Titans of Justice Unlimited # 60 – “Old Flames”
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Edited & Maxi-Micros by: Power Guy



“At least this field trip got us out of Economics.” Connor Trevor said to the young man seated next to him on the bus.





“Dude, I know it. I didn’t do my homework last night when I remembered this trip today.” Smiled Hank Hall Jr.

“I don’t know which is worse. Being stuck in Miss Grundy’s Econ class or being cooped up in a boring old cultural museum all day.” Connor replied.

“Look at this way fellas, this might be your only chance to see some scantily clad ladies, hahahaha!” replied the boys’ friend Martin Delaney.

Hank Hall Jr. was the son of Hank and Melody Hall, formerly Hawk and Electric Girl from the old Teen Titans. Connor had been working part-time at the Hall’s modeling agency and he and Hank Jr. had become fast friends. Hank Jr. was one of the most popular kids at Beverly Hills High School and Connor was happy he had been accepted at his new school so quickly.

“So, what’s going on with you and Katie? I see you walking her home all the time and she always sits with us at lunch. Dude, you hit the jackpot with her.” Hank Jr said.

“She’s cool. I’m not looking for anything serious right now, you know? Lots of nice ladies at school, why keep all this to myself?” Connor replied as Hank Jr. and Martin laughed heartily as the bus pulled into the museum parking lot.

***

The Hall of Justice…

Power Guy quietly sat in his quarters with Jake lying on the floor next to him. He looked through some old photos and his eyes teared up as he came across one of himself and Sargona. His head slumped and for the first time since his return to his universe as he cried.

Sonic Boom had just finished a training session and was heading for the showers. She thought she heard a muffled cry and investigated. She happened upon Power Guy’s quarters and saw the powerhouse with his head on his desk, sobbing. She started to approach him, but wasn’t sure what to do.

“It’s ok, Di Di.” He quietly said.





“Ah, I guess it’s useless trying to sneak up on someone with super hearing.” She approached the grieving man.





“Look, I know it’s late but I want to apologize for all the snarky things I said about her. She showed us all what being a true hero is about. I wish I could take everything I said back…I truly wish I could….” Sonic Boom stammered.

“I know. I just feel like I failed her….all these powers…and I still couldn’t stop her from sacrificing herself for us.” He said, his eyes red and swollen.

“We’ll find a way to get her back. I know we will.” Sonic Boom said, trying to sound confident.

Power Guy looked at her with a blank expression. “You know that’s next to impossible.”

Sonic Boom placed her hand on his shoulder. “Look, why don’t you join Dan and I tonight for dinner. Maybe it will lift your spirits?”

Power Guy smiled at his friend. She meant well, but right now no one understood his grief. “Thanks Di Di, but I’d really rather be alone.” With that, Power Guy walked away as Power Pup got up and followed his new master. Sonic Boom looked at the photos splashed across his desk and found one of all the founding members. She drew it to her heart and wished she had been kinder to Sargona.





Power Guy and Power Pup streaked through the sky. He often flew into outer space where he could truly be alone. He looked out into the darkness, trying to figure out which direction the Syndicate of Terror's universe might be. He wondered what horrors his soulmate was enduring.

“Dammit.” He thought as he approached an asteroid belt, smashing them all with his fists.

***

Gotham City...

The Huntress paced along the rooftop of the Kane Building. “Not like Nemesis to be late.” She huffed.





“Not late, just showing you what it’s like to be snuck up on.” Tom Tressor smiled, coming into view. “New cloaking device, look like it works.”





The Huntress half-smiled as the duo began chatting.

“I heard you guys really went through the wringer in the Universe of Evil. Even lost a teammate.” Tom said.

“Yes, Sargona. You know, Tom, I wasn’t sure if helping you was the right thing…and I still have reservations. But, after what all I saw in that dimension……well, I just don’t want that to happen here.” The Huntress said, looking out over the Gotham City skyline.

“You’ve done good work here. The crime rate is the lowest it’s ever been. You’re doing a good job.” Tom smiled.

“I’m not patting myself on the back.” Huntress replied. “I’m doing this for Knightvision and Batgirl…and Barbara Gordon.”

Changing the subject, Tom asked, “Any new intel for me?”

“Yes.” Huntress said as she snapped out of her thoughts. “My informants tell me that the Gored Ox has been laying low since he killed John Stewart. He’s been travelling, looking for Mari. Constantly on the move.”

“He won’t find her. She’s safe.”

“I know but he’s getting desperate and word is, that Punchline wants to add him to his team. I can’t pinpoint where Punchline and his gang are, but if they add the Gored Ox……”

“Got it. Those two, plus the other psychos working with them would not be good.”

“Tom, I’ll do what I can to help you stop the Gored Ox, Punchline too. I’ll be in touch,” replied the daughter of the Batman and Catwoman.

“Just curious, does your new protégé know that you’re helping me?” asked Nemesis.

“Does your new assistant know that you’re helping me?” challenged the Huntress as she disappeared into the shadows.

Tom started to reply just as his communicator went off. It was Kitty Kat.

“Tom, we’ve got trouble. BIG trouble.” She whispered as if she knew what Huntress and Tom were discussing. “Punchline has found the Gored Ox and has sent some of these weirdos to collect him. Thought you should know. He’s also up to something else, but I can’t find out. He’ll only discuss it with Ebenezer Faust.”





“Good work Kitty Kat, keep me posted.”

“I’ll do my best, but it’s getting harder. Punchline kind of scares me Tom. And I don’t frighten easily. Gotta go.” And with that the communication ended. Kitty Kat spun around to see Punchline staring at her, drool dripping from his mouth.

“My, my, my! Did you overdose on catnip today, my lovely? This is the umpteenth time I’ve caught you talking to yourself.” The crazed man giggled.





“I do that sometimes, especially if I’ve been cooped up to long. I need something to do. Something to help me stretch my legs!” She smiled, hoping he would reveal his plans to her.

“Ah, boredom! I have just the remedy. In fact, your claws will come in handy for what I have in mind! How about a new scratching post my dear? A human one! HAHAHHAHAHAHAAHAA!!!!!!” he cackled.

Kitty Kat laughed along too, secretly panicked, but keeping her cool.

***

An alley in Bludhaven…

The massive hulking creature, ripped into the body before him, devouring the flesh from the bone. The sound of his mouth sucking away as he ate nearly made Bonfire vomit.

“Time to get this over with.” She thought, disgusted by her mission.





The Gored Ox continued feasting on the slaughtered woman. This was the fourth prostitute he had killed this week and still his hunger was not satisfied. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a wall of fire.

“Gored Ox. I come as a friend with an offer.” Bonfire smiled.

“Ah, dessert.” The Gored Ox smiled.





Bonfire sent a flaming bolt at the hairy beast, burning his fur. “I come as a friend, but if you try to hurt me, I will burn you alive!”

“Go on, speak your gambit,” He said, blood dripping from his teeth.

“You are above this. Hiding in alleys, killing these working girls. My boss has an offer for you. A good one. You see, we share a common goal. We were impressed with your quick take down of the Green Lantern John Stewart. We hear it is his wife and brat that you seek. My boss has certain resources at your disposal….if you agree to his terms.”

The Gored Ox smiled as he stood, dropping the mangled woman he had been dining on in a bloody mangled mess.

“Well, my dear. I believe we can mutually benefit from such an arrangement.” The Gored Ox smiled.

***

IADC Headquarters…

“Mindy, I’ve got an assignment for you. Mindy!!!” Tom Tressor shouted.

“Right here Tom, I’m not deaf.” Mindy Trevor smiled.





Tom filled her in on the intel he had received from the Huntress. “The Gored Ox is dangerous. If he allies himself with Punchline, the threat will be huge. I need you to take some agents and see if you can bring him in before Punchline finds him.”

Mindy was in awe of Tom for a moment. She had really missed him during her time in the Universe of Evil. “I’ll summon a team and see what I can do, Tom.” She said smiling.

“And be careful. I know the Universe of Evil did a number on you and the others. Plus your mother would kill me if you made it back here only to get taken down on an IADC mission.”

“Believe me. If I can make it back from there, The Gored Ox will be an easy mark.”

For a moment her eyes locked on his. She never realized how pretty, how blue they were. She snapped from her daydreaming and retrieved her field gear. Minutes later, she and a team of agents were on their way to find the Gored Ox. Tom was still on her mind and it made her feel funny, a feeling she had never felt before and one she wasn’t sure she understood.

***

Back at the museum, the rowdy students were trying to be wrangled by their history teacher. Connor looked around and despite his clowning around with his classmates, he was interested in the museum. It reminded him of his days with the Teen Titans….and of Cassie Sandsmark, the second Wonder Girl.

“Man, I can’t believe how much this place royally sucks. Why don’t you Superboy it up and get us out of here,” Hank Hall Jr whispered to Connor Trevor.

Connor was taken aback. “What? What did you just say?”

Hank Jr. pulled Connor aside. “Look, these other kids are easy to fool, but it’ll take more than a pair of hipster glasses and a hair-do to fool me. Besides, I may not have inherited my parents’ powers, but I am pretty observant. New kid in school about the time Superboy shows up in Beverly Hills. And I’m cool too. I mean my family was in the business, you know? Mom, Dad, and Uncle Don. I know who most of the original Teen Titans are anyway. “

“Uh, Hank. I have no idea what you’re talking about. Come on, before Mr. Weatherbee notices we’re not with the group.”

“Whatever you say, SB.” Hank laughed.

“Oh brother.” Connor thought. “This is just like what happened with Simon Valentine back in Smallville.”

The class assembled in a large meeting room. Mr. Weatherbee began to speak. “It is my honor to introduce you to the woman who unearthed the exhibit we are here to see today. Give her your full attention and then she will guide us through the mysteries of ancient Egypt. Give her your best Beverly Hills High welcome! CASSIE SANDSMARK!”

Connor’s eyes widened at Mr. Weatherbee’s words. He suddenly wished he had the Atom’s powers and could shrink out of sight.

Cassie Sandsmark took the podium and welcomed the class. In her hands she held an ancient Egyptian relic. Her eyes were drawn to one student in particular.

“Connor…..” she thought to herself, her jaw dropping.





TO BE CONTINUED!