Titans of Justice Unlimited # 61 – “Old Flames Part 2”

Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Edited & Maxi-Micros by: Power Guy


The secret head quarters of the Society of Insanity...


“So, tell me more about this human scratching post.” Kitty Kat said in a convincing evil tone.





“It's time to add another doll to the doll house! Riddler’s no fun any more, Stingray neither. Last time I checked in on them, they weren’t even moving! I want another figure from the Legion of Doom collection. And I know just which one! Oh it’s a rare one! A rarity indeed! I even searched Ebay and came up with nothing!” Punchline laughed tossing a stack of stolen credit cards into the air.





“I see. So, who is it this time? The Cheetah?” Kitty Kat said, hoping she would be able to take revenge on one of the people responsible for Knightvison’s torturous death.

“Oh no, too soon for her! She will be the jewel in the crown--the final addition to my collection. This time Sub Zero is our new playmate.” Punchline laughed.

“Booooring.” Kitty Kat said, rolling her eyes. “But he is one of THEM, so why not.”

“And once again, I need your help in procuring this rare collectible.”

“Sure, you need me to break him out of jail?”

“Something like that. You see, those pesky Titans of Authority have him. I must admit, I prefer their take charge attitude! No due process for them! It is straight to Guantanamo Bay Detention Center!! hahahahahaha!!!! Water boarding, torture, all the fun stuff. Why, do you think we could persuade one or two of them to our side?”

“Is that what they do? How curious.” Kitty Kat smiled.

“I’m not sure but I do know that Black Adam recently snapped Major Force’s neck. Well, my dear kitten. You and Ebeneezer Faust are going to bring him to me.”

“It’ll be my pleasure.” Kitty Kat replied. Her mind began to race. “How am I going to pull this off? I’ve got to warn Tom.”

***

Bludhaven…

Mindy Trevor led a group of field agents down the alley where the prostitute’s body—or what was left of it had been found. Multiple corpses had been found in a dumpster and the alley stank of blood and rot.

“Tom, this is Mindy. We’re working the crime scene. Gored Ox has definitely been here, for a couple of days it appears. 4 casualties, unfortunately.”





“Good work Mindy. “ Tom replied into his communicator. “Any sign of him?”





“No, but he hasn’t been gone long. We’re working on tracing him now.” Mindy replied, just as she detected some movement in the fire escape overhead.

“Huntress.” Mindy whispered, spotting her teammate. Mindy sent the other agents to the mobile lab to start analyzing the clues they found. “I sent them away, you can come down now. What are you doing here?”

“Doing the same as you. Searching for clues. Bludhaven is close to Gotham City. I don’t want the Gored Ox causing any trouble in my city. I assume the IADC sent you here.”





“Yeah, Tom put me on this assignment. Protecting Mari and Rachel are a top priority right now. Rachel even joined the Titans of Authority. Not sure what I think of them, but Tom has his orders to oversee their exploits.

“Is that so.” Huntress said quietly.

“Are you ok?”

“I’m fine. Looks like you all have the scene under control. I’ll see you soon.” The Huntress said, shooting a line from her crossbow upward and then lifting into the shadows.

“She gets creepier….and more dramatic every time I see her.” Mindy thought to herself. The coroner arrived next and Mindy directed them as they removed the murdered women.

Huntress watched from high atop a water tower. She called Tom.

“I just saw your girlfriend working the scene where Gored Ox was last seen.” She said flatly.

“Mindy is not my girlfriend.”

“Whatever. I have information for you. I saw it all go down and you better be ready. Bonfire met with Gored Ox. Punchline wants him for the Society of Insanity. I tried to follow them, but they had a transportation device and I lost them. I overheard some of their conversation and I heard them mention your little club. Be on your toes, G-Man.”

Huntress signed off. Before Tom could send out an alert, his communicator went off again.

“Tom, can you hear me?” Kitty Kat whispered.

“Go ahead Kitty-Kat.”

“I’ve got to be quick. The Gored Ox is here. More bad news. Punchline is sending me and Faust to break out Sub Zero. You better have the Titans on guard. I don’t want to go along—“

“No, you have to. Don’t worry, nothing will happen to you. I’ll be ready.” Suddenly the line went dead.

“You know, when I was learning magic I was told never to trust cats.” Ebeneezer Faust sneered. “Always up to something. Always keeping a secret.” He said, eyeing the costumed woman.





“Maybe that’s why cats survive. We keep what we know to ourselves. Besides, you don’t own me. I do as I please and don’t you forget it.” She said, grabbing her whip.

“None of your kinky play for me. To be honest, I don’t trust any of you. But, we have a mission so let us be off.”

“YOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Before you go, I want you to welcome our newest addition! The Gored Ox! Why, he’ll make everything a bloody good time! HOHAHAHOOOOHAAA!!!!!!!!!!!” howled Punchline.

“I warn you Punchline. You double cross me and I will feast on your body and your friends as well. I will help you destroy the Titans and the Legion of Doom. But when we discover my cousin and her spawn, they are mine to torture and kill.” The Gored Ox growled.





Bonfire shot Kitty Kat a look of fear and disgust. Kitty Kat gave her a knowing look back. Both women did not like Gored Ox.

“Are you ready for your tour?” Prince Vertigo asked.

“Yes. Start with the torture chamber.” The Gored Ox said.

“Why, the whole place is primed for torture so why don’t you start out with the kitchen? HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!” cackled the son of the Joker and Harley Quinn.

“Punchline, are you sure about this? All of us have the same goal, but he….I distrust him.” Briar Rose said, approaching the grinning man. “And if he tramples on my flowers….”





“Oh he’s all bark, no bite! A big cuddly teddy bear I’m sure! hahahahahahahahahaha!!!!” Punchline laughed. “Now, I have to go to my office and prepare his employment forms. 401K, insurance, pass to the gym! Being the manager is so taxing!” he said walking away.

“When that Ox turns on us, let’s make sure he takes out Punchline first while the rest of us get away.” Dr. Natas said.





Ragdoll gurgled, “Yesssssssss….”





***

IADC Headquarters...

Tom Tressor sent out a priority alert. The halls of the IADC rang with his voice. “Security mode, attack anticipated. Lethal Force authorized.” Agents ran to their posts and armed themselves as Tom gave instructions.

“Dammit. Only Apotheosis and Storm Surge answered the summons. I hope it’s enough.” He thought.

***

Beverly Hills, The Museum of History and Culture…

“Thanks for all the great questions today. You’ve been a good group.” Cassie Sandsmark smiled uncomfortably.





“Dude, she has been giving you the eye the entire time. First you land Katie, and now you have an older woman with the hots for you. Lucky dog!” Hank Hall Jr whispered to Connor Trevor.

“Gross, she’s old enough to be my mother.” Connor whispered back, feigning disinterest in his former girlfriend.





“Connor, come on! I know who she is. She’s your old—and I do mean OLD girlfriend. I remember she was Wonder Girl.”

“Shut up Hank.” It was bad enough that Hank had figured out Connor was Superboy, and now there she was, Cassie Sandsmark. “Go on ahead. I need to ask her some questions for the report we have to write about the trip today.”

“Sure you do.” Hank winked.

Connor made his way to Cassie. She was fumbling with her notes and he was so nervous he could throw up.

“Cass, I….”

“Hello Connor. I heard you were back. You haven’t aged a day.”

“I know, I –“

“I heard. I know Scott and Jerrica adopted you.” Cassie said. Connor noticed her very mature demeanor.

“Can we talk sometime? There’s so much I need to know, so much I missed. Like where is Bart? Rose? Raven and the others?” Connor said, smiling remembering the past.

“Connor, you need to talk to Scott about all that. So much has happened. Oh God, why did you have to come back…..?” Cassie said, tears streaming.

“I thought…I thought you’d be happy to see me. I mean, I know I’m still 17 but I—“

“But what? Thought we would pick right back up? Did you forget how chummy you and Rose were right before you disappeared?”

“ I didn’t disappear! I was kidnapped.” Connor snapped back.

“Mr. Trevor, the bus is leaving and I am not going to get in trouble for leaving a student behind. Let’s go!” Mr. Weatherbee’s voice rang out.

“Go, don’t miss your bus.” Cassie said, trying to regain control of her emotions.

“It…it really was good to see you today.” Connor said, looking down. Cassie didn’t say a word. She picked up her purse and walked away.

“So what happened?” Hank Jr asked Connor as he took his seat.

“I don’t want to talk about it. And will you keep your voice down. I don’t need the entire school knowing about me.”

“No worries man, it’s all good. Look, we’ll talk at the agency after school. Is that cool?”

Connor thought for a moment. “Yeah man, it’s cool.” Oddly enough, Connor felt relieved someone his own age knew his secret. He knew he could trust Hank. After all, his parents and uncle all had been Titans at one point.

***

Across the country, Kitty Kat sped down a back road in her Kitty-Kar. She was frantically telling Tom Tressor the details of the planned attack on the IADC headquarters.

“Don’t worry, if you have to attack me just make it look real. Back up is on the way.” Tom assured her.

“Ok, but I won’t like it. Faust just appeared and he's flying above me. Better go. See you soon.”

Within minutes, Kitty Kat and Faust were observing IADC headquarters.

“Why do I have to disable their security systems? If you’re so big and bad can’t you just pop in there and get Sub-Zero?” Kitty Kat asked.

“We are sending a message. The IADC think they are unstoppable. Surely they have some device that can stop even a sorcerer of my caliber. Can you imagine their shock when a common jewel thief disables their alarms? OUCH!!!!”

Kitty Kat slashed his cheek. “There is nothing common about me and you will do well to remember that.”

“And you will do well to keep your hands to yourself.” Faust said angrily as Kitty Kat scaled a fence surrounding the IADC. Tom watched from inside.

“She’s good. We’re armed to the teeth and she’s bypassed all sensors and all the alarms. Good thing she’s on our side.” Tom said.

“Are you sure she’s to be trusted? Apotheosis asked.





“I trust that woman with my life.” Tom replied.

“Come on Apotheosis. We’re on.” Storm Surge said. The two heroes walked briskly towards Sub-Zero’s holding cell.





“I hope this works.” Apotheosis said.

“I do too. Wish some of the others were here instead of on other missions.” Storm Surge said, going over the plan. “We take down Faust and capture him. Kitty Kat escapes to fight another day.”

“Sounds too easy.”

“And just what sounds so easy?” Sub-Zero fumed from his cell. “Must not be too big of a deal if they sent you two losers to guard me. Where’s Champion? Power Guy? One of the big guns?”

“I’d advise you to keep your trap shut.” Storm Surge said, drawing his trident. Just then, the main lights went out.

“Right on schedule.” Tom thought from the command room.

“BOOM!” Faust emerged in a puff of smoke outside Sub-Zero’s cell. “Ah, the fish man and the hero with the impossibly long name. Well, here’s where your Who’s Who entry ends! Murdered by Faust!”

“Not today.” Apotheosis said, using his absorption ability and weakening Faust before he could utter a spell.

“Ha! FOOLS!” scoffed Ebenezer Faust as he gestured, creating another puff of smoke and The Gored Ox emerged.

“Oh shi-----------“ Storm Surge's voice broke as the Gored Ox sent him crashing through the wall.

“RAAAARRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!” The Gored Ox roared as Apotheosis put up his hands.

“Your powers…I can’t….” the young man gasped.

Gored Ox responded by clamping down on Apotheosis’s leg, sending blood spewing. He twirled him around like a rag doll. Apotheosis landed a few punches on the furry brute but they did little more than tickle.

“Good boy, keep them occupied.” Faust said, mystically removing the door to Sub Zero’s cell.

Before Sub Zero could say a word, Faust used a containment spell and lifted the struggling villain into the air. “How about a nice nap before you say good bye?” With that, Faust sprinkled a dust in Sub Zero’s eyes, causing him to pass out. Kitty Kat joined them.

“What is going on? No one told me Gored Ox would be joining us!” she hissed.

“Do you have a problem with that?” Faust said, accusation in his voice.

“Of course not, I just don’t like not knowing what’s going on.” She eyed Gored Ox thrashing Apotheosis’s body.

“Drop your toy, Ox. I'm sure these boys have friends lurking around!” she commanded, worried about Apotheosis.

Just then, Storm Surge pounced from the shattered wall, his trident glowing. He was about to spear Gored Ox.

Faust said, “Don’t just stand there woman, stop him!”

Kitty Kat leapt onto Storm Surge’s back. She quickly whispered, “I’m sorry….I’ll be gentle.” As she dug her claws into Storm Surge’s abdomen and ripped.

Storm Surge screamed as blood gushed from the criss-cross wounds that started at his abdomen and ran across his chest. He dropped to the ground, clutching his wound.

Tom Tressor and his agents arrived. Faust whipped up a teleportation spell and said, “Mortals beware. After the Legion of Doom are dealt with, you’re next!” Kitty Kat’s eyes met with Tom’s. He looked at her as if to say, it’s ok, stay calm. POOF, they were gone.

Minutes later, both Storm Surge and Apotheosis were rushed to the IADC’s medical facilities. Both would recover, but were a bit shaken from their encounter.

***

Later that night, Superboy arrived.

“Man, what happened here?” he asked Tom.

Tom explained what had happened. “What brings you here? I know you couldn’t get here to help. School and all.”

“Yeah. And what a day it was at school.”

“Yeah? “

“Yeah. Can I ask you something? Scott and Jerrica are out with Steven. Steve and Diana are on Paradise Island. And in a way you are my grandfather.”

“Whoa, how about cool uncle?”

“Whatever. I ran into Cass today. I’m sure you know all about her.”

“I do. It was only a matter of time, I’m afraid. Judging from the sad expression, it looks like your reunion didn’t go well.

“That’s an understatement.”

“Come with me Connor. Let’s talk.” As they made their way to the meeting room, Mindy Trevor arrived. After quickly briefing her on the day’s events, she joined them in the conversation about Cassie.

“Connor, I know she searched for you for years. That dust Luthor used on everyone didn’t really affect her, she loved you so much. It was soon after your abduction she stopped being Wonder Girl and joined her mother travelling around the world. She was hoping to find you. I’m sure it was as big a shock to see you today as it was for you to see her.”

“Not to mention being adopted by my brother.” Mindy added.

“My advice, kiddo? Let her cool off and then talk to her.” Tom replied.

“You know, you’re right. She and I had broken up right before then. I was spending lots of time with Rose Wilson. Of course it would be awkward. What a lunkhead I am. Thanks Tom.” Superboy said, taking flight and leaving.

“You handled that well.” Mindy said smiling.

“I can only imagine what it must be like. Young love and all. You know what I mean.”

Mindy did not reply.

“Sorry, did I say something?”

“No, no everything is fine.” It’s been a long, trying day. I’m going to stop by and say hello to Storm Surge and Apotheosis. See you tomorrow.” Mindy said walking away. She did not want to admit to Tom that relationships were so foreign to her. Since she had spent most of her time on Paradise Island, she never had experienced a first love….not even a first kiss at this point. Even more confusing was how she felt around Tom. “Hera help me, he’s been with my mother….he’s Scott’s father…and I think….I think…I’m falling for him.”

Mindy tried to put the thoughts from her mind.

TO BE CONTINUED!