Titans of Justice Unlimited #44 – “Crisis: Omen of the Phoenix Part 10”
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Edited & Maxi-Micros by: Power Guy


Green Lantern could feel himself plummeting through the depths of the ocean and it was if he didn’t care. Words could not explain the euphoria he was experiencing. The Phoenix had blasted him with enough fire that he should have been reduced to ash, but he seemed fine. In fact, the fire felt good in an odd way. The gauntlet gently pulsed and radiated multi-colored light as he sank deeper.

“All this knowledge….things we aren’t meant to know…” he thought as sensations pulsed through his mind. Suddenly he felt himself being thrust upward.





“No….leave me alone….let me be…there is much to learn…” his mind screamed as his head emerged from the raging waters.

“I’ve got to get you to land!” his rescuer said, swimming faster than a human could.

Donna Troy had managed to get to her feet. The last thing she remembered was a deafening song invading her mind, so loud she thought her skull had ruptured. She looked around and despite the Titans and Avengers being consumed in flame, they all seemed to be ok. She looked up into the sky and saw the Phoenix.

“Lilith.” She gasped.





Lilith had assumed the full power of the Phoenix but seemed to be herself.

Power Guy, Marvel Man, and Isis all flew to her side.

“Lilith? Can you hear me?” Power Guy asked.





“I can…you have to hurry though….I have control….but not for long…you have to kill me. “ the pretty psychic said.





“Lilith…I can’t…” Power Guy stammered.

“You have to. She is too dangerous. Too strong for me to control. I was able to change that last blast she sent, able to control the flames. So much power to control, power that could be used for good. She means to kill you all and destroy the earth…if I am gone, she has no human host…please, just do it.”

Marvel Man admired the brave woman’s words.

“There has to be another way. Look, over there! It’s Green Lantern!” Marvel Man exclaimed.

“And an old friend is with him. Now, maybe he can use the gauntlet while Lilith is in control!” Isis added.





“Whatever you’re going to do, just hurry…..please.” Lilith said, tears welling in her eyes.

Donna Troy ran over to Green Lantern’s rescuer.

“Garth! Am I happy to see you!” she said, hugging the former Aqualad now known as Tempest.

“Happy to see you too, just wish it was under more pleasant circumstances. I got Lilith’s telepathic cry for help and I was in the area. Thank Neptune I was or Green Lantern would have been a goner.”





Magneto and Wonder Man were with Green Lantern.

“Daniel, can you hear me?” Magneto asked.





“Dude, he looks totally spaced out. I think the gauntlet has fried his brain.” Wonder Man added.





“Everyone back up, give him room to breathe!” Freedom Falcon demanded.





“Just give him a moment. The gauntlet is a lot to take on. His mind is adjusting.” Frost said. “Kid Comet, a hand please.”





Kid Comet and Frost kneeled beside Green Lantern who was being very still and quiet. The gauntlet’s light started to fade.

“We’re losing him.” Kid Comet said. “The gauntlet is too much for him. It’s like Green Lantern’s mind is shutting down.”





“Someone get me up there. I can end this once and for all. Your girl Lilith seems to be in control.” Wolverine said, popping his claws. “Frost, tell Red Hammer to throw me up there.”





“No!” Donna Troy and Garth said in unison.

“I may have just stumbled into this, but that’s my friend up there!” Garth said, quite agitated.

“You don’t understand. This is playing out exactly like it did with Jean. She begged for us to kill her, but none of us had the guts. And look at how that ended.” Wolverine said, looking at his teammates.

“He…he’s right.” Thundercat replied grimly.





“There has to be another way. There has to be.” Corporal Marvel said. “Green Lantern, come on, snap out of it!” the young Titan pleaded.





Spider Girl felt the air become heavy. “Do or die time guys. Look!”





“FOOLS!!!!!!!! YOU HAVE TOYED WITH ME LONG ENOUGH!!! WITNESS THIS WORLD’S FINAL MOMENTS!!!!!!!” The Phoenix shouted. Her voiced was so strong that it sent Marvel Man, Isis, and Power Guy plummeting to the ground.

“Damn it! You should have let me kill her while we had a chance!” Wolverine growled.

Sargona tried to speak a spell. “Can you all feel it? The magic is gone! None of my spells will work. It…it really is the end!” she cried running into Power Guy’s arms.





Isis said, “The very earth is screaming. Oh Adam, my sweet Adam…I love you…” she whispered.

Donna and Garth clasped hands.

The Avengers all stood together and looked skyward as the winds howled and the sky turned red. Red Hammer could hear people running and screaming. He assumed his human form and thought of his parents and aunt. He wished to be home, to be by their side. Still, he was ready to die with his teammates after doing all he could to save this world.





Just then, Freedom Falcon noticed Green Lantern start to gasp.

“Guys, quick! Look! Green Lantern!” She motioned.

“He’s coming around!” Corporal Marvel shouted.

Green Lantern stuggled to his feet. “Now….now I understand…”

The gauntlet started to glow, sending beams of colored light into the sky. The green gem was the final jewel to light up. Green Lantern levitated from the ground.

“Dan….Daniel?” Sargona whispered.

Without saying a word, Green Lantern sped into the sky toward the Phoenix, leaving a stream of colored energy behind him.

The Titans and Avengers silently watched, almost afraid to breathe.

The Phoenix said, “IDIOT! HAVE YOU COME TO PROLONG YOUR DEATH? COME TO FIGHT ME? I HOPE SO!!!”

Green Lantern didn’t say a word. He pointed the gauntlet at her and unleashed its full might. Within seconds, the Phonenix’s flames were turning all sorts of colors.

“WH—WHAT ARE YOU DOING?? YOU….YOU ARE TEARING ME APART! I MUST HAVE THIS WORLD…..”

“Do you feel it? The air seems calmer, the earth has stopped shaking!” the Flash said. “I can feel the vibrations returning to normal!”





Green Lantern kept pouring the gauntlet’s power into the Phoenix.

“NO! YOU CANNOT HAVE HER! LEAVE JEAN ALONE! SHE IS MINE TO CONTROL! MINE TO LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

“You know nothing of love! All you know is selfish power!” Green Lantern said. Just then, Lilith started to plummet from the sky.

“He did it! He did it!!!!” Wonder Man said.

The Flash used his power to create a vortex, which caught Lilith and floated her safely to the ground.

Donna and Garth ran to her side.

“Lilith? Oh Hera, please be ok!” Donna gasped.

“I can feel her heart beating, but it’s really fast. Her blood pressure is way too high.” Flash said using his connection to the speed force to check Lilith’s vitals.

Thundercat kneeled next to her and produced a bag from his belt. “Here, use this. It’s a potion used by my people. All natural, should calm her down.”

Back in the sky, the Phoenix erupted into pure anger.

“YOU WILL PAY LITTLE MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

“No, you have no host and your time is limited! That girl is not Jean Grey! It’s time for you to go home, truly go home!” Green Lantern commanded.

“Sargona! I think this is your cue!” Magneto urged.

“Right!” she said, noticing magic return to the air. She could feel sensations that let her know the world was righting itself.

Everyone watched Sargona as she read aloud from the ancient book. The sky looked as if it were cracking open.

“I hope she knows what she’s doing!” Spider Girl said.

“Shhhhh! Sargona’s the best!” Apotheosis chided.





“WHAT ARE YOU DOING? I….I NEED HER! WHERE IS JEAN!!!?? IT IS NOT NATURAL TO KEEP US APART!” the Phoenix screamed, now in a giant fiery bird form.

The sky literally split open.

Isis could sense what was going on. “My friends! Do not look into the portal! What is contained is beyond our comprehension! If you look, you will surely go mad!”

Crackling energy consumed the sky.

Power Guy glimpsed Green Lantern before he covered his eyes. Green Lantern was steadfast and staring the Phoenix down.

“Go! Go to your home Phoenix! Your days of restless searching are over! Think back! Remember! You were pulled from your home all those centuries ago! Go to your home, go and know peace and rest!” Green Lantern spoke.

“I REMEMBER….MY HOME…..”

Just then a giant bolt of energy erupted from Sargona’s book, knocking the pretty sorceress down. The book hurtled towards the Phoenix and Green Lantern. The giant bird grew smaller and smaller as its flames extinguished.

Isis could feel a peaceful quiet overcoming her.

Into the portal the Phoenix and the book went. And with that, the portal sealed.

Everyone was quiet, not quite sure what had just happened. The sky cleared and was a crystal clear blue.

Both the Avengers and Titans erupted into cheers and hugged Sargona. Green Lantern descended to the ground. He collapsed to his knees.

“Get…this…thing…off of me….” He said weakly.

Magneto and Freedom Falcon rushed to his side and removed the gauntlet. Its gems had stopped glowing and Green Lantern passed out.

“He’s fine. Just wiped out.” Frost said, scanning Green Lantern’s mind.

“Wow. Just wow.” Kid Comet said.

“Your Green Lantern is something else.” Spider Girl said, running over to Power Guy, about to hug him.

“He certainly is!” Sargona said, stepping in between them.

“GASP!!” Lilith awoke.

She coughed for a few minutes and her eyes darted. “Where am I!? Am I dead??”

“No my friend, far from it!” Donna Troy hugged her friend. “How do you feel?”

“Like Dorothy returning from Oz!” Lilith said as Garth hugged her.

“Whoa, there, you should rest.” Marvel Man said.

Lilith looked around. Her eyes caught Wolverine.

“Donna! Who is that??”

“That’s Wolverine. He’s from, well, he’s not from around here.”

“How do I look?” How’s my hair?”

“You look great Lilith, as always.” Garth chuckled.

Lilith walked away as if nothing had happened and introduced herself to Wolverine.

“But she was possessed by the Phoenix! She acts as if nothing happened! She should thoroughly be checked out!” Marvel Man huffed.

“My friend, put a good looking man in Lilith’s sight and she will be just fine.” The former Wonder Girl smiled.

“I can’t believe it! I thought she was checking me out!” Wonder Man sighed.

“Can’t win them all, Romeo.” Magneto said, rolling his eyes.

“Yes Red Hammer, I hear you.” Frost said. “Everyone-- despite Lilith’s return, what about your Wonder Man?”

Red Hammer pointed towards where Wonder Man had walked away with Jem.

“Someone should go check on him.” Isis said.

“I’ll go.” Donna Troy said.

Scott Trevor woke up with a start. He remembered an icy hot flame consume him. He looked around and saw Jem’s body lying next to him.

“Jerrica…” he whispered. “I thought the world had died…and I died with it. Thought we would be together.” He said stroking his wife’s cheek. He pulled his knees into his chest and took his wife’s hand. Scott Trevor cried. He cried so hard, he couldn’t get his breath.





Donna Troy could see her nephew sobbing as she approached. She stopped for a minute, not wanting to intrude on her nephew’s grief. “It’s so unfair.” She thought.

Just then, Scott could have sworn he felt his wife’s hand squeeze his. He looked over at his wife. No sign of life.

“My mind is playing tricks on me.” He thought.

Then, he saw Jem’s chest rise and fall. He could see her eyes moving.

“Jerrica? Jerrica, can you hear me?” he said, tears flowing.

“Sc—Scott….I told you not to watch Love Story. It always makes you cry…” Jem replied in a hoarse whisper.





“Jerrica…are you here, here with me? I’m not dreaming?” he shouted as Donna ran towards them.

“Of course, I’m here with you. Where else would I be?” Jem said as Wonder Man helped her to her feet.

“The beach?” what are we doing here? Why are you crying? Oh no, it’s not Steven is it—where is he?” the young mother said, panicked.

“No, he’s fine. I can’t believe it, you’re back!” Scott Trevor said, hugging his wife.

Donna approached them both, tears streaming.

“What’s going on? The last thing I remember is trying to find that gem on the other earth. Did we find it? What about Lilith?”

“Everything is fine! Lilith is fine, you’re fine!” Donna said, hugging her nephew and his wife. She explained all that had happened as they walked to rejoin the others.

“Is that Jerrica? She’s up…walking!” Sargona said.

“It is!” Power Guy added.

Corporal Marvel, Isis, The Flash, Kid Comet, and Apotheosis all ran towards them.

“Oh Jerrica, when I thought you were dead---I couldn’t stand it!” Sargona sobbed.

“I don’t know what to say.” How did this happen?

Lilith stepped forward. “When I finally got control of the Phoenix, I could see an injustice had been done. The power of the Phoenix is infinite. I had to save you. You have a son, a family. I couldn’t stand seeing Scott so upset.”

“At least the Phoenix’s powers were used for something good after all!” Flash added, a huge smile across his face.

By now, Green Lantern had awoke.

“Whoa there mate, take it easy.” Frost said.

“My head is splitting. The memories of what I saw…already fading…” Green Lantern said.

“That’s probably for the best. I can’t believe it actually worked.” Marvel Man said.

“You really are the bravest, the purest.” Freedom Falcon said, kissing Green Lantern on the cheek.

“I don’t know about all that….” He replied.

“Of course you are! It wouldn’t have worked if it wasn’t so!” Spider Girl added, kissing his other cheek.

Sargona squinted her eyes in disapproval of the flirty Spider Girl.

“Can someone please find me a place to lie down? I feel like I’ve went a round with 100 Solomon Grundys.” Green Lantern said.

“What now?” Thundercat asked. “Your world is safe, thank goodness, and all is well.”

“What now?” Power Guy replied. “We party!”

***

Later at the Hall of Justice, the party was in full swing. Mindy Trevor and Tom Tressor had arrived and arrested Dr. Psycho. They had found Brother Blood’s dead body and everyone rested better knowing the mad doctor was in the custody of the IADC.

Thundercat spoke with Power Guy and Green Lantern. He was telling them about some of the other members of the Uncanny Avengers.

“I wish more of us could have been involved. It seems our teams have lots in common.” Apotheosis said, joining them.

“Maybe we should have a reunion each year. Like the old Justice League and Justice Society.” Power Guy replied.

“I think that is a great idea.” Green Lantern said.

“I second that!” Marvel Man added. “Plus it is nice to know that you guys are just a world away, if something major happens.”

Across the room, Frost talked to Lilith.

“I apologize for the way I acted when we were in white hot room, luv. Just my nature.”

“It’s ok. I’m just glad we both made it out.”

“When you wielded all that power….did you find out? I mean, when I read you I could tell you have always been searching for your parents.”

“I did see something. I intend to follow up on it.” Lilith smiled as Wolverine handed her a beer.

“Why thank you, sir!” Lilith said, her voice full of southern charm.

“Lilith seems to be bouncing back just fine.” Scott Williams said to Scott Trevor.

“Ha, that’s my ‘aunt’ Lilith. No matter what happens to her, she is eternally optimistic.” Scott Trevor smiled.

“And on the prowl now that she’s getting divorced!” Jem added.

“I want to apologize about….” Scott Trevor began, remembering how he punched Wonder Man.

“Hey man, it’s cool. In fact, I think I learned something here. I need to stop going after those shallow girls I usually go for. I want a Jem of my own.”

“Ha, that’ll be the day!” Magento laughed. A casual observer would have thought Magneto and Wonder Man could not stand each other, when in fact they were best friends.

“What do you say, Erik? When we go home how about a night on the town—classy establishments only though.” Scott Williams smiled.

“You’re on!” Erik agreed.

“I really enjoyed meeting you. And hearing all about your pet tiger.” Freedom Falcon said to Corporal Marvel.

“Me too.” He smiled. The two walked off talking about their pets and shared interests.

“Looks like our little falcon has found a boyfriend, hahahahah!” Spider Girl laughed.

“Too bad they are worlds apart and he’s already taken by a girl from yet another world. It has been so nice meeting you all.” Kid Comet replied. Red Hammer sat next to him and communicated via telepathy.

“This reminds me of things I heard about from Barry Alan and Jay Garrick. I agree with Power Guy. We should meet up every year. Or at least keep in touch somehow.” Flash said.

“I think we can do just that. “ Sargona said, handing Marvel Man an amulet. “This amulet is attuned to dimensional vibrations. Anytime you need us, all you need to do is concentrate on this and the portal will open.”

“Thanks Sargona. And of course, you are always welcome to whip up a spell into our world.” Marvel Man replied. He was still entranced by her beauty and quiet charm.

After a few more hours of fun, good-byes were exchanged and the Uncanny Avengers returned to their world, Infinity Gauntlet in hand.

Green Lantern wondered about the origins of the gems and if they were somehow connected to the various colored Lantern corps.

“Penny for your thoughts, old friend.” Power Guy said.

“Nothing really. Just happy all this worked out.”

“Are you ok? You seem….different.”

“I guess I am. I saw things, things we aren’t meant to know or understand. I didn’t like it. I’m glad my memories of it are fading. I do know this. The Phoenix is at peace, finally.”

“Well, you did good today Dan. Really good.” Power Guy said, taking off with Sargona in his arms.

Green Lantern watched them disappear into the night sky, his eyes briefly turning to a fiery orange.

***

EPILOGUE ONE

Lilith’s divorce had quickly been finalized. She was listening to music and styling her hair. She felt lonely in her sprawling Beverly Hills home and was happy that Donna Troy had accepted her invitation to stay a few days.

“Getting ready for a date?” Donna asked her oldest and dearest friend.

“I am! I can’t wait!” Lilith smiled. The two women chatted as Lilith put on her jewelry and made their way downstairs.

“Donna, how do you feel about a trip? A trip to Maine?”

“Maine? You suddenly have a craving for seafood?”

“No, not quite. When I was in the Phoenix, I got a glimpse of my past.”

“Lilith! That’s wonderful! Do you know? Know about your parents?” Donna asked with enthusiasm.

“I’m not sure. I saw a vision of a mansion in Maine. I don’t know who it belongs to, but I do know for sure that it’s connected to my past. Will you go with me? I have to find it, find out how it’s connected to me.”

“Of course I will, I’d do anything to help you!” The ladies talked briefly when the doorbell rang.

“There’s my date.”

“Anyone I know?”

“In fact, yes!” Lilith said opening the door. There stood Wolverine looking quite handsome in jeans, leather jacket, and white tank shirt.

“Logan! Back for a return visit already?” Donna Troy asked.

“What can I say. I like redheads.” He smiled. Lilith explained that Sargona had whipped up a spell for Wolverine to return occasionally to date Lilith. “And I can visit him on his earth too.” Lilith said. As the duo turned to start their date, Lilith said to Donna, “ And let’s get that trip to Maine booked soon. Sooner rather than later.”

“You’ve got it my friend.” Donna smiled.

***

Epilogue 2

Scott and Jerrica Trevor watched their son crawl around on their bed. They laughed at his antics with pride and admiration.

“This is great isn’t it?” Jerrica said, taking Scott’s hand.

“It is Mrs. Trevor. Just don’t ever scare me like that again.” He smiled.

“I can’t imagine leaving you and Steven. Not seeing him grow up.”

“I know. Let’s agree right now, no more super hero stuff unless something really major happens and they truly need us.”

“I was going to bring that up. I agree and I have something to tell you.” Jerrica smiled.

“What? Oh Hera, is something wrong?” Scott asked.

“No, not at all. I think the Trevor family is about to get bigger. I think I’m pregnant!”

The neighbors could hear Scott Trevor’s yells of delight.

“I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow. Do you want to come with me?”

“Mrs. Trevor, there is nowhere---on multiple earths---I’d rather be!

***

Epilogue 3

Selene sat in a chair in the Hellfire Club’s inner sanctum. Sebastian Shaw’s remains had been collected after Despera’s creatures had destroyed him. She wondered how this would affect the club’s organization.

“Poor Sebastian. I never thought I’d see the day something would defeat you.” Selene said as she turned to leave the room. Just then, she heard the body bag start to move. She turned and watched. Within minutes, from within the bag, a figure slowly rising.





“Sebastian!?” Selene said, running over to unzip the bag.

“Hello Selene. Has much happened in my…..absence?”





“No—“ Selene said, not believing her eyes. Sebastian rose from the table. “How did you--?”

“Simple my dear. I can convert any force that attacks me. Just took me awhile to metabolize this alien energy and regenerate myself. That damned alien, thinking she could stop me.”

Selene gave Sebastian a robe.

“Come Selene. I saw a world, ripe for the picking. It is time…time to make plans for another day.”

The Black Queen smiled at Sebastian’s words.


THE END!