Titans of Justice Unlimited Chapter 1 – “The Second Coming Part 1”
Written by: Power Guy
New logo by: Christophe
Art by: Redorion4
Theme-song video by: Stew
Edited by: Marcus Mebes


Six months later at the recently restored Hall of Justice…

The Arachnid was the first to arrive at the Hall. He had gotten there about an hour early. Starman was running a little late but promised to be there in time for the team’s first meeting in months. The bug-themed hero kicked back in one of the meeting-table chair, propping his feet on the table. He was feeling extremely relaxed and confident. After all, in the months that the team was inactive, he had little to do to pass the time. This would be a return to greatness for the team, especially him. “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen – My name is the Arachnid. I’m the current inheritor of the Blue Beetle Scarab. No doubt you’re wondering why I called you all here today. Simple: I’m declaring myself commander and chief of the brand spanking new Titans of Justice. Any objections? I didn’t think so,” he thought to himself. “Yeah, that’s the way it’s gonna be. Easy as pie. Easy…as…” he continued until the sound of the teleporter-tube interrupted him. “Hey! Teleporter’s kicking in! It’s showtime!” He turned to see who had arrived.

It was Nightvision and the Huntress, along with a new face: Blackbird.

“Oh spit!”he whispered, pulling his feet off of the table. “Phew, I don’t think he saw…”

“Keep your feet off the table,” ordered Nightvison firmly, stepping out of the teleporter tube.

“Nice to see you too,” mumbled the Arachnid.

“Looks like we’re the first ones here,” the Huntress said, looking around. “Besides the Arachnid of course.”

“So this is the famous Hall of Justice,” Blackbird said, surveying the room. “I never dreamed it would be this big.”

“We just finished rebuilding it and in the process, we expanded it so it could house all of the new members if need be,” explained Nightvision.

The Huntress pulled Nightvision close to her. “Are you sure this is such a good idea; bringing her here? I still don’t know if I really believe she’s Brenda back from the dead. Are you really believing her ‘resurrection’ story?”

“I believed yours, didn’t I?” Nightvision stated, nonchalantly .

The Huntress stood quiet, not quite knowing what to say. She was worried about Brendon but she would hold her tongue this time.

***

Several miles from the Hall...

Green Lantern, Sonic Boom, and Dark Arrow were streaking through the sky via one of Green Lantern’s power-bubbles.

Dark Arrow had worked hard over the last six months to regain his mental stability after what Grodd had done to him. Though he felt in complete control, he was still a bit short on confidence. “I don’t know about this, guys. I’m afraid the minute I walk in; I’ll have rotten eggs thrown at me.”

“Robert, how many times do I have to remind you that you aren’t responsible for what Grodd made you do?” chastised Sonic Boom. “You really need to let this go. Everyone else has.”

“And if they haven’t, it’s their problem, not yours,” added Green Lantern.

Just then, the trio saw Starman cruising through the sky en route to the Hall.

“Starman!” called out Green Lantern. “Hey! Over here!”

The stellar-powered hero heard Green Lantern’s invitation and flew towards his friends. “What’s up, buddies?”

“Just making our way to the Hall,” answered Green Lantern.

“Race you there,” smiled Starman, as he sped ahead.

“Who’s he kidding?” Green Lantern asked aloud, advancing faster towards their headquarters.

As the heroes continued to race, it quickly became apparent that Starman had the edge over Green Lantern, arriving a full thirty seconds sooner than his opponent.

“Okay, when did you get super-speed?” asked the green guardian.

“I didn’t,” replied Starman, “but, since meeting my dad, I’ve learned to hone my abilities so that I can focus my gravity-powers on a particular object and use the force of gravity to pull me there and great speed. Nice trick, huh?”

“That is pretty cool,” commented Green Lantern as the four heroes entered the Hall.

Meanwhile, Black Vulcan, Black Orchid, and Sargona were flying through the sky, making their way to the Hall.

Sargona was sitting atop of her magic-carpet, putting on her make-up.

“I don’t believe you. Here you are flying around on your magic-carpet while putting on eye-liner,” mused Black Vulcan.

“Hey, with all of the new members that are supposed to show up, there’s bound to be several hotties,” Sargona said, putting her eye-liner away and digging out her lipstick from her make-up bag. “By the way Venus, you’re awfully quiet.”

“I’m just scared,” admitted Black Orchid. “I know you guys insisted that I come along but I can’t help but feel like everyone hates me for what I did under the Floronic Man’s control.”

“Stop right there,” demanded Black Vulcan. “Didn’t you receive a full pardon for the whole thing?”

“Yes,” answered Black Orchid, humbly.

“Well then, there’s nothing left to say,” smiled the daughter of Black Lightning.

“But I killed so many of our friends and mentors,” continued the purple-clad heroine.

“Stop it! Stop it right there. Or I swear that I’ll magically seal your lips shut,” Sargona said as she adjusted her pony-tail. “You didn’t do it, and the fact that you keep bringing it up is really ticking me off.” She glanced sideways, distracted by movement in the sky. “Look up ahead! It’s the Wonder-family!’

About a half a mile ahead, the Invisible Jet came in for a perfect landing atop of the Hall of Justice. The Wonder-men, Wonder Girl, and Jemstone exited the sleek jet.

“You know, I never get tired of riding in this thing,” Jemstone commented as she kissed Wonder Man on the cheek.

“Ugh… gross,” Wonder Girl said in disgust at the couple’s display of affection.

Wonder Warrior looked over at Wonder Girl and tried to provide some wisdom. “You know, some day you’re going to meet a boy and want to do the same thing to him.”

“Doubtful,” retorted the escapee from the Universe of Evil. “Boys have cooties. Every girl knows that.”

“Yeah but wait until one of those cooties bites you. You’ll be an instant addict,” smiled Wonder Man as he held Jemstone’s hand while they entered the Hall.

Once inside, Wonder Warrior peered around the room, apparently looking for something or someone.

“What’s up, cuz?” asked Wonder Man. “Are you looking for someone in particular?”

“Yeah, I invited Lord Fate here today but I don’t see him in the crowd,” answered Wonder Warrior, disappointed.

“Maybe he’s just running late,” suggested his cousin.

As various heroes arrived at the Hall, several others were running late. Atmosphere and the Rangers were stuck in rush-hour traffic in the heart of Metropolis.

“I told you we should have taken the teleporter,” groaned the Scorpion.

“Don’t get all bent out of shape li’l darling, we’re almost there,” reassured the new Vigilante.

“Yeah, and that whole teleporter thing gives me the creeps,” Aura said, looking out the window.

“It’s really not that bad,” informed Atmosphere, trying to set his sister at ease. “It actually gives you this cool tingly feeling. Y’know: like Scope.”

“It sounds a bit unnatural to me,” Tatou interjected.

All of a sudden, the car carrying the five heroes was lifted into the air.

“What the heck is going on???” Aura demanded, starting to panic.

Atmosphere rolled down the window and looked up to see Kid Comet smiling while using his telekinetic powers to lift their vehicle.

“G’day chaps,” greeted the son of Captain Comet and the third Star Sapphire. “You looked like you had been stuck for a while so I thought I’d give you a lift. Now what do you say we hurry along?”

“Sounds good to me pal,” said a grateful Atmosphere. “Just don’t drop us,” he jested.

***

Inside the Hall, the Silencer was going over some of the data files of the new members that the Titans of Justice were taking in. “This guy sounds promising,” he commented while looking over Power Storm’s file. Before he could comment further, he was interrupted by the phone ringing. “Hall of Justice – Silencer here!”

Just then, his head was pushed away from the receiver as Nucleus and Queen Bee shot out of the mouthpiece. The two heroes started to grow back to their original sizes. Over the last six months, the two of them had spent many hours together, finding they had much in common, including their scientific skills and ability to shrink down to microscopic size. Jason loved spending time with Latavia as he finally felt he had met a girl that really “gets” him. She in turn found it fascinating that she found a man on the same intellectual and vertical level as herself. It was nice to be able to use “big” words and not have to explain their definitions to Jason.

Over the next few minutes, several other heroes arrived. For many of them, this was their first time at the Hall of Justice. In the crowd were Air Wave, Argos, Black Adam, Isis, Lady Light, Lt. Atom, Power Storm, the Sixty Minute Soldier, Stellar, Strato Hawk, Totem, Whirlpool, and the White Wraith. Many of them were in awe at the large group of heroes assembled.

A few seconds later, Power Guy and Power Lad walked in. This was Power Lad’s first time in costume since being horribly tortured by the Black Orchid. The young hero was still angry and bitter for having to go through months of therapy to complete his recovery.

“Ah, it’s good to be back,” Power Lad said, smugly. “I’m sure the ladies all missed me.”

“Down boy…” smiled Power Guy. “This is our first official meeting with the reformation of the team. I expect you to be on your best behavior today.”

“I’m always on my best behavior. It’s not my fault if people provoke me,” replied Power Lad, arrogantly.

Stellar made his way through the crowd up to Power Lad. “Hey dude!” he yelled.

“Yo, Stellar! What’s up man?” responded the sidekick of Power Guy.

“I want to thank you for trying to save me from Black Orchid when she’d captured us months ago. If it wasn’t for you, I’d be missing a leg right now,” offered the grateful hero.

“Don’t get all misty-eyed on me. It was nothing,” responded Power Lad.

“You saved Stellar from Black Orchid?” Power Guy asked with a bit of disbelief. The younger of the two had never mentioned the act.

“Yeah… She was in the middle of torturing me and was about to cut off my leg when Power Lad called her over to -- to distract her,” informed Stellar.

Power Guy looked down at Power Lad proudly. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of you.” He finally felt that all of the time he had taken to train and mentor the troubled youth had paid off. “Keep it up, pal. Keep it up.”

“I’ll see what I can do. In the meantime, I think I see a lady that needs to know my name,” he replied, walking towards Phantom Lady.

Power Guy just smirked and thought, “Well, I guess I can’t expect a complete turn around with him just yet.”

Just then, someone came up behind the Kryptonian hero and greeted him. “Hey Pee Gee!”

Power Guy turned to see: “Junjie Quick! How’s it going pal?”

There stood Junjie, along with Rapido and an unfamiliar female dressed similar to the Flash.

“I’m good. It’s nice to see everyone here,” the Flash said, looking around the room.

“I’m glad to see you changed your mind about leaving the team,” smiled Power Guy.

“Actually, I haven’t changed mind, BUT I did find my own replacement. Two of them actually,” revealed Junjie as he put his arm around the mysterious female accompanying him. “This here is Wally West’s daughter, the new Flash.”

The new Flash extended her hand to Power Guy. “Willma West – pleased to meet you!”

“Same to you Willma,” replied Power Guy. “Vince Star – cousin of Power Girl. So Junjie, who’s this second replacement of yours?”

Junjie turned towards the entry-way to the room. “Here she comes now!” he said pointing at a red and pink clad heroine as she approached the group.

“It…it can’t…” be Power Guy said, not believing what his eyes were seeing. “Isn’t that… That’s Danette Reilly, the second Firebrand. But the Dragon King killed her decades ago!” He held out his hand to her as she advanced to them.

Nightvison then made his way over to the heroes in conversation. “I don’t believe it. Firebrand!” he said, astounded. “I’ve researched all of your adventures from the forties but the big question is: how can you be here today?”

“Let me explain,” advised Junjie. “A few weeks ago, I was taking Willma out of a training session. I got a tip that my dad, who is a descendant of the Dragon King, had been spotted in a small town outside of Tokyo. Willma, Velocity,” here Rapido raised his hand, indicating that Velocity was his monicker now, “and I raided the place and took down several guards. Unfortunately, my dad must have flown the coop shortly after we got there, but while we were rummaging around the place, we discovered Danette here, frozen in stasis, as beautiful as she was back in World War II.”

“Junjie’s right,” agreed Firebrand. “The Dragon Kind had captured me around the end of the war and kept me in stasis until Junjie and his friends rescued me. I have to admit this modern world of yours is quite strange to me with your cell phones, computers, and DVD players. Plus it seems like women enjoy many more liberties than they did back in the forties.” She turned her head, looking curiously at Phantom Lady. “If you boys and girls will excuse me for a minute, I think see an old friend.”

Firebrand maneuvered her way through the crowd up to the scantly-clad, heroine. “Sandra?” she called out.

Phantom Lady turned to greet the flame-powered heroine. “Danette?! This is impossible! Is that really you?”

“Oh my God! Sandra! I thought it was you, but I was told you had died several years ago,” Firebrand said, hugging her long-time comrade.

“Well Danette, I hate to disappoint you but I did die,” explained Phantom Lady. “I’m now forced to walk the earth as a literal phantom.”

“Sandra, I’m so sorry,” offered Firebrand, hugging her friend again. “Who… or what did this to you?”

“I don’t really want to talk about it right now,” she replied, looking a bit depressed. “As you can probably tell, I can become solid enough to interact with people and I can phase to the point that I can walk through walls. I guess some would say I have the best of both worlds – the living and the dead.”

“I don’t know what to say… except that I’m here for you if you need to talk,” Firebrand said, trying to be supportive. “We World War II girls need to stick together.”

“You can count on it,” agreed the spectral heroine, trying to produce a smile.

As the two ladies continued to converse about old times, Whirlpool entered the room. “Greeting from Atlantis, all!”

The Stranger was the first to respond to the aquatic hero. “Good to see you,Whirlpool! I wasn’t sure if I would see you here today. I’m glad to see you’re along for the ride.”

“How could I not be?” responded the Atlantean. “This is the Titans’ return to greatness. Any hero that isn’t here today is selling himself short. Plus, you never know when Devil Ray or Sting Ray are going to rear their ugly heads.”

“If, and I stress, IF the Sting Ray escapes from prison, I get the first the first crack at her,” Sargona said, interrupting the two heroes. “Do I make myself clear?”

“Sargona! Your new costume looks lovely on you,” complimented the Stranger as he hugged his fellow mage.

“Thanks Stranger,” replied Sargona. “It was time for a fresh start for me.”

“I have to agree Sar. You look pretty snazzy,” Whirlpool added.

As the trio continued to talk, the White Wraith appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Saying nothing, he simply surveyed the crowd, choosing to keep to himself as always.

“White Wraith,” the Stranger spoke to his rival. “I’m surprised to see you here.”

“As am I of you,” retorted the protégé of the Spectre. “It seems that we finally meet on terms that do not require battle.”

“Let’s hope it stays that way,” the Stranger replied, somewhat coldly. “But I do notice there is something different about you…you seem younger?”

“That I am,” revealed the White Wraith. “The Almighty One was most displease that I was a pawn in Grodd’s plan against the Titans. He has stripped me of much of my power and when I become the White Wraith, I keep my teenage form.”

Then without warning, a Boom-tube opened over head.

“Great Hera! It must be Darkseid!” assumed Wonder Man, looking above at the opening Boom Tube. “Everyone, prepare for battle!”

“Not quite,” came a voice from within the tube. Out came a person that none had ever seen before, dressed in red, silver and yellow, accompanied by the large hunter-dog. “I bid you greetings from New Genesis. The son of Orion has come to take his place among Earth’s greatest collection of heroes. My name is Argos.” As he settled to the floor of the meeting room, he bowed courteously.

Power Guy, Wonder Man, and Green Lantern all flew up to greet the newly arrived hero.

“Argos – it’s good to meet you, but what brings you here?” asked Power Guy.

“I had heard your team was reforming and found myself compelled to join you in your mission… much like my farther did with the Justice League. I must admit with the current state of New Genesis, I find myself lonely and in need of companionship. My hound Sturmer and I offer our services to you in exchange for camaraderie.”

“We’d be happy to have you, Argos,” welcomed Green Lantern. “Being the son of Orion gives you great credentials and we can always use a man such as yourself who is familiar with Apokolips in case Darkseid should decide to attack earth again.”

“Darkseid has been….inert for quite a while but rest assured, should he raise his ugly head, I will help cut it off, grandfather or no grandfather,” vowed Argos as he and the other surveyed the room. He winked at the Wonders, noticing their presence. “I believe it was your matriarch, Wonder Woman, who imbued some of herself into him at one point… forcing a small weakness upon him.” He looked around, hoping to see another hero whose name had been whispered in legend.

“Who do you seek?” asked the Stranger, noticing Argos’ actions.

“I had hoped to find the son of the woman who brought Darkseid to his knees,” he answered, a bit disappointed. “The son of Raven is a member of your team, is he not?” The stories of how Raven, when brought to Apokolips by Troia and Tempest, subdued Darkseid was the stuff of legends.

“Er…” started Power Guy. “Not here… yet. Maybe he’ll be here soon?” He looked hopefully at Wonder Man, who only shrugged.

The Arachnid approached Sturmer curiously. “Cool! A giant dog!” he said, about to pet the hound.

“GRRR………..” The gigantic dog began to drool, and viciously bared his teeth.

“Okay, I guess the dog doesn’t like much attention,” commented the Arachnid, backing away.

“It takes him a while to warm up to new people,” advised Argos. “I suggest you keep your distance for now, or you risk loosing an arm. Or a leg.”

The bug-themed hero gulped. “All-righty then…” he mumbled, backing further away from Sturmer.

“Well, it looks like everyone’s here… or at least, anyone who’s going to be. So, let’s get started,” Power Guy said, flying over to a podium in the front of the room. The crowd of heroes collected themselves and quieted down, waiting for the Kryptonian to speak.

“I want to thank you all for coming today,” offered the cousin of Power Girl. “Many of you are returning old friends, while there are several new and promising heroes in the crowd. Whether you’re a returning member or a new face, I know that each of you can make a difference within this group. Though some of us have similar abilities, we each offer a unique element to this team. Whether your strong-suit is strength, courage, adaptability, or intelligence, you’re all welcome and valued. I have no doubt that every one of you will give one hundred and ten percent to this group to ensure its success. With that, let’s do a roll call so everyone can get somewhat familiar with each other.”


Air Wave III


Arachnid
No Image Shared

Argos


Atmosphere


Aura



Black Adam



Blackbird


Black Orchid


Black Vulcan II



Dark Arrow


Firebrand


Flash V


Green Lantern
No Image Shared

Huntress


Isis


Jemstone


Kid Comet


Lady Light


Lt. Atom


Mirage II


Nightvision


Nucleus


He paused from reading off the name, and looked out to the assembled heroes. “Our next member couldn’t be here in person today, so our video conference device will have to do.”

Palomé appeared on a screen that was behind him on the wall. “Hello everyone,” he greeted. His face was big on the screen, and at an angle that suggested he was speaking into a much smaller device.



“Palomé – Can you tell us what you and your Titans of Justice Task Force are up to?” requested Power Guy.

The great assemblage saw the enlarged image of Lukas Driscoll raise his eyebrows and smile as he took a deep breath. “I’d love to,” he answered, “but as I was holding, a call came in from main headquarters. We’ve got a mission; something we’ve been working hard to track down for months now.” His smile faded, and he continued. “Celsius, Wildfire, Argent, Lilith and I are working for the Center for Missing and Exploited Children. You’re welcome to help us out, but right now, I gotta go. Real sorry, pal.”

“Celsius??” whispered Black Orchid to Black Vulcan, her face turning as pale as a sheet. “But I… I mean, when I was… you know. I—I think I killed him.”

“Not him,” replied her friend in a whisper. “The original Celsius. His mother.”

“Oh…” breathed the purple clad woman. As she realized the implications, the tone of her voice dropped, and she repeated herself in dismay. “Oh…”

“That’s very commendable,” complimented Power Guy. “Thanks for checking in with us. Let us know if you need any help.”

“Will do,” assented the young man on the screen. “We’ve got this under control. Bye!”

“Now back to the roll call,” continued Power guy as he disconnected the video conference.


Queen Bee


Phantom Lady


Power Guy


Power Lad


Power Storm


Sargona


Scorpion


Silencer


Sixty Minute Soldier


Sonic Boom
No Image Shared

Starman


Stranger


Strato Hawk


Stellar


Tatau


Totem


Velocity


Vigilante


Whirlpool


White Wraith


Wonder Girl


Wonder Man


and Wonder Warrior