Titans of Justice Unlimited #40 – “Crisis: Omen of the Phoenix Part 6”
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Edited & Maxi-Micros by: Power Guy


Deep within in the Phoenix, Frost’s mental powers were going crazy. “The Phoenix is about to make its big move.” He said to himself. He noticed Lilith had grown very quiet, yet seemed agitated. “You ok, luv?”





“I don’t know….who is Scott Summers? Why is he so important to me? The school….Iceman, Angel, Beast…?” Lilith murmured.





“Lilith, listen to me. The Phoenix is trying to turn you into her. Into Jean. I’m sorry I messed with you earlier. Just hold on and focus on me. I’ll help you.” Frost said, taking her hands and trying to place a mental shield in Lilith’s mind. “There that should help. Let’s talk, tell me all about Lilith.”

Frost became panicked. “Avengers, wherever you are, you better be moving to resolve this quickly. The Phoenix is turning this girl into Jean Grey and if it does we are all in trouble.” He thought. “I’ve got to keep Lilith here…in the present with me.”

***

Back on the Marvel earth, Wolverine, Flash, and Wonder Man had arrived at the Jean Grey School for Gifted Children.

“The school is named after the Phoenix?” The Flash asked.





“Jean Grey was more than just Phoenix. Originally she was Marvel Girl before the Phoenix corrupted her…or what we thought was her. It’s complicated.” Wolverine grumbled, tossing his cigar.





“I wouldn’t press Wolverine for details.” Wonder Man whispered. “He had a thing for Jean Grey. It was a big, messy triangle.”





“I see.” The Flash said. “Well, this should be simple enough. Your professor had the red gem. All we have to do is retrieve it.”

The trio walked into the school. All was quiet, except for occasional laughter from the student lounge.

“It’s really cool what you do here. The way you help these kids harness and control their powers.” The Flash offered.

“In the past, these kids would have been hunted down, even murdered just for being different.” Wonder Man explained. “This school and the X-men have helped so many. Thank goodness the mutant hysteria is a thing of the past.”

“Through here.” Wolverine pointed to a large, oak wall. He pressed a panel that opened to a secret passageway. The three heroes walked down a spiral staircase to a large room.

“Wow, it looks like a super hero yard sale in here.” Flash noticed.

“Professor Xavier acquired a number of artifacts over the year, including the red gem. Better they are stored here than floating around.” Wolverine said as he placed the gem in a metal carrying case. They hurried outside where the Blackbird jet was waiting to carry them back to Avengers headquarters.

“Thanks for making our job easy!” hissed a female voice.





“Just hand over that case and we’ll be sure you die quickly.” Followed a gruff male voice.





“Who are these losers? X-Men rejects?” Flash queried.

“Not quite. The woman in the mask is Iron Maiden. A real nut-job. Loves men, but in a 50 Shades kind of way.” Wonder Man explained.

“And the other guy is the Wrecking Crew. Literally a one man wrecking crew—watch out!” Wolverine shouted as a giant demolition ball swung at them.

“Taking these turkeys down will be easy!” the Flash said, racing towards Wrecking Crew.

“I didn’t know Quicksilver came out of retirement, you should have stayed in your rocker grandpa!” Wrecking Crew growled, as the Flash circled him.

“Not familiar with Quicksilver, but he must be a heck of guy!” the Flash laughed as he landed several super speed punches.

Wrecking Crew somehow landed a pile-driving punch, knocking the Flash backwards. “Lucky for me, my demolition ball has stalker tendencies!” he said angrily as he spun the ball over his head, suddenly letting it go. “I’d run for my life if I was you, red!”

The Flash noticed the demolition ball coming straight at him and he started to run. No matter how fast he ran, the ball was right behind him. He zig-zagged and the ball was still on his tail.

“Hang on Flash! I’m coming!” Wonder Man said.

“Not today, pretty boy!” Wrecking Crew said. Iron Maiden had engaged Wolverine in battle as Wrecking Crew rammed his helmet covered head into Wonder Man’s.

Wonder Man fell backwards and could not focus his eyes. He tried to get on his feet and turn to his ionic form. Before he could, Wrecking Ball smashed his face with his crowbar.

“What’s the matter, Wolverine? Can’t bring yourself to strike a lady?” Iron Maiden said in a sing song voice.

“I don’t see any ladies here.” Wolverine said, popping his claws.

“Just give me the case…and we can have some fun.” She said, exposing her leg, which was covered in a golden brace. Wolverine noticed it glowing. Just then she released a repulsor ray as she stomped the ground, sending Wolverine tumbling backwards. He struggled to hold on to the case. Within seconds, Iron Maiden was on top him, punching wildly.

BOOM!!!! She unleashed a full force repulsor ray in Wolverine’s face, burning half of it away.

“I’m only playing rough because I know your handsome features will grow back in just a few minutes, she whispered as she dragged her metal laced nails across Wolverine’s chest, slicing his t-shirt to ribbons. She dug in and grabbed a rib.

“I know I can’t break your ribs because of your adamantium, but I can play around while I’m in here!”

Wonder Man could hear Wolverine scream as Iron Maiden laughed heartily.

WHAM! Wonder Man saw stars as the crow bar smashed into the side of his head again.

“Give up boy. Just give up and I won’t make you suffer….much.”

“If you ruined my new veneers, you’ll be the one suffering!” Wonder Man said, as he finally assumed his ionic form. He punched Wrecking Crew, sending him crashing through the window of Wolverine’s office.

“Go help the Flash…” Wolverine gasped as Iron Maiden carved her name into Wolverine’s torso.

“Kinky.” Wonder Man whispered as he took to the sky to help find the Flash. Up ahead he saw the Flash running, the demolition ball right behind him.

“I want to kiss you.” Iron Maiden said, starting to remove her mask. Suddenly, Wolverine’s bloody hand shot up and around her throat.

“Keep your mask on, babe. I’m not in the mood.” Wolverine’s healing factor had kicked in and Iron Maiden’s eyes widened as his skin rapidly healed.

“we….could….have….so…much….fun together…” Iron Maiden gurgled as Wolverine lifted her by the throat off the ground. Suddenly the repulsor rays in her leg braces fired, carrying them both into the night sky. Wolverine was able to slash her leg braces, and the two of them slammed into the ground. Iron Maiden was knocked out. Wolverine stood up and regained his composure.

“Got to go help the kids.” He thought as he was slammed into the ground. Wrecking Crew had recovered and used his pile-driving punch on Wolverine. Wolverine felt his jaw break. It rapidly began healing.

“I’m tired of being the punching bag!” he screamed, claws fully exposed. He slashed away at Wrecking Crew with a fury.

“Not even your claws can pierce my armor, you idiot!” Wrecking Crew laughed as the two men continued to fight.

Several miles away, the Flash was running across a lake. “If I miss a beat, that demolition ball will demolish me!” his thoughts raced.

“Let me help you out!” Wonder Man shouted. Flash was relieved to see his new companion.

“Got to time this just right….” Wonder Man thought as he was able to grab the chain connected to the ball. “Got it!”

Wonder Man was able to redirect the demolition ball as he hurled it towards the school. In his ionic form, it was easy to follow behind. He could see Wolverine and Wrecking Crew fighting.

“Wolverine! DUCK!!!!” Wonder Man shouted. Wolverine dropped to the ground as the demolition ball slammed into Wrecking Crew.

“Thanks for the save, kid.” Wolverine said, staggering to his feet.

Flash arrived within seconds. “Thanks Wonder Man, I’d have been---WHOA! We have got to get Wolverine to a hospital!” the speedster gasped noticing Wolverine’s wounds.

“Gimme a minute…and a beer….” Wolverine said as his wounds healed within minutes.

“That must come in….handy.” The Flash surmised as he handed Wolverine a beer. Flash had ran to a store and back for the beer.

“It does.” Wolverine grunted, guzzling a beer.

“At least we got the gem. Now to join the others.” Wonder Man said, taking control+ of the Black Bird as Wolverine drank another beer.

***

Back on the Titans earth, Scott Trevor received a phone call from his sister Mindy.

“Mindy, what’s up?” he said.





After aiding with the technology blackout, Mindy Trevor had been summoned to the IADC to monitor the Phoenix situation.

“Scott, get ready. Something bad’s about to happen. IADC is monitoring energy input/output surrounding the Phoenix. Just now there was a huge spike. IADC is getting antsy and concerned. Tom and I are trying to keep things calm here. I was going to turn into Champion and come there, but I think I am better off here. I’ve heard them mention nuking the Phoenix.”





“Whoa, sis! That’s pretty drastic. See if you can keep them calm. Donna and I will be ready.”

“I heard from Apotheosis. He’s on his way. Maybe he can absorb some of the Phoenix energy. At this point, I am willing to try anything.”

The Wonder siblings talked for a few minutes and hung up. Scott explained to Donna that the government was becoming anxious about the Phoenix.

“Nuke it?? Lilith and Frost are in there…not to mention what a nuclear weapon would do to California!” she gasped.





“Hopefully it won’t come to that.” Apotheosis said, a smile on his face.

“Thank Hera! Do you think you can absorb some of the energy out there? Maybe enough to free Lilith and Frost?” Wonder Man said, greeting Apotheosis.

“I’ve never quite used my powers this way, but I’m willing to try.” Apotheosis said. “I just need to get close to it.”

“I can help you with that.” Wonder Man said. “Come on.”

Moments later, Wonder Man carried Apotheosis skyward towards the Phoenix.

“Wow….so much energy…good and bad….and so beautiful…” Apotheosis said.

“From what I hear, more bad than good.” Wonder Man replied.

Within the Phoenix, Frost was struggling with Lilith.

“It wants me Frost….the things it wants to do….The Phoenix hungers…..” Lilith cried.

“I know, but you have to stay with me. Try to block it out. Use all your mental strength.” Frost said. He could tell the mental barrier he placed in Lilith’s mind was wearing thin. His own mental powers were telling him his time was limited. The Phoenix had no use for him.

“I’m trying Frost, but these thoughts of Jean’s….taking over my own…taking over me!” Lilith said. When she spoke, her voice was warped. “Oh no…no…..Wonder Man…and a friend! No, don’t hurt them!!”

Outside, Wonder Man noticed the Phoenix begin to flare.

“You DARE??” came a female voice.

“Oh sh-------“ Wonder Man said as a giant fiery bolt consumed Apotheosis.

Apotheosis’s mind felt like it was on fire. In his head he heard a voice.

“YOU DARE TRY TO ABSORB MY ENERGY? I AM THE BEGINNING AND THE END! I AM LIFE AND DEATH! YOU ARE NOTHING!!!!”

Wonder Man noticed Apotheosis’s body start to twitch as if he were having a seizure. He then heard Lilith’s voice in his head.

“Scott, get away as quickly as possible. The Phoenix knows you are trying to stop it somehow. It wants me….I am going to give in to keep you all safe….”

“No, Lilith! No, just hang on!” Wonder Man screamed. Suddenly the Phoenix grew larger, its heat more intense.

Inside the white hot room, Frost turned into diamond form. He watched as Lilith’s clothes, even her body changed.

What sounded like a thousand voices at once said, “The one called Apotheosis tried. You tried. Tried to keep us apart! All these years…and dimensions away….and we have found each other again.”

“No, you don’t understand! She’s not Jean Grey! This isn’t even our world!” Frost argued.

“We know no world, we know all! Phoenix is all there is, all there will be!”

Frost could detect nothing of Lilith anymore. His mind was overwhelmed at the power before him.

“We have no need of you anymore little man.”

“Oh Lord..oh no….” Frost’s screamed as fire consumed him physically and mentally. He felt himself falling and for the first time since this all began, he saw the sky.

He felt himself stop falling. “Am I dead? Did I make it to Heaven? Un-bloody-believable!”

“Sorry to disappoint you. This isn’t heaven.” Donna Troy replied. She had caught Frost mid-fall and sat him on the ground. He was still in diamond form.

Apotheosis had recovered, but was shaking.

“I don’t know what that thing is, but I don’t want it in my mind again. I think we just made things worse.”

“Well, it was worth a shot and at least we saved Frost.” Wonder Man said.

“Saved Frost? For how long? The Phoenix Force has total control of your friend. It’s angry, hungry. I can only hope that Lilith can regain control somehow. Frost said looking upward.

In the air, Phoenix was like a giant fireball. “So many thoughts, so many secrets…I understand now. Why you chose me.” Lilith smiled, fire coming from her lips.


***

Back at Brother Blood’s lair, the villains watched.

“Look! Look at it! Lilith is the Phoenix now! We control her!” Dr. Psycho clapped.





“Are you sure? Our readings indicate she’s in there, but not quite in control.” Despera added.





“I feel it. Power, raw and untamed.” Brother Blood said. “It unnerves even me.”





“Everyone calm down! Watch this. All I have to do is establish contact with the girl. Tell her what to do.” Dr. Psycho said as he sat down at the control panel, twisting knobs and pushing buttons. This will amplify my powers.” He added as he placed a wired cap around his head.

Phoenix noticed someone trying to invade her thoughts.

“Why do they bother us? LEAVE US ALONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” she screamed.

Electrical feedback shot through Dr. Psycho. He fell to the floor, smoke pouring from his head.

“Dr. Psycho!” Brother Blood said, stunned at the scene. Despera noticed all of their monitor screens go blank. The air felt heavy and static electricity crackled.

“It must have known what the doctor was doing….made the equipment malfunction.” Despera surmised. “Unbelievable. I outfitted him with the most reliable technology I have taken from the most advanced alien races. What have we set in motion?”

Not wishing to admit that he was a bit fearful, Brother Blood said, “Bah! You are both fools! I should have never gotten mixed up with the likes of you. I will go to the Phoenix and control it myself.”

As he said these words, his cavernous headquarters began to shake. The room became hot and machines and rock started to melt. Despera and Brother Blood both felt overwhelming dread. The ceiling began to shake and crumble. Before them stood the Phoenix. Despera stepped back, her 3 eyes squinting. Brother Blood’s jaw dropped.

“YOU! You try to control what cannot be controlled! You tried to keep us apart!” Phoenix screamed, glass shattering.

Brother Blood was speechless, from both awe and fear.

The Phoenix screamed as the cavern caved in on itself. The Phoenix bathed Brother Blood in a fiery light.

“Don’t just stand there you idiot!” Despera screamed, grabbing him with her arm and dragging Dr. Psycho with the other. She was able to make it to an escape hatch and within seconds was above ground. Before she could catch her breath, the ground beneath her began to cave in. The Phoenix shot upward into the sky, fire covering it as far as the eye can see.

“What is she doing!?” Donna Troy gasped, back in Beverly Hills.

Back at IADC headquarters, Mindy Trevor and Tom Tressor watched monitor screens from California. Every screen showed the Phoenix as it grew.

“Agent Tressor! Its energy is going critical. Almost like it’s about to consume something!” a top level agent shouted.

“Tom, cover for me. I’m heading to California.” Mindy whispered.

“I’ll do what I can.” He whispered back.





Just then the IADC director entered. “Initiate launch. We have to stop that thing or it’s going to destroy the entire USA. I have orders from the President to launch a nuclear strike.”

“Wait! All those people! It will be Coast City all over again!” Mindy cried out. “There’s no time for them to evacuate. My brother and his wife….my nephew all live there!”

“Sorry Agent Trevor. We have our orders. The Phoenix is too dangerous and we have stood by long enough. Anything that can wipe out all technology and disturb nature like that has to be stopped. Seismic activity is already off the charts and there are reports of more black outs.”

“No, there has to be another way!” Mindy pleaded.

“Oh God…Mindy…look!” Tom Tressor pointed at a giant screen.

A computerized voice was heard all through IADC headquarters. “Nuclear assault launched. 84% chance of destroying Phoenix likely. Stand by. Stand by.”


TO BE CONTINUED!