Post by Deleted on Apr 4, 2015 4:54:02 GMT -5
Titans of Justice Unlimited Chapter 95 - “Running Out of Time”
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Edited by: Power Guy
The Hall of Justice…
“I don’t care if you did stop Dr. Natas from stealing back his Noxium Crystal, you endangered lives!” Power Guy shouted, growing more irritated.
“So? No one was hurt.” The Flash snapped back.
“Flash, you didn’t think things through. Thank God Green Lantern was there to catch the tourists that fell from the observation deck at the museum.” Nightvision added.
The leadership of the Titans of Justice had all been summoned to deal with the Flash’s recent impulsive actions. She didn’t appreciate their criticism and was growing angry.
“You all don’t get it. I am the Flash. I am part of one of the greatest legacies on Earth. I wouldn’t expect you slow modes to understand. “ she huffed.
“Flash, it wasn’t just this mission. Because of you, the mayor’s wife ended up in the hospital when you tried to stop the new Mad Mod. The Titans are still paying the city back from the damage you caused at the dam, and we still are trying to work out who is at fault over the Thanksgiving parade.” Wonder Man added.
“Oh, why don’t you go wax your chest or something, pretty boy!” The Flash spat.
“I don’t wax anymore you brat!” Wonder Man snapped back.
“ENOUGH!” Power Guy shouted so loud that the room shook. “Flash, you have proven you aren’t ready to serve on the team. You are disrespectful, rude, and we believe it‘s in your best interest to revoke some of your privileges. I am recommending you train with Whirlpool and the Super Friends.”
“WHAT!!!??” she screamed. “I cannot believe this! Is it because I’m a confident woman—you wouldn’t treat Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, or Wally West this way! There’s no way in hell that I’m working with Fishsticks and his team of pizza faced brats!! You can take your offer and shove it! I QUIT!” she said, turning away and heading towards the door. “I knew back when I got hurt during the Wildcard mess, I was dealing with a bunch of amateurs!”
“Flash, wait.” Green Lantern started. “We’re just trying to help you!”
“Let her go. She needs time to cool down and sort all this out. She’ll be back.” Power Guy added.
Jem entered the room. “Wilma nearly knocked me down—which is usual for her, but she seemed more in a hurry than normal. Scott, what happened in here?”
“I think the Flash just quit.” Jem's husband replied as he kissed her cheek.
The members assembled discussed the latest inheritor of the Flash mantle.
“Well, she does have a lot to live up to. Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, Wally West…those are heavy hitters. Maybe it’s a burden to her?” Jem stated.
“I’m sure it is. Most of us have mentors or family we want to be proud of us, but she just….it’s like she doesn’t consider anyone else---or how her actions might affect them.” Nightvision suggested.
“Well folks, we’re done here. That went about as well as expected--and I think her actions at our suggestion proves her immaturity.” Power Guy said, dismissing the group.
***
Across town a well dressed man looked out his cab window. The driver noticed he was very quiet, very rigid. The man watched the passing buildings….the streets….and remembered his time in this city. He thought of his friends and how he couldn’t wait to see their expressions when they saw him again. Just then there was a huge explosion from the street. Asphalt and cars scattered as a form emerged from the destruction.
“I found it! I told them I would!” came a voice from an elderly man. “They called me a fool! Kicked me out of the Legion of Doom! But I finally found my crystal! Lex Luthor and his band of Cabbage Patch crooks will die! DIIIIIEEEEEE!!!!” Dr. Natas screamed as energy beams poured out of the crystal, shattering windows in the surrounding buildings.
“I didn’t want to reveal myself just yet, but this fool could ruin everything!!” the man in the cab thought. Just as he was about to assume his other identity, he saw a red and gold streak speed past him. “Who….?” He gasped.
“Ah, Dr. Natas! I beat you down once already and the Flash is more than happy to do it again!”
“That’s it girl! Come to your death! Gaze upon the Noxium Crystal and die, cretin!” Dr. Natas screamed as veins popped all over his wrinkled, liver spot covered face.
“Whatever.” The Flash said in a monotone voice. With one hand, she created a funnel diverting the falling glass from the shattered windows up into the atmosphere. She continued running towards Dr. Natas and knocked the crystal out of his hand.
“You fool! The crystal!” he shouted, clawing at the Flash’s face.
“I know, I know. You had it this time and I stopped you.” She fumed, running so fast she was a blur, carrying the elderly villain in one hand while she grabbed the crystal with the other. By now, the police had arrived. The commissioner gestured for his officers to take Dr. Natas into custody.
“So, will I be getting the key to city for doing your job, officer?” The Flash said smugly.
“Not quite. You still owe the city for your other adventures gone awry. We’re watching you, young lady.” With that he turned. The Flash thought at least someone would appreciate her, but this par for the course today.
“I bet if I were Barry, they would be kissing my—“
“Hello, I couldn’t help but notice what you just did! That was awesome!” the man from the cab said as he approached the Flash. She thought he looked familiar, but couldn’t place him at first.
“Thanks. Do I know you? You look like someone I should know.”
“You may have heard of me. In fact, I used to be a Titan.”
“That’s it! OhmyGod! But you—I read the casefile—Venus—I mean Black Orchid killed you—you’re Celsius! Colin Caulder!!” she said, barely able to get the words out.
“I am! In the flesh.”
“But how—well, all of that can be answered later. I’m sure Power Guy and the others will be happy to see you! Do they know?—nevermind, here let me run you over to the Hall of Justice!”
“NO—I mean, I want to surprise them. I plan on making my presence known soon enough.”
“That’s cool. It’s probably better I don’t show up back there anyway. I’m not exactly high on the team’s list right now.”
“Why is that? From what I just witnessed, you are really talented. You defeated that guy in under 10 seconds.”
Flattered by his words, the Flash relaxed. With everything going through her head, maybe she could tell this stranger—this former Titan just what was going on with her. His voice was like a warm breeze with a slight accent. Almost Australian. “Do you have some time? I’d really like to talk to you.”
Colin smiled. “Time is something I have plenty of these days.”
Later that night Wilma West and Colin Caulder sat in a secluded Indian restaurant.
“That’s quite a story. Why don’t you tell the others? I’m sure they would understand.” Colin said as he sipped his coffee.
“I really want to, but I have a hard time admitting it to myself. Every time I use my powers, it takes hours off of my life. My dad experienced something like this, but his problem went away right after the first Crisis and he became the Flash but I‘m around the same age as he was when his problem started going away and mine isn‘t letting up one bit. I did go to S.T.A.R. but they said there was nothing they could do for me. I can’t give up being the Flash—it means so much to my dad, and I never told him about my problem. The legacy of the Flash is something I…..something I have to do. I have no choice.” She started to cry quietly. “I feel like I have to get as much done as I can, before my powers finally betray me-and kill me. I probably don’t think things out like I should…..but…but……” her voice broke as she sobbed.
“Hey, it’s ok. There, there.” He said offering her a handkerchief. “Listen, my dad can help you. You’ve heard of Niles Caulder aka The Chief? Well, he’s the best. Tell you what, if you promise not to tell the Titans I’m back yet, I promise my father and I will do all we can to make you better. How about it?”
“Do you really think he can help me?” Wilma said, wiping tears and mascara from her eyes.
“I know he can.”
The Flash thought for a moment. Here was this man that she barley knew promising to cure her. Something almost didn’t seem right about all of this. But since when did she ever think anything through anyway?
“Ok, it’s a deal. But why don’t you want Power Guy and the others to know you’re back?”
“I have my reasons. I want to see them desperately, but there are some things I want to take care of first. You understand?”
Thinking about her own falling out with the team and all of the other things on her plate, she replied “I do.”
“Perfect! It’s all set then! . I will send my father’s jet for you. You shouldn’t use your powers until we find out what’s wrong. I’ll see you later tonight. And don’t worry!” he smiled. “It’s all going to be fine. I promise.”
“Thank you Colin.” Wilma hugged him, feeling more happy and secure than she had felt in a long time.
Colin smiled as he watched the red headed woman walk down the street. Using a pressurized blast of steam, he then took to the air and sped through the air to his father’s lab. He entered the mansion which was also the former headquarters for the Doom Patrol. He accessed the entry to the private lab. Colin stopped for a moment to observe what appeared to be a mass of swirling light held captive in a large glass container. The mass of light seemed to move towards him as he traced his finger across the glass.
“Soon, Halo. Soon. Do not worry. I will make this right.” he whispered.
He continued walking and came upon an old man in a wheelchair.
“Hello Father.”
The man spun around and looked at his son. “Colin…I wasn’t expecting you back…so soon.”
“Soon? I’ve gone all day. And what an eventful day it has been. I trust your time alone has been well spent?” Colin said bending over and looking at his father.
“I…I did as you asked. The two experiments were a success. But, son, I beg you….please don’t-----”
WHACK!!!!
Colin backhanded his father so hard, he was knocked from his wheelchair.
“I told you old man, if you want to live not to question my actions. I decide if you live or die. Understand?”
Niles Caulder was silent.
“I SAID DO YOU UNDERSTAND!!!
?” Colin yelled, as he kicked his father in the stomach.
The old man wheezed. “Yes, yes I understand…I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”
“There, there. Here, let me help you back into your chair father. I love you so much. Please trust me. I’ve got to make this right. Now, where are my two new friends?”
“Waiting for you. In there.” Niles gestured with his finger.
Colin walked away. Niles tried to compose himself. His happiness at his son’s return was soon tainted when he realized Colin was….damaged. After Black Orchid thought she had killed him, she left his body in the upper atmosphere. The pressure did something to his son’s brain. That combined with his reentry to Earth--crashing through the atmosphere and landing in glacier--only his powers kept his body intact. It was truly horrible they couldn’t prevent the damage to his mind. Niles had hoped to work in his lab--try to find something to make Colin right again, but his son had other plans.
“Ok, you two. Come out, come out wherever you arrreeeeee!” Colin’s voice echoed.
Suddenly he was covered in darkness, almost feeling like he was plunging into a pit. Colin looked around and started to panic. “Stop it! Stop! I gave this to you! STOP, d**n YOU!”
“Oh alright. I was just trying out my new powers. Sorry if I scared you.” the wavy haired man said.
“Well, it seems my father’s work has paid off. Have you thought of what you might call yourself? That costume I designed is perfect!” Colin said, quite pleased with himself.
“Yes, you can call me Night Terror. With my powers of darkness, I can blot out the sun as well as making my victims feel as if they are drowning is sorrow and dispair.”
A female voice that seemed to come from nowhere said, “And don’t forget me!”
Colin smiled and crossed his arms. “Ah, my lovely! Show yourself.”
“Can’t you see? I’m already here!”
“All I see is a fog.”
“Can you feel me?” the voice said.
Before Colin could react, he saw a giant smoky fist come at him, knocking him down.
“Sorry for the vulgar display.” the voice said as a female shape took form. Colin could almost see right through her. Fog surrounded her and her hair appeared to be a smoky mist.
“Perfect! And what do you call yourself?” Colin asked.
“You can call me Phantasma.” she smiled, her pink gums standing out against her white teeth and skin.
“If only your grandfather could see you two. Dr. Light would be so pleased that his grandchildren are following in his footsteps.” Colin said.
“Thanks to you. Fate led you to us after that murderer--that third rate Sonic Boom got away with killing our grandfather.” Night Terror said.
“So true. You two and I are the first three members of the New Doom Patrol. Soon Halo will join us--and get this! One of the Titans themselves will be our teammate! The Titans have wronged us--you two and I. Soon, they will all pay!” Colin said taking a photo out of an envelope. “And we’ll start with this one. Black Orchid.”
The Light grandchildren smiled as Colin laughed and ripped the picture up.
Niles Caulder sat in his wheelchair and started to cry. As he sat and listened at Colin’s plans, however, his tears turned to deranged and frantic laughter.
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Edited by: Power Guy
The Hall of Justice…
“I don’t care if you did stop Dr. Natas from stealing back his Noxium Crystal, you endangered lives!” Power Guy shouted, growing more irritated.
“So? No one was hurt.” The Flash snapped back.
“Flash, you didn’t think things through. Thank God Green Lantern was there to catch the tourists that fell from the observation deck at the museum.” Nightvision added.
The leadership of the Titans of Justice had all been summoned to deal with the Flash’s recent impulsive actions. She didn’t appreciate their criticism and was growing angry.
“You all don’t get it. I am the Flash. I am part of one of the greatest legacies on Earth. I wouldn’t expect you slow modes to understand. “ she huffed.
“Flash, it wasn’t just this mission. Because of you, the mayor’s wife ended up in the hospital when you tried to stop the new Mad Mod. The Titans are still paying the city back from the damage you caused at the dam, and we still are trying to work out who is at fault over the Thanksgiving parade.” Wonder Man added.
“Oh, why don’t you go wax your chest or something, pretty boy!” The Flash spat.
“I don’t wax anymore you brat!” Wonder Man snapped back.
“ENOUGH!” Power Guy shouted so loud that the room shook. “Flash, you have proven you aren’t ready to serve on the team. You are disrespectful, rude, and we believe it‘s in your best interest to revoke some of your privileges. I am recommending you train with Whirlpool and the Super Friends.”
“WHAT!!!??” she screamed. “I cannot believe this! Is it because I’m a confident woman—you wouldn’t treat Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, or Wally West this way! There’s no way in hell that I’m working with Fishsticks and his team of pizza faced brats!! You can take your offer and shove it! I QUIT!” she said, turning away and heading towards the door. “I knew back when I got hurt during the Wildcard mess, I was dealing with a bunch of amateurs!”
“Flash, wait.” Green Lantern started. “We’re just trying to help you!”
“Let her go. She needs time to cool down and sort all this out. She’ll be back.” Power Guy added.
Jem entered the room. “Wilma nearly knocked me down—which is usual for her, but she seemed more in a hurry than normal. Scott, what happened in here?”
“I think the Flash just quit.” Jem's husband replied as he kissed her cheek.
The members assembled discussed the latest inheritor of the Flash mantle.
“Well, she does have a lot to live up to. Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, Wally West…those are heavy hitters. Maybe it’s a burden to her?” Jem stated.
“I’m sure it is. Most of us have mentors or family we want to be proud of us, but she just….it’s like she doesn’t consider anyone else---or how her actions might affect them.” Nightvision suggested.
“Well folks, we’re done here. That went about as well as expected--and I think her actions at our suggestion proves her immaturity.” Power Guy said, dismissing the group.
***
Across town a well dressed man looked out his cab window. The driver noticed he was very quiet, very rigid. The man watched the passing buildings….the streets….and remembered his time in this city. He thought of his friends and how he couldn’t wait to see their expressions when they saw him again. Just then there was a huge explosion from the street. Asphalt and cars scattered as a form emerged from the destruction.
“I found it! I told them I would!” came a voice from an elderly man. “They called me a fool! Kicked me out of the Legion of Doom! But I finally found my crystal! Lex Luthor and his band of Cabbage Patch crooks will die! DIIIIIEEEEEE!!!!” Dr. Natas screamed as energy beams poured out of the crystal, shattering windows in the surrounding buildings.
“I didn’t want to reveal myself just yet, but this fool could ruin everything!!” the man in the cab thought. Just as he was about to assume his other identity, he saw a red and gold streak speed past him. “Who….?” He gasped.
“Ah, Dr. Natas! I beat you down once already and the Flash is more than happy to do it again!”
“That’s it girl! Come to your death! Gaze upon the Noxium Crystal and die, cretin!” Dr. Natas screamed as veins popped all over his wrinkled, liver spot covered face.
“Whatever.” The Flash said in a monotone voice. With one hand, she created a funnel diverting the falling glass from the shattered windows up into the atmosphere. She continued running towards Dr. Natas and knocked the crystal out of his hand.
“You fool! The crystal!” he shouted, clawing at the Flash’s face.
“I know, I know. You had it this time and I stopped you.” She fumed, running so fast she was a blur, carrying the elderly villain in one hand while she grabbed the crystal with the other. By now, the police had arrived. The commissioner gestured for his officers to take Dr. Natas into custody.
“So, will I be getting the key to city for doing your job, officer?” The Flash said smugly.
“Not quite. You still owe the city for your other adventures gone awry. We’re watching you, young lady.” With that he turned. The Flash thought at least someone would appreciate her, but this par for the course today.
“I bet if I were Barry, they would be kissing my—“
“Hello, I couldn’t help but notice what you just did! That was awesome!” the man from the cab said as he approached the Flash. She thought he looked familiar, but couldn’t place him at first.
“Thanks. Do I know you? You look like someone I should know.”
“You may have heard of me. In fact, I used to be a Titan.”
“That’s it! OhmyGod! But you—I read the casefile—Venus—I mean Black Orchid killed you—you’re Celsius! Colin Caulder!!” she said, barely able to get the words out.
“I am! In the flesh.”
“But how—well, all of that can be answered later. I’m sure Power Guy and the others will be happy to see you! Do they know?—nevermind, here let me run you over to the Hall of Justice!”
“NO—I mean, I want to surprise them. I plan on making my presence known soon enough.”
“That’s cool. It’s probably better I don’t show up back there anyway. I’m not exactly high on the team’s list right now.”
“Why is that? From what I just witnessed, you are really talented. You defeated that guy in under 10 seconds.”
Flattered by his words, the Flash relaxed. With everything going through her head, maybe she could tell this stranger—this former Titan just what was going on with her. His voice was like a warm breeze with a slight accent. Almost Australian. “Do you have some time? I’d really like to talk to you.”
Colin smiled. “Time is something I have plenty of these days.”
Later that night Wilma West and Colin Caulder sat in a secluded Indian restaurant.
“That’s quite a story. Why don’t you tell the others? I’m sure they would understand.” Colin said as he sipped his coffee.
“I really want to, but I have a hard time admitting it to myself. Every time I use my powers, it takes hours off of my life. My dad experienced something like this, but his problem went away right after the first Crisis and he became the Flash but I‘m around the same age as he was when his problem started going away and mine isn‘t letting up one bit. I did go to S.T.A.R. but they said there was nothing they could do for me. I can’t give up being the Flash—it means so much to my dad, and I never told him about my problem. The legacy of the Flash is something I…..something I have to do. I have no choice.” She started to cry quietly. “I feel like I have to get as much done as I can, before my powers finally betray me-and kill me. I probably don’t think things out like I should…..but…but……” her voice broke as she sobbed.
“Hey, it’s ok. There, there.” He said offering her a handkerchief. “Listen, my dad can help you. You’ve heard of Niles Caulder aka The Chief? Well, he’s the best. Tell you what, if you promise not to tell the Titans I’m back yet, I promise my father and I will do all we can to make you better. How about it?”
“Do you really think he can help me?” Wilma said, wiping tears and mascara from her eyes.
“I know he can.”
The Flash thought for a moment. Here was this man that she barley knew promising to cure her. Something almost didn’t seem right about all of this. But since when did she ever think anything through anyway?
“Ok, it’s a deal. But why don’t you want Power Guy and the others to know you’re back?”
“I have my reasons. I want to see them desperately, but there are some things I want to take care of first. You understand?”
Thinking about her own falling out with the team and all of the other things on her plate, she replied “I do.”
“Perfect! It’s all set then! . I will send my father’s jet for you. You shouldn’t use your powers until we find out what’s wrong. I’ll see you later tonight. And don’t worry!” he smiled. “It’s all going to be fine. I promise.”
“Thank you Colin.” Wilma hugged him, feeling more happy and secure than she had felt in a long time.
Colin smiled as he watched the red headed woman walk down the street. Using a pressurized blast of steam, he then took to the air and sped through the air to his father’s lab. He entered the mansion which was also the former headquarters for the Doom Patrol. He accessed the entry to the private lab. Colin stopped for a moment to observe what appeared to be a mass of swirling light held captive in a large glass container. The mass of light seemed to move towards him as he traced his finger across the glass.
“Soon, Halo. Soon. Do not worry. I will make this right.” he whispered.
He continued walking and came upon an old man in a wheelchair.
“Hello Father.”
The man spun around and looked at his son. “Colin…I wasn’t expecting you back…so soon.”
“Soon? I’ve gone all day. And what an eventful day it has been. I trust your time alone has been well spent?” Colin said bending over and looking at his father.
“I…I did as you asked. The two experiments were a success. But, son, I beg you….please don’t-----”
WHACK!!!!
Colin backhanded his father so hard, he was knocked from his wheelchair.
“I told you old man, if you want to live not to question my actions. I decide if you live or die. Understand?”
Niles Caulder was silent.
“I SAID DO YOU UNDERSTAND!!!
?” Colin yelled, as he kicked his father in the stomach.The old man wheezed. “Yes, yes I understand…I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”
“There, there. Here, let me help you back into your chair father. I love you so much. Please trust me. I’ve got to make this right. Now, where are my two new friends?”
“Waiting for you. In there.” Niles gestured with his finger.
Colin walked away. Niles tried to compose himself. His happiness at his son’s return was soon tainted when he realized Colin was….damaged. After Black Orchid thought she had killed him, she left his body in the upper atmosphere. The pressure did something to his son’s brain. That combined with his reentry to Earth--crashing through the atmosphere and landing in glacier--only his powers kept his body intact. It was truly horrible they couldn’t prevent the damage to his mind. Niles had hoped to work in his lab--try to find something to make Colin right again, but his son had other plans.
“Ok, you two. Come out, come out wherever you arrreeeeee!” Colin’s voice echoed.
Suddenly he was covered in darkness, almost feeling like he was plunging into a pit. Colin looked around and started to panic. “Stop it! Stop! I gave this to you! STOP, d**n YOU!”
“Oh alright. I was just trying out my new powers. Sorry if I scared you.” the wavy haired man said.
“Well, it seems my father’s work has paid off. Have you thought of what you might call yourself? That costume I designed is perfect!” Colin said, quite pleased with himself.
“Yes, you can call me Night Terror. With my powers of darkness, I can blot out the sun as well as making my victims feel as if they are drowning is sorrow and dispair.”
A female voice that seemed to come from nowhere said, “And don’t forget me!”
Colin smiled and crossed his arms. “Ah, my lovely! Show yourself.”
“Can’t you see? I’m already here!”
“All I see is a fog.”
“Can you feel me?” the voice said.
Before Colin could react, he saw a giant smoky fist come at him, knocking him down.
“Sorry for the vulgar display.” the voice said as a female shape took form. Colin could almost see right through her. Fog surrounded her and her hair appeared to be a smoky mist.
“Perfect! And what do you call yourself?” Colin asked.
“You can call me Phantasma.” she smiled, her pink gums standing out against her white teeth and skin.
“If only your grandfather could see you two. Dr. Light would be so pleased that his grandchildren are following in his footsteps.” Colin said.
“Thanks to you. Fate led you to us after that murderer--that third rate Sonic Boom got away with killing our grandfather.” Night Terror said.
“So true. You two and I are the first three members of the New Doom Patrol. Soon Halo will join us--and get this! One of the Titans themselves will be our teammate! The Titans have wronged us--you two and I. Soon, they will all pay!” Colin said taking a photo out of an envelope. “And we’ll start with this one. Black Orchid.”
The Light grandchildren smiled as Colin laughed and ripped the picture up.
Niles Caulder sat in his wheelchair and started to cry. As he sat and listened at Colin’s plans, however, his tears turned to deranged and frantic laughter.