello everyone,” greeted the scientist from Ivy Town University.
“What’s he doing here?” asked the Sting Ray. “He’s not on your active roster.”
“Nucleus is one of our reserve members and was more than happy to come out of his semi-retirement to supervise your building of the bomb to make sure you don’t try and pull anything funny,” advised the sassy sorceress.
“Me, pull something funny?” repeated the daughter of Black Manta. “How could you think so little of me” she asked, sarcastically.
“Oh, believe me, I couldn’t think ANY LESS of you,” smirked Sargona as Nucleus came over to look over the villainess’ blueprints for the bomb she was about to build.
After glancing at the document for about a minute, the protégé of Ray Palmer exclaimed, “We’re lucky we aren’t dead! This bomb should have blown us to bits along with S.T.A.R. Labs!’
“REAL lucky….,” whispered the Sting Ray in a harsh tone before she spoke up again, “So I take it that I have to stay here until you all get back from your little tropical vacation to the Universe of Evil?”
“That’s correct,” answered Power Guy. “Once we’re all back safely, we’ll release you.”
“And what if you don’t make it back?” questioned the mass-murderess.
“Then I get to decide what to do with you,” came the voice of Starman as he entered the room with Gold Bug in tow. “I’ve been waiting since your first bomb went off to spend some quality time with you,” he said as he smacked his Cosmic Rod into his hand. “You and I are going to get acquainted while they’re gone……..REAL acquainted.”
“I’ve got work to do,” huffed the Sting Ray as she pushed her way past Starman and began construction of her bomb.
Several hours later, once the device was completed, Nucleus extended his hand to Power Guy and said, “I’m sorry I can’t go with you.”
“You’re semi-retired now. There’s no need to apologize,” smiled the Kryptonian powerhouse. “Thanks for helping keep an eye on the Sting Ray and don’t worry about us, Black Vulcan and the Flash will be subbing for you and Junjie Quick.”
“And I’ll be tagging along as well,” added Sargona.
“What? No way!” countered Power Guy.
“After all of the turmoil I went through after the last time the Sting Ray set off a bomb, there’s no way I’m letting my friends or the man that I love go back to that God forsaken universe without me,” explained Sargona. “I need to do this, PeeGee. Don’t deny me this,” she said as she pulled Power Guy into a passionate kiss.
“I think I’d rather take the Sting Ray with us,” Sonic Boom whispered to Green Lantern.
“Now, now…..she’s just trying to help,” replied Green Lantern Daniel Jordan, trying to be the voice of reason.
“Then you’ll forgive me if I try to make sure she stays in the Universe of Evil when we come home right?” teased Sonic Boom.
Green Lantern just looked in his girlfriend’s eyes as he said “Sonic Boom,” with a slightly elevated voice.
Nucleus then spoke up again, “Since I can’t go with you, I got you all a gift. I was able to tinker with the Sting Ray’s device and I think this time, is shouldn’t split you guys up as much as it did last time. You might all be together once you get there this time.”
“That alone would be a huge relief,” sighed the Huntress, feeling slightly more optimistic about the mission.
The team began preparing for their journey. Sargona said goodbye to Corporal Marvel and his pet tiger, the armored Tawky Tawny, whom she had grown real fond of lately while the Flash asked Wilma West aka Kid Flash to keep watch over Central City in his absence.
Power Guy approached the Huntress and asked, “So who did you get to watch over Gotham while we’re gone?”
As the daughter of Batman and the Catwoman loaded her crossbow, she replied wit, “Metamorpheous and Halo have volunteered to keep things in check here on Earth One while Robin and Wildcat have agreed to operate full-time on Earth Two while we’re gone,” added the Huntress.
“I’ve got Power Lad and Constellation watching over Metropolis on Earth Two while Supergirl is going to cover its counterpart here on Earth One so it looks like all of our bases are covered,” surmised the son of Power Girl and the original Star-Spangled Kid.
“So where exactly are we going to detonate the bomb so it doesn’t cause any damage or kill anyone?” asked Black Vulcan, joining the conversing group.
Power Guy replied with, “The eight of us will be entering the Hall of Justice Detention Cell with the bomb. Once inside, Green Lantern will shield us from the direct effects of the bomb once it goes off. The walls of the cell are made from a combination of Kryptonian and Amazonian metals. They are virtually indestructible so the explosion won’t be a problem. Is everyone ready to leave?”
Moments later inside the Hall of Justice Detention Cell, Sargona commented, “So, it’s going to be the eight of us against a world full of bad guys until we find the good Ares?”
“That pretty much sums it up,” confirmed Power Guy.
Champion, who was carrying the comatose body of Wonder Girl, announced to the group, “My friends, I thank you all for agreeing to help Wonder Girl and I with this mission to restore her to her normal self.”
“We all care deeply for her, Champion, or none of us would have agreed to go back to that horrible universe,” offered Green Lantern. “Wonder Girl touched all of our hearts from the instant we met her. That’s why we had to give her a new chance at life by bringing her back to our universe.”
“Daniel is right,” agreed Sonic Boom. “Druscilla is such a sweet girl. I think I speak for all of us when I say that we’re happy to be going on this trip if it means Druscilla becomes well again.”
“Thank you, my sister,” replied Champion, gratefully as she kissed Sonic Boom on the cheek. She then turned to the Huntress and said, “Helena, I know you are not fond of the means we are using to get to the Universe of Evil. As one warrior to another, I am grateful for your cooperation on this day.”
“You’re welcome, Mindy,” acknowledged the Dark Knight’s daughter. “Wonder Girl has been one of my brightest pupils in the Super Friends’ training program. It will be nice to see her back in full spirits again. Speaking of our younger members, how is Power Lad taking the news that he can’t come with us?”
“It was like trying to hold back a bull from a red flag,” answered Power Guy. “I know he cares for Druscilla a lot, probably even more than he cares about me but his temper and somewhat irrational behavior may hurt her chances of getting the help she needs. The mission is way too delicate to include him, as sad as that is for me to say.”
The Huntress put her right hand on her best friend’s left shoulder, smiled warmly and said, “He’ll get over it once we get back with a happy and healthy Wonder Girl. As upset as he is right now, I think deep down, he knows you’re doing what’s best for him and Druscilla.”
“Thanks, Helena,” smiled the man of might. “Is everyone set to go?” The other seven conscious members of the Titans within Green Lantern’s power-bubble replied “yes” within almost-unison. Power Guy then spoke into his TOJ communicator, “Alright Starman. We’re all set in here. Detonate the bomb.”
“You’re one hundred and ten percent sure of this, PeeGee?” asked the space-faring hero.
“As sure as I’ll ever be, my friend,” replied the leader of the Titans of Justice.
“Alright. Here goes nothing!” announced the son of Prince Gavyn.
A half of a second later……
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
***
Sometime later at the Hall of Evil within the Universe of Evil…
The Super Fiends were gathered around a cauldron of boiling oil. Suspended by Wonder Woman’s new blue Lasso of Coercion above it, was the heroic version of the Sportsmaster.
“Well, well, Sportsmaster, it looks like it’s finally the end of the road for you,” taunted Robin. “We’re going to boil you alive and feast upon your remains! But don’t worry, we’ll send your bones to the Legion of Hope so they know what’s in store for them once we capture them too!”
“Just because I am dying today doesn’t mean you’ve won the war,” countered the Sportsmaster. “I don’t care if this world or this universe is predominantly evil. A while back, Felicity Faust found that this universe is in the minority of all that is. There are plenty of other good universes out there and one day, some of their heroes will find their way here and put an end to your decades of tyranny. Maybe it will even be those heroes that helped put you in prison a while back!”
Just then, the Universe of Evil’s resident fortuneteller, Lilith, came barging into the Hall and announced, “This little worm may be right on the mark! They’re back! And this time, they came here willingly!”
TO BE CONTINUED!
***
Tales of the Titans Starring: Jem, Sargona, & Starman
“NOOOO!!! NOOO!!!!NOOO!” Luthor screamed, sending the empty wine bottle shattering into a wall of circuitry. “It was not supposed to happen this way!”
“Your father would not be impressed, Alexander.” Brainiac’s mechanical voice hissed. “However, Superman has appeared in public. The first time in a long time. This may all work out yet.”
Hours later at S.T.A.R., Illumina joined Superman in a waiting room.
“I was able to remove the circuitry from his skull, thanks to the Kryptonite surgical implements. Where did you get those?” she asked.
“An old friend keeps items like this, just in case.” Superman said, referencing his old friend, Bruce Wayne.
“How is Connor? That is Connor isn’t it?”
Illumina replied, “Yes. All the exams indicate it is him. Superman, he’s been tortured. Mentally and physically. Where was he all these years?”
“I don’t know. But I have an idea.” Superman turned to walk away. He bumped into Jerrica Trevor, who was carrying Steven.
“Jerrica! I’m sorry, you’d think someone with super senses would know when he’s about to bump into someone.”
“No harm done. I wanted to check on Superboy and introduce you to my son.”
“Hey little fella!” Superman said, taking the baby into his arms. Your grandma Diana has told me all about you. Ha, I can’t believe Diana is a grandmother.”
“Me neither, but she is over the moon about Steven. Superman, if you don’t mind I wanted to see Connor. I could tell he was being controlled. Call it mother’s intuition I guess.”
“He’s just out of surgery. Would you do me a favor? Would you sit with him just for a little while.”
“I’d be happy to.” Jem said. No matter what she saw or experienced, she was still in awe of Superman. He looked almost as young as he did the day he arrived in Metropolis and Jerrica even wondered if anything ever happened romantically between him and her mother-in-law.
Superman took off and Illumina showed Jerrica to Superboy’s room.
“His skin is already healing from the surgery. I’ll be right around the corner if he needs anything.” Illumina smiled at her friend.
Jerrica watched the young man as he slept. She could tell he was having troubled dreams. Steven had fallen asleep in his carrier. She reached over and took Connor’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. He squeezed back.
Superman arrived at the hospital where Lex Luthor’s comatose body was housed. He stared at the bald villain as the machines that monitored him made quiet noises.
“What did you do to him?”
Just then Lance Luthor appeared. Superman became angry and stepped towards him.
“Ha, so predictable! I knew you’d show up here. And don’t bother trying to apprehend me. I’m a hologram! See!”
Superman’s hand passed through the hologram.
“So many questions for my old man! So many that he can’t answer, but I can!”
“I swear I will hunt you down. What did you do to Superboy?”
“Swearing, tsk tsk! Not a very nice thing for a boy scout to do, now is it?! Well, I’ll tell you all about little boy lost. In fact, I think hurting you this way will make my day! You see, my father had located that…..clone in Smallville, USA! He was about to capture him, even weakened him with kryptonite when that old lady just had to happen by. Can you imagine someone with powers like yours fraternizing with a common farm woman!”
Superman wanted punch his teeth out for that comment.
“Anyway, my father strangled the old woman. Superboy was too weak to lift a finger, and had to watch one of your precious innocents die! Can you imagine the horror he felt at being so helpless? HAHAHAHAHA!!!! Oh, and it gets worse! For years my father, then I, kept him. Every mental and physical torture you can imagine…..we did it.” He smiled.
Superman fought back tears as he had to listen to the details of his mother’s death and Superboy’s abduction.
“And how do you like this!? My father released a toxin into the air across Smallville and your precious Hall of Justice, which caused everyone to simply think Superboy had disappeared. Did he kill the old lady? Was he sad he couldn’t save her? Can you imagine how he will feel knowing all these years passed and you did NOTHING to find him. Maybe you really wanted him out of your hair to do whatever you’ve been doing all these years. All in all not a bad day to be a Luthor. Bye now!”
With that the hologram was gone. Superman looked over at Luthor. It would be so easy to punch his face in. Superman merely looked at the man. He could have sworn he saw Luthor’s face smirk.
Superman arrived back at S.T.A.R. He thanked Jerrica for sitting with Connor. Jerrica and her son left and returned home. Superman sat with Connor. He called Lois and explained all that had happened. Suddenly Connor sat up, gasping for air.
“MA!!!!!” he shouted. He thrashed around, hovering in the air.
“Connor! Connor, calm down…it’s ok!”
“Clark! It’s Luthor…he’s going to kill Ma!”
Illumina and her staff came rushing to the room. Superman gestured them away.
Connor soon became aware of his surroundings and was confused.
“How did I get here? Where’s Ma? Luthor? We have to find him!”
Superman explained all that happened.
“You mean it’s years later? Ma is gone?” Connor started to cry. “She gone because of me, I couldn’t save her….”
“No, don’t you think like that. You did your best.”
“Where have I been? I don’t remember anything….” Connor said, slumping into his bed.
“I…I don’t know where to start……” Superman began.
***
Days later, Superboy streaked across the sky. He had been released from the hospital. Superman and Lois insisted he join them in Metropolis and they would start a new life for him. He flew over San Francisco, where the old Titans Tower had been. He smiled as he remembered the fun and laughter from those days and wondered where his old friends were and what they were doing.
“They all moved on and I’m still 17….” He mused. He then flew aimlessly and found himself over Beverly Hills. He landed in a park and sat in the quiet. He spotted a pretty blonde pushing a stroller. Something about her…something besides her beauty caught his eye. He walked towards her.
“Ma’am…do I know you?”
Jem was unsure what to do.
“Hi Connor. You do know me. Sort of. He looked at Steven and patted his head.”
The two of them walked and talked. He was amazed that she was Jem and that the 2 of them had fought recently.
“I can’t believe I fought one of my favorite singers.”
“It’s ok. You were being controlled. I’m just glad you’re ok. What are you going to do now?”
“I don’t know. I don’t really fit in anymore. All of my friends gone. Oh my gosh! How is Cass? You must see her often. I can’t believe you’re married to Wonder Woman’s son!”
“We see her occasionally. She’s busy working with museums.”
“Ha, like her mother.”
The two of them walked and talked all afternoon. Jerrica filled him in on all the Titans of Justice, villains, who was married, who was dead, and discussed what Connor would do now.
“I don’t know. Superman and Lois want me to live with them. They have a grown daughter. I don’t feel like…I would fit.”
“Of course you would. They’re your family and Jenna would welcome you as a brother.”
“I guess. You know, so much time has passed. Ma is gone. In a weird way, I feel like I’ve been given a second chance at life. Like a rebirth. I had moved to Smallville, tried to do everything Superman did. Thing is, I know nothing….nowhere to go. I miss Smallville…I miss Ma….” Superboy said, his voice choking.
Jerrica said, “You know, the day you came back I just found out that I had lost a baby. So many dreams I had for him…or her. Never going to happen now. I sort of know how you feel.”
“You lost a baby? Did I--?”
“Oh no, not you. It was that morning before any of the fight happened. My husband was devastated. He is so young at heart…and fun. I think you would like him, you remind me of him in a way.”
“He does sound pretty cool.”
“Connor, I just thought of something. I’d like to talk it over with you.”
***
Days later that night at the Trevor home…..
“You want to what?” Scott Trevor said to his wife.
“Scott, he needs a home. He has nowhere to go.”
“What about Lois and Clark? I mean, we just lost a baby! I’m not quite ready to open our home as a halfway house for runaway teen heroes. We have Steven to think about!”
“I know we do, but Connor and Steven get along great. Scott, the Starlight Foundation has taken care of so many kids. But it only applies for minors. Connor is nearly 18. I have a good feeling about this, I think Connor would do well here. He wants a fresh start.”
Scott Trevor looked at his wife. He knew it was useless to argue with her. “You know my dear, I cannot say no to you. If you want this I’m on board.”
Scott and Jerrica went outside where Connor was playing with Steven. They broke the good news to him.
“Yahoooooo!!!! He shouted, flying into the air and quickly landing before the neighbors saw.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Steven clapped.
“I think I can even get you a job down at the agency. Oh gosh, and we have to get you enrolled in school---“
“Aw, look at my responsible husband!” Jerrica laughed.
“I’d like that.” Connor smiled as the three of them hugged.
Later that evening, Connor called Clark and Lois and explained his plans. They supported him, although Clark wished he would move to Metropolis.
“I have to do this on my own Clark. Times have changed, everyone has moved on. I have to find my own place now.”
“I understand Connor. Just know you always have a home here with us if you ever want it.”
“I’ll come to Metropolis for visits, “big bro.”
***
Weeks later…
“So are you nervous? First day at school and all?” Scott Trevor smiled.
“I am. Beverly Hills is lots different than Smallville.”
“Well, you’ll fit right in.” Jerrica smiled. She had taken Connor shopping and he looked sharp in his new clothes.
“Ah, before you go in, here’s this. “ Scott said handing him a packet.
Connor opened it up. Inside was a California driver’s license, and other documents.
“Connor Trevor?”
“Yeah, we thought it we’re going to do this, we’re going all out! My family has big contacts so you have a new identity, new everything. I hope it’s ok.”
Connor looked at the driver’s license. “Connor Trevor. Yeah man, it’s more that ok! I don’t know how to thank you guys.”
“And after school, you have job at my agency…if you want it. Nothing too big, just helping with the phones and not to mention hanging with some of the world’s biggest models. “Scott added.
“Heck yeah!” Connor smiled.
Connor stepped out of the car and headed into Beverly Hills High. Jerrica noticed several girls checking him out.
“I know we did the right thing, Mr. Trevor.” Jerrica said, kissing her husband’s cheek.
“I know we did too. Mrs. Trevor. You happy?”
“I am.” Jerrica smiled.
Connor turned and waved to Jerrica and Scott as they drove away.
A very pretty blonde approached Connor.
“You must be the new student. I’m your guide for the week. My name’s Katie.”
“Katie. I’m Connor. Connor Trevor.” Superboy smiled as he began the first day of his new life.
THE END(For Now)!