Titans of Justice Unlimited #56 – “Titans Lost – Again Part 8”
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Edited & Maxi-Micros by: Power Guy


“And in other news, a massive prison break occurred this morning and several meta-humans including the villainous Bane are now on the loose. The public is warned to take all precautions. I had the opportunity to speak with Starman, the current leader of the Titans of Justice earlier today.” Julia Ryder commented as the interview tape began.





“I assure you, the Titans of Justice are doing everything we can to recapture the escaped convicts.” Starman said.





“And how will you be dealing with these felons? I spoke with Black Adam of the Titans of Authority this morning and it seems you have differing methods on fighting crime.”

“I have no comment on the Titans of Authority, but you can count on my team returning Bane and the others to prison soon.”

“What do you think of the Titans of Authority’s popularity surge? You have to admit, they have done lots of good in their short time as a team.”

‘I admit they are very thorough and react quickly, but I question their methods. The Titans of Justice work within the law.”

“But would you agree that this new wave of villains and their brutality calls for more severe measures?”

“All I can say is the law is here to protect us, even villains. They have a right to a fair trial once captured. I have nothing else to say.”

“Ha! Did you see that?” Dark Arrow laughed. “Ol’ Julia really put Starman on the spot!”





“I almost feel sorry for our former teammates.” Black Orchid replied. “We’ve really put them to shame. Times have changed and we must change with it. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the Titans of Justice get hurt or even killed due to their beliefs.”





Minutes later Tom Tressor called the meeting of the Titans of Authority to order. The biggest priority was the capture of the escaped criminals, namely Bane. There was no intel to share at this point and Tom ordered the team to continue surveillance. IADC operatives were in the field looking for clues or leads as well.

“I’ll be in Star City tomorrow. I’m meeting my parents for lunch. While I’m there I’ll check with my informants and see if any of the escapees have passed through or are hiding out.” Dark Arrow offered.

“Very good. All of you keep your eyes open and report to me immediately any leads you find.” Tom Tressor said, dismissing the team.





At the Society of Insanity’s headquarters, Dr. Natas worked feverishly on a device as a large, hulking man silently paced.

Punchline entered the room. “Ah, Bane!!! You are such a lovely addition to the peanut gallery! I’m so glad the prison break I orchestrated went so well!”





“Just give me what I need, Punchline. I owe Green Arrow and Black Canary big time.” Bane said, anger in his voice.





“Ah yes, the archer and pretty bird, let us not forget the big bad bat’s involvement in your downfall! Oh, such a brave and bold trio they made!”

“Shut up Punchline. I sat in that prison for years after the three of them teamed up and defeated me. I can’t wait to snap Green Arrow’s back and then spend some time with Black Canary. And what of the Batman?”

“You have been away for far too long! All of those heroes have retired and their brats have taken over. Still, if you can kill the spawn of their seed, you will still have some revenge!”

“Interesting. All outside communications were forbidden in that prison.” Bane commented.

Hours later, Punchline had brought Bane up to date on the Titans of Justice as well as who was who.

“If I may interrupt you gentlemen, your cocktail is ready.” Dr. Natas smiled. He handed Bane a familiar apparatus and within seconds, Bane was pumped full of Venom.





“I look forward to our association, Punchline. Your team’s methods are very much in line with my personal ideals.” Bane said. “After my trip to Star City, I shall return and assist you in apprehending the Cheetah and her fellows.”

“Excellent! Excellent! Now, be sure and bundle up! Star City can be chilly this time of year! Wouldn’t want you to catch cold!” Punchline giggled as Bane departed.

The next day, Robert Queen met his parents for lunch. There was a 5 star restaurant in the Queen Corp Building and he was looking forward to seeing his parents. The conversation revolved around Queen Global as well as lighter topics. Of course, the Titans of Authority came up as well.

“Robert, I am worried about you.” Dinah Queen said. “You and your sister are at odds and she’s off to God knows where.”





“Oh, here we go!” Robert huffed.

“Don’t give your mother that attitude.” Ollie Queen said sternly. “What do you really know about the Titans of Authority. Is it true you have IADC clearance? I mean, I feel better about it since Diana worked for them years ago. But your mother and I worry about what this is doing to you.”





“Doing to me? Dad, I finally feel like I’m using my abilities to do good—to really do good in the world. Do you know how many bad guys we’ve caught? All kinds from petty criminals to big guns.”

“I don’t disagree that you’ve done some good work, but before she left Di Di told us that your methods….well, they’re questionable.” Dinah added.

“Mom, Di Di has become so self-righteous, so preachy. Her and Dan both. I can’t even stand to be in the same room with them these days.”

“But he’s your best friend and Didi is your sister.” Ollie added.

“My best-friendship with Danny-boy is debatable right now. And didn’t you tell me that often you and Hal didn’t see eye to eye on things? Mom, how many times have you told me that you had to break up their fights?”

Dinah said, “You’re right. We raised you and Di Di to form your own opinions and stand for what you believe in no matter who doesn’t like it. I see that you took that lesson to heart.”

“Mom, just think. If someone like the Titans of Authority had been around back when you were attacked and lost your scream temporarily….and remember what Dr.Light did---”

“Robert, don’t bring that up.” Ollie said.

“No, it’s ok. I know what he means.” Dinah replied.

“Mom, I didn’t mean to bring back bad memories. I just want to make the world safe. We have clearance to do what is necessary. We even have the President’s backing. I want you and Dad to be safe…always.”

Dinah smiled at her son just as a huge explosion rocked the restaurant. Windows shattered, tables toppled. Robert made his way to his parents. “Mom! Dad! Are you alright??”

“We’re ok.” Ollie mumbled, steadying himself and helping Dinah to her feet. Just then they heard a voice.

“People of Star City, I apologize for ruining your meal. My name is Bane. Some of you may remember me from years ago. Two of your local heroes are responsible for my recent confinement. Deliver to me Green Arrow and Black Canary along with their offspring Sonic Boom and Dark Arrow. Once they have been duly executed you may continue with your meal.”

“Ollie…it can’t be him.” Dinah whispered. “It took both of us, plus Bruce to stop him before….”

“Just be cool, pretty bird.” Ollie held his wife close. In the confusion, Robert had slipped away into the kitchen, unnoticed.

Seconds later Dark Arrow appeared. “You wanted Dark Arrow, You got him fat-head!”

“Such enthusiasm, wasted on youth. Tell me Dark Arrow, how are your parents?”

***

Back at IADC headquarters, Tom Tressor received Dark Arrow’s distress signal.

“Hawkgirl and Apotheosis! You two are nearest to Star City. Go!” he said into his communicator. “The others will be there as quickly as they can. Hawkgirl and Apotheosis had been looking for clues to the missing convicts and within seconds, the duo were on their way to Star City.

***

Back at the restaurant, Dark Arrow had engaged Bane in battle. He fired off his best arrows, but they did little except slow the behemoth down. Ollie and Dinah watched in desperation as their son fought, wishing they had brought their own costumes with so that they could help him.

WHAM!!! Bane’s fist slammed into Robert’s face.

“Ro—Dark Arrow!!!” Dinah Queen cried out.

“That woman seems to care for you.” Bane said, picking Dark Arrow up by his ankles. “Is she the president of your fan club?”

Before Dark Arrow could say anything, Bane swung him by his ankles. Round and round he went until Bane released him, sending him through a large glass window.

Both Ollie and Dinah gasped, running to look out. Luckily an awning had broken their son’s fall, but he still had landed on the sidewalk and looked hurt.

“Bane, I am Oliver Queen and this is my restaurant and my building. Get out!” the former Green Arrow said.

“You remind of someone I used to know. Someone I didn’t like. So, this is your building. I am assuming the pretty blonde is your wife, judging by her emotions and body language. I shall use the two of you as an example.”

“Hope I can still do this…..” Dinah thought. “If I can reach the right frequency, no one can tell I’m the one the cry is coming from….d**n this whole secret identity crap.” With that, she started to emit a Canary Cry. The remaining windows shattered and everyone, including Bane covered their ears.

Oliver then tackled Bane while he was overcome by the sonic scream. Bane looked around, the entire time Venom pumping into his body. Oliver struggled to hang on as Bane stomped about. Bane looked directly at Dinah Queen.

“You! It’s you!” Bane realized she must be Black Canary, recognizing a look of disgust she was giving him. He looked around his feet. “Ah, and you have revealed yourself as well.” By now, Bane wasn’t affected by the Canary Cry as it was growing weak due to prolonged use. He grabbed Dinah by the throat. She gasped for air. Bane then lifted his boot, bringing it down on Oliver Queen’s head.

Outside, Hawkgirl and Apotheosis arrived.

“Dark Arrow!” Hawkgirl cried, seeing her teammate lying on the sidewalk, blood pouring from his mouth.

“Mom….Dad…..” he mumbled. “Don’t worry…about me…help my parents…”

Suddenly Bane burst through the lobby of the building carrying the bloodied bodies of Oliver and Dinah Queen. Police cars had assembled around the Queen Building.

Hawkgirl swung her mace over her head.

“You monster! It will be my pleasure to crack your skull!” the Thanagarian screamed, tears in her eyes.

“And you must be the new Hawkgirl.” Bane smiled beneath his mask. He dropped the Queens.

Paramedics were tending to Dark Arrow as Apotheosis approached Bane. “That’s it Hawkgirl, keep him distracted while I absorb his powers.”

“Such a pretty lady. I hate to have to clip your wings.” Bane laughed, dodging blows from her mace. Hawkgirl landed a blow to his forehead, causing him to stumble back.

“Now! Before regains his composure!” Apotheosis shouted, getting close to Bane. “What??” he gasped. ‘It’s not working!?”





“Of course not Apotheosis. I have no natural abilities. Everything comes from the juice. There is nothing for you to absorb, fool.” Bane said, grabbing Apotheosis so hard, all his ribs shattered.

“No!” Hawkgirl shouted. She flew full force at Bane. He simply reached up and grabbed her arm, plucking her from the air. He sent her flying into a nearby fountain, causing it to shatter. “I’ll deal with you later. Now, Apotheosis. Shall I kill you slowly or quickly?”

Bane tossed Apotheosis onto the sidewalk. Policemen began firing, but the bullets had no effect. Bane then grabbed Apotheosis’s arm and popped it out of joint as he dug his boot into the struggling hero’s back.

Apotheosis screamed in agony. He could see Hawkgirl trying to come to and stand.

“Can’t keep a good woman down I see.” Bane muttered, tossing the injured Apotheosis at Hawkgirl, almost knocking them both out.

‘Tom, we need help….Black Adam….” Hawkgirl gasped into her communicator.

“Try to hold on, Hawkgirl. IADC is on the way.” Tom replied, frantic.

Bane walked over to Ollie and Dinah’s bodies, picking them up. “Observe, Star City. Two of your most revered citizens will now die at my hands.” Bane said. He started to speak again…..suddenly there was an explosion around his face and his head was gone! Blood and bone fragments went flying.

Hawkgirl looked up. She saw Lilith on a rooftop, holding a grenade launcher. Lilith smiled at her teammate and gave a thumb’s up.





Hours later at the Star City hospital, Dark Arrow was wheeled down the hall by Lilith.

“I’ve been training with the IADC and I knew I could take Bane down when he came outside. Thanks to the transporter tubes, I was able to get to Star City quickly. I just wish I had gotten there sooner. My ESP can be tricky at times, even now that it’s augmented.” Lilith said.

“Thank you Lilith. If not for you..”

“No thanks needed. I hope your parents recover quickly. You visit with them. I’m going to check on Hawkgirl and Apotheosis.”

Dark Arrow wheeled himself into his parents’ hospital room. Being major donors to the hospital, their request to be placed in the same room was certainly honored.

“Mom….Dad…” Robert said, crying.

“It’s ok baby. It’s ok.” Dinah said, dragging her IV pole to her son. She hugged him as gently as she could as to not aggravate his injuries.

“I thought he had killed you and dad…” he said, tears flowing.

“Hey kid, it’ll take more than some old washed up character like Bane to take us down.” Ollie said, walking over to his son and taking his hand.

Dark Arrow had sustained some broken ribs, a broken leg, and other minor injuries. His parents had sustained quite a beating, but were otherwise ok.

“We’re proud of you Robert. Your quick thinking saved us today. No one died except Bane.” Ollie said.

“Do you guys see now? Do you see why the Titans of Authority are so important? Bane would have killed us all unless Lilith had shown up.”

“We were lucky today. Son, you have our blessing. I’m not sure what would have happened today if not for your teammates----and I don’t want to know.” Dinah said.

“We won’t give you any grief about your Titans, son. You kept us safe and the city safe today.” Ollie said as the three of them hugged.

“Di Di isn’t going to like this.” Robert added.

“We’ll deal with that when the time comes.” Ollie replied. Maybe when we tell her what happened today, she’ll see your point of view.”

Down the hall, Lilith visited with Hawkgirl.

“Lilith, I could not have taken Bane down better myself! Are you sure you aren’t from Thanagar?”

“Who knows? I could be, haha.”

“I think that we sent a message today. Bane was a threat and we dealt with him in the most appropriate way. He would have killed the Queens and Apotheosis. Me too.”

“Thankfully it didn’t come to that. And thank God everyone will recover.” Lilith smiled.

***

EPILOGUE ONE

“Lilith? I thought she was a peace loving hippy! All ESP, karma, and yoga!” Goldbug spat.





“According to this, she pretty much blew Bane to smithereens.” Starman said, reading a report.

“Wow, beautiful and lethal.” Goldbug surmised.

“I believe there could have been another way.” Magno added. He did not approve of the Titans of Authority and rarely expressed his opinion.





“I don’t know.” Supergirl said. “From the police report, it sounds like Bane had injured Mr. and Mrs. Queen as well as Hawkgirl, Dark Arrow, and Apotheosis. Still, a bazooka wielding psychic sounds like something from a bad HBO movie.”





“Speaking of which, it is Friday night! Time to turn on Skin-A-Max!” Goldbug replied heading to his quarters.

“And did you see this?” Isis asked. “This news poll says that the public is behind the Titans of Authority and that we don’t do enough.”

“I don’t care about any polls. I know what we are doing is right.” Starman said. He doubted his words silently. The Titans had not any major action in the past few weeks. The Titans of Authority were everywhere, cleaning up crime left and right—and defeated Bane before his team had a chance. Still, he had a bad feeling about the rival team, a feeling he kept to himself.

***

EPILOGUE 2

Donna Troy, Lilith Clay, and Connor Trevor all looked at an old Teen Titans scrap book. Connor had been babysitting Steven, and Donna and Lilith were helping. Steven had been finally fallen asleep. Scott and Jerrica were out on a date.

“Oh Lilith!” Donna laughed. “Do you remember this picture?”





“How could I forget! Speedy had put shaving cream in Robin’s hand while he napped and kept sticking a feather under his nose. When Robin brushed it away, he got the shaving cream all over his face.

The trio laughed and laughed at the old stories.

“Lilith, have you had work done? I mean, you look almost as young now as you did then. You never really looked old at all, but you look even younger than you did a month ago.” Donna inquired.

“Yeah. Look at this photo of you and Gnark. It’s like no time has passed.” Connor added.





“I wasn’t going to say anything, but it seems the Phoenix gave me another gift. I noticed I was looking younger and had more energy. Since I turned 40, I noticed some changes—I didn’t have as much energy as I used to, but then…after the Phoenix….it was like I could do everything I did when I was a teenager. I met with Illumina and she ran some tests. According to her, I have the body and endurance of a 25 year old.”

“Ah, if only you were 17 again.” Superboy sighed.

“Oh gosh, I don’t think I could survive being a teenager again. Once was enough!” Lilith said, as Donna and Connor laughed.

***

Epilogue 3

“Punchline! Bane is dead!” Briar Rose screeched. “Those Titans of Authority! They killed him!”





Punchline watched the news report.

“WOWZERS!!!!!!!!!! A gal after my own heart! Bane! BOOOOM!!!!” And I bet he made a pretty painting as his brains hit the concrete. Maybe something like an impressionist painting or maybe a water color.”

“Aren’t you going to do anything?” Prince Vertigo questioned.

“Why yes…yes….we’ll throw a party!!!!“ Punchline said firing a gun that ejected a cloth that said boom and ran down a hall laughing.

Briar Rose and Prince Vertigo simply looked at each other as Punchline sang and laughed.


TO BE CONTINUED!