Post by Deleted on Mar 28, 2015 16:55:59 GMT -5
Titans East Chapter 51 – “Not Exactly What You’d Expect Part 2”
Written by: Power Guy & Scotty2Hotty
Featured Artist: Red Orion(first two pics) & Stranger(third & fourth pics)
Edited by: Marcus Mebes
Navy Pier, Chicago…
Sargona felt her stomach sink. Not only was she going up against Black Orchid but her enchanted ruby lay several feet away from her. There was no way she could reach it before Black Orchid would strike. She could call for help but none of the Titans could get there in time, except for Strato Hawk, but he would most likely die at Black Orchid’s hands too if he took her on. “I guess this is what I get for sulking these last few weeks. Maybe if I had appreciated my life more, it wouldn’t have come to this,” she thought as she inched backwards trying to prolong her life a few seconds more. She looked deep into Black Orchid’s eyes hoping to see into the soul of her soon to be killer.
“Go get her, purple lady,” cheered the Flying Fish. “I already softened her up for ya.”
Black Orchid continued to float above, remaining silent until she flew downward and grabbed the Flying Fish by the throat.
The Flying Fish started to choke and gag with Black Orchid’s iron-grip around his throat. “[Cough…cough…] can’t… [cough…] breath…”
Black Orchid tightened her grip around the Flying Fish’s throat, finally crushing it and then threw his lifeless body miles away deep into the heart of Lake Michigan.
Sargona was astounded by the turn of events. She continued to look at Black Orchid with caution, not saying a word.
Black Orchid glanced down at the sorceress and smiled. As quickly as the smile came, it was replaced with a frown along with what appeared to be anguish. “NO!!!!!!” she shrieked as she flew off, disappearing from Sargona’s view within seconds.
“Okat, what just happened here?” the sorceress asked herself, picking up her headdress and replacing it on top of her head.
Suddenly, Strato Hawk flew out of the water with the Sting Ray’s helmet in hand. His large wings shook out water in a deluge.
“Hawk? Did you…?” asked Sargon thinking her teammate had killed the Sting Ray.
“No, she got away but not before I split her helmet in two,” revealed the winged juggernaut. “Those dratted corals she has are her instant escape route.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself, she even escaped Batman last night,” Sargona informed the winged warrior.
“Hmph… now I don’t feel so bad,” commented Strato Hawk. “But still, she’s my ex-wife and I’d like to be the one to catch her for what she’s done.”
“Well you may have to fight me to get to her,” lamented Sargona. “That woman made me watch as she blew our friends to Kingdom Come. I hate her. I really hate her,” she said, shaking her head.
Just then, a red and gray streak raced up to the recovering heroes.
“Rapido? What are you doing here?” asked Sargona.
“Hey guys, where’s the Sting Ray?” Rapido asked feverishly, noticing the damaged helmet.
“Gone,” answered Strato Hawk. “She teleported away, as usual.”
“This has gone on too long,” complained Rapido, pointing his finger in Strato Hawk’s face. “She killed Junjie and the others weeks ago and no one has been able to catch her. Why haven’t you guys captured her by now???”
Strato Hawk noticed the young speedster’s concern and paused for a minute before answering. “Rapido, we’re doing the best we can. It’s just that every time someone gets close to subduing the Sting Ray, she uses that coral necklace of hers to disappear. Not to worry though, we’re not giving up until she’s caught.”
“Oh really?” questioned Rapido. “Isn’t she your ex-wife?”
“What are you implying?” asked an offended Strato Hawk.
“I think you LET her get away,” accused Rapido. “She’s still got her hooks in you, doesn’t she?”
“Why you little,” grumbled Strato Hawk.
“Ok, guys – cool it!” ordered Sargona. “No one is more upset about this situation than I am, but fighting amongst one another isn’t going to do us any good.”
“Yeah well, you guys certainly haven’t done much good as it is,” countered the young speedster. “What did Junjie ever see in any of you anyways?” he said, racing off.
***
The Watchtower…
“The Stranger? What’s he doing here?” asked Lt. Atom.
“Oh, didn’t you know? Mr. Walk-Between-Dimensions is a reserve member of the Jackasses of Justice,” Dark Arrow said sarcastically.
“I suggest you watch your tongue before I turn it into a snake,” countered the Stranger as he stared down the cocky, young archer. Becoming quickly annoyed, the Stranger waived his hand. Within seconds, the new JLA found themselves locked in prison made of pure arcane energy. “As quickly as it began, it ends,” the Stranger said with confidence as he walked over to help his friends.
As the Stranger started to use his powers to revive the Titans, Dark Arrow called out to him. “I was actually expecting you to show up… although not this soon. Get ready to say hello to an old friend.”
The Stranger turned to see what Dark Arrow was talking about. He was shocked to see the new JLA freed from their cell but not as shocked as he was to see who their savior was. Floating above the team was the protégé of the Spectre, known as the White Wraith. “By the Lords of Order, what are you doing here???” demanded the Stranger.
“Protecting my own just as you are, Stranger,” answered the White Wraith.
“I will not let you harm my friends, ghost,” replied the aspiring Lord of Order as his hand glowed with eldritch energy. In an amazing display of power and light, the two mystics traded blows of magickal power.
“Duck!” ordered Dark Arrow to his team.
The battle quickly grew intense, rattling the structure of the Watchtower itself. Fixtures on the walls started to fall as the shaking grew more violent.
“This senseless fighting is getting us nowhere, Wraith,” the Stranger said, standing firm. “Keep this up and you’ll knock this satellite out of orbit.”
“Then be gone,” countered the White Wraith as his eyes glowed bright.
Within seconds, the Titans East soon found themselves at…
***
The Hall of Justice…
“What happened?” asked a still dazed Black Vulcan.
“We got our heads handed to us,” Nightvision answered sarcastically.
“They took us by surprise,” Power Lad said with arrogance. “Next time, Blue Tornado is gonna be eating my boot.”
“His name is Atmosphere,” advised Wonder Man.
“I’ll just call him Breakwind for short then,” huffed Power Lad.
The Silencer came over to greet his returning teammates, “You’re back and from the looks of things, I’m guessing things didn’t go well up there?”
“Not at all,” Wonder Man informed the nephew of Snapper Carr. “An old acquaintance of ours, Dark Arrow, has put together a rival team of so-called heroes.”
“I’ve seen his file. He’s Sonic Boom’s brother, right?” inquired the Silencer.
“Yes but he shares none of her charm,” Nightvision answered firmly.
“So what’s his beef with us?” the Silencer asked as he helped Black Vulcan steady herself.
“He’s always acted a bit aloof towards us since the team first got together but I think the loss of Sonic Boom has sent him over the edge,” assumed Wonder Man.
“He seemed like a very troubled soul,” added Isis. “And that Lt. Atom he has allied himself with is a housing of radioactive death.”
“Something tells me Lt. Atom was put on the team with a distinctive purpose,” Nightvision said while accessing the Hall’s data files.
“And what purpose would that be?” Isis asked innocently.
“To counter you,” Nightvision said as he looked deep into Isis’ eyes. “Let’s face it: you’re one of our team’s top powerhouses. What better match for your nature-based powers than someone who emits energy capable of destroying life itself?”
“I believe Dark Arrow was very careful when he selected his team, hence the addition of the White Wraith to counter my own abilities,” presumed the Stranger as he stroked his chin.
“And I’ll bet he picked up Totem just spite us since Vixen wouldn’t let her join our team,” Wonder Man said, aggravated.
“How could they treat us like that?” demanded Black Vulcan. “We’re on the same side! If they walked in here—even if it was unannounced—we wouldn’t have immediately resorted to violence.”
“Unless they attacked us first,” added Nightvision darkly.
Before the team could discuss the matter of the new JLA further, they were interrupted by the arrival of two guests. The Wonder Twins had entered the Hall to move in their belongings.
“Hey Wonder Twins. Do you need help carrying your stuff in?” asked Wonder Man.
“No, we can manage it… but thanks anyways Wonder Man,” replied Jayna, lugging in two large suitcases.
Nightvision walked over to Wonder Man and whispered, “Are you sure this is a good idea?”
Wonder Man turned to him and said softly, “Would you rather we leave them out there to let some more vampires out of their caves?”
“Touche’,” Nightvision said in defeat. “Besides,” he added, “they DO have powers, and experience. They worked with the previous generation.”
“They don’t look it,” added Black Vulcan, who was listening in. “They don’t look a day older than 18 years old.”
“That’s because every time they use their powers, it rejuvenates their cells,” explained Nightvision. “Technically, those two never age.”
Wonder Man walked over to the Twins. “You can have the two rooms at the end of the hallway. Now before you put your stuff away, I need to make something very clear. You are here for monitor duty and maintenance only. You will report to the Silencer and do exactly what he says. No going on missions, no fooling around in the armory, and definitely no letting vampires out of their prisons.”
“We understand,” the Twins said cheerfully.
“Just curious—why does the Silencer look so creepy?” asked Jayna.
“He’s supposed to. He’s our security guard,” explained Nightvision.
***
The nearly-restored Hall of Doom…
“The game advances one step further,” gloated Grodd.
“When are you going to tell us what you’re planning?” asked the Cheetah as he approached Grodd who had Tala next to him.
“All in due time, Mr. Rich,” Grodd said slyly. “Just know that once my master-plan is complete, the Titans of Justice will be no more.”
“I’d like to see some results sooner than later,” the Cheetah stated firmly. “And remember, when we go for the kill, Wonder Man is mine!”
“I’ll be happy to honor your request,” advised Grodd. “Now leave us so that Tala and I can put the next phase of our plan into action.”
“What does Giganta think of you two spending so much time together?” teased the Cheetah as he started to exit the room.
“What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her,” smirked Tala. “Besides, Grodd is more than enough man for the both of us.”
“And people think my lifestyle is strange,” mumbled the Cheetah as he exited.
Grodd cupped Tala’s chin with his furry hand, “You did wonderful, my dear. Not even the White Wraith suspects that I have been manipulating Dark Arrow all of this time. Soon the Titans will fall and with them out of the way, we will be able to retrieve my time-conveyer from the Hall of Justice and be free to travel back into the past to exact revenge on my former teammates for deserting me.”
Tala stared into Grodd’s eyes, mesmerized. “But darling, what will the Cheetah say when he finds out you are going to harm his grandmother?”
“Not to worry, I am going to make the Cheetah an offer he won’t be able to refuse,” smiled Grodd.
Before Grodd could continue, Sinestro entered to report. “Grodd, Star Sapphire is resisting the programming. I think you’d better come have a look.”
“What??? Impossible!” shouted the angry leader of the new Legion of Doom. He pushed Tala aside and followed Sinestro to the room where Star Sapphire was being brainwashed.
As the two villains entered the room, Star Sapphire shrieked in pain as Black Manta continued to use Grodd’s brainwashing machine to try and “condition” the magenta-garbed villainess.
“Eeiiiiiiiiiii! Arrrrrrrrrghhhhhh!!!” she continued to scream.
“I can’t believe she’s resisting,” commented Grodd in disbelief. “Who would have thought that such a dependent woman would have such a strong will? I am going to have to interface with her mind directly to break her.”
“But darling… I could use my magic to soften her up…” suggested Tala.
“Darling? Watch your tongue witch,” chastised Giganta as she entered the room, annoyed by Star Sapphire’s constant screaming.
“Cool down, big red, I call everyone darling,” Tala said trying to cover her affair with Grodd. “Everyone except you,” she whispered under her breath.
“Just keep your distance,” ordered Giganta, crossing her arms.
“Grodd, do we really need Star Sapphire?” questioned Sinestro. “With you, Bizarro, Giganta, Black Manta, Tala, Cheetah, Kid Zoom, Minister Blizzard, the Human Eraser and myself, why go through all of this trouble with her?”
“The Human Eraser is just our recruiter, he’s not officially on the team,” answered Grodd. “As for Star Sapphire, she stays. She and I just need to have a little… talk. Now, all of you leave me so I can begin.”
As the members of the Legion of Doom exited the room, Grodd began to use his mental powers on the former beauty-pageant winner. “Monique, let me tell you a little story. Your beloved Green Lantern was killed out of jealousy.”
As Star Sapphire lay helpless on the table she was secured on, her eyes widened at Grodd’s revelation.
“That’s right my dear,” continued Grodd. “That witch Sargona found out that he was in love with you and killed him so that you two could never be together…”
As Star Sapphire’s world shattered, Grodd used his vast abilities to implant an image in Star Sapphire’s head of Sargona flipping a switch on a detonator causing the S.T.A.R. Labs building to explode, killing Green Lantern in the process. She shook in pain as she watched Green Lantern’s body be ripped to shreds by the force of the explosion. “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
***
Las Vegas…
“And stay out, Rothstein!!” came the voice of a haggard old woman. “This is the last time you come in and cause trouble with my girls!”
Albert Rothstein looked up at the blinking sign that read “GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS” The ‘r’ and the ‘l’ were burned out in the middle “GIRLS”. He had gotten really drunk tonight and found himself trying to get backstage with the strippers.
“Well, beat it! Get out of here you pervert! I bet you can’t even pay your bar tab, you useless son of a…” the old woman hissed as she slammed the door to the club.
Al stumbled down the sidewalk trying to get his vision to focus. The years since his days with the Justice Society of America had not been kind and his powers were pretty much gone. Every now and then they would work, but just barely. Despite all of the good he had done, he was more remembered for being a hero with a tarnished reputation than being just a hero.
As he made his way to the bar on the corner a young woman approached him.
“Whoa, sailor! Where’s the party?” she asked eyeing the muscular man.
“Wherever you’re going.” he responded automatically.
She took his hand and the two walked down the cracked sidewalk of the less than safe neighborhood. Al knew what this woman was, but he didn’t care. Someone would love him--at least for a little while--and he would feel good about himself again.
The duo walked into a seedy hotel and entered a dimly lit room.
“I’ve never seen you around before,” he said to the girl as she handed him a beer.
“I’m new. My name’s Rose,” she said as she unbuttoned Al’s shirt. “I know who you are… or at least who you used to be. When you were with Infinity Inc., you saved my mother. There was a bus hijacking and you ….”
“I really don’t remember that, and I’m not here to reminisce,” Al muttered.
“Down to business huh?” she whispered as she kissed his neck.
Al closed his eyes as the working girl nibbled at his earlobe. He opened up his eyes as he felt a sharp pain on the right side of his head.
“What are you doi…” he gasped as he saw that Rose was gone and Black Orchid was in her place. Her mouth was covered in blood and Al grabbed his head. His ear was gone and the Black Orchid laughed.
“What’s the matter, tiger? Didn’t you like my little love bite?” she said flatly.
“You! You…” Al gasped as he drunkenly swung his fist at Black Orchid. She merely step aside and said, “Look at you! The mighty Atom Smasher!! Fooled by a disguise! What would the all mighty JSA think of you now, you stupid ox! Hahahahaha!!!!”
Blood poured from Al’s head. Being drunk only added to his panic as he lurched towards the door.
“Oh no you don’t! Not until I get paid!!!” Black Orchid laughed as she plunged her fists into Al’s belly and ripped out his intestines. The large man dropped to his knees, not quite believing what was happening to him was real. He tried to crawl away, but the Black Orchid grabbed him around the throat. Blood splattered everywhere as Al struggled. He felt his windpipe crush as he finally went limp.
“What a pansy! I think you wanted me to kill you! What a loser!!! At least you could’ve put up more of fight. Bah! I hope my next guest will be more entertaining than you!” The bloodied villainess dragged the mangled body Al Rothstein to the window and flung his lifeless corpse several stories to the ground.
To Be Continued
Written by: Power Guy & Scotty2Hotty
Featured Artist: Red Orion(first two pics) & Stranger(third & fourth pics)
Edited by: Marcus Mebes
Navy Pier, Chicago…
Sargona felt her stomach sink. Not only was she going up against Black Orchid but her enchanted ruby lay several feet away from her. There was no way she could reach it before Black Orchid would strike. She could call for help but none of the Titans could get there in time, except for Strato Hawk, but he would most likely die at Black Orchid’s hands too if he took her on. “I guess this is what I get for sulking these last few weeks. Maybe if I had appreciated my life more, it wouldn’t have come to this,” she thought as she inched backwards trying to prolong her life a few seconds more. She looked deep into Black Orchid’s eyes hoping to see into the soul of her soon to be killer.
“Go get her, purple lady,” cheered the Flying Fish. “I already softened her up for ya.”
Black Orchid continued to float above, remaining silent until she flew downward and grabbed the Flying Fish by the throat.
The Flying Fish started to choke and gag with Black Orchid’s iron-grip around his throat. “[Cough…cough…] can’t… [cough…] breath…”
Black Orchid tightened her grip around the Flying Fish’s throat, finally crushing it and then threw his lifeless body miles away deep into the heart of Lake Michigan.
Sargona was astounded by the turn of events. She continued to look at Black Orchid with caution, not saying a word.
Black Orchid glanced down at the sorceress and smiled. As quickly as the smile came, it was replaced with a frown along with what appeared to be anguish. “NO!!!!!!” she shrieked as she flew off, disappearing from Sargona’s view within seconds.
“Okat, what just happened here?” the sorceress asked herself, picking up her headdress and replacing it on top of her head.
Suddenly, Strato Hawk flew out of the water with the Sting Ray’s helmet in hand. His large wings shook out water in a deluge.
“Hawk? Did you…?” asked Sargon thinking her teammate had killed the Sting Ray.
“No, she got away but not before I split her helmet in two,” revealed the winged juggernaut. “Those dratted corals she has are her instant escape route.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself, she even escaped Batman last night,” Sargona informed the winged warrior.
“Hmph… now I don’t feel so bad,” commented Strato Hawk. “But still, she’s my ex-wife and I’d like to be the one to catch her for what she’s done.”
“Well you may have to fight me to get to her,” lamented Sargona. “That woman made me watch as she blew our friends to Kingdom Come. I hate her. I really hate her,” she said, shaking her head.
Just then, a red and gray streak raced up to the recovering heroes.
“Rapido? What are you doing here?” asked Sargona.
“Hey guys, where’s the Sting Ray?” Rapido asked feverishly, noticing the damaged helmet.
“Gone,” answered Strato Hawk. “She teleported away, as usual.”
“This has gone on too long,” complained Rapido, pointing his finger in Strato Hawk’s face. “She killed Junjie and the others weeks ago and no one has been able to catch her. Why haven’t you guys captured her by now???”
Strato Hawk noticed the young speedster’s concern and paused for a minute before answering. “Rapido, we’re doing the best we can. It’s just that every time someone gets close to subduing the Sting Ray, she uses that coral necklace of hers to disappear. Not to worry though, we’re not giving up until she’s caught.”
“Oh really?” questioned Rapido. “Isn’t she your ex-wife?”
“What are you implying?” asked an offended Strato Hawk.
“I think you LET her get away,” accused Rapido. “She’s still got her hooks in you, doesn’t she?”
“Why you little,” grumbled Strato Hawk.
“Ok, guys – cool it!” ordered Sargona. “No one is more upset about this situation than I am, but fighting amongst one another isn’t going to do us any good.”
“Yeah well, you guys certainly haven’t done much good as it is,” countered the young speedster. “What did Junjie ever see in any of you anyways?” he said, racing off.
***
The Watchtower…
“The Stranger? What’s he doing here?” asked Lt. Atom.
“Oh, didn’t you know? Mr. Walk-Between-Dimensions is a reserve member of the Jackasses of Justice,” Dark Arrow said sarcastically.
“I suggest you watch your tongue before I turn it into a snake,” countered the Stranger as he stared down the cocky, young archer. Becoming quickly annoyed, the Stranger waived his hand. Within seconds, the new JLA found themselves locked in prison made of pure arcane energy. “As quickly as it began, it ends,” the Stranger said with confidence as he walked over to help his friends.
As the Stranger started to use his powers to revive the Titans, Dark Arrow called out to him. “I was actually expecting you to show up… although not this soon. Get ready to say hello to an old friend.”
The Stranger turned to see what Dark Arrow was talking about. He was shocked to see the new JLA freed from their cell but not as shocked as he was to see who their savior was. Floating above the team was the protégé of the Spectre, known as the White Wraith. “By the Lords of Order, what are you doing here???” demanded the Stranger.
“Protecting my own just as you are, Stranger,” answered the White Wraith.
“I will not let you harm my friends, ghost,” replied the aspiring Lord of Order as his hand glowed with eldritch energy. In an amazing display of power and light, the two mystics traded blows of magickal power.
“Duck!” ordered Dark Arrow to his team.
The battle quickly grew intense, rattling the structure of the Watchtower itself. Fixtures on the walls started to fall as the shaking grew more violent.
“This senseless fighting is getting us nowhere, Wraith,” the Stranger said, standing firm. “Keep this up and you’ll knock this satellite out of orbit.”
“Then be gone,” countered the White Wraith as his eyes glowed bright.
Within seconds, the Titans East soon found themselves at…
***
The Hall of Justice…
“What happened?” asked a still dazed Black Vulcan.
“We got our heads handed to us,” Nightvision answered sarcastically.
“They took us by surprise,” Power Lad said with arrogance. “Next time, Blue Tornado is gonna be eating my boot.”
“His name is Atmosphere,” advised Wonder Man.
“I’ll just call him Breakwind for short then,” huffed Power Lad.
The Silencer came over to greet his returning teammates, “You’re back and from the looks of things, I’m guessing things didn’t go well up there?”
“Not at all,” Wonder Man informed the nephew of Snapper Carr. “An old acquaintance of ours, Dark Arrow, has put together a rival team of so-called heroes.”
“I’ve seen his file. He’s Sonic Boom’s brother, right?” inquired the Silencer.
“Yes but he shares none of her charm,” Nightvision answered firmly.
“So what’s his beef with us?” the Silencer asked as he helped Black Vulcan steady herself.
“He’s always acted a bit aloof towards us since the team first got together but I think the loss of Sonic Boom has sent him over the edge,” assumed Wonder Man.
“He seemed like a very troubled soul,” added Isis. “And that Lt. Atom he has allied himself with is a housing of radioactive death.”
“Something tells me Lt. Atom was put on the team with a distinctive purpose,” Nightvision said while accessing the Hall’s data files.
“And what purpose would that be?” Isis asked innocently.
“To counter you,” Nightvision said as he looked deep into Isis’ eyes. “Let’s face it: you’re one of our team’s top powerhouses. What better match for your nature-based powers than someone who emits energy capable of destroying life itself?”
“I believe Dark Arrow was very careful when he selected his team, hence the addition of the White Wraith to counter my own abilities,” presumed the Stranger as he stroked his chin.
“And I’ll bet he picked up Totem just spite us since Vixen wouldn’t let her join our team,” Wonder Man said, aggravated.
“How could they treat us like that?” demanded Black Vulcan. “We’re on the same side! If they walked in here—even if it was unannounced—we wouldn’t have immediately resorted to violence.”
“Unless they attacked us first,” added Nightvision darkly.
Before the team could discuss the matter of the new JLA further, they were interrupted by the arrival of two guests. The Wonder Twins had entered the Hall to move in their belongings.
“Hey Wonder Twins. Do you need help carrying your stuff in?” asked Wonder Man.
“No, we can manage it… but thanks anyways Wonder Man,” replied Jayna, lugging in two large suitcases.
Nightvision walked over to Wonder Man and whispered, “Are you sure this is a good idea?”
Wonder Man turned to him and said softly, “Would you rather we leave them out there to let some more vampires out of their caves?”
“Touche’,” Nightvision said in defeat. “Besides,” he added, “they DO have powers, and experience. They worked with the previous generation.”
“They don’t look it,” added Black Vulcan, who was listening in. “They don’t look a day older than 18 years old.”
“That’s because every time they use their powers, it rejuvenates their cells,” explained Nightvision. “Technically, those two never age.”
Wonder Man walked over to the Twins. “You can have the two rooms at the end of the hallway. Now before you put your stuff away, I need to make something very clear. You are here for monitor duty and maintenance only. You will report to the Silencer and do exactly what he says. No going on missions, no fooling around in the armory, and definitely no letting vampires out of their prisons.”
“We understand,” the Twins said cheerfully.
“Just curious—why does the Silencer look so creepy?” asked Jayna.
“He’s supposed to. He’s our security guard,” explained Nightvision.
***
The nearly-restored Hall of Doom…
“The game advances one step further,” gloated Grodd.
“When are you going to tell us what you’re planning?” asked the Cheetah as he approached Grodd who had Tala next to him.
“All in due time, Mr. Rich,” Grodd said slyly. “Just know that once my master-plan is complete, the Titans of Justice will be no more.”
“I’d like to see some results sooner than later,” the Cheetah stated firmly. “And remember, when we go for the kill, Wonder Man is mine!”
“I’ll be happy to honor your request,” advised Grodd. “Now leave us so that Tala and I can put the next phase of our plan into action.”
“What does Giganta think of you two spending so much time together?” teased the Cheetah as he started to exit the room.
“What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her,” smirked Tala. “Besides, Grodd is more than enough man for the both of us.”
“And people think my lifestyle is strange,” mumbled the Cheetah as he exited.
Grodd cupped Tala’s chin with his furry hand, “You did wonderful, my dear. Not even the White Wraith suspects that I have been manipulating Dark Arrow all of this time. Soon the Titans will fall and with them out of the way, we will be able to retrieve my time-conveyer from the Hall of Justice and be free to travel back into the past to exact revenge on my former teammates for deserting me.”
Tala stared into Grodd’s eyes, mesmerized. “But darling, what will the Cheetah say when he finds out you are going to harm his grandmother?”
“Not to worry, I am going to make the Cheetah an offer he won’t be able to refuse,” smiled Grodd.
Before Grodd could continue, Sinestro entered to report. “Grodd, Star Sapphire is resisting the programming. I think you’d better come have a look.”
“What??? Impossible!” shouted the angry leader of the new Legion of Doom. He pushed Tala aside and followed Sinestro to the room where Star Sapphire was being brainwashed.
As the two villains entered the room, Star Sapphire shrieked in pain as Black Manta continued to use Grodd’s brainwashing machine to try and “condition” the magenta-garbed villainess.
“Eeiiiiiiiiiii! Arrrrrrrrrghhhhhh!!!” she continued to scream.
“I can’t believe she’s resisting,” commented Grodd in disbelief. “Who would have thought that such a dependent woman would have such a strong will? I am going to have to interface with her mind directly to break her.”
“But darling… I could use my magic to soften her up…” suggested Tala.
“Darling? Watch your tongue witch,” chastised Giganta as she entered the room, annoyed by Star Sapphire’s constant screaming.
“Cool down, big red, I call everyone darling,” Tala said trying to cover her affair with Grodd. “Everyone except you,” she whispered under her breath.
“Just keep your distance,” ordered Giganta, crossing her arms.
“Grodd, do we really need Star Sapphire?” questioned Sinestro. “With you, Bizarro, Giganta, Black Manta, Tala, Cheetah, Kid Zoom, Minister Blizzard, the Human Eraser and myself, why go through all of this trouble with her?”
“The Human Eraser is just our recruiter, he’s not officially on the team,” answered Grodd. “As for Star Sapphire, she stays. She and I just need to have a little… talk. Now, all of you leave me so I can begin.”
As the members of the Legion of Doom exited the room, Grodd began to use his mental powers on the former beauty-pageant winner. “Monique, let me tell you a little story. Your beloved Green Lantern was killed out of jealousy.”
As Star Sapphire lay helpless on the table she was secured on, her eyes widened at Grodd’s revelation.
“That’s right my dear,” continued Grodd. “That witch Sargona found out that he was in love with you and killed him so that you two could never be together…”
As Star Sapphire’s world shattered, Grodd used his vast abilities to implant an image in Star Sapphire’s head of Sargona flipping a switch on a detonator causing the S.T.A.R. Labs building to explode, killing Green Lantern in the process. She shook in pain as she watched Green Lantern’s body be ripped to shreds by the force of the explosion. “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
***
Las Vegas…
“And stay out, Rothstein!!” came the voice of a haggard old woman. “This is the last time you come in and cause trouble with my girls!”
Albert Rothstein looked up at the blinking sign that read “GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS” The ‘r’ and the ‘l’ were burned out in the middle “GIRLS”. He had gotten really drunk tonight and found himself trying to get backstage with the strippers.
“Well, beat it! Get out of here you pervert! I bet you can’t even pay your bar tab, you useless son of a…” the old woman hissed as she slammed the door to the club.
Al stumbled down the sidewalk trying to get his vision to focus. The years since his days with the Justice Society of America had not been kind and his powers were pretty much gone. Every now and then they would work, but just barely. Despite all of the good he had done, he was more remembered for being a hero with a tarnished reputation than being just a hero.
As he made his way to the bar on the corner a young woman approached him.
“Whoa, sailor! Where’s the party?” she asked eyeing the muscular man.
“Wherever you’re going.” he responded automatically.
She took his hand and the two walked down the cracked sidewalk of the less than safe neighborhood. Al knew what this woman was, but he didn’t care. Someone would love him--at least for a little while--and he would feel good about himself again.
The duo walked into a seedy hotel and entered a dimly lit room.
“I’ve never seen you around before,” he said to the girl as she handed him a beer.
“I’m new. My name’s Rose,” she said as she unbuttoned Al’s shirt. “I know who you are… or at least who you used to be. When you were with Infinity Inc., you saved my mother. There was a bus hijacking and you ….”
“I really don’t remember that, and I’m not here to reminisce,” Al muttered.
“Down to business huh?” she whispered as she kissed his neck.
Al closed his eyes as the working girl nibbled at his earlobe. He opened up his eyes as he felt a sharp pain on the right side of his head.
“What are you doi…” he gasped as he saw that Rose was gone and Black Orchid was in her place. Her mouth was covered in blood and Al grabbed his head. His ear was gone and the Black Orchid laughed.
“What’s the matter, tiger? Didn’t you like my little love bite?” she said flatly.
“You! You…” Al gasped as he drunkenly swung his fist at Black Orchid. She merely step aside and said, “Look at you! The mighty Atom Smasher!! Fooled by a disguise! What would the all mighty JSA think of you now, you stupid ox! Hahahahaha!!!!”
Blood poured from Al’s head. Being drunk only added to his panic as he lurched towards the door.
“Oh no you don’t! Not until I get paid!!!” Black Orchid laughed as she plunged her fists into Al’s belly and ripped out his intestines. The large man dropped to his knees, not quite believing what was happening to him was real. He tried to crawl away, but the Black Orchid grabbed him around the throat. Blood splattered everywhere as Al struggled. He felt his windpipe crush as he finally went limp.
“What a pansy! I think you wanted me to kill you! What a loser!!! At least you could’ve put up more of fight. Bah! I hope my next guest will be more entertaining than you!” The bloodied villainess dragged the mangled body Al Rothstein to the window and flung his lifeless corpse several stories to the ground.
To Be Continued