Titans of Justice Unlimited # 63 – “World War Justice Part 1”
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Edited & Maxi-Micros by: Power Guy


“And don’t forget I’m coming over so we can study for the English exam on Sunday night….I mean, if it’s ok.” The pretty blonde smiled at Connor Trevor.

“Sure, Scott and Jerrica are cool.” Connor smiled back. The two of them had walked from Beverly Hills High School to the front gate of the home of Scott and Jerrica Trevor.






“Oh, and we have the ACT coming up, we need to take the practice test for that too!” Katie remembered.

“Katie, you really are on top of things.”

“Connor, the ACT is THE most important thing right now. It determines which college we attend. Have you thought about where you want to go?”

“Not really, I mean I figured I would stay around here. Maybe go to that university over in Sunnydale.”

“Sunnydale? Connor, you really do live in a bubble. NO ONE goes to Sunnydale. I mean, haven’t you heard of all the crazy stuff that happens there? My older sister knows this girl named Buffy that lives there and she has the weirdest life”

Connor was taken aback at her bubble comment, remembering the years of captivity at the hands of Luthor and Brainiac.

“Connor, are you ok? Connor”

Connor snapped out of his thoughts. “Oh, yeah I’m fine. Maybe you should bring over some of your college brochures Sunday night.”

“Sounds like a good plan.” Katie said, looking up into Connor’s deep blue eyes. Katie had been a good friend to Connor, introducing him around at school and helping him settle into high school life. She had no idea just what all he had endured.

“Katie…I…”

“Shhhh.” She said, leaning in to kiss him. “See you Sunday.” She winked. Connor stood at the gate as she walked away.

“Wow.” Connor thought to himself. He was genuinely happy. He had made good friends at school, was making good grades…and now, he just might have a girlfriend. He smiled as he entered the code at the gate. It swung open and he made his way down the driveway to the house. As he walked, something didn’t feel right. He noticed all the windows were shattered and the front door was open. He dropped his book bag and started running. As he bounded up the front steps, he saw Jerrica’s agent, Murray Spaulding sprawled out in the foyer. He was covered in blood.

“Murray? Murray? Can you hear me? What happened?” Connor said, panic overcoming him. He used his x-ray vision to scan the house.

“Go…go help…them..” Murray gasped.

Connor took off like a bolt of lightning. All kinds of thoughts filled his head.

“Dear God, not again. Please let them be alright.” He silently prayed.

He noticed a trail of blood leading down the hall way to the Trevor’s bedroom. The trail led to a broken window. Connor looked out and saw Scott Trevor floating face down in the pool. The water was blood red.

“No!!!!” he shouted flying into the pool and retrieving Scott’s body. The former Wonder Man was badly beaten, shards of glass embedded in his olive skin.

“Scott! Scott! Come on man, don’t die on me.” Connor screamed, using his x-ray vision to scan his body. He knew he had to get help soon as Scott’s injuries were severe. “Donna…she can get them to Paradise Island…”

Just then, Connor received a psychic message from Lilith.

“Connor, what’s going on? I’m getting some very freaked out vibes coming from your direction. Are you ok?”





“Lilith….please help me…someone’s hurt them, it’s bad!” the young man said, choking back tears.

Lilith used her ESP to assess the situation and gasped.

“Connor, calm down. It’s going to be ok. I’m summoning the others. It will be ok, I promise.”

He carefully laid Scott down beside the pool as he heard a loud crash. Again, he flew off in the direction of the sound. His eyes widened in horror as he found Kimber Benton lying on the ground. It appeared she had been been thrown through the glass ceiling of the home’s atrium. She reached up with a bloody hand and grabbed Connor’s arm. “Jerrica….go…help….her….the baby….”

Connor’s x-ray vision lead him directly to Jerrica. She was in the home’s gym slumped in the floor. Dumb bells surrounded her and blood was sprayed all over the mirrored walls. Connor’s heart skipped a beat as he saw what had happened to the woman who had become like a mother to him. Tears poured from his eyes as he cradled her in his arms.

“Jerrica, hang on…help is on the way! Oh God, someone help me!!” he screamed.

Jerrica tried to talk. Connor could hear blood gurgling in her throat. “She….took…my baby….my baby…”

“Tell me who and I promise you, they’ll pay, I swear it.”

“C…Circe....” she gasped. “Scott…where’s Scott? She mumbled. “Connor….get out…go… before she gets you….too”

Just then Donna Troy and Lilith arrived.

“Connor! Any idea what happened here? Donna asked urgently. Before he could answer she said, “I’ve called ahead to Paradise Island. The Purple Ray is on stand by and my sister is on her way with the Invisible Jet. We can get them there in minutes.”





Lilith was quiet and had gone into a trance. Within seconds, she popped out of her trance. “It was Circe. She came here to steal Steven. Ares still wants him. Circe wants more power…Ares promised to grant her all the power she wants if she brings Steven to him.”

“Where is she?” Connor said, anger in his voice.

“She’s nearby…near the ocean….waiting for something….” Lilith said.

Connor didn’t say a word. He took off so fast, both Donna and Lilith were knocked over.

“Connor wait! You’re going to need help! Circe is dangerous!!” Donna screamed.

Just then, Donna heard her sister scream. Both girls ran to her.

“My baby…my boy…” Wonder Woman cried seeing her son’s mangled body. “Where’s Steven!?” she demanded.





“Diana, calm down. We have to get them home. Jerrica, Murray, and Kimber…they’re all hurt.”

“Tell me where my grandson is.” Wonder Woman said.

Lilith filled her in.

“I swear, if that woman harms one hair on my grandson’s head, I’ll rip her apart with my bare hands. This has gone too far!” Wonder Woman said.

Within seconds, all 4 victims were on their way to Paradise Island. Donna prayed it would not be too late and the Purple Healing Ray would restore them to full health. Lilith remained behind to coordinate the Titans of Authority to assist Superboy. She could pick up his thoughts….anger, sadness, confusion.

Superboy burst through the clouds. He used his x-ray vision to scan the city trying to pinpoint Circe’s location. Just then, he heard a baby’s specific crying. “Steven.” He thought. He also heard waves crashing and flew towards the ocean.

As he landed, he was greeted by Storm Surge, Apotheosis, and Hawkgirl.

“Lilith contacted us, we’re here to help Connor. Don’t you worry, we’ll find that witch and save Steven. Are you ok?” Hawkgirl asked, putting her arm around the shaking young man.

“I’m ok….it just reminds me of what happened to Ma…” he said, fighting back tears.

Storm Surge said, “Listen over there…do you hear it? Chanting.”





“I do hear it.” Apotheosis said. “Let’s go.”





***

IADC Headquarters…

“Mindy, come here….quick.” Tom Tressor demanded.






“What is it Tom?” the daughter of Wonder Woman asked, her hair pulled into a tight bun.

“You’ve got to get out of here quickly and get to Beverly Hills. We have a big problem.”

Tom explained what had happened. “Lilith just sent me a message and I need you to get out there and help. That woman…took my grandson…and Scott…he‘s hurt…..” Tom said, crying.

“Tom, listen to me. No one hurts my family without facing justice.” She said, wonder-spinning into Champion. She made her way to a transport tube and within seconds she was in Beverly Hills.





“Champion here. Requesting back up in Beverly Hills. Circe has been here and nearly killed my brother and my nephew is missing.”

“Request received.” Corporal Marvel said. “Sending out the priority alert right now!”





Champion made her way to the location Tom gave her.

High above a cliff, the sorceress Circe held the crying baby above her head and chanted in ancient Greek.

“By the gods will you shut up, you brat!?” she screamed. “If I am to receive infinite power I have to summon Ares’ beast from the ocean’s depths and sacrifice you. You better be worth all this bloody trouble!”





“Come on! We have to save Steven!” Superboy said. Just then Black Orchid and Black Adam landed on the beach.

“We got here as quickly as we could.” Black Adam said. “No harm shall come to that child”





“This is twice he’s been taken from his parents. We need to end this and give Scott and his family some peace.” Black Orchid said. “It’s been one crisis after another for them.”





“Look, here comes Dark Arrow.” Apotheosis added.

“We have to act fast guys. Tom ok’d the use of excessive force. Circe is a major threat. Lilith messaged me that Circe is attempting to raise some beast out of the ocean and sacrifice the baby. Not to mention sending the beast on a rampage through California.





“I should be able to take care of the beast.” Storm Surge said.

“Then let’s go!” Hawkgirl said as the Titans of Authority advanced towards Circe.

From the sky, Champion could see Circe as well as Dark Arrow’s team. “Great Hera, they have no idea who they’re up against. Circe nearly killed my mother too many times, even controlled Superman briefly.”

Below on the beach, the Titans rushed at Circe.

“Ah, the heroes of today. Ares warned me about you all. All talk and no action. It will be my delight to kill you all.” Circe said, her eyes turning red.

“Ares is mistaken.” Dark Arrow said, firing an arrow and striking her knee.

“AGGH!!” Circe screamed, clutching the screaming infant.

“Laced with moly, witch!” smirked the son of Oliver and Dinah Queen.

“Quickly while she’s stunned!” Storm Surge said.

Black Orchid and Black Adam charged towards Circe. She raised her hand and fired a flaming beam at them both.

“I’m almost as invulnerable as Superman, you can’t hurt meeeeeeeeee!” Black Orchid screamed as her skin caught fire and she plummeted to the sand.

“ARGGGGHHHH!!!” Black Adam shouted as the fire burnt away most of his costume and he dropped into the ocean.


“You children want this brat? You want a fight with your betters? Well then, come and get it!” Circe said, tossing Steven Trevor into the ocean.

“Steven!” Superboy shouted, racing to catch the baby. He cradled Steven in his arms, assuring him everything would be alright.

“Thank Hera!” Champion exclaimed joining the fight. “Superboy, take Steven. Get him out of here!” she ordered.

“Hold on, Tall-y. I give the orders around here.” Dark Arrow said.

“Oh, and so far your orders have put two of your team down! We must work together to ensure Circe pays for her crimes.” Champion said.

“She’ll pay alright!” Hawkgirl said, taking to the air. The heroes noticed the ocean stirring.

“This is my cue.” Storm Surge said, taking off towards the emerging monster.

Apotheosis rushed towards Black Orchid. “Can you hear me?”

Half of her face had been burnt away. Her skin was burning and dropping from her body. Black Orchid reached up, the flesh falling from her hands.

“Oh God…” Apotheosis whispered. Suddenly all sorts of greenery shot up through the sandy beach and wrapped Black Orchid in a cocoon.

“It’s ok!” came a voice. Apotheosis looked up to see Illumina. “Her connection to the green will heal her!”

Circe shouted, “No one will keep me from killing that damned baby!” as she fired a bolt at Superboy.

“AGHHHHHHH!!!!!” Superboy screamed as the bolt burned his shirt away and slashed at his skin.

Illumina flew to his side. “Connor give me the baby! You must get to the ground, get to the water!”





“It feels like I’m being skinned alive…..” Superboy gasped, carefully handing Steven to Illumina. He then dove into the water seeking relief for his injuries.

Power Guy, Green Lantern, and Flash all arrived next. They saw the Titans of Authority and Champion fighting Circe.

“My friends, thank the Gods you’re here!” Champion said, trying to lasso Circe with no success.

“I’ll make quick work of her!” Flash said.





“Flash, you fool! Wait!” Illumina demanded.

As the Flash ran towards her, Circe gestured. From nowhere a concrete wall materialized. The Flash smashed into the wall head first and collapsed.

Power Guy shouted, “We need to work together!”





“So you all can just lock her up in a prison she’ll eventually escape from? No thanks!” Dark Arrow barked.

“She’ll pay for her crimes, we’ll see to that!” Green Lantern replied to his tenuous best friend.





“Ha, yeah right. You are a fool, just like the Flash.

“Guys, quit your complaining….I can’t….control this creature…it’s resisting my mental suggestions…..” Storm Surge said grabbing his temples.

‘All of you listen to me!” Illumina decreed. “Power Guy, you Green Lantern, Champion and Apotheosis go after Circe. The rest of us will assist Storm Surge and tend to Black Adam and Superboy.”

“I only answer to Starman!” Champion replied.

“Fine then, let you nephew perish!” Illumina said, drawing the baby close.

“She’s right and this is no time to argue!” Green Lantern managed to say just before Circe lashed out at him with a yellow barbed wire. It grabbed his feet and slithered up his body much like a snake tearing his skin as it went. As he screamed, the wire wrapped around his mouth, slashing the corners.

Black Adam and Superboy swam to the shore and collapsed next to Black Orchid’s cocoon. Illumina flew to them and did a quick examination. “Just as I thought, her mystical energies are weakened here in our realm, otherwise you‘d both be dead. Rest for a few moments and you will be in fighting shape!”

Steven reached for Superboy, which made him smile as he tried to catch his breath.

Hawkgirl slammed her mace into the water demon’s head. Green bile and blood spewed from the wound. “Not even on Thanagar have I seen such a foul beast!” she shouted.

Dark Arrow fired all manner of his arrows at the beast to no avail.

“Hold on guys….stand back!” Storm Surge said drawing his trident. He sent it flying into the beast’s torso. The creature screamed and writhed, causing the water to erupt and roll.

“Dammit!” Circe hissed tossing a bolt at Power Guy, which he quickly dodged. “That trident of his must be of mystical origin!”

The beast started to glow and exploded sending mystical energy all across the beach.

“Thanks for the tip Circe!” Champion smiled, tossing her lasso at the ancient witch. Distracted, Circe was quickly lassoed. “My lasso is of godly origin, which means you should be nullified!”

“You …you fools! Always ruining my plans! Ares will never grant me the power now! All because of that stupid baby! AGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!! She screamed, power expelling from every pore of her body. “You all die NOW!!!!”

“No!” Apotheosis screamed, grabbing Storm Surge’s trident and tossing it Circe.

Before anyone could react, the trident struck her hard, running her through chest to back. Blood poured from her mouth as she tried to remove the trident.

‘Apotheosis, what have you done?” Power Guy demanded in disbelief. “She was in the lasso, those bolts would have been contained, she was already losing power!”

“Shut up Power Guy. You don’t tell me what to do anymore!” Apotheosis said, a bit shocked by what he had just done.

“Finally, one with some guts! I think I’ll take you as a mate before I kill you, dog.” Circe said, smiling through her blood soaked teeth. She clenched her fist and it started to glow.

Apotheosis yanked Hawkgirl’s mace from her hand and slammed it down onto Circe’s skull, sending her off to Hades’ realm.

Champion and Power Guy were speechless. The yellow barbed wire that bound Green Lantern disappeared and his ring began to glow. He tried to stand, but was woozy. His ring started dressing his wounds.

“Apotheosis, you moron! Do you have any idea what you have just done?” Champion gasped.

“Yeah, I just saved the day. I stopped the woman who took your nephew.”

“She was an emissary of Ares! He’ll surely reign his wrath down on us all!” Champion said, her eyes darting.

“You murdered her…..she was practically in custody.” Power Guy said.

“Was she? Storm Surge asked. “She still looked pretty amped up to me.”

“I think Apotheosis is to be commended. He saw a threat and took it out efficiently.” Black Adam smiled.

“Apotheosis saw a threat and reacted appropriately.” Hawkgirl added, picking up her bloody mace. “What would you have done? Waited for her to hurt more of us like she did Black Adam, Superboy, Flash, Green Lantern, and Black Orchid?”

“And don’t forget that demon-beast she summoned. What about how many lives that thing would have taken.” Superboy said, cradling Steven.

“Give my nephew to me!” Champion said, taking the baby from him.

“You be careful with my BROTHER.” Superboy said, his eyes narrowing.

“Connor, I can’t believe you are acting this way and …...tolerating….murder” Power Guy said. “What would Superman think?”

“First of all Superman doesn’t tell me what do, nor do any of our ‘distant’ relations.” despite his maturity,Superboy was quick with a teenager’s defiance.

“And who asked you to butt in anyway, PeeGee? We had this under control.“ Dark Arrow smirked.

“Robert, that’s enough. We’re all friends here…at least we’re supposed to be.” Green Lantern offered.

Flash began to stir. His eyes opened and he surveyed the scene. “Whoa…..looks like I missed all the action. Is she…..?”

“She is Flash, thankfully.” Illumina said.

“Illumina, you were always so sensible….” Power Guy said, approaching her.

She stepped away from him. “You think I’ve lost my sense? Let’s see what all has happened lately? Steven Trevor kidnapped…twice. Knightvision and Batgirl, cruelly murdered. Storm Surge…severely injured. Jem murdered and resurrected. Ollie and Dinah Queen nearly murdered by Bane. Barbara Gordon on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Sargona…..missing. John Stewart murdered. Mari living in a safe house. Not to mention finding out that Martha Kent was murdered by Lex Luthor-- a sworn enemy of your family. Oh, and what the thousands murdered by Major Force? And don’t think I’ve forgotten the harshness this team showed Sonic Boom when she killed Dr. Light after he murdered and killed Trickshot in front of us! Our team is seeing to it that this all stops. I love these heroes as if they were my own family and God help anyone that crosses them….or me.”

“Woman, you have lost your mind. Surely this is some trickery or mind control.” Champion huffed.

“No mind control. Some of us have seen the light. The coming threats and the best way to deal with it. While you all were traipsing off in the Universe of Evil, we did lots of good. Neutralized threat after threat.” Apotheosis said.

“And the public loves us, trusts us. With the new threats the times have brought we make a difference.” Superboy added.

“I have heard enough of this.” Power Guy said. “You people are almost as bad as the villains.”

“Is that what you think Power Guy? I’ve always respected you, but this time you’re wrong. Maybe it’s time for you to hang up the cape and make way for a more proactive team.” Dark Arrow said.

“Rob, that’s enough.” Daniel Jordan said, a serious expression on his face.

“I’ll say it is.” came Sonic Boom’s voice. With her was Starman, Goldbug, Magno, Black Vulcan, Corporal Marvel, Huntress, Isis, and Supergirl.





Isis ran to her husband. “Adam, you’ve been hurt? Are you alright?”





“I’ll heal, my wife.” he said, kissing her cheek.

“Oh, Hell the day just got better. My sister and the rest of the Brady Bunch.” Dark Arrow said. “Did you bring your soapbox?”

“I can’t believe this.” Sonic Boom said, anger in her voice. “You and I used to be close. Best friends.”

“Sorry sis. We chose opposing view points. I don’t have the problem. The problem is all yours.” Dark Arrow said.

“This is a waste of time.” Magno said.





“I agree. You say we can’t work together, but we can certainly make sure you all don’t make mistakes or act out of line….or let all this power go to your heads.” Corporal Marvel said. “Look, I took a life once when Shiv murdered my mother but I’ve regretted it ever since. I understand sometimes in the heat of anger we all make mistakes but you people are actively seeking out villains to butcher!”

“Watch your tongue child.” Black Adam said.

“Whoa Adam, back down.” Goldbug chided.





“Someone needs to swat that bug’s mouth with a giant fly swatter.” Hawkgirl said.

“Yeah, you and what army?” Goldbug said arrogantly.

“How about this army?” came Tom Tressor’s voice.

While the two groups argued, they had not noticed Tom Tressor, hundreds of members of the armed forces, as well as Jo Jo Gardner, Totem, Kid Comet, Kitty Kat, Lilith, and Buffalo Brave assemble.

Dark Arrow smiled as Tom spoke.

“We don’t want any trouble Tom.” Power Guy said, stepping forward. Huntress became very uncomfortable and stepped back. Champion drew Steven close as Tom approached.

“Sorry to do this Power Guy, but I have news for the Titans of Justice direct from the U.N and the world’s leaders.” Tom said. “My personal opinions have nothing to do with this, these orders are directly from the President.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Starman demanded. “I’m still the leader of this team so you can address me instead of annoying Power Guy.”






“You’re being shut down. The U.N has officially sanctioned the Titans of Authority and revoked your charter. Global threats are at an all-time low and everyone respects the job the Titans of Authority have done. You have 3 days to vacate the Hall of Justice or it will be taken by force. Either you comply or you go to prison as international criminals. The choice is yours.”

The Titans of Justice collective jaws dropped at Tom’s words.


TO BE CONTINUED!