Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2015 5:34:07 GMT -5
Since it's my birthday, I'm giving you guys a present. Here's the next chapter of Titans East:
Titans East Chapter 37 – “Orchids Blooming”
Written & edited by: Power Guy & Marcus Mebes
Co-conspirator: Scotty2Hotty
Hippolyta’s chambers, Mount Olympus…
Hippolyta sat in a chair by the window. She looked out, noticing some white-tail doves nesting about in the tree in front of her room. “How fitting,” she commented, thinking on how she could finally rest easy knowing that Fausta and Dark Angel had both been neutralized. “My family and I can finally breathe easy.”
Her moment of bliss was soon ruined by the roaring angry voice of Zeus, king of the Olympian Gods. “Hippolyta!!! Turn and face me child!!!” he demanded as he entered her chambers.
Startled, Hippolyta quickly jerked her body around to see her upset guest. “What is it Lord Zeus? What disturbs your peace so?” she asked humbly.
“Do not feign ignorance with me, child. I know about your transgression to the mortal plane, due to that insolent Stranger,” revealed Zeus. “Did you think you could keep this from me?”
“No, my lord,” admitted Hippolyta. “But please try to understand that I was concerned about my family… plus you never said I could not go; merely that you would not send me.”
Though Zeus was quite upset, he knew Hippolyta was right. He did not say she could not go. “So this is how you justify your actions, hmm?” he said pointing his right index finger in Hippolyta’s face. “Very well Hippolyta, I will say no more but be advised that if you should do something like this again, you will spend six months in Tartarus!!!” he said, storming out.
***
The home of Celsius, New Zealand….
The knocking on the door faded away, and a slip of paper was shoved under it. The note indicated that several packages that were being held for him would be returned to their senders if they were not retrieved. Apparently, he had not been picking up his mail.
The bed was untouched, and had been untouched for days. The milk in the refrigerator had gone sour, but no one was there to discard it.
***
The Hall of Justice, Metropolis…
“D_mn it! He’s still not answering,” huffed Wonder Man as he and Venus made their way up the walk-way. “Colin… Celsius. I can’t even get a voice mail. It’s like he just dropped off the face of the earth.”
“Maybe he’s in an outlying aread and anot getting a signal?” suggested Venus. “Scott, I’m so nervous. What if Palomé doesn’t like my make-over?” asked a conscientious Venus. She peered at her reflection in a mirror critically.
“How could he not? You look absolutely gorgeous Venus,” complimented Wonder Man. “The lighter hair, the side-swept bangs, the new costume… you’re a complete knock-out!”
“Thanks. I like your new look too!” chimed Venus. “You were right. Going out for make-overs was just what we needed after that whole escapade with Fausta and Dark Angel.”
As the two made their way into the Hall’s main meeting room, they noticed Black Vulcan and Nightvision arguing.
“Look, I just need some information on the Electrocutioner. I fought him last night and he got away. Can’t you just grant me access so I can find out what I need to know?” pleaded Black Vulcan gesturing at the computer.
“In a word: NO!” denied Nightvision. “I can’t risk you playing around on there and taking all of our secrets to Waller.”
“But I’ve been on this team now for months! Surely you guys know you can trust me by now,” insisted Black Vulcan.
“Surely, you’re out of your mind if you think that I have even begun to trust you,” retorted Nightvision.
“What’s going on, guys?” asked Venus.
Black Vulcan was the first to answer. “Mr. Paranoid over here still won’t give me access to the computers and I need to look up some information on some lunatic that I fought last night.”
Nightvision grabbed some papers that had just finished printing. He handed them to Black Vulcan, “Here’s our file on the Electrocutioner. Read it at your leisure,” he said coldly.
“Gee thanks…” groaned Black Vulcan. “Everyone else gets access and I get a print-out.”
“Vulcan, don’t be upset,” offered Venus. “You got what you needed, didn’t you? Besides, why would you need…?”
“Yes but it’s the principle,” stated Black Vulcan. “Everyone has access to the system except me. Anways… girl, I love your new look!”
“You do?” queried Venus. “It’s such a drastic change that I wasn’t sure what people would think about it. I’m scared as to what Palomé will think of it.”
“Well, you’re about to get your answer. Here he comes,” whispered Black Vulcan turning towards the arriving Palomé, who was followed by Kid Comet.
“Oh God…” whispered Venus as she started to shake.
Palomé made eye contact with Venus as he approached her. “Well, well well, y’all. What do we have here?”
“You hate it, don’t you?” asked Venus, still trembling.
“Hate what? The fact that you look so beautiful and I can’t get busy with you right now?” teased Palome as he pulled Venus close to him.
“I was so afraid that you would hate my new look,” admitted Venus.
“How could you say such a thing?” retorted Palomé. “My attraction to you is from more than just your looks. You may be happy to know that you may get more than a make-over today. Kid Comet here may be able to help you get your memory back.”
“Really?!?!” she asked in excitement.
“Yes. He’s a telepath. I’m an idiot for not thinking of this sooner,” regretted Palomé.
“G’day Venus,” offered Kid Comet.
“Hello,” returned Venus. “Do you think you can really help me?”
“I’m not sure but I am going to try,” committed Kid Comet. “Please sit down and we can begin.”
Venus made her way over to a couch on the other side of the meeting room. Palomé, Kid Comet, Black Vulcan and Wonder Man all followed her. Palomé sat on one side of her while Black Vulcan sat on the other. Kid Comet stood in front of her and placed his hands on the sides of her head. Wonder Man stood slightly behind Kid Comet looking on.
“Please close your eyes and try to open up your mind to me,” instructed Kid Comet.
Venus quickly followed Kid Comet’s direction and tried to relax even though she was both nervous and hopeful at the same time.
“That’s it ma belle, take some deep breaths and clear your mind,” whispered Palomé.
As Kid Comet fired up his telepathic abilities, he began trying to probe Venus’ mind. As he continued the probe, he noticed something astonishing. “Your mind is all scrambled. It’s almost like it’s continually changing its frequency. Every time I think I’m getting in, I get pushed back out.”
“But I’m not resisting you,” insisted Venus. “I’m trying to let my thoughts flow freely.”
“I believe you, but something isn’t right here,” reported Kid Comet. “I’m afraid if I push any harder, I could cause you permanent mental damage.”
“No problem, I…I understand,” said a disappointed Venus as she softly started to cry.
Palomé pulled her into his arms. “Don’t cry ma belle. We’ll get to the bottom of this and if we don’t, all that matters is who you are now. Not who you were before.”
“I know,” replied Venus as she stood up. “I just hate this feeling of emptiness inside of me. I think I’m going to go lay down.”
“I’ll come with you,” Palome’ said, putting his hand on her shoulder.
Surprisingly, Venus pulled away and said “No, I need to be by myself for a while…” she said making her way to her private quarters.
***
The cell of the Sportsmaster at Belle Reve….
Pastor Daniel Jordan was concluding another visit to his former adversary, Christopher Martin. He had come to visit Chris at least once, if not twice per week since Chris’ imprisonment. “Well Chris, I need to go now.”
“Already Pastor Daniel?” asked Chris in disappointment. Though he had figured out that Pastor Daniel was the hero Green Lantern, he kept this knowledge a secret. Partially to have the upper hand when he decided to make his next move and partially because he had started to grow quite fond of the Green Guardian. No other male in his life had shown Chris much attention or made him feel like his life was worth anything; not even his own father.
“I’m sorry but I have another commitment to fulfill,” replied Pastor Daniel. “But don’t worry. I’ll be back and I must say that I am quite proud of you. You seem genuinely remorseful of the crimes you have committed. The Lord forgives you and now it is time to forgive yourself.”
“I couldn’t have gotten to this point without you, Pastor Daniel,” admitted Chris. “Your readings of the word of God has helped me to put my crimes in perspective. I realize that I was wrong to be jealous of those athletes and harm them and also to try and force myself on the Huntress. She is a beautiful woman and I have driven her away from me,” he said in despair.
“Don’t look so glum. Some things are just not meant to be,” offered Pastor Daniel.
“I know. Hopefully, some day I can get out of here and make good for my sins,” responded Chris.
“Okay. Well, I’m already late for my next meeting so I need to run,” stated Pastor Daniel as he started to exit Chris’ cell. Daniel was shocked to be stopped in his tracks by Chris giving him a strong hug.
“Thanks again, Pastor,” Chris said warmly. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”
While Daniel found the surprising hug a bit uncomfortable, he knew Chris had a fragile mind and didn’t want to offend him by pushing him away. It’s not as if hugs bothered him, but he could not forget that the man doing the hugging was someone who had caused his team and him a great deal of harm. “If you didn’t have me, you would still have the Lord. Now I really must be going…” smiled the pastor. “I’m going to be late for my meeting with Sargona. She’s going to kill me,” he thought to himself.
Chris finally released Pastor Daniel from his arms and watched him depart. “He likes me! He likes me!” Chris thought to himself. “He so kind and gentle, yet so strong and distinguished. I think I’ve finally convinced him that I’ve repented. As soon as I get out of here, he’s going to be begging me to be his sidekick! Now that I’ve got my duplication power back, I need to figure out a way out of here. Hey! Wait a minute. What was that rumor I heard about that exchange program that if you go on a few missions for the government, they’ll set you free if you survive?” Chris ran to the front of his cell and took his water cup and banged it against the bars. “Guard! Guard!” he called out.
A guard soon made his way over to Chris’ cell to see what he needed. “I’m not getting you another magazine with that Green Lantern. You’ve already had your quota of non-necessities for this month,” stated the guard.
“That’s not what I want this time,” revealed Chris. “Tell Mrs. Waller that I would like to speak with her.
***
Later on Mount Olympus…
Hephaestus entered the throne-room of Zeus. He was a bit irritated to be disturbed from his latest project, but alas, his lord commanded he appear before him. “Yes, Lord Zeus?” he responded inquisitively.
“Hephaestus, we have been violated in the worst way!” shouted the king of the gods.
“What happened?” asked the god of the forge.
“One of those wretched Lords of Order assisted Hippolyta to the mortal plain after I decreed that she not go,” explained Zeus. “I will not tolerate such meddling!”
“And what am I supposed to do about it?” said an irritated Hephaestus.
“I want you to start rebuilding the Annihilator. We are going to teach this fool a hard lesson…”
***
Auckland, New Zealand, in a crowded street filled with festival revelers…
The man once known as Celsius looked up to see a woman flying speedily through the air, clearly intending to land in front of him. He did not recognize her, but noted that she wore a magenta and purple body-suit with fluttering folds from her arms. Her face was partially covered with the hood of the suit, skin-tight. And he detected… what was it? The scent of flowers… orchids?
He calmly watched the woman ascend, and regarded her curiously as she confronted him. “You flew in from the east,” he said conversationally. “Are you from around here… or did you fly in from overseas? America maybe?”
The woman did not answer, but instead glared at him with a mixture of anger, frustration, despair, and hatred. As the party goers passed around them, sometimes bumping into them, he couldn’t help but start feeling woozy and disoriented. Blinking his eyes, he stared back at her. “What’s going on?” he asked warily, stumbling to keep his balance. A reveler bumped into him, pushing him forward almost onto her. Before he knew what was happening, she had grabbed him by his shirt and hauled him upward into the air.
“Meet your doom,” hissed Black Orchid. “I’m… sorry,” she added, in a voice altogether different from her threat.
Colin was confused, but the orchid smell was stronger than ever, filling his head and muddling his thoughts. “I… can’t be killed,” he mumbled, struggling to get the words out. “I’m immortal…” He tried to burn her with his hands, but was too overwhelmed to even raise his hands. “Why… are you… doing this…?”
“I…” Black Orchid’s face was contorted with emotions. “Just because you’re immortal doesn’t mean I can’t kill you!” She began flying upward faster and faster, passing clouds and the atmosphere, until the two were hovering in space; the earth miles below them. With a sudden jerk, Black Orchid stopped her ascent, letting go of her victim. At the velocity he was traveling, once he was flung out of earth’s orbit he was instantly lost to her sight.
Black Orchid vomited. She watched it disperse in space, then lost consciousness. She slowly began to fall toward the planet surface, landing with a monumental splash in the Pacific Ocean, somewhere off the coast of California. Struggling to regain consciousness, she breathed a sigh of relief as she felt a massive growth of kelp and seaweed rise up underneath her.
“I’m getting closer,” she whispered hysterically, laughing and crying at the same time. “The massacre begins anew!”
Titans East Chapter 37 – “Orchids Blooming”
Written & edited by: Power Guy & Marcus Mebes
Co-conspirator: Scotty2Hotty
Hippolyta’s chambers, Mount Olympus…
Hippolyta sat in a chair by the window. She looked out, noticing some white-tail doves nesting about in the tree in front of her room. “How fitting,” she commented, thinking on how she could finally rest easy knowing that Fausta and Dark Angel had both been neutralized. “My family and I can finally breathe easy.”
Her moment of bliss was soon ruined by the roaring angry voice of Zeus, king of the Olympian Gods. “Hippolyta!!! Turn and face me child!!!” he demanded as he entered her chambers.
Startled, Hippolyta quickly jerked her body around to see her upset guest. “What is it Lord Zeus? What disturbs your peace so?” she asked humbly.
“Do not feign ignorance with me, child. I know about your transgression to the mortal plane, due to that insolent Stranger,” revealed Zeus. “Did you think you could keep this from me?”
“No, my lord,” admitted Hippolyta. “But please try to understand that I was concerned about my family… plus you never said I could not go; merely that you would not send me.”
Though Zeus was quite upset, he knew Hippolyta was right. He did not say she could not go. “So this is how you justify your actions, hmm?” he said pointing his right index finger in Hippolyta’s face. “Very well Hippolyta, I will say no more but be advised that if you should do something like this again, you will spend six months in Tartarus!!!” he said, storming out.
***
The home of Celsius, New Zealand….
The knocking on the door faded away, and a slip of paper was shoved under it. The note indicated that several packages that were being held for him would be returned to their senders if they were not retrieved. Apparently, he had not been picking up his mail.
The bed was untouched, and had been untouched for days. The milk in the refrigerator had gone sour, but no one was there to discard it.
***
The Hall of Justice, Metropolis…
“D_mn it! He’s still not answering,” huffed Wonder Man as he and Venus made their way up the walk-way. “Colin… Celsius. I can’t even get a voice mail. It’s like he just dropped off the face of the earth.”
“Maybe he’s in an outlying aread and anot getting a signal?” suggested Venus. “Scott, I’m so nervous. What if Palomé doesn’t like my make-over?” asked a conscientious Venus. She peered at her reflection in a mirror critically.
“How could he not? You look absolutely gorgeous Venus,” complimented Wonder Man. “The lighter hair, the side-swept bangs, the new costume… you’re a complete knock-out!”
“Thanks. I like your new look too!” chimed Venus. “You were right. Going out for make-overs was just what we needed after that whole escapade with Fausta and Dark Angel.”
As the two made their way into the Hall’s main meeting room, they noticed Black Vulcan and Nightvision arguing.
“Look, I just need some information on the Electrocutioner. I fought him last night and he got away. Can’t you just grant me access so I can find out what I need to know?” pleaded Black Vulcan gesturing at the computer.
“In a word: NO!” denied Nightvision. “I can’t risk you playing around on there and taking all of our secrets to Waller.”
“But I’ve been on this team now for months! Surely you guys know you can trust me by now,” insisted Black Vulcan.
“Surely, you’re out of your mind if you think that I have even begun to trust you,” retorted Nightvision.
“What’s going on, guys?” asked Venus.
Black Vulcan was the first to answer. “Mr. Paranoid over here still won’t give me access to the computers and I need to look up some information on some lunatic that I fought last night.”
Nightvision grabbed some papers that had just finished printing. He handed them to Black Vulcan, “Here’s our file on the Electrocutioner. Read it at your leisure,” he said coldly.
“Gee thanks…” groaned Black Vulcan. “Everyone else gets access and I get a print-out.”
“Vulcan, don’t be upset,” offered Venus. “You got what you needed, didn’t you? Besides, why would you need…?”
“Yes but it’s the principle,” stated Black Vulcan. “Everyone has access to the system except me. Anways… girl, I love your new look!”
“You do?” queried Venus. “It’s such a drastic change that I wasn’t sure what people would think about it. I’m scared as to what Palomé will think of it.”
“Well, you’re about to get your answer. Here he comes,” whispered Black Vulcan turning towards the arriving Palomé, who was followed by Kid Comet.
“Oh God…” whispered Venus as she started to shake.
Palomé made eye contact with Venus as he approached her. “Well, well well, y’all. What do we have here?”
“You hate it, don’t you?” asked Venus, still trembling.
“Hate what? The fact that you look so beautiful and I can’t get busy with you right now?” teased Palome as he pulled Venus close to him.
“I was so afraid that you would hate my new look,” admitted Venus.
“How could you say such a thing?” retorted Palomé. “My attraction to you is from more than just your looks. You may be happy to know that you may get more than a make-over today. Kid Comet here may be able to help you get your memory back.”
“Really?!?!” she asked in excitement.
“Yes. He’s a telepath. I’m an idiot for not thinking of this sooner,” regretted Palomé.
“G’day Venus,” offered Kid Comet.
“Hello,” returned Venus. “Do you think you can really help me?”
“I’m not sure but I am going to try,” committed Kid Comet. “Please sit down and we can begin.”
Venus made her way over to a couch on the other side of the meeting room. Palomé, Kid Comet, Black Vulcan and Wonder Man all followed her. Palomé sat on one side of her while Black Vulcan sat on the other. Kid Comet stood in front of her and placed his hands on the sides of her head. Wonder Man stood slightly behind Kid Comet looking on.
“Please close your eyes and try to open up your mind to me,” instructed Kid Comet.
Venus quickly followed Kid Comet’s direction and tried to relax even though she was both nervous and hopeful at the same time.
“That’s it ma belle, take some deep breaths and clear your mind,” whispered Palomé.
As Kid Comet fired up his telepathic abilities, he began trying to probe Venus’ mind. As he continued the probe, he noticed something astonishing. “Your mind is all scrambled. It’s almost like it’s continually changing its frequency. Every time I think I’m getting in, I get pushed back out.”
“But I’m not resisting you,” insisted Venus. “I’m trying to let my thoughts flow freely.”
“I believe you, but something isn’t right here,” reported Kid Comet. “I’m afraid if I push any harder, I could cause you permanent mental damage.”
“No problem, I…I understand,” said a disappointed Venus as she softly started to cry.
Palomé pulled her into his arms. “Don’t cry ma belle. We’ll get to the bottom of this and if we don’t, all that matters is who you are now. Not who you were before.”
“I know,” replied Venus as she stood up. “I just hate this feeling of emptiness inside of me. I think I’m going to go lay down.”
“I’ll come with you,” Palome’ said, putting his hand on her shoulder.
Surprisingly, Venus pulled away and said “No, I need to be by myself for a while…” she said making her way to her private quarters.
***
The cell of the Sportsmaster at Belle Reve….
Pastor Daniel Jordan was concluding another visit to his former adversary, Christopher Martin. He had come to visit Chris at least once, if not twice per week since Chris’ imprisonment. “Well Chris, I need to go now.”
“Already Pastor Daniel?” asked Chris in disappointment. Though he had figured out that Pastor Daniel was the hero Green Lantern, he kept this knowledge a secret. Partially to have the upper hand when he decided to make his next move and partially because he had started to grow quite fond of the Green Guardian. No other male in his life had shown Chris much attention or made him feel like his life was worth anything; not even his own father.
“I’m sorry but I have another commitment to fulfill,” replied Pastor Daniel. “But don’t worry. I’ll be back and I must say that I am quite proud of you. You seem genuinely remorseful of the crimes you have committed. The Lord forgives you and now it is time to forgive yourself.”
“I couldn’t have gotten to this point without you, Pastor Daniel,” admitted Chris. “Your readings of the word of God has helped me to put my crimes in perspective. I realize that I was wrong to be jealous of those athletes and harm them and also to try and force myself on the Huntress. She is a beautiful woman and I have driven her away from me,” he said in despair.
“Don’t look so glum. Some things are just not meant to be,” offered Pastor Daniel.
“I know. Hopefully, some day I can get out of here and make good for my sins,” responded Chris.
“Okay. Well, I’m already late for my next meeting so I need to run,” stated Pastor Daniel as he started to exit Chris’ cell. Daniel was shocked to be stopped in his tracks by Chris giving him a strong hug.
“Thanks again, Pastor,” Chris said warmly. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”
While Daniel found the surprising hug a bit uncomfortable, he knew Chris had a fragile mind and didn’t want to offend him by pushing him away. It’s not as if hugs bothered him, but he could not forget that the man doing the hugging was someone who had caused his team and him a great deal of harm. “If you didn’t have me, you would still have the Lord. Now I really must be going…” smiled the pastor. “I’m going to be late for my meeting with Sargona. She’s going to kill me,” he thought to himself.
Chris finally released Pastor Daniel from his arms and watched him depart. “He likes me! He likes me!” Chris thought to himself. “He so kind and gentle, yet so strong and distinguished. I think I’ve finally convinced him that I’ve repented. As soon as I get out of here, he’s going to be begging me to be his sidekick! Now that I’ve got my duplication power back, I need to figure out a way out of here. Hey! Wait a minute. What was that rumor I heard about that exchange program that if you go on a few missions for the government, they’ll set you free if you survive?” Chris ran to the front of his cell and took his water cup and banged it against the bars. “Guard! Guard!” he called out.
A guard soon made his way over to Chris’ cell to see what he needed. “I’m not getting you another magazine with that Green Lantern. You’ve already had your quota of non-necessities for this month,” stated the guard.
“That’s not what I want this time,” revealed Chris. “Tell Mrs. Waller that I would like to speak with her.
***
Later on Mount Olympus…
Hephaestus entered the throne-room of Zeus. He was a bit irritated to be disturbed from his latest project, but alas, his lord commanded he appear before him. “Yes, Lord Zeus?” he responded inquisitively.
“Hephaestus, we have been violated in the worst way!” shouted the king of the gods.
“What happened?” asked the god of the forge.
“One of those wretched Lords of Order assisted Hippolyta to the mortal plain after I decreed that she not go,” explained Zeus. “I will not tolerate such meddling!”
“And what am I supposed to do about it?” said an irritated Hephaestus.
“I want you to start rebuilding the Annihilator. We are going to teach this fool a hard lesson…”
***
Auckland, New Zealand, in a crowded street filled with festival revelers…
The man once known as Celsius looked up to see a woman flying speedily through the air, clearly intending to land in front of him. He did not recognize her, but noted that she wore a magenta and purple body-suit with fluttering folds from her arms. Her face was partially covered with the hood of the suit, skin-tight. And he detected… what was it? The scent of flowers… orchids?
He calmly watched the woman ascend, and regarded her curiously as she confronted him. “You flew in from the east,” he said conversationally. “Are you from around here… or did you fly in from overseas? America maybe?”
The woman did not answer, but instead glared at him with a mixture of anger, frustration, despair, and hatred. As the party goers passed around them, sometimes bumping into them, he couldn’t help but start feeling woozy and disoriented. Blinking his eyes, he stared back at her. “What’s going on?” he asked warily, stumbling to keep his balance. A reveler bumped into him, pushing him forward almost onto her. Before he knew what was happening, she had grabbed him by his shirt and hauled him upward into the air.
“Meet your doom,” hissed Black Orchid. “I’m… sorry,” she added, in a voice altogether different from her threat.
Colin was confused, but the orchid smell was stronger than ever, filling his head and muddling his thoughts. “I… can’t be killed,” he mumbled, struggling to get the words out. “I’m immortal…” He tried to burn her with his hands, but was too overwhelmed to even raise his hands. “Why… are you… doing this…?”
“I…” Black Orchid’s face was contorted with emotions. “Just because you’re immortal doesn’t mean I can’t kill you!” She began flying upward faster and faster, passing clouds and the atmosphere, until the two were hovering in space; the earth miles below them. With a sudden jerk, Black Orchid stopped her ascent, letting go of her victim. At the velocity he was traveling, once he was flung out of earth’s orbit he was instantly lost to her sight.
Black Orchid vomited. She watched it disperse in space, then lost consciousness. She slowly began to fall toward the planet surface, landing with a monumental splash in the Pacific Ocean, somewhere off the coast of California. Struggling to regain consciousness, she breathed a sigh of relief as she felt a massive growth of kelp and seaweed rise up underneath her.
“I’m getting closer,” she whispered hysterically, laughing and crying at the same time. “The massacre begins anew!”