Post by Deleted on Apr 2, 2015 8:04:08 GMT -5
Titans of Justice Unlimited Chapter 66 - “A New Day Dawns”
Written by: Power Guy, Arin of Atlantis, & Scotty2Hotty
Edited by: Power Guy
The heart of Metropolis…
“YAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!” Power Lad screamed as he was hurled through the air. A half a second later, his body was imbedded into the side of a building thanks to…
“Bizarbara, you’ve got to stop this madness!” ordered Power Guy to his Bizarro World counterpart, both of whom were floating at eye level with each other.
“But Bizarbara love Power Guy so much,” defended the backwards beauty. “Me love you so much that me kill all of your friends and destroy your city!” she said flying around Power Guy and heading for the Daily Planet.
“Not so fast chalk-face!” Sargona said, having arrived on the scene via her magic carpet. Suddenly, Bizarbara found herself being barraged by a series of bricks under the control of Sargona’s Ruby of Life.
“Arrrgh!!!” screamed busty backwards bimbo as numerous bricks struck her body. They didn’t really hurt but when one of them would strike her joints, she found it to be a bit unsettling. “Ruby girl make big mistake. Bizarbara take care of her for all and once!” she declared, streaking downward towards Sargona.
“Uh oh…” whispered the daughter of Sargona as Bizarbara zoomed in. Her eyes scurried back and forth looking for something to defend herself with until finally, Bizarbara was stopped in mid-motion by Power Guy.
The Kryptonian powerhouse had restrained Bizarbara by wrapping his arms around her arms and stomach. As the destructive admirer of Vince Star struggled to get free, Power Guy said sternly, “Killing my friends and destroying my city is only going to make me hate you even more Bizarbara. You need to stop this immediately!”
“That am whole point,” Bizarbara countered as she elbowed Power Guy in the stomach, loosening his grip on her. Bizarbara then flew up to the top of the Daily Planet building and ripped off the giant globe on top of it. “Bizarbara am going to do everything in her power to make sure you fall in hate with me!” she said as she threw the giant globe down at the crowded street like it was a bowling ball.
Streaking downward at super-speed, Power Guy flew in front of the globe, just barely catching it before it could hit the ground.
Bizarbara flew downward and yelled, “You am not helping our relationship by spoiling Bizarbara’s fun!” she said, primed for battle.
Power Guy quickly set the globe down, ready to lock fists with Bizarbara until suddenly she collapsed to the ground, clearly in agony.
“Ugh………..me feel sick…..weak,” complained the backwards, busty, bimbo. “What you do to Bizarbara??”
“He didn’t do anything. I did,” announced Sargona, holding a piece of Blue Kryptonite. “I wanted to get you a little something to celebrate your new budding relationship with Power Guy!” teased the raven-haired beauty as she walked closer to Bizarbara.
“You make big mistake ruby girl,” grumbled Bizarbara, “Me reward you big time for this.”
“How did you…” started Power Guy.
“Easy,” smiled Sargona, “While you two were duking it out, I called Nucleus at the Hall and had him teleport this chunk of Blue Kryptonite from our weapons vault.”
Suddenly, Power Lad interrupted the conversing couple, “Alright! Where is that crazy %&#$@
”
“Down there,” Sargona said, pointing to the ground.
“Oh….” Power Lad said, feeling a bit stupid for not having seen her as soon as he arrived on the scene. “You attract the weirdest chicks, Pee Gee.”
“Lucky me…,” commented the leader of the Titans of Justice.
A few seconds later the Metropolis Special Crimes Unit showed up to take Bizarbara away. “Thanks for taking care of Bizarbara, Titans. I’m not sure we could have taken her down ourselves,” presumed a female officer as Sargona handed her the Blue Kryptonite so she could safely transport Bizarbara to the Slab.
“That’s what we’re here for,” affirmed Power Guy.
“So it seems,” came an unfamiliar voice. The trio of heroes and officers present turned to see Lance Luthor and several men in black suits walking up to them.
“You’re Luthor’s son. I’ve seen pictures of you on the news,” recalled Power Guy. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m here to offer hope rather than just beating someone senseless and starting the whole cycle over again.” replied Lance Luthor.
“What are you trying to say?” asked Power Guy, becoming suspicious.
“What I’m saying is that you so-called heroes are always so quick to cast accusations and abuse these disturbed people you classify as super-villains,” barked Luthor. “When was the last time you actually tried to help one of them turn around their life?”
“Bizarbara is completely turned around!” spat Power Lad, “She’s the backwards Power Guy for gosh sake!”
“Simmer down, little buddy,” Power Guy said as he placed his hand on Power Lad’s shoulder. “What he meant to say is that when we arrived on the scene, Bizarbara was wrecking havoc throughout the city. We had no choice but to subdue her.”
“No choice?” repeated Luthor. “Those words are always used to justify the easy way out.”
“Why you…” growled Power Lad as he began to step forward towards Luthor until Power Guy pulled him back.
“Anyways, I’m here to give Bizarbara a second chance, “ Luthor said, pulling some papers out of his brief-case and presenting them to the senior officer on duty.
“You’re here to what?” asked a confused Sargona.
“You heard me,” Luthor said, arrogantly. “These papers are all in order. I’m having Bizarbara transferred to my super-villain reformation program. I’m determined to have the same success with her as I did with the Sting Ray.”
“You’ve reformed the Sting Ray? Ha! You’re as crazy as your old man!” scoffed Sargona in disbelief.
“I assure you I am quite well, as is the Sting Ray,” defended Luthor. “Surely you can attest that she hasn’t committed a crime in recent months.”
“Ahh….she’s probably just putting together her next pirating job,” Sargona said, rolling her eyes.
“Believe what you will,” Luthor said, nonchalantly. “My men will take Bizarbara into custody and we will work on getting her the help she needs. Good day, Titans!”
“Wow…….what a crack-pot,” huffed Power Lad.
“Well, we’d better get going. We’re already late for the big meeting,” reminded Power Guy, wondering what Luthor was really up to.
***
About a half-hour later at the Hall of Justice…
Power Guy gazed around the room as he took the podium, ready to begin the meeting. His heart warmed for a minute as he noticed several familiar faces in attendance yet then it sank as other long time friends and colleagues were sadly absent such as Firebrand, Velocity, and Junjie Quick. After a few more seconds, he started to speak, “Thank you all for coming today. With everything that’s happened recently such as the Crisis and the funerals earlier this week, I wasn’t sure what kind of turn out we’d get. As you all know, the team has been put through the wringer lately thus we’re going to be making a few small changes on how we do things but before I announce the changes, I’d like to take an accounting of who’s still with us and who’s not. When I call your name, please verify if you’re here and if I call the name of someone who’s not here and you know their whereabouts or intentions on being part of the team or not, please speak for them. Ok, let’s get this started:
“Air Wave?”
“Present and ready to rock!”
“Arachnid?”
“Like this team could survive without me….”
Argos & Sturmer?
“We are both here and ready to slay the next dragon!”
“Black Adam?”
“Present.”
“Black Orchid?”
“Here, doll.”
“Blackout?”
The Arachnid answered for the diva of darkness, “After what happened with Lt. Atom, she said she needed some space from us. She’s ok but just wants to be alone right now.”
“Understandable,” commented Power Guy. “Black Vulcan?”
“I’m here, Pee Gee.”
“Bulletboy?”
“Fully cocked and ready to go!”
“Diamond Jack?”
“He’s sticking with Ibis and the Squadron of Justice in Fawcett City,” revealed Stellar.
“Dark Arrow?”
“Here and ready to take aim!”
“Elongated Lad?”
“Like I have anywhere else to go……..”
There was an awkward silence after Elongated Lad’s reply. Many in the room felt for him as he was now an anomaly in time without any family or much less a home. After a few more seconds, Power Guy summoned the strength to continue on.
“Flash?”
“In attendance and ready to kick some butt!”
“Green Lantern?”
“I’m here, Power Guy and thankful to the Lord that I’m able to say that.”
“Hawkgirl?”
“Here and ready to rumble!”
“Hawk Warrior?”
“Here for the meeting but then going back to Earth 2 shortly afterwards.”
“Human Bomb?”
Phantom Lady stood up and spoke for her friend from the Freedom Fighters. “With New Earth restored, he was killed in the event known as Infinite Crisis. I’m sorry to say he’s no longer with us.”
“I’m sorry for being so ignorant,” apologized Power Guy for not remembering the Human Bomb’s death. “Huntress?”
“Here and pulling double-duty like Hawk Warrior but I’m here on New Earth all week to help get the new team set up and further train the Super Friends.”
“Isis?”
“I am here Power Guy,” she smiled warmly.
“Jemstone?”
After a moment of silence, Jerrica Benton answered, “Oh sorry. Scott and I were whispering about where we’re going for dinner tonight.”
“Judomaster?”
“I haven’t seen here since the funeral,” advised the Arachnid. “I’m sure she’s fine. She’s still recovering from being injured when Lt. Atom exploded but at least she’s alive unlike we all thought right after the blast. Probably just wants to go her own way.”
“Kai-Ro?”
“I am here and glad to see all of you again!”
No Image
“Kid Comet?”
“Here and happy things are finally back to normal!”
“Lady Light?”
“Present, Power Guy.”
“Miss America?”
“She’s working for the government currently. She said to put her on the reserve list,” revealed Phantom Lady.
“Ms. Creeper?”
“I saw her lurking in the trees at the funeral but I have not seen her since,” informed Isis.
“Ms. Scarlet & Pinky?”
Stellar spoke again, “They’re in Fawcett with Ibis’ team.”
“Nightvision?”
“Here but I need to leave soon. Mr. Freeze is on the loose again in Gotham…”
“Nucleus?”
“I’m here Pee Gee. Don’t mind me as I finish upgrading the security system.”
“Offspring?”
“Again, with New Earth’s continuity being restored, Offspring is enjoying life at home with his family. He feels he’s too old to fit in with the group here,” Phantom Lady answered.
“Phantom Lady already acknowledged she’s here. Power Lad?”
“Where else would I be with all of the chicas in the room?”
“Powerstorm?”
“Yo!”
“Queen Bee?”
“Here and helping Nucleus with the security system….”
“Quicksilver?”
“He’s in the Speed Force with New Earth having been restored,” explained Phantom Lady, becoming a bit frustrated that so many of her fellow Freedom Fighters weren’t present.
“The Ray?”
Phantom Lady was forced to speak again, “He told me he’d feel a bit redundant here with Lady Light already a member of the team. Cross him off of the list…”
“Will do. Sargona?”
“I flew in with you…..of course, I’m here,” she teased.
“Sherry Mar……Sherry, Girl of Two Thousand Gimmicks?”
“She’s sticking with Ibis’ team.” responded Stellar.
“Solution?”
The Arachnid answered for his good buddy from Earth 4, “He told me thinks there are too many heroes in this group and that he’d get lost in the shuffle. He’ll be in Hub City if we ever need him.”
“Sonic Boom?”
“I’m here Vince and relieved that things appear to be back to normal,” she said, glancing at Sargona out of the corner of her eye.
No Image
“Spy Smasher?”
“With Ibis’ group along with Teen Marvel,” Stellar repeated once again.
“Starman?”
“I’m here, dude.”
“Stellar has already acknowledged his presence. The Stranger?”
There was no answer.
“I repeat: The Stranger?”
Still there was no answer.
“My guess is that he’s decided to retire and take care of his wife after the choice had to make during the Crisis,” presumed Green Lantern.
“Can’t say I blame him,” added Nucleus.
“Supergirl?”
There was silence yet again.
“Come on Pee Gee, did you really think your brat cousin would show up today?” questioned the Arachnid.
Starman abruptly jabbed his best friend in the stomach with his elbow, telling him to shut up about Supergirl.
The Arachnid clenched his sore stomach, “I was just being honest………..by the way, you really need to get over her….” he whispered.
“Teen Marvel has been accounted for…”
“Thunderbolt?”
“Here and excited to work with all of you!”
“Totem?”
There was silence once again….”
“Totem?”
“Oh sorry, Wonder Girl and I were discussing last night’s American Idol. I’m here.”
“Trickshot?”
“Ready for the next mission!”
“Uncle Sam?”
“He’s vanished into the mythos of America for now. He gave me his word that he’ll be here if the country or the world needs him again,” informed Phantom Lady, missing yet another one of her teammates.
“Whirlpool?”
“Happy to be here as always!” replied the enthusiastic Atlantean heart-throb.
“White Wraith?”
“Present.” replied the ghost, coldly.
“Wonder Girl?”
Suddenly a bubble-gum bubble popped, “Here!” she said, a bit embarrassed.
“Wonder Man?”
“Here and ready to sign autographs!” the Themyscirian prince answered half-jokingly. Jemstone just smiled at him, warmly.
“Wonder Warrior?”
“Here and wondering when my cousin’s big head is going to shrink down….”
The crowd of heroes erupted into laughter for a few seconds.
“Wonder Woman?”
“I’m sorry to say that my mother won’t be joining us. She’s devastated over losing Terry Long again but know that my father Kyle, is doing the best he can to help her through this,” Wonder Warrior said, glumly.
“Zan & Jayna?”
“We’re here along with Gleek!” called out Jayna in sing-song-like reply. “
“Ok, I guess that’s everyone who’s still with us. Now on to the next order of business,” continued Power Guy. “During the Crisis, we found that teamwork was the key to our over all success. Therefore, the Titans of Justice is going to do it’s part to make sure we are constantly interacting with other super-teams to help make sure the world and the multiverse is ready should we face another calamity like the one we just experienced. Our team is going to have liaisons with many of the other super teams we’ve interacted with. As you all already know, the Huntress and Hawk Warrior will serve as our liaisons with the All-Star Society of Earth 2. Now on to the new liaisons. Black Adam and Isis will serve with our group part-time and spend the rest of their time with the Ibis’ Squadron of Justice. Now on to our next partnership….”
Suddenly, Ice Warrior of the Global Guardians stepped into the room.
“Oh no. What’s that meat-head doing here?” Wonder Man whispered, shaking his head in dread while looking at Jemstone.
“Ice Warrior here,” Power Guy said, placing his hand on the son of Guy Gardner and Ice’s son’s shoulder, “is going to be our liaison with the Global Guardians. I’d like to ask that you all give him a warm welcome to the group.”
Ice Warrior crossed his arms “And we’ll see if you all can keep up with me,” he said smugly.
Much of the group smiled at Ice Warrior hoping for the best while others like Wonder Man and Green Lantern already had a headache just knowing they could be put on a mission with him.
“Ok folks, I think that’s everything. Meeting adjourned,” concluded Power Guy.
As many of the Titans began to depart, Zan made his way up to the senior leader of the team. “Hey Power Guy. Jayna and I were wondering something.”
“What’s that, Zan?” asked the visitor from Krypton.
“Well, we were um….kinda wondering since the team is getting a fresh start if we could take a step up from being staff members here and join you guys on a few missions.” There was a brief pause from Power Guy which seemed like an eternity to Zan. Before Power Guy could speak, Zan began to rattle on, “Please Power Guy? I know we screwed up when we let Vampirus out but we’ve learrned our lesson since then! We promise!”
“You guys have the best of intentions but it seems like you’re always doing more harm than good,” interrupted Nightvision as he forced his way into the conversation.
“But….but…” Zan mumbled, struggling to come up with a defense.
“Look at when you two went off half-cocked and took on Black Orchid,” chastised Nightvision.
“But we saved Wonder Man, Isis, and Black Vulcan!” pointed out Jayna.
“And then you let Black Orchid escape!” countered Nightvision.
“It’s not our fault it rained,” the Twins said in unison.
“Need I remind you two that you have a long history of screw-ups starting all the way back when you were members of the original Super Friends team,” barked Nightvision. “I’ve reviewed the Justice League Memory Tapes and your list of mistakes is almost too numerous to count! And since those days, you haven’t grown up one bit!”
“But that’s not our fault,” insisted Jayna. “Our powers keep us eternally young!”
“Ughh……..” Nightvision grumbled putting his hand over his face, “I don’t mean physically. I mean maturity-wise!”
“Oh…..” Jayna replied meekly.
“Nightvision…..I can handle this conversation,” interjected Power Guy. “Now Zan, Jayna….Nightvision is correct in that there are concerns with your past behavior BUT I am willing to honor your request as long as you agree to let the Huntress train you as part of the new Super Friends program.”
“Really?!?!” the Twins responded once again in unison.
“Really,” smiled Power Guy
“YESSS!!!!!!!!” exclaimed Zan as he and Jayna gave each other a high-five.
“We’ll go talk to the Huntress right away!” promised Jayna.
“You’re making a BIG mistake by promising to let them out of the Hall,” advised Nightvision as he climbed the ladder to the roof to board the Bat-wing. “And count on me being there to say I told you so.”
“Wow….doesn’t he have any Bat-Prozak in his utility-belt?” mused Elongated Lad once Nightvision was out of hearing-range.”
“Well, you certainly seem in better spirits,” pointed out Nucleus.
“Yeah, well…what am I gonna do? Sit around and pout all day?” Elongated Lad said in a monotone reply.
“So what’s next for you?” asked Jason Hardwick.
“What do you mean ‘what’s next?” I have no family, no home, no job….heck I don’t even have birth certificate to use to rebuild my life!” replied the Elongated Lad, becoming a bit tense.
“You know Rick…” began Nucleus.
“What did you just call me?” asked the Elongated Lad, completely surprised that someone remembered his name.
“Your name’s Rick, isn’t it?” asked Nucleus.
“Why YES! YES IT IS!” exclaimed the Elongated Lad. “SOMEONE FINALLY REMEMBERED MY NAME!!!” he shouted in relief while his limbs stretched outward, expanding him to height of twenty feet tall.
“I think most of us who were on Earth 1 remember you, Rick,” presumed Nucleus. “Our memories were all a little fuzzy when we first go there but I remember our alternate history together. In fact, just this morning I was thinking about that time that you and the Flash teamed-up to save the rest of us from Meltdown. You both said you couldn’t get his smell out of your hair for weeks!”
“Hahaha!!! I remember that too!” agreed the Elongated Lad. “What about the time when you and Hawkgirl got aged by Chronos and we had to rush you both to his lair in wheelchairs in order to get him to turn the clock back before the effects turned permanent?”
“Oh God……..I’m so glad my hair grew back,” Nucleus said as he rolled his eyes. The two continued to reminisce about the past for a few hours which lifted the Elongated Lad’s spirits tremendously. Towards the end of the conversation, Nucleus promised to get Nightvision to set him up with an identity here on New Earth as the son of Ralph and Sue Dibny who was given up for adoption at the time of his birth. They would explain to people that Sue had Rick during a remote island vacation and there was no-one present to witness the birth besides the couple. Fearing for he baby’s safety due to all of the enemies the JLA had amassed, the couple gave the baby to some trustworthy island natives to be raised without the fear of being attacked or kidnapped. Nucleus also revealed that he was told by the Flash that Elongated Lad was more than welcome to stay with her and her parents at their home in Keystone City. The West Family was more than happy to take in the son of the Elongated Man and his wife Sue. Within a few weeks, Rick would have a birth certificate and social security card which would help him land a job at the Montoya Detective Agency in Gotham City. The commute from Keystone City wouldn’t be an issue thanks to the Hall of Justice’s teleport tubes. Rick was excited to get a second chance at having a real life in spite of still missing his parents.
The Wonder-family and Totem began to make their arrangements for departure. Wonder Man offered to fly Totem home in his Invisible Jet so that she and Wonder Girl could catch up. As the two young girls strolled ahead of the older Titans, Wonder Warrior struck up a conversation with his cousin, “Hey, where did Jerrica run off to?”
“Oh, she just made a quick run to the bathroom,” answered Wonder Man. “You know her…..always making sure her make-up is perfect.”
“It’s nice to see you two back together again. She was a wreck without you on Earth 1,” revealed Wonder Warrior.
“Yeah…..I was kinda the same way without her,” smiled Scott Trevor.
"So, have you talked about the next logical step in your relationship?" asked Christophe Troy.
'Whoa dude, if you mean a stroll down the aisle, no way. We like the way things are. Besides her musical career is going strong again. She and Murray are always making plans for new venues, getting her on talk shows--and my career is great too. When I'm not being Wonder Man, the offers are pouring in for modeling jobs. I mean, we're committed to each other in a no strings kind of way. Does that make sense?"
“It does, but don't you think after all you've been through she'd like a ring?” smirked Christophe. “Face it, cuz, you’ve got a one in a million chance to be with the girl of your dreams. Don’t look a gift-horse in the mouth. Besides, I’ve already got your bachelor party all planned out.”
"What in Dionysus name has gotten into you? Maybe we need to find you a girlfriend." Wonder Man said, growing agitated with his cousin.
"I'd hate to see something so good fizzle out. Don't let her get away. You'll regret it." Wonder Warrior said, nodding a single time as Jerrica came out of the bathroom and began to make her way up to the Wonder-men.
As Wonder Girl and Totem strolled out of the Hall, something just dawned on Totem and she didn’t hesitate to ask Wonder Girl about it, “Hey Donna, where did you end up during the Crisis? Wonder Man said you weren’t on Earth 2 and you certainly weren’t on Earth 1 with the League of Titans and I.”
“Oh Rachel, it was horrible!” shuttered Wonder Girl as she began to speak, “I wound up back in the Universe of Evil. The Super Fiends had killed the Legion of Hope and taken over the Earth. I was alone and on the run all by myself but I talked to Harbinger and she told me that once Nucleus restored New Earth, the dark fate I experienced in the Universe of Evil was erased. Now I’m kind of thinking maybe I should put together a strike-force and go back there soon to make sure that horrible scenario never comes to pass.”
Totem gave her best friend a firm hug, “Don’t worry Donna. Everything is ok now and as for going back to the Universe of Evil, you just let me know when you’re ready to leave.”
Back inside the Hall, Sargona was making her way up to Power Guy, “Vince, I know you’re busy but I need to talk to you for a minute.”
“Oh, no worries. I’m actually finished with everything here,” Power Guy said, smiling warmly at the raven-haired beauty. “How about I take you home and we talk over dinner?”
There was an abrupt pause from Sargona as her mouth opened but no words came out. Finally after an odd look from Power Guy, she spoke, “Vince….I’m sorry but I’m not going home with you.”
“You’re not?” repeated Power Guy in shock.
“No, I’m sorry but I can’t,” revealed Sargona. “There’s something that I haven’t told you. When I was on Earth 1, I awoke in the middle of a wedding…….my wedding and the groom was…Dan.”
Power Guy’s eyes grew as big as dollar coins but he said nothing.
“Before you think the worst, we didn’t get to say ‘I do’. We called the whole thing off at the last minute,” continued the daughter of Sargon and Zatanna, “But I have to be honest with you and said that experience rekindled all of my old feelings for Dan. For the last year, I told myself I was over him. He has moved on with Di Di and you and I had started to share something special but I guess I’ve been lying to myself as I can’t stop thinking about him. It’s been eating away at me day and night. I know it’s pointless as he and Di Di are happy as happy can be but I need some time to sort this all out.”
Power Guy felt his heart sink a bit but he knew exactly where Sargona was coming from. He cared about her deeply and did not want to pressure her one bit, “I understand, completely. Do you have a place to stay?”
“Yes, Celeste is buying a house and she asked me to move in with her for a while,” explained Sargona. “This is the first time she’ll be out on her own and I think she’s a little bit afraid of being alone.”
“Wow….you two have come a long way from calling each other Thunderdog and Sarcasta,” smirked Power Guy.
“Oh, we still call each other that,” Sargona said, smiling back. “But she’s become a good friend to me just like you have.”
“And I’ll continue to be your friend no matter what you decide to do regarding our relationship,” promised the Kryptonian powerhouse.
“Thanks Vince, I really appreciate it,” Sargona said, torn with emotion. “I wouldn’t worry. I don’t have a chance with Dan. I just have to get that to sink in………again.”
***
Half-way across the country…
Green Lantern and Sonic Boom streaked through the sky inside of one Green Lantern’s energy-bubbles No matter how many times Sonic Boom took a ride in one of Green Lantern’s bubbles, the feeling and sites below always amazed her. She was like a little kid on a carnival ride.
“The view is just spectacular tonight. Hardly a single cloud in the sky,” commented Di Di Queen.
“It’s is a beautiful out tonight much like the present company,” smiled Daniel Jordan. Since returning to New Earth, the two of them had spent every today together, both enthralled with having the other around again.
Suddenly, Sonic Boom noticed something peculiar, “Dan, I think we’re off course. We’re not heading towards Star City.”
“That’s were you’re wrong. We’re exactly on course…..for El Paso,” smiled the cosmic crusader.
Di Di’s mouth opened with a smile, “Are you….are you taking me to that Mexican restaurant I love down there?”
“Guilty as charged,” admitted Daniel. “Before the mess with the Wizard, you had been saying for weeks that you wanted to go back there ever since we ate there after our last battle with the Copperhead Twins so this is long overdue.”
“Oh Dan! I could just kiss you!” exclaimed Sonic Boom.
“Well, you certainly won’t see me putting up a fight if you decide to,” blushed Green Lantern.
Instantly, Di Di stepped closer to Daniel as their eyes and finally their lips met….
***
The rooftop of a tall building in downtown Gotham City…
“Heeheeehehehehe!!!” cackled Miss Creeper as she landed on the roof, having jumped from the building across the street. “Be a hero, he says! Hehehehe….that’s just what I’m gonna do! Hahahaha!!!!!!!!!” her near-insane laughter echoed through the alleys below, spooking the good citizens and thugs of Gotham alike.
“But who should I start with? Mr. Freeze? That new Riddler? Or maybe False Face?” pondered the daughter of Jack Ryder. “I need to make a big impression……maybe I should go for the Joker’s son? Boy, wouldn’t the Titans get all bent out of shape if I took down the Joker’s kid before they did. They’d probably revoke that invitation to join their precious little team.”
“I don’t think you’d fit in anyways,” came a mysterious voice from behind the yellow-skinned beauty.
Miss Creeper whipped around to see who was addressing her, “YOU! You run with the Bat-clan, don’t you?”
“Not any more……now I’m an Outsider,” replied the mysterious person. “And I think you could be too….”
***
Epilogue #1: “Uncertainty”
A few days later at a secret location…
“So everything should be ok now, right?” Kid Comet asked Wonder Warrior, Queen Bee, and the Arachnid.
“Yeah, with the changed outcome of the Crisis, our ‘dark future’ should never come to pass,” agreed the Arachnid.
“You two are jumping the gun…” countered Queen Bee. “It’s too soon to say how the changes to the present will affect our future. I think we need to stick around a little longer to make sure things don’t go awry again.”
“I think Queen Bee is right,” added Wonder Warrior. “I think we need to wait a little bit before we pack up and go home plus I need to take my ‘gift’ back.”
“Well, I can’t say I was in a hurry to go home anyways,” revealed Kid Comet. “I’ve come to like it here in the present. Plus most of the team has been really kind to me.”
“And I don’t even know how I’m gonna tell Spaceman good-bye,” the Arachnid frowned under his mask.”
“You two need to wake up and cut these emotional ties you have with the Titans!” Queen Bee ordered, standing up and pointing her finger at Kid Comet and the Arachnid. “If push comes to shove, you’ll be a liability to this team.”
“Cool your jets, Latavia,” the Arachnid said, his voiced raised. “I know why we came here….yada, yada…..I don’t need you talking to me like I’m a kid.”
“Well then maybe you should stop acting like one!” snapped Queen Bee.
“Easy Latavia….” Wonder Warrior said, trying to cool the “fire” in the room. “I think we all know our priorities.”
“And what about your relationship with Nucleus?” pointed out Kid Comet.
“That’s business……not pleasure,” Queen Bee said, nonchalantly.
***
Epilogue #2: “Rise To Power”
“Happy twentieth birthday, son!”
It was a happy day in Atlantis. The heir to the throne, Cerdian, was celebrating his twentieth birthday, with most of his family and friends. However, two of them couldn’t make it...
“Thank you father,” Cerdian replied, dressed in traditional Atlantean garb – blue robes and a silver crown. His father, King Garth (the once-Titan Tempest) was sat proudly next to him, as dinner was served around the table. “It’s a shame that Arin and Tula couldn’t be here for me.”
Cerdian was envious of his siblings. Arin was always out saving the world with the “amazing” Titans of Justice, and Tula was close behind him – she had even made herself a proper superhero costume! He sometimes wishes he could get the attention he deserved like his “teen heartthrob” brother...but his powers were practically non-existant except for the above average super-strength...but didn’t every superhero have that nowadays anyway?
“Arin is at a Titans of Justice meeting, Cerdian. He couldn‘t miss it and Tula has gone to the surface world to take a class on American dialect. It’s important she learns how to speak with the people of America if she‘s going to follow in Arin‘s footsteps! I’m sure they’re sorry about not being able to make it,” his father explained, tucking into his dinner.
“Yeah, I’m sure they are!” Cerdian stood quickly, knocking over his seat. “Thanks for the dinner, but I’m not hungry. I’m going outside.”
“Cerdian, wait!” Lorena Marquez, a.k.a Aquawoman shouted, but it was too late. Cerdian had left the dining hall in a flash.
“I hate them! I hate them both!” Cerdian growled, as he swam outside angrily. “Why do they always have to get the attention! I’m a general in the Royal Guard, and I don’t get any kind of attention! Why are they so special?” He shouted into the sea.
Suddenly, the water began to heat up around his body. A faint red aura formed around his body.
“What is this?” Cerdian thought, as the sea radiated around him. “I feel...energized...”
Cerdian screamed as a red flash appeared from his palm and made the water hotter than before.
“Woah...where did this come from?” Cerdian asked himself, as he thrust his palm forward. His hand glowed red as the water in front also got hotter with a light tint of red.
“I have powers!”
Cerdian felt important as the water heated around him. He had finally got powers like his brother and sister, he was finally equal to them...but that wasn’t enough...he had to be better than them! “I’ll show those two brats how it should be done!”
The young man looked back at his kingdom, and then gazed out at the clear blue sea. Without a second thought, he swam into the ocean depths alone.
Written by: Power Guy, Arin of Atlantis, & Scotty2Hotty
Edited by: Power Guy
The heart of Metropolis…
“YAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!” Power Lad screamed as he was hurled through the air. A half a second later, his body was imbedded into the side of a building thanks to…
“Bizarbara, you’ve got to stop this madness!” ordered Power Guy to his Bizarro World counterpart, both of whom were floating at eye level with each other.
“But Bizarbara love Power Guy so much,” defended the backwards beauty. “Me love you so much that me kill all of your friends and destroy your city!” she said flying around Power Guy and heading for the Daily Planet.
“Not so fast chalk-face!” Sargona said, having arrived on the scene via her magic carpet. Suddenly, Bizarbara found herself being barraged by a series of bricks under the control of Sargona’s Ruby of Life.
“Arrrgh!!!” screamed busty backwards bimbo as numerous bricks struck her body. They didn’t really hurt but when one of them would strike her joints, she found it to be a bit unsettling. “Ruby girl make big mistake. Bizarbara take care of her for all and once!” she declared, streaking downward towards Sargona.
“Uh oh…” whispered the daughter of Sargona as Bizarbara zoomed in. Her eyes scurried back and forth looking for something to defend herself with until finally, Bizarbara was stopped in mid-motion by Power Guy.
The Kryptonian powerhouse had restrained Bizarbara by wrapping his arms around her arms and stomach. As the destructive admirer of Vince Star struggled to get free, Power Guy said sternly, “Killing my friends and destroying my city is only going to make me hate you even more Bizarbara. You need to stop this immediately!”
“That am whole point,” Bizarbara countered as she elbowed Power Guy in the stomach, loosening his grip on her. Bizarbara then flew up to the top of the Daily Planet building and ripped off the giant globe on top of it. “Bizarbara am going to do everything in her power to make sure you fall in hate with me!” she said as she threw the giant globe down at the crowded street like it was a bowling ball.
Streaking downward at super-speed, Power Guy flew in front of the globe, just barely catching it before it could hit the ground.
Bizarbara flew downward and yelled, “You am not helping our relationship by spoiling Bizarbara’s fun!” she said, primed for battle.
Power Guy quickly set the globe down, ready to lock fists with Bizarbara until suddenly she collapsed to the ground, clearly in agony.
“Ugh………..me feel sick…..weak,” complained the backwards, busty, bimbo. “What you do to Bizarbara??”
“He didn’t do anything. I did,” announced Sargona, holding a piece of Blue Kryptonite. “I wanted to get you a little something to celebrate your new budding relationship with Power Guy!” teased the raven-haired beauty as she walked closer to Bizarbara.
“You make big mistake ruby girl,” grumbled Bizarbara, “Me reward you big time for this.”
“How did you…” started Power Guy.
“Easy,” smiled Sargona, “While you two were duking it out, I called Nucleus at the Hall and had him teleport this chunk of Blue Kryptonite from our weapons vault.”
Suddenly, Power Lad interrupted the conversing couple, “Alright! Where is that crazy %&#$@
”“Down there,” Sargona said, pointing to the ground.
“Oh….” Power Lad said, feeling a bit stupid for not having seen her as soon as he arrived on the scene. “You attract the weirdest chicks, Pee Gee.”
“Lucky me…,” commented the leader of the Titans of Justice.
A few seconds later the Metropolis Special Crimes Unit showed up to take Bizarbara away. “Thanks for taking care of Bizarbara, Titans. I’m not sure we could have taken her down ourselves,” presumed a female officer as Sargona handed her the Blue Kryptonite so she could safely transport Bizarbara to the Slab.
“That’s what we’re here for,” affirmed Power Guy.
“So it seems,” came an unfamiliar voice. The trio of heroes and officers present turned to see Lance Luthor and several men in black suits walking up to them.
“You’re Luthor’s son. I’ve seen pictures of you on the news,” recalled Power Guy. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m here to offer hope rather than just beating someone senseless and starting the whole cycle over again.” replied Lance Luthor.
“What are you trying to say?” asked Power Guy, becoming suspicious.
“What I’m saying is that you so-called heroes are always so quick to cast accusations and abuse these disturbed people you classify as super-villains,” barked Luthor. “When was the last time you actually tried to help one of them turn around their life?”
“Bizarbara is completely turned around!” spat Power Lad, “She’s the backwards Power Guy for gosh sake!”
“Simmer down, little buddy,” Power Guy said as he placed his hand on Power Lad’s shoulder. “What he meant to say is that when we arrived on the scene, Bizarbara was wrecking havoc throughout the city. We had no choice but to subdue her.”
“No choice?” repeated Luthor. “Those words are always used to justify the easy way out.”
“Why you…” growled Power Lad as he began to step forward towards Luthor until Power Guy pulled him back.
“Anyways, I’m here to give Bizarbara a second chance, “ Luthor said, pulling some papers out of his brief-case and presenting them to the senior officer on duty.
“You’re here to what?” asked a confused Sargona.
“You heard me,” Luthor said, arrogantly. “These papers are all in order. I’m having Bizarbara transferred to my super-villain reformation program. I’m determined to have the same success with her as I did with the Sting Ray.”
“You’ve reformed the Sting Ray? Ha! You’re as crazy as your old man!” scoffed Sargona in disbelief.
“I assure you I am quite well, as is the Sting Ray,” defended Luthor. “Surely you can attest that she hasn’t committed a crime in recent months.”
“Ahh….she’s probably just putting together her next pirating job,” Sargona said, rolling her eyes.
“Believe what you will,” Luthor said, nonchalantly. “My men will take Bizarbara into custody and we will work on getting her the help she needs. Good day, Titans!”
“Wow…….what a crack-pot,” huffed Power Lad.
“Well, we’d better get going. We’re already late for the big meeting,” reminded Power Guy, wondering what Luthor was really up to.
***
About a half-hour later at the Hall of Justice…
Power Guy gazed around the room as he took the podium, ready to begin the meeting. His heart warmed for a minute as he noticed several familiar faces in attendance yet then it sank as other long time friends and colleagues were sadly absent such as Firebrand, Velocity, and Junjie Quick. After a few more seconds, he started to speak, “Thank you all for coming today. With everything that’s happened recently such as the Crisis and the funerals earlier this week, I wasn’t sure what kind of turn out we’d get. As you all know, the team has been put through the wringer lately thus we’re going to be making a few small changes on how we do things but before I announce the changes, I’d like to take an accounting of who’s still with us and who’s not. When I call your name, please verify if you’re here and if I call the name of someone who’s not here and you know their whereabouts or intentions on being part of the team or not, please speak for them. Ok, let’s get this started:
“Air Wave?”
“Present and ready to rock!”
“Arachnid?”
“Like this team could survive without me….”
Argos & Sturmer?
“We are both here and ready to slay the next dragon!”
“Black Adam?”
“Present.”
“Black Orchid?”
“Here, doll.”
“Blackout?”
The Arachnid answered for the diva of darkness, “After what happened with Lt. Atom, she said she needed some space from us. She’s ok but just wants to be alone right now.”
“Understandable,” commented Power Guy. “Black Vulcan?”
“I’m here, Pee Gee.”
“Bulletboy?”
“Fully cocked and ready to go!”
“Diamond Jack?”
“He’s sticking with Ibis and the Squadron of Justice in Fawcett City,” revealed Stellar.
“Dark Arrow?”
“Here and ready to take aim!”
“Elongated Lad?”
“Like I have anywhere else to go……..”
There was an awkward silence after Elongated Lad’s reply. Many in the room felt for him as he was now an anomaly in time without any family or much less a home. After a few more seconds, Power Guy summoned the strength to continue on.
“Flash?”
“In attendance and ready to kick some butt!”
“Green Lantern?”
“I’m here, Power Guy and thankful to the Lord that I’m able to say that.”
“Hawkgirl?”
“Here and ready to rumble!”
“Hawk Warrior?”
“Here for the meeting but then going back to Earth 2 shortly afterwards.”
“Human Bomb?”
Phantom Lady stood up and spoke for her friend from the Freedom Fighters. “With New Earth restored, he was killed in the event known as Infinite Crisis. I’m sorry to say he’s no longer with us.”
“I’m sorry for being so ignorant,” apologized Power Guy for not remembering the Human Bomb’s death. “Huntress?”
“Here and pulling double-duty like Hawk Warrior but I’m here on New Earth all week to help get the new team set up and further train the Super Friends.”
“Isis?”
“I am here Power Guy,” she smiled warmly.
“Jemstone?”
After a moment of silence, Jerrica Benton answered, “Oh sorry. Scott and I were whispering about where we’re going for dinner tonight.”
“Judomaster?”
“I haven’t seen here since the funeral,” advised the Arachnid. “I’m sure she’s fine. She’s still recovering from being injured when Lt. Atom exploded but at least she’s alive unlike we all thought right after the blast. Probably just wants to go her own way.”
“Kai-Ro?”
“I am here and glad to see all of you again!”
No Image
“Kid Comet?”
“Here and happy things are finally back to normal!”
“Lady Light?”
“Present, Power Guy.”
“Miss America?”
“She’s working for the government currently. She said to put her on the reserve list,” revealed Phantom Lady.
“Ms. Creeper?”
“I saw her lurking in the trees at the funeral but I have not seen her since,” informed Isis.
“Ms. Scarlet & Pinky?”
Stellar spoke again, “They’re in Fawcett with Ibis’ team.”
“Nightvision?”
“Here but I need to leave soon. Mr. Freeze is on the loose again in Gotham…”
“Nucleus?”
“I’m here Pee Gee. Don’t mind me as I finish upgrading the security system.”
“Offspring?”
“Again, with New Earth’s continuity being restored, Offspring is enjoying life at home with his family. He feels he’s too old to fit in with the group here,” Phantom Lady answered.
“Phantom Lady already acknowledged she’s here. Power Lad?”
“Where else would I be with all of the chicas in the room?”
“Powerstorm?”
“Yo!”
“Queen Bee?”
“Here and helping Nucleus with the security system….”
“Quicksilver?”
“He’s in the Speed Force with New Earth having been restored,” explained Phantom Lady, becoming a bit frustrated that so many of her fellow Freedom Fighters weren’t present.
“The Ray?”
Phantom Lady was forced to speak again, “He told me he’d feel a bit redundant here with Lady Light already a member of the team. Cross him off of the list…”
“Will do. Sargona?”
“I flew in with you…..of course, I’m here,” she teased.
“Sherry Mar……Sherry, Girl of Two Thousand Gimmicks?”
“She’s sticking with Ibis’ team.” responded Stellar.
“Solution?”
The Arachnid answered for his good buddy from Earth 4, “He told me thinks there are too many heroes in this group and that he’d get lost in the shuffle. He’ll be in Hub City if we ever need him.”
“Sonic Boom?”
“I’m here Vince and relieved that things appear to be back to normal,” she said, glancing at Sargona out of the corner of her eye.
No Image
“Spy Smasher?”
“With Ibis’ group along with Teen Marvel,” Stellar repeated once again.
“Starman?”
“I’m here, dude.”
“Stellar has already acknowledged his presence. The Stranger?”
There was no answer.
“I repeat: The Stranger?”
Still there was no answer.
“My guess is that he’s decided to retire and take care of his wife after the choice had to make during the Crisis,” presumed Green Lantern.
“Can’t say I blame him,” added Nucleus.
“Supergirl?”
There was silence yet again.
“Come on Pee Gee, did you really think your brat cousin would show up today?” questioned the Arachnid.
Starman abruptly jabbed his best friend in the stomach with his elbow, telling him to shut up about Supergirl.
The Arachnid clenched his sore stomach, “I was just being honest………..by the way, you really need to get over her….” he whispered.
“Teen Marvel has been accounted for…”
“Thunderbolt?”
“Here and excited to work with all of you!”
“Totem?”
There was silence once again….”
“Totem?”
“Oh sorry, Wonder Girl and I were discussing last night’s American Idol. I’m here.”
“Trickshot?”
“Ready for the next mission!”
“Uncle Sam?”
“He’s vanished into the mythos of America for now. He gave me his word that he’ll be here if the country or the world needs him again,” informed Phantom Lady, missing yet another one of her teammates.
“Whirlpool?”
“Happy to be here as always!” replied the enthusiastic Atlantean heart-throb.
“White Wraith?”
“Present.” replied the ghost, coldly.
“Wonder Girl?”
Suddenly a bubble-gum bubble popped, “Here!” she said, a bit embarrassed.
“Wonder Man?”
“Here and ready to sign autographs!” the Themyscirian prince answered half-jokingly. Jemstone just smiled at him, warmly.
“Wonder Warrior?”
“Here and wondering when my cousin’s big head is going to shrink down….”
The crowd of heroes erupted into laughter for a few seconds.
“Wonder Woman?”
“I’m sorry to say that my mother won’t be joining us. She’s devastated over losing Terry Long again but know that my father Kyle, is doing the best he can to help her through this,” Wonder Warrior said, glumly.
“Zan & Jayna?”
“We’re here along with Gleek!” called out Jayna in sing-song-like reply. “
“Ok, I guess that’s everyone who’s still with us. Now on to the next order of business,” continued Power Guy. “During the Crisis, we found that teamwork was the key to our over all success. Therefore, the Titans of Justice is going to do it’s part to make sure we are constantly interacting with other super-teams to help make sure the world and the multiverse is ready should we face another calamity like the one we just experienced. Our team is going to have liaisons with many of the other super teams we’ve interacted with. As you all already know, the Huntress and Hawk Warrior will serve as our liaisons with the All-Star Society of Earth 2. Now on to the new liaisons. Black Adam and Isis will serve with our group part-time and spend the rest of their time with the Ibis’ Squadron of Justice. Now on to our next partnership….”
Suddenly, Ice Warrior of the Global Guardians stepped into the room.
“Oh no. What’s that meat-head doing here?” Wonder Man whispered, shaking his head in dread while looking at Jemstone.
“Ice Warrior here,” Power Guy said, placing his hand on the son of Guy Gardner and Ice’s son’s shoulder, “is going to be our liaison with the Global Guardians. I’d like to ask that you all give him a warm welcome to the group.”
Ice Warrior crossed his arms “And we’ll see if you all can keep up with me,” he said smugly.
Much of the group smiled at Ice Warrior hoping for the best while others like Wonder Man and Green Lantern already had a headache just knowing they could be put on a mission with him.
“Ok folks, I think that’s everything. Meeting adjourned,” concluded Power Guy.
As many of the Titans began to depart, Zan made his way up to the senior leader of the team. “Hey Power Guy. Jayna and I were wondering something.”
“What’s that, Zan?” asked the visitor from Krypton.
“Well, we were um….kinda wondering since the team is getting a fresh start if we could take a step up from being staff members here and join you guys on a few missions.” There was a brief pause from Power Guy which seemed like an eternity to Zan. Before Power Guy could speak, Zan began to rattle on, “Please Power Guy? I know we screwed up when we let Vampirus out but we’ve learrned our lesson since then! We promise!”
“You guys have the best of intentions but it seems like you’re always doing more harm than good,” interrupted Nightvision as he forced his way into the conversation.
“But….but…” Zan mumbled, struggling to come up with a defense.
“Look at when you two went off half-cocked and took on Black Orchid,” chastised Nightvision.
“But we saved Wonder Man, Isis, and Black Vulcan!” pointed out Jayna.
“And then you let Black Orchid escape!” countered Nightvision.
“It’s not our fault it rained,” the Twins said in unison.
“Need I remind you two that you have a long history of screw-ups starting all the way back when you were members of the original Super Friends team,” barked Nightvision. “I’ve reviewed the Justice League Memory Tapes and your list of mistakes is almost too numerous to count! And since those days, you haven’t grown up one bit!”
“But that’s not our fault,” insisted Jayna. “Our powers keep us eternally young!”
“Ughh……..” Nightvision grumbled putting his hand over his face, “I don’t mean physically. I mean maturity-wise!”
“Oh…..” Jayna replied meekly.
“Nightvision…..I can handle this conversation,” interjected Power Guy. “Now Zan, Jayna….Nightvision is correct in that there are concerns with your past behavior BUT I am willing to honor your request as long as you agree to let the Huntress train you as part of the new Super Friends program.”
“Really?!?!” the Twins responded once again in unison.
“Really,” smiled Power Guy
“YESSS!!!!!!!!” exclaimed Zan as he and Jayna gave each other a high-five.
“We’ll go talk to the Huntress right away!” promised Jayna.
“You’re making a BIG mistake by promising to let them out of the Hall,” advised Nightvision as he climbed the ladder to the roof to board the Bat-wing. “And count on me being there to say I told you so.”
“Wow….doesn’t he have any Bat-Prozak in his utility-belt?” mused Elongated Lad once Nightvision was out of hearing-range.”
“Well, you certainly seem in better spirits,” pointed out Nucleus.
“Yeah, well…what am I gonna do? Sit around and pout all day?” Elongated Lad said in a monotone reply.
“So what’s next for you?” asked Jason Hardwick.
“What do you mean ‘what’s next?” I have no family, no home, no job….heck I don’t even have birth certificate to use to rebuild my life!” replied the Elongated Lad, becoming a bit tense.
“You know Rick…” began Nucleus.
“What did you just call me?” asked the Elongated Lad, completely surprised that someone remembered his name.
“Your name’s Rick, isn’t it?” asked Nucleus.
“Why YES! YES IT IS!” exclaimed the Elongated Lad. “SOMEONE FINALLY REMEMBERED MY NAME!!!” he shouted in relief while his limbs stretched outward, expanding him to height of twenty feet tall.
“I think most of us who were on Earth 1 remember you, Rick,” presumed Nucleus. “Our memories were all a little fuzzy when we first go there but I remember our alternate history together. In fact, just this morning I was thinking about that time that you and the Flash teamed-up to save the rest of us from Meltdown. You both said you couldn’t get his smell out of your hair for weeks!”
“Hahaha!!! I remember that too!” agreed the Elongated Lad. “What about the time when you and Hawkgirl got aged by Chronos and we had to rush you both to his lair in wheelchairs in order to get him to turn the clock back before the effects turned permanent?”
“Oh God……..I’m so glad my hair grew back,” Nucleus said as he rolled his eyes. The two continued to reminisce about the past for a few hours which lifted the Elongated Lad’s spirits tremendously. Towards the end of the conversation, Nucleus promised to get Nightvision to set him up with an identity here on New Earth as the son of Ralph and Sue Dibny who was given up for adoption at the time of his birth. They would explain to people that Sue had Rick during a remote island vacation and there was no-one present to witness the birth besides the couple. Fearing for he baby’s safety due to all of the enemies the JLA had amassed, the couple gave the baby to some trustworthy island natives to be raised without the fear of being attacked or kidnapped. Nucleus also revealed that he was told by the Flash that Elongated Lad was more than welcome to stay with her and her parents at their home in Keystone City. The West Family was more than happy to take in the son of the Elongated Man and his wife Sue. Within a few weeks, Rick would have a birth certificate and social security card which would help him land a job at the Montoya Detective Agency in Gotham City. The commute from Keystone City wouldn’t be an issue thanks to the Hall of Justice’s teleport tubes. Rick was excited to get a second chance at having a real life in spite of still missing his parents.
The Wonder-family and Totem began to make their arrangements for departure. Wonder Man offered to fly Totem home in his Invisible Jet so that she and Wonder Girl could catch up. As the two young girls strolled ahead of the older Titans, Wonder Warrior struck up a conversation with his cousin, “Hey, where did Jerrica run off to?”
“Oh, she just made a quick run to the bathroom,” answered Wonder Man. “You know her…..always making sure her make-up is perfect.”
“It’s nice to see you two back together again. She was a wreck without you on Earth 1,” revealed Wonder Warrior.
“Yeah…..I was kinda the same way without her,” smiled Scott Trevor.
"So, have you talked about the next logical step in your relationship?" asked Christophe Troy.
'Whoa dude, if you mean a stroll down the aisle, no way. We like the way things are. Besides her musical career is going strong again. She and Murray are always making plans for new venues, getting her on talk shows--and my career is great too. When I'm not being Wonder Man, the offers are pouring in for modeling jobs. I mean, we're committed to each other in a no strings kind of way. Does that make sense?"
“It does, but don't you think after all you've been through she'd like a ring?” smirked Christophe. “Face it, cuz, you’ve got a one in a million chance to be with the girl of your dreams. Don’t look a gift-horse in the mouth. Besides, I’ve already got your bachelor party all planned out.”
"What in Dionysus name has gotten into you? Maybe we need to find you a girlfriend." Wonder Man said, growing agitated with his cousin.
"I'd hate to see something so good fizzle out. Don't let her get away. You'll regret it." Wonder Warrior said, nodding a single time as Jerrica came out of the bathroom and began to make her way up to the Wonder-men.
As Wonder Girl and Totem strolled out of the Hall, something just dawned on Totem and she didn’t hesitate to ask Wonder Girl about it, “Hey Donna, where did you end up during the Crisis? Wonder Man said you weren’t on Earth 2 and you certainly weren’t on Earth 1 with the League of Titans and I.”
“Oh Rachel, it was horrible!” shuttered Wonder Girl as she began to speak, “I wound up back in the Universe of Evil. The Super Fiends had killed the Legion of Hope and taken over the Earth. I was alone and on the run all by myself but I talked to Harbinger and she told me that once Nucleus restored New Earth, the dark fate I experienced in the Universe of Evil was erased. Now I’m kind of thinking maybe I should put together a strike-force and go back there soon to make sure that horrible scenario never comes to pass.”
Totem gave her best friend a firm hug, “Don’t worry Donna. Everything is ok now and as for going back to the Universe of Evil, you just let me know when you’re ready to leave.”
Back inside the Hall, Sargona was making her way up to Power Guy, “Vince, I know you’re busy but I need to talk to you for a minute.”
“Oh, no worries. I’m actually finished with everything here,” Power Guy said, smiling warmly at the raven-haired beauty. “How about I take you home and we talk over dinner?”
There was an abrupt pause from Sargona as her mouth opened but no words came out. Finally after an odd look from Power Guy, she spoke, “Vince….I’m sorry but I’m not going home with you.”
“You’re not?” repeated Power Guy in shock.
“No, I’m sorry but I can’t,” revealed Sargona. “There’s something that I haven’t told you. When I was on Earth 1, I awoke in the middle of a wedding…….my wedding and the groom was…Dan.”
Power Guy’s eyes grew as big as dollar coins but he said nothing.
“Before you think the worst, we didn’t get to say ‘I do’. We called the whole thing off at the last minute,” continued the daughter of Sargon and Zatanna, “But I have to be honest with you and said that experience rekindled all of my old feelings for Dan. For the last year, I told myself I was over him. He has moved on with Di Di and you and I had started to share something special but I guess I’ve been lying to myself as I can’t stop thinking about him. It’s been eating away at me day and night. I know it’s pointless as he and Di Di are happy as happy can be but I need some time to sort this all out.”
Power Guy felt his heart sink a bit but he knew exactly where Sargona was coming from. He cared about her deeply and did not want to pressure her one bit, “I understand, completely. Do you have a place to stay?”
“Yes, Celeste is buying a house and she asked me to move in with her for a while,” explained Sargona. “This is the first time she’ll be out on her own and I think she’s a little bit afraid of being alone.”
“Wow….you two have come a long way from calling each other Thunderdog and Sarcasta,” smirked Power Guy.
“Oh, we still call each other that,” Sargona said, smiling back. “But she’s become a good friend to me just like you have.”
“And I’ll continue to be your friend no matter what you decide to do regarding our relationship,” promised the Kryptonian powerhouse.
“Thanks Vince, I really appreciate it,” Sargona said, torn with emotion. “I wouldn’t worry. I don’t have a chance with Dan. I just have to get that to sink in………again.”
***
Half-way across the country…
Green Lantern and Sonic Boom streaked through the sky inside of one Green Lantern’s energy-bubbles No matter how many times Sonic Boom took a ride in one of Green Lantern’s bubbles, the feeling and sites below always amazed her. She was like a little kid on a carnival ride.
“The view is just spectacular tonight. Hardly a single cloud in the sky,” commented Di Di Queen.
“It’s is a beautiful out tonight much like the present company,” smiled Daniel Jordan. Since returning to New Earth, the two of them had spent every today together, both enthralled with having the other around again.
Suddenly, Sonic Boom noticed something peculiar, “Dan, I think we’re off course. We’re not heading towards Star City.”
“That’s were you’re wrong. We’re exactly on course…..for El Paso,” smiled the cosmic crusader.
Di Di’s mouth opened with a smile, “Are you….are you taking me to that Mexican restaurant I love down there?”
“Guilty as charged,” admitted Daniel. “Before the mess with the Wizard, you had been saying for weeks that you wanted to go back there ever since we ate there after our last battle with the Copperhead Twins so this is long overdue.”
“Oh Dan! I could just kiss you!” exclaimed Sonic Boom.
“Well, you certainly won’t see me putting up a fight if you decide to,” blushed Green Lantern.
Instantly, Di Di stepped closer to Daniel as their eyes and finally their lips met….
***
The rooftop of a tall building in downtown Gotham City…
“Heeheeehehehehe!!!” cackled Miss Creeper as she landed on the roof, having jumped from the building across the street. “Be a hero, he says! Hehehehe….that’s just what I’m gonna do! Hahahaha!!!!!!!!!” her near-insane laughter echoed through the alleys below, spooking the good citizens and thugs of Gotham alike.
“But who should I start with? Mr. Freeze? That new Riddler? Or maybe False Face?” pondered the daughter of Jack Ryder. “I need to make a big impression……maybe I should go for the Joker’s son? Boy, wouldn’t the Titans get all bent out of shape if I took down the Joker’s kid before they did. They’d probably revoke that invitation to join their precious little team.”
“I don’t think you’d fit in anyways,” came a mysterious voice from behind the yellow-skinned beauty.
Miss Creeper whipped around to see who was addressing her, “YOU! You run with the Bat-clan, don’t you?”
“Not any more……now I’m an Outsider,” replied the mysterious person. “And I think you could be too….”
***
Epilogue #1: “Uncertainty”
A few days later at a secret location…
“So everything should be ok now, right?” Kid Comet asked Wonder Warrior, Queen Bee, and the Arachnid.
“Yeah, with the changed outcome of the Crisis, our ‘dark future’ should never come to pass,” agreed the Arachnid.
“You two are jumping the gun…” countered Queen Bee. “It’s too soon to say how the changes to the present will affect our future. I think we need to stick around a little longer to make sure things don’t go awry again.”
“I think Queen Bee is right,” added Wonder Warrior. “I think we need to wait a little bit before we pack up and go home plus I need to take my ‘gift’ back.”
“Well, I can’t say I was in a hurry to go home anyways,” revealed Kid Comet. “I’ve come to like it here in the present. Plus most of the team has been really kind to me.”
“And I don’t even know how I’m gonna tell Spaceman good-bye,” the Arachnid frowned under his mask.”
“You two need to wake up and cut these emotional ties you have with the Titans!” Queen Bee ordered, standing up and pointing her finger at Kid Comet and the Arachnid. “If push comes to shove, you’ll be a liability to this team.”
“Cool your jets, Latavia,” the Arachnid said, his voiced raised. “I know why we came here….yada, yada…..I don’t need you talking to me like I’m a kid.”
“Well then maybe you should stop acting like one!” snapped Queen Bee.
“Easy Latavia….” Wonder Warrior said, trying to cool the “fire” in the room. “I think we all know our priorities.”
“And what about your relationship with Nucleus?” pointed out Kid Comet.
“That’s business……not pleasure,” Queen Bee said, nonchalantly.
***
Epilogue #2: “Rise To Power”
“Happy twentieth birthday, son!”
It was a happy day in Atlantis. The heir to the throne, Cerdian, was celebrating his twentieth birthday, with most of his family and friends. However, two of them couldn’t make it...
“Thank you father,” Cerdian replied, dressed in traditional Atlantean garb – blue robes and a silver crown. His father, King Garth (the once-Titan Tempest) was sat proudly next to him, as dinner was served around the table. “It’s a shame that Arin and Tula couldn’t be here for me.”
Cerdian was envious of his siblings. Arin was always out saving the world with the “amazing” Titans of Justice, and Tula was close behind him – she had even made herself a proper superhero costume! He sometimes wishes he could get the attention he deserved like his “teen heartthrob” brother...but his powers were practically non-existant except for the above average super-strength...but didn’t every superhero have that nowadays anyway?
“Arin is at a Titans of Justice meeting, Cerdian. He couldn‘t miss it and Tula has gone to the surface world to take a class on American dialect. It’s important she learns how to speak with the people of America if she‘s going to follow in Arin‘s footsteps! I’m sure they’re sorry about not being able to make it,” his father explained, tucking into his dinner.
“Yeah, I’m sure they are!” Cerdian stood quickly, knocking over his seat. “Thanks for the dinner, but I’m not hungry. I’m going outside.”
“Cerdian, wait!” Lorena Marquez, a.k.a Aquawoman shouted, but it was too late. Cerdian had left the dining hall in a flash.
“I hate them! I hate them both!” Cerdian growled, as he swam outside angrily. “Why do they always have to get the attention! I’m a general in the Royal Guard, and I don’t get any kind of attention! Why are they so special?” He shouted into the sea.
Suddenly, the water began to heat up around his body. A faint red aura formed around his body.
“What is this?” Cerdian thought, as the sea radiated around him. “I feel...energized...”
Cerdian screamed as a red flash appeared from his palm and made the water hotter than before.
“Woah...where did this come from?” Cerdian asked himself, as he thrust his palm forward. His hand glowed red as the water in front also got hotter with a light tint of red.
“I have powers!”
Cerdian felt important as the water heated around him. He had finally got powers like his brother and sister, he was finally equal to them...but that wasn’t enough...he had to be better than them! “I’ll show those two brats how it should be done!”
The young man looked back at his kingdom, and then gazed out at the clear blue sea. Without a second thought, he swam into the ocean depths alone.