Post by Deleted on Apr 3, 2015 6:31:14 GMT -5
Titans of Justice Unlimited Chapter 77 - “When Doves Cry”
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Epilogue & editing by: Power Guy
The blonde man shuffled along aimlessly. He wasn’t quite sure where he was--or even how he got there. Everything seemed foreign to him--like it had once been familiar, but no more. People brushed past him, one almost knocking him down.
“Watch where you’re going chump! And put some clothes on while you’re at it! d**n foreigners!” the burly man huffed.
The blonde man looked down and noticed all he had on was a pair of pants, no shirt or shoes. He kept walking and noticed staring eyes everywhere he went. He came upon a building that seemed…….safe.
Inside that safe building, Wonder Girl was about to punch both Arachnid and Power Lad through a wall.
“Check it out WG.” Power Lad bragged flexing his arm.
“Put it away little boy and while you’re at it, put on some deodorant.” she said, crossing her arms.
“Aw come on, Wonder Chick you gotta admit me and PL are the two hottest guys here.” Arachnid said putting his arm around Power Lad.
“Let me put it to you like this Arachnerd! If the human race depended on me procreating with either of you, it would end here and now. Besides, why would I give you two--or any of the other Super Friends another glance when I get to hang out with Scott’s male model friends all day.”
“Awwwww, too good for us regular guys. I think you should change your name from Wonder Girl to Super Snob!” Arachnid said as Power Lad busted out laughing.
“Shut up!” Wonder Girl shouted.
“Oh, all of you shut up!” Sargona demanded. “Don’t any of you have homework to do or pimples to burst?”
Nightvision was on monitor duty and shouted, “Enough, all of you. Someone’s trying to get inside the hall.”
Sargona rushed to his side and looked at the surveillance monitor. “Harmless looking guy. Cute too.”
“Check out those abs!” Wonder Girl said, shooting a dirty look at Arachnid and Power Lad.
Suddenly the man collapsed. Nightvision and Sargona rushed outside.
“Be careful, it’s probably a trap.” Nightvision cautioned her.
“He can attack me anytime!” Sargona said rolling the man over. “He looks familiar somehow. Why can‘t I place him?”
The White Wraith dropped from the sky. He was there to meet the other Super Friends for a training session with the Huntress.
He stared for a moment at the stranger lying on the ground.
“Something about him….” the ghostly teen muttered.
“What is it White Wraith? Who is he?” Nightvision asked.
“He….he overwhelms me…he shouldn’t be here. Alive and dead all at once. He has such a good presence….Heavenly almost……” White Wraith gasped. Nightvision ordered him inside. He and Sargona decided to take the man to S.T.A.R Labs. Regardless if he was a threat or not, the man needed medical assistance.
“So, what did White Wraith mean? Is this guy a zombie or something?” Sargona asked.
“I don’t know. Come on, let’s take him to the labs and see if they can give us any answers.” Nightvision said. Even he would admit he felt such wonderful energy coming off the man.
***
Sargona and Nightvision watched through a window as medical technicians worked on the man. A female doctor approached them. She began telling them about their patient.
“He’s in perfect health besides being a little dehydrated. We’ll keep him here and try to find out who is he. There’s no ID on him so we’ll take a DNA sample and check it against anyone we’ve worked with before.
***
A few hours later, Nightvision was back on monitor duty when his communicator sounded. It was the doctor from S.T.A.R Labs.
“Nightvison, I may need some of you to come down here. This man needs his family prepared for the news.” she said.
“News? Do you know who this guy is? Is he a threat?” Nightvision asked.
“No, I wouldn’t say a threat…..more like a ghost? I don’t know how, but Don Hall, formerly the Dove is alive.
***
Hours later at S.T.A.R, Power Guy walked with Hank and Melody Hall.
“Are you sure this guy is my brother? I mean, I saw him die.” Hank Hall said nervously.
“100% Mr. Hall. His DNA proves it. Somehow your brother is alive. Don’t be so quick to doubt. You and several of your teammates have been thought dead over the years.” Power Guy said.
“I know, but I saw Don die. Those shadow demons were on him so fast. It was like he never existed.”
Melody chimed in, “All this talk about dying. One thing I never understood was why people donate organs when they die. I get it that a church or a music school could use one, but what is about dying and donating an electric piano?”
Hank stared at the wife he loved so dearly, but often drove him to splitting headaches with her lack of common sense.
“He’s in here and expecting you.” Power Guy said, smiling at the couple.
Hank and Melody Hall walked into the hospital room and stared at the man sitting up in bed before them. Hank took a step back. “Don?” he gasped as his eyes filled with tears.
“H…Hank? Is it you….really you?” Don Hall stammered.
Hank ran to his brother and hugged him so hard that Don felt like he would be crushed. The only time Melody saw Hank cry so much was the day of Don’s funeral.
“Don! Oh God, Don! You’re back! You’re back!” Hank Hall sobbed as the former Electric Girl ran over and hugged both brothers. She too was crying as Power Guy watched the happy reunion.
***
A few nights later at the home of Hank and Melody, a party to celebrate Don’s mysterious return was underway. Melody had noticed Don was a bit ill at ease and she hoped a party with their old friends would help him adjust.
“Duela? Duela Dent?” Don asked.
“Right on both counts, Donny boy! Boy, you played the biggest trick of them all! Look at you looking all hot--and in the flesh.” she laughed.
“Right.” Don said in a monotone voice, walking away.
“What’d I say?” Duela asked.
“Melody told me Don was out of sorts.” Betty Kane-Parker said, sipping a wine spritzer. “How’s your nephew?”
“Poor Rio. I thought he was making progress, but he’s been acting more like Wildcard. The other day he didn’t even recognize me for a few minutes.”
“I’m sorry to hear that Duela.” Mal Duncan added. “Has anyone heard anything from Roy and Lian?”
Donna Troy spoke up, “It’s bad. She’s catatonic. She was always so bright, so bubbly. Roy is taking it very hard. I worry about him.”
“It’s so cruel…those machines feed her, breathe for her--but she’s still in there. I tried to reach her again the last time I visited, but her trauma is so deep. I don’t know if she’ll ever come back.” Lilith added, joining the conversation.
Don Hall listened. “I know how she feels.” he thought to himself. He walked to the kitchen where his brother, Charley Parker, and Dick Grayson were laughing and drinking beer.
“Don! You remember that time Mr. Jupiter laid into me and Mal for taking that experimental car. Boy was he mad! And you ratted us out!” Hank said laughing.
“No, Hank. I don’t.”
“Aw come on Don! Mal still laughs about that.” Karen Beecher-Duncan replied, walking up behind him.
“You always were the voice of good sense, Don.” Dick added.
“Yeah, you sure were. I remember right after Titans West I was going to get Betty’s name tattooed across my chest! Don told me how stupid that was.” Charley Parker laughed, slapping Don on the back.
“Oh those were good times. Hawk and Dove! Always having to save your butt!” Hank laughed offering his brother a beer.
“Is that so? I seem to recall you running your mouth and it getting you into trouble. And I had to clean your messes up.” Don said as he pushed the beer away.
“You know little brother? You’ve been acting awfully odd since you came back. All of our old friends are here to celebrate you and you act you don’t want them around--you act like you can’t stand Melody and me either. What gives?” Hank demanded, the beer fueling his desire to confront his brother. The former Titans all grew quiet.
“You want to know what gives “big brother”? None of you know me! You never did! You all sit around and laugh about old times and how great they were and all I remember is being made fun of! I remember you putting me down every chance you got, Hank. And the rest of you don’t deny it!”
“Don! We were kids back then. I didn’t know--” Hank started.
“And you Lilith. You were all over me after what happened with Gnarkk. I think you wanted to forget him with someone who was totally opposite. I heard all the things you said behind my back.” Don screamed.
“Don! It wasn’t like that at all! I cared about you. I still do!” Lilith said, shocked.
“We all do.” Garth said, joining the party late.
“You might understand Garth. You and I were always last picked. Just like a super powered gym class. None of you know anything about me! I was happy where I was. I didn’t ask to come back!!!!” Don said as his voice got louder.
Donna noticed Lilith become very still. “Lilith? What is it?”
“Don, please….I think I know why you’re so upset….” the pretty psychic gasped.
“Well, I’m sure you’ll blab it to everyone. You never could keep your mouth shut! I was happy. Whole! I wasn’t Dove or Hank Hall’s weak little brother. I was in Heaven and I was finally complete. I’ve been ripped away and thrown back here--it might as well be Hell! All of you stay away from me! Stay far away from me!!!!” he yelled running out the back door.
“Don! Don wait!” Hank pleaded. “HAWK!” he cried.
“Hank, let him go.” Melody said, taking his arm. “He’ll come back. He just needs time.”
“I don’t understand. Lilith, when you and Hank came back neither of you reacted like this.” Dick Grayson queried.
“Hank and I never really crossed all the way over. I believe Don did. To know that contentment and to be brought back……well, I can’t imagine how overwhelmed he must feel.” Lilith explained.
“He certainly didn’t need all the reminders of the past. He’s right about the old times. You guys may not have realized it, but Don and I often felt left out.” Garth added.
“Some friends we are.” Mal mused, sipping his beer.
***
Don Hall ran and ran. It had started to rain and he ran so hard, he felt that his heart would burst. He finally stopped and dropped to his knees as the rain soaked him. He heard something, but couldn’t see a thing except what looked like a faint outline of an airplane with rain hitting it. A tall olive skinned man stepped out of what looked like nowhere.
“Don’t tell me. Wonder Man? Are you Donna’s son?” Don huffed.
“No sir. She’s my aunt. She called me and told me about the party. I’m sorry.” Wonder Man said, extending his hand.
“You can tell your aunt I’m fine.”
“Sir if you would, I’d like you to come with me. I have someone that I think can help you.”
“Oh? Do you Titans X or whatever you call yourselves have a super psychiatrist?”
“Not quite.” Wonder Man smiled.
Although Don wanted to keep running, he felt he could trust Donna Troy’s nephew.
***
Within minutes, the Invisible Jet arrived at the Hall of Justice.
“Wait here. I realize you don’t know us, but I think talking to Green Lantern might help you.” Wonder Man said.
“Hal Jordan?” Don replied.
“No, his son.”
“Do any of the old super heroes have just normal children?”
“Ha, it doesn’t seem like it.” Wonder Man said. He turned and left. Green Lantern walked up.
“Hello Mr. Hall.”
“Green Lantern. I really don’t want to talk to you. Unless you can use that ring to send me back.”
Green Lantern removed his mask. “You were in Heaven?”
“I was.” Don replied, although his memories of it were rapidly growing dim.
“That’s really amazing. Unbelievable almost.”
“I knew no one would believe me. That’s why I didn’t tell anyone. I’m sure you doubt me too.”
“I’m on a team with aliens, ghosts, and amazons. I’ve learned to suspend my disbelief.”
Don felt relaxed. “Why….why did I have to come back. I….I was so happy…” he said, choking up.
“The only thing I can think of is the recent Crisis. Much like the one that claimed your life. Mr. Hall, I don’t claim to be an expert on these things, but maybe you came back when time realigned itself. Did you ever think that maybe you weren’t meant to die in the first Crisis?”
“I don’t know. I do know this. For the first time, I was so happy. So sure of myself. I can’t explain it. I was Don Hall. Not Dove, not Hank’s weak little brother. I had never felt such peace---and I was ripped out of it because of some cosmic joke?”
“God’s work is mysterious. From what I have heard about you, you were a peacemaker. You kept your brother in check. After you left, he went through a very rough time.”
“He did? I never even thought to ask…..”
“Several of your friends went through their fair share of bad times. I don’t know many of your old teammates very well, but from what I do know you were fondly remembered.”
“Well, I blew up at them tonight. I mean, they couldn’t know. It’s like we remember the past in completely different ways”
“Can I take you somewhere? I want to show you something.” Green Lantern said as he ring glowed.
“Why not. What have I got to lose?”
***
Within moments, the duo were in Smallville Kansas. They touched ground in a cemetery near two graves.
“Jonathan and Martha Kent? Superman’s parents?” Don asked. “What does the world’s greatest hero have to do with me?”
“Maybe nothing. Maybe lots.” Green Lantern said. “Read Mr. Kent’s headstone.”
Don lowered himself and read aloud, “We were put on this Earth for a reason, but it’s up to us to find it.”
Don stood back and let the words sink in.
“What do you think, Don?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Kent were just everyday good people. For some reason, they were chosen to raise the greatest hero of all time. I’m sure they often thought what good they could to for someone so mighty, but they instilled values and honor in Superman. They made him into the man he became. Don, I think you were sent back to become the man you always wanted to be.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, you say the Titans ignored you. That your brother was always putting you down. Did you ever once stand up for yourself? Did you ever do what truly made you happy?”
“I….I guess not. I always just thought it was my place to clean up after Hank.”
“Don, you have a second chance at life. Maybe God has big plans for you here. Your brother is a grown man. He’s married and from what I hear he‘s very different than when he was a teenager. Maybe God sent you back for something He needs you to do. I think it’s time for you to find the reason for yourself.”
Don Hall kneeled down and touched the tombstones.
“A second chance….” Don turned and faced Green Lantern. “Thank you.”
***
Green Lantern dropped Don off at Hank and Melody’s house. The two of them had finished cleaning after the failed party and were about to go to bed.
“Hank..Melody….” Don said, walking through the door.
“Don! Thank God! I’m sorry! I had no idea…we just wanted you to know how happy we were about you coming back!” Hank said running over to his brother.
“I’m sorry too. I wasn’t exactly appreciative of what you guys did for me.”
“Oh Don, we love you. Hank and I both. Maybe we rushed you. We never even thought to ask you about the party.” Melody said as Don hugged her.
“You know what? I was sent back for a reason. I don’t know what for or why but I am taking this second chance. I’m going to live every moment to the fullest--something I never did before.”
“Don, that’s great! What are you going to do? Hank asked.
“I don’t know. Maybe call Mr. Jupiter and see about restarting the mentoring program. Time will tell. I do have a number one on my list though.”
“And what’s that?”
“Getting to know my big brother again. Hank, I always looked up to you--even when we quarreled. I always just wanted us to be brothers. I wanted you to like me.”
“Don, I always liked you. You were the only one who ever went toe to toe with me. I had no idea that I made you feel so bad. After you died, it was like…….it was awful. I never stopped grieving.”
The two brothers hugged and Melody cried. Within seconds both Hank and Don were crying too.
Hank looked at his brother. “My prayer has been answered. I got my baby brother back.” he said, tears streaming down his face.
Outside the Hall’s home, Green Lantern watched from afar. As he flew away, he too brushed a tear from his eye.
***
Epilogue:
The Hall of Justice…
Nightvision had called an emergency meeting for the leadership team of the Titans of Justice. Everyone was a bit confused as the summons came totally out of the blue. Within minutes, Power Guy, Wonder Man, Green Lantern, Wonder Warrior, Queen Bee, Nucelus, and Black Vulcan made their way into the room and took their seats at the conference table. There were two open chairs as the team had yet to pick Dark Arrow and Sonic Boom’s replacements.
“Thank you all for coming so quickly,” Nightvision said as he addressed the group.
“What seems to be the emergency, Nightvision?” asked Green Lantern, quite curious. “You were very vague in your message.”
“I had to be. It seems like we have a whole new type of problem to deal with,” the son of Dick Grayson responded with a grim tone as he circled the room.
Power Guy half stood up and looked at Nightvision sternly, “More trouble over the whole Dr. Light incident?”
“No, this has to do with the Supergirl case,” Nightvision said as he stopped in between Wonder Man and Wonder Warrior.
“Did you or Nucleus end up finding some d.n.a. on the Kryptonite after all?” Queen Bee asked while looking up at Nightvision.
“No, we didn’t,” confirmed the modern-age Dark Knight.
“Then we’re still at a dead end,” presumed Queen Bee. “Why call us all here just for a non-update?” she huffed, clearly aggravated.
“Who said this was a non-update?” challenged the man otherwise known as Brendon Grayson.
“Nightvision, can you please just say what you need to say….” requested Power Guy, firmly.
“While Nucleus and I were not able to find any d.n.a. on the rock, we did find something else very interesting…………”
“And what was that?” asked Wonder Man, anxious for an answer.
“Lansinar! It was Wonder Warrior who sent Supergirl the Kryptonite!” announced the new age Dark Knight as he grabbed a hold of Wonder Warrior’s shoulder, firmly.
TO BE CONTINUED
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Epilogue & editing by: Power Guy
The blonde man shuffled along aimlessly. He wasn’t quite sure where he was--or even how he got there. Everything seemed foreign to him--like it had once been familiar, but no more. People brushed past him, one almost knocking him down.
“Watch where you’re going chump! And put some clothes on while you’re at it! d**n foreigners!” the burly man huffed.
The blonde man looked down and noticed all he had on was a pair of pants, no shirt or shoes. He kept walking and noticed staring eyes everywhere he went. He came upon a building that seemed…….safe.
Inside that safe building, Wonder Girl was about to punch both Arachnid and Power Lad through a wall.
“Check it out WG.” Power Lad bragged flexing his arm.
“Put it away little boy and while you’re at it, put on some deodorant.” she said, crossing her arms.
“Aw come on, Wonder Chick you gotta admit me and PL are the two hottest guys here.” Arachnid said putting his arm around Power Lad.
“Let me put it to you like this Arachnerd! If the human race depended on me procreating with either of you, it would end here and now. Besides, why would I give you two--or any of the other Super Friends another glance when I get to hang out with Scott’s male model friends all day.”
“Awwwww, too good for us regular guys. I think you should change your name from Wonder Girl to Super Snob!” Arachnid said as Power Lad busted out laughing.
“Shut up!” Wonder Girl shouted.
“Oh, all of you shut up!” Sargona demanded. “Don’t any of you have homework to do or pimples to burst?”
Nightvision was on monitor duty and shouted, “Enough, all of you. Someone’s trying to get inside the hall.”
Sargona rushed to his side and looked at the surveillance monitor. “Harmless looking guy. Cute too.”
“Check out those abs!” Wonder Girl said, shooting a dirty look at Arachnid and Power Lad.
Suddenly the man collapsed. Nightvision and Sargona rushed outside.
“Be careful, it’s probably a trap.” Nightvision cautioned her.
“He can attack me anytime!” Sargona said rolling the man over. “He looks familiar somehow. Why can‘t I place him?”
The White Wraith dropped from the sky. He was there to meet the other Super Friends for a training session with the Huntress.
He stared for a moment at the stranger lying on the ground.
“Something about him….” the ghostly teen muttered.
“What is it White Wraith? Who is he?” Nightvision asked.
“He….he overwhelms me…he shouldn’t be here. Alive and dead all at once. He has such a good presence….Heavenly almost……” White Wraith gasped. Nightvision ordered him inside. He and Sargona decided to take the man to S.T.A.R Labs. Regardless if he was a threat or not, the man needed medical assistance.
“So, what did White Wraith mean? Is this guy a zombie or something?” Sargona asked.
“I don’t know. Come on, let’s take him to the labs and see if they can give us any answers.” Nightvision said. Even he would admit he felt such wonderful energy coming off the man.
***
Sargona and Nightvision watched through a window as medical technicians worked on the man. A female doctor approached them. She began telling them about their patient.
“He’s in perfect health besides being a little dehydrated. We’ll keep him here and try to find out who is he. There’s no ID on him so we’ll take a DNA sample and check it against anyone we’ve worked with before.
***
A few hours later, Nightvision was back on monitor duty when his communicator sounded. It was the doctor from S.T.A.R Labs.
“Nightvison, I may need some of you to come down here. This man needs his family prepared for the news.” she said.
“News? Do you know who this guy is? Is he a threat?” Nightvision asked.
“No, I wouldn’t say a threat…..more like a ghost? I don’t know how, but Don Hall, formerly the Dove is alive.
***
Hours later at S.T.A.R, Power Guy walked with Hank and Melody Hall.
“Are you sure this guy is my brother? I mean, I saw him die.” Hank Hall said nervously.
“100% Mr. Hall. His DNA proves it. Somehow your brother is alive. Don’t be so quick to doubt. You and several of your teammates have been thought dead over the years.” Power Guy said.
“I know, but I saw Don die. Those shadow demons were on him so fast. It was like he never existed.”
Melody chimed in, “All this talk about dying. One thing I never understood was why people donate organs when they die. I get it that a church or a music school could use one, but what is about dying and donating an electric piano?”
Hank stared at the wife he loved so dearly, but often drove him to splitting headaches with her lack of common sense.
“He’s in here and expecting you.” Power Guy said, smiling at the couple.
Hank and Melody Hall walked into the hospital room and stared at the man sitting up in bed before them. Hank took a step back. “Don?” he gasped as his eyes filled with tears.
“H…Hank? Is it you….really you?” Don Hall stammered.
Hank ran to his brother and hugged him so hard that Don felt like he would be crushed. The only time Melody saw Hank cry so much was the day of Don’s funeral.
“Don! Oh God, Don! You’re back! You’re back!” Hank Hall sobbed as the former Electric Girl ran over and hugged both brothers. She too was crying as Power Guy watched the happy reunion.
***
A few nights later at the home of Hank and Melody, a party to celebrate Don’s mysterious return was underway. Melody had noticed Don was a bit ill at ease and she hoped a party with their old friends would help him adjust.
“Duela? Duela Dent?” Don asked.
“Right on both counts, Donny boy! Boy, you played the biggest trick of them all! Look at you looking all hot--and in the flesh.” she laughed.
“Right.” Don said in a monotone voice, walking away.
“What’d I say?” Duela asked.
“Melody told me Don was out of sorts.” Betty Kane-Parker said, sipping a wine spritzer. “How’s your nephew?”
“Poor Rio. I thought he was making progress, but he’s been acting more like Wildcard. The other day he didn’t even recognize me for a few minutes.”
“I’m sorry to hear that Duela.” Mal Duncan added. “Has anyone heard anything from Roy and Lian?”
Donna Troy spoke up, “It’s bad. She’s catatonic. She was always so bright, so bubbly. Roy is taking it very hard. I worry about him.”
“It’s so cruel…those machines feed her, breathe for her--but she’s still in there. I tried to reach her again the last time I visited, but her trauma is so deep. I don’t know if she’ll ever come back.” Lilith added, joining the conversation.
Don Hall listened. “I know how she feels.” he thought to himself. He walked to the kitchen where his brother, Charley Parker, and Dick Grayson were laughing and drinking beer.
“Don! You remember that time Mr. Jupiter laid into me and Mal for taking that experimental car. Boy was he mad! And you ratted us out!” Hank said laughing.
“No, Hank. I don’t.”
“Aw come on Don! Mal still laughs about that.” Karen Beecher-Duncan replied, walking up behind him.
“You always were the voice of good sense, Don.” Dick added.
“Yeah, you sure were. I remember right after Titans West I was going to get Betty’s name tattooed across my chest! Don told me how stupid that was.” Charley Parker laughed, slapping Don on the back.
“Oh those were good times. Hawk and Dove! Always having to save your butt!” Hank laughed offering his brother a beer.
“Is that so? I seem to recall you running your mouth and it getting you into trouble. And I had to clean your messes up.” Don said as he pushed the beer away.
“You know little brother? You’ve been acting awfully odd since you came back. All of our old friends are here to celebrate you and you act you don’t want them around--you act like you can’t stand Melody and me either. What gives?” Hank demanded, the beer fueling his desire to confront his brother. The former Titans all grew quiet.
“You want to know what gives “big brother”? None of you know me! You never did! You all sit around and laugh about old times and how great they were and all I remember is being made fun of! I remember you putting me down every chance you got, Hank. And the rest of you don’t deny it!”
“Don! We were kids back then. I didn’t know--” Hank started.
“And you Lilith. You were all over me after what happened with Gnarkk. I think you wanted to forget him with someone who was totally opposite. I heard all the things you said behind my back.” Don screamed.
“Don! It wasn’t like that at all! I cared about you. I still do!” Lilith said, shocked.
“We all do.” Garth said, joining the party late.
“You might understand Garth. You and I were always last picked. Just like a super powered gym class. None of you know anything about me! I was happy where I was. I didn’t ask to come back!!!!” Don said as his voice got louder.
Donna noticed Lilith become very still. “Lilith? What is it?”
“Don, please….I think I know why you’re so upset….” the pretty psychic gasped.
“Well, I’m sure you’ll blab it to everyone. You never could keep your mouth shut! I was happy. Whole! I wasn’t Dove or Hank Hall’s weak little brother. I was in Heaven and I was finally complete. I’ve been ripped away and thrown back here--it might as well be Hell! All of you stay away from me! Stay far away from me!!!!” he yelled running out the back door.
“Don! Don wait!” Hank pleaded. “HAWK!” he cried.
“Hank, let him go.” Melody said, taking his arm. “He’ll come back. He just needs time.”
“I don’t understand. Lilith, when you and Hank came back neither of you reacted like this.” Dick Grayson queried.
“Hank and I never really crossed all the way over. I believe Don did. To know that contentment and to be brought back……well, I can’t imagine how overwhelmed he must feel.” Lilith explained.
“He certainly didn’t need all the reminders of the past. He’s right about the old times. You guys may not have realized it, but Don and I often felt left out.” Garth added.
“Some friends we are.” Mal mused, sipping his beer.
***
Don Hall ran and ran. It had started to rain and he ran so hard, he felt that his heart would burst. He finally stopped and dropped to his knees as the rain soaked him. He heard something, but couldn’t see a thing except what looked like a faint outline of an airplane with rain hitting it. A tall olive skinned man stepped out of what looked like nowhere.
“Don’t tell me. Wonder Man? Are you Donna’s son?” Don huffed.
“No sir. She’s my aunt. She called me and told me about the party. I’m sorry.” Wonder Man said, extending his hand.
“You can tell your aunt I’m fine.”
“Sir if you would, I’d like you to come with me. I have someone that I think can help you.”
“Oh? Do you Titans X or whatever you call yourselves have a super psychiatrist?”
“Not quite.” Wonder Man smiled.
Although Don wanted to keep running, he felt he could trust Donna Troy’s nephew.
***
Within minutes, the Invisible Jet arrived at the Hall of Justice.
“Wait here. I realize you don’t know us, but I think talking to Green Lantern might help you.” Wonder Man said.
“Hal Jordan?” Don replied.
“No, his son.”
“Do any of the old super heroes have just normal children?”
“Ha, it doesn’t seem like it.” Wonder Man said. He turned and left. Green Lantern walked up.
“Hello Mr. Hall.”
“Green Lantern. I really don’t want to talk to you. Unless you can use that ring to send me back.”
Green Lantern removed his mask. “You were in Heaven?”
“I was.” Don replied, although his memories of it were rapidly growing dim.
“That’s really amazing. Unbelievable almost.”
“I knew no one would believe me. That’s why I didn’t tell anyone. I’m sure you doubt me too.”
“I’m on a team with aliens, ghosts, and amazons. I’ve learned to suspend my disbelief.”
Don felt relaxed. “Why….why did I have to come back. I….I was so happy…” he said, choking up.
“The only thing I can think of is the recent Crisis. Much like the one that claimed your life. Mr. Hall, I don’t claim to be an expert on these things, but maybe you came back when time realigned itself. Did you ever think that maybe you weren’t meant to die in the first Crisis?”
“I don’t know. I do know this. For the first time, I was so happy. So sure of myself. I can’t explain it. I was Don Hall. Not Dove, not Hank’s weak little brother. I had never felt such peace---and I was ripped out of it because of some cosmic joke?”
“God’s work is mysterious. From what I have heard about you, you were a peacemaker. You kept your brother in check. After you left, he went through a very rough time.”
“He did? I never even thought to ask…..”
“Several of your friends went through their fair share of bad times. I don’t know many of your old teammates very well, but from what I do know you were fondly remembered.”
“Well, I blew up at them tonight. I mean, they couldn’t know. It’s like we remember the past in completely different ways”
“Can I take you somewhere? I want to show you something.” Green Lantern said as he ring glowed.
“Why not. What have I got to lose?”
***
Within moments, the duo were in Smallville Kansas. They touched ground in a cemetery near two graves.
“Jonathan and Martha Kent? Superman’s parents?” Don asked. “What does the world’s greatest hero have to do with me?”
“Maybe nothing. Maybe lots.” Green Lantern said. “Read Mr. Kent’s headstone.”
Don lowered himself and read aloud, “We were put on this Earth for a reason, but it’s up to us to find it.”
Don stood back and let the words sink in.
“What do you think, Don?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Kent were just everyday good people. For some reason, they were chosen to raise the greatest hero of all time. I’m sure they often thought what good they could to for someone so mighty, but they instilled values and honor in Superman. They made him into the man he became. Don, I think you were sent back to become the man you always wanted to be.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, you say the Titans ignored you. That your brother was always putting you down. Did you ever once stand up for yourself? Did you ever do what truly made you happy?”
“I….I guess not. I always just thought it was my place to clean up after Hank.”
“Don, you have a second chance at life. Maybe God has big plans for you here. Your brother is a grown man. He’s married and from what I hear he‘s very different than when he was a teenager. Maybe God sent you back for something He needs you to do. I think it’s time for you to find the reason for yourself.”
Don Hall kneeled down and touched the tombstones.
“A second chance….” Don turned and faced Green Lantern. “Thank you.”
***
Green Lantern dropped Don off at Hank and Melody’s house. The two of them had finished cleaning after the failed party and were about to go to bed.
“Hank..Melody….” Don said, walking through the door.
“Don! Thank God! I’m sorry! I had no idea…we just wanted you to know how happy we were about you coming back!” Hank said running over to his brother.
“I’m sorry too. I wasn’t exactly appreciative of what you guys did for me.”
“Oh Don, we love you. Hank and I both. Maybe we rushed you. We never even thought to ask you about the party.” Melody said as Don hugged her.
“You know what? I was sent back for a reason. I don’t know what for or why but I am taking this second chance. I’m going to live every moment to the fullest--something I never did before.”
“Don, that’s great! What are you going to do? Hank asked.
“I don’t know. Maybe call Mr. Jupiter and see about restarting the mentoring program. Time will tell. I do have a number one on my list though.”
“And what’s that?”
“Getting to know my big brother again. Hank, I always looked up to you--even when we quarreled. I always just wanted us to be brothers. I wanted you to like me.”
“Don, I always liked you. You were the only one who ever went toe to toe with me. I had no idea that I made you feel so bad. After you died, it was like…….it was awful. I never stopped grieving.”
The two brothers hugged and Melody cried. Within seconds both Hank and Don were crying too.
Hank looked at his brother. “My prayer has been answered. I got my baby brother back.” he said, tears streaming down his face.
Outside the Hall’s home, Green Lantern watched from afar. As he flew away, he too brushed a tear from his eye.
***
Epilogue:
The Hall of Justice…
Nightvision had called an emergency meeting for the leadership team of the Titans of Justice. Everyone was a bit confused as the summons came totally out of the blue. Within minutes, Power Guy, Wonder Man, Green Lantern, Wonder Warrior, Queen Bee, Nucelus, and Black Vulcan made their way into the room and took their seats at the conference table. There were two open chairs as the team had yet to pick Dark Arrow and Sonic Boom’s replacements.
“Thank you all for coming so quickly,” Nightvision said as he addressed the group.
“What seems to be the emergency, Nightvision?” asked Green Lantern, quite curious. “You were very vague in your message.”
“I had to be. It seems like we have a whole new type of problem to deal with,” the son of Dick Grayson responded with a grim tone as he circled the room.
Power Guy half stood up and looked at Nightvision sternly, “More trouble over the whole Dr. Light incident?”
“No, this has to do with the Supergirl case,” Nightvision said as he stopped in between Wonder Man and Wonder Warrior.
“Did you or Nucleus end up finding some d.n.a. on the Kryptonite after all?” Queen Bee asked while looking up at Nightvision.
“No, we didn’t,” confirmed the modern-age Dark Knight.
“Then we’re still at a dead end,” presumed Queen Bee. “Why call us all here just for a non-update?” she huffed, clearly aggravated.
“Who said this was a non-update?” challenged the man otherwise known as Brendon Grayson.
“Nightvision, can you please just say what you need to say….” requested Power Guy, firmly.
“While Nucleus and I were not able to find any d.n.a. on the rock, we did find something else very interesting…………”
“And what was that?” asked Wonder Man, anxious for an answer.
“Lansinar! It was Wonder Warrior who sent Supergirl the Kryptonite!” announced the new age Dark Knight as he grabbed a hold of Wonder Warrior’s shoulder, firmly.
TO BE CONTINUED