Titans of Justice Unlimited #84 - "Conjura The Great Part 2"
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Editing & Maxi-Micros by: Power Guy


“Sure Scott, I can send someone to help you. You really think this woman is Sargona?” came Tom Tressor’s voice.





“Well, the resemblance is certainly there and Jerrica is convinced. I think it’s worth checking out. Stranger things have happened.” Scott Trevor said, winking to his wife. Scott had called his father to see what he could dig up on Conjura.





“I can contact Kid Comet. He’s mainly operating out of Europe these days and his mental powers should be able to help you out. If not, let me know and Lilith will be on her way. She was going on and on about some fashion show in Milan she wanted to attend anyway. By the way, there’s not much on the internet about Conjura. Just some reviews on Tripadvisor.com about how her show is a can’t miss.”

Scott and Tom finished their conversation. “So, what’s Tom going to do?” Jerrica Trevor asked.

“Sending us some help.” Scott said, as he and his wife left their suite to go eat dinner.

***

“Really? They think Sargona is back?” Mindy Trevor asked.





“Scott and Jerrica, well mainly Jerrica seem to think so.” Tom said, summoning Kid Comet on his IADC communicator.

“But how? She was stuck on Earth 3. Vowed to stay there because the Syndicate of Terror helped us. If she came back, surely she would contact Power Guy and try to come home.”

“Maybe it’s not her? Amnesia? Who knows? Still, it’s worth checking out. Especially if this person has the Ruby of Life. Wouldn’t want that falling into the wrong hands.”

Just then Kid Comet appeared on the monitor screen.

“What do you want Tom? I told you I want nothing to do with the Titans of Authority or Justice right now.” He said, annoyed that Tom had contacted him.





“Nothing like that Kid Comet. Listen, my son and daughter-in-law need help. Get over to the Czech Republic and talk with them. They’ll clue you in. An old friend needs help.”

“An old friend?” Kid Comet said, cautiously.

“We think Sargona may be back or someone has the Ruby of Life. All I need you to do is use your powers and either confirm or deny who this person is. According to Scott, she goes by the name Conjura and has a travelling magic show.”

“Conjura?” Kid Comet gasped. “She was just in London not long ago. I saw the signs for her show, but didn’t pay it any attention. I’ll be happy to help. I heard Sargona was trapped on Earth 3. Let’s hope she’s found a way home.”

Kid Comet signed off.

“Almost lunch time. You have any plans?” Tom asked Mindy.

“I don’t, Mr. Tressor but I’m famished.” She smiled.

“I certainly can’t have my top agent working on an empty stomach. Come on, I’ll take you to lunch.”

***

A remote mountain range in Europe…

The young hikers died quickly, which was a blessing. Their 16 bodies were arranged in a formation that resembled a star and blood covered their bodies. One girl’s eyes were still open as blood dripped from her throat.

“Tell me, Brother Night. Did this sacrifice replenish you?” came a female voice.





“For now…..” Brother Night smiled. “I feel much better.” Snow drifted across the two figures as they stepped over the bloody, mangled bodies of the hikers.





“Now, about our proposition.” The Blue Llama said. “The Ruby of Life is nearby. We need to quickly procure it. With all that power, we’ll be unstoppable.”

“And you think Zatanna’s daughter is here? I read that she’s been missing for months, disappeared from the super hero scene.” Brother Night said, licking blood from his hands.

“Months ago, there was a cosmic disturbance. I felt the ruby, felt its power pulling across the dimensions. I’ve lusted after that ruby for years. I know it’s nearby and I know that the daughter of my greatest enemy is nearby.”

“With the blood sacrifice, I’m at full power. Tonight we’ll proceed with the ritual and find the ruby. And if the daughter of Sargon and Zatanna is here, surely we’ll kill her as an added treat.” Brother Night laughed as the snow continued falling.

***

A hotel in Albania...

Lena enjoyed her dinner and sipped a glass of wine.

“Lena, this is the most I’ve seen you eat! I am glad you have an appetite. All skin and bones! Good to see you eating.” Branislava smiled.

“I feel good Lena. I feel like the past doesn’t matter anymore. I think I’m happy.” Lena smiled as Vladko joined them.





“Good evening ladies.” The handsome man smiled.

Branislava noticed the chemistry between her nephew and Lena. “Ah, I may be old, but I know love when I see it.”

“Aunt Branislava! You’re embarrassing Lena!” Vladko said.

“No need to be embarrassed. I think it is wonderful.” Branislava laughed as she left the table and went back to her room.

“Last night was special, Vladko. I do love you.” Lena smiled.

Vladko took her hand. “And I love you. I think I loved you the moment I saw you.”

“When I’m with you, I feel like I’m home. Like my past….well, my past is such a mystery that it’s time to look forward to the future. A future with you. You and Branislava are my family now and I’m happy.”

“I’m happy too.” Vladko said, kissing Lena’s hand.

***

Czech Republic…

“Thanks for coming on short notice, KC.” Jerrica said.





“Not a problem. Anything I can do to help confirm if this woman is really Sargona.” Kid Comet smiled.

“Not sure where they went after the show here, but I’m assuming they can’t be too far away. Here’s the program book from the show.” Scott Trevor said, handing the book to Kid Comet.

“Just need a moment….” Kid Comet said, going into a trance.

***

Back at the Blue Llama’s lair…

“Brother Night, do you feel that? Someone is trying to find her….trying to find her before we do!” Blue Llama hissed.

“I do feel some weird vibes. Yes indeed. Someone with mental powers, casting the net far and wide.” Brother Night replied.

“Well, we claimed the ruby first. Come, give me your hand.” The Blue Llama smiled, drawing a dagger. She slashed her palm and then slashed Brother Night’s. As the blood poured they clasped hands and started chanting.

***

Back at Scott and Jerrica’s suite, Kid Comet started to shake. His eyes rolled back in his head.

“Scott, what’s happening to him?” Jerrica asked.

“I don’t know.” I’ve never seen anything like this happen to him before!”

Kid Comet’s body twitched and his forehead wrinkled. Suddenly an energy blast manifested from him, knocking him, Scott, and Jerrica down.

“Whoa.” Kid Comet whispered.

“Man, what was that?” Scott asked, as helped his wife to her feet.

“Someone…something…evil….2 people…they knew I was looking for Sargona….they blocked my powers. I’ve never felt anything like it before. I can tell you this….I picked up Sargona’s psychic imprint here….I believe she’s back on our Earth. I don’t know if she and Conjura and one and the same, but Sargona’s here.”

“Oh Kid Comet! That’s wonderful news!” Jerrica hugged him.

“Not so wonderful. If someone did that to Kid Comet, that someone could be looking for Sargona too. Maybe even holding her prisoner. I think it’s time we contact Power Guy.” Scott said, reaching for his Titans communicator.

***

Back at the Blue Llama’s lair, Brother Night paced furiously.

“We need to act fast. Someone’s looking for her. Looking for the ruby. We have to beat them to it.”

“I agree. Come. I have a locater spell ready. Even have some of her father’s gaudy trinkets for use in the ritual. We’ll find the girl and the ruby.” The Blue Llama smiled.

***

Back at the Hall of Justice, Power Guy was on monitor duty. He sat staring at the screen. So far it was a quiet night. He had been hoping for some action to keep his mind occupied.

“Quiet night, huh?” came the Flash’s voice.





“Flash, what are you doing here? On the roster it says Hawk Warrior is my relief.” Power Guy said.





“Oh, I know. I just wanted to keep you company.” The Flash smiled.

“Thanks, but I’d rather be alone.”

“Vince. Come on, man. That’s all you’ve done lately. Always alone. I know how this must hurt, but it’s been months. Your life will go on.”

“Don’t you dare try to tell me how my life will go on!” Power Guy said, getting in the Flash’s face. “The woman I love—the person I love more than life itself is gone! Gone to protect me - all of us, and she’s not coming back! Do you understand me, she’s not coming back! Ever! Dammit!!”

Power Guy was silent as the Flash stared at him, wide-eyed. “I—I’m sorry Flash. I didn’t mean….”

“It’s ok. I was pushing and I’m sorry. It’s just that we’re worried about you. We care about you.”

“I know.”

“Look, I’ll go.”

“No. Please stay. I’d like the company.” Power Guy replied. Flash took a seat and the two of them talked for a couple of hours. Power Guy felt good being able to finally feel comfortable enough to discuss his feelings and his sense of loss.

Just then a priority alert flashed across the Trouble Alert screen. Seconds later, Scott Trevor’s face appeared.

“Power Guy, thank the gods. Have I got some news for you.” The former Wonder Man said.

“It must be pretty important to be calling here during your second honeymoon.” Power Guy said.

“I’ll say it is. Listen, Kid Comet was here. We think Sargona’s back. Can you get here?”

Before Scott Trevor could finish, Power Guy was flying away into the night.

“Hang tight, Scott. I’ll follow him.” The Flash said. He quickly summoned Black Vulcan to finish the monitor duty shift and set out running across the ocean as Power Guy flew ahead. “We’ve never raced, but I think he could give me a run for my money.”

Just then, Corporal Marvel flew up beside the Flash. “I was on my way for a late training session and Black Vulcan filled me in. Sargona was always cool with me, mind if I tag along?”





“I think that’s a good idea, Corporal!” The Flash replied.

Seconds later, all three men met Scott and Jerrica at their hotel.

“Kid Comet, tell me everything.” Power Guy said, his voice full of hope.

Kid Comet explained what had happened. “Vince, I do believe she’s here. She’s somewhere in Europe. Maybe you can find a schedule of Conjura’s shows and track her down. I truly hope you can find her. I have to get back to London, but I’ll keep you all in my prayers.” With that, Kid Comet departed.

“What are we waiting for?” Corporal Marvel said. “We need to find Sargona!”

Back at Lena’s hotel, she was sleeping soundly with Vladko at her side. She dreamed again of people…faces….hazy and unable to make them out. She snapped awake and sat up in the bed. Vladko was still and sleeping quietly beside her. For a moment….she felt like she could make out one of the faces…a man, someone important. She got up and made her way to the suite’s kitchen. She took a bottle of water and sat on her balcony, looking out at the night sky. She counted the stars and thought about her dreams. “I had a life. I know I did. Where are these people? Who are they?” she thought. Just then she heard a noise coming from the suite. She said, “Vladko?” No answer. She entered the suite and determined the noise was coming from a closet. “Whoever you are, you’ve made a big mistake!” she thought as the Ruby of Life glowed red. She had the ruby on a neckace. She flung the closet door open.

“YOU!!!!” she gasped.


TO BE CONTINUED!