Titans of Justice Unlimited Ch. 71 - "World War Justice Pt. 9"
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Editing & Maxi-micros by: Power Guy

Outside the Hall of Justice…

IADC agents stood frozen in place, not sure of what just happened. Tom Tressor had evacuated them from the Hall of Justice and just now, the majestic building collapsed in on itself in a ball of fire and destruction. Flames erupted in the rubble and the air was heavy with smoke and dust. Remnants of photos, computer components, even pieces of fabric drifted in the air. Suddenly a figure burst out of the flaming debris.

“Ha! I did it! I killed them all!” the former Titan, Celsius, laughed pumping his fists in the air. Despite being blinded by Illumina, he could still see the destruction via his mental powers. “What shall I do to top this!?”





He walked around surveying the destruction. He found Superboy’s ripped shirt and picked it up. “Hmmmm. I’m guessing Superman will show up to avenge his kid brother and bratty daughter.”

The IADC agents watched as Celsius seemed to be carrying on multiple conversations with unseen people. They cautiously approached him, weapons drawn. Celsius quickly turned and stared at them. “I just killed the Titans of Justice. What chance do you flunkies have? Is there no one on Earth who can stop me?”

Just then, a bright blur came rushing by and landed a punch. Celsius felt his jaw shatter as he howled in pain. Before him stood Black Orchid. Unable to speak due to his shattered jaw, he used his mental powers to communicate. “You b*tch! You actually hurt me!”

“I’ll do more than that!” Black Orchid said angrily, punching Celsius again and again. The IADC agents stood back as they felt the ground shake. Celsius and Black Orchid took their fight to the air. She matched him punch for punch. He sent an icy blast at her.





“It’s an early frost, little flower!” Celsius’s mental voice hissed, blood pouring from his mouth.

Black Orchid shattered the icy ray with her fists. “I’m a hearty flower you idiot! Thanks to my time healing in the Green’s cocoon I have more than enough strength to stop you!”

WHAM!!!! Celsius flew into Black Orchid, grabbing her by the waist and the duo went crashing through a nearby building. They twisted and rolled along the floor, Celsius jabbing his bloodied fingers into her throat.

WHACK! Black Orchid landed a punch directly under his chin, sending him sailing through the building’s glassed-in lobby. He landed in the rubble of the Hall of Justice. His face was streaked with blood, his hair matted. Black Orchid narrowed her eyes and walked towards him. Suddenly she was thrown off balance as the ground beneath them erupted.

“Superboy! Green Lantern!” Black Orchid gasped as she saw her fellow Titans. Before Celsius destroyed the Hall of Justice, Green Lantern had been able to use his ring to create a pocket to protect his fallen and injured comrades. Superboy was bleeding and banged up. He cradled Champion in his arms. Black Orchid could tell he had shielded her from the destruction with his own body.

“NONONONONONO!!!!!” Celsius screamed as he jumped up and down, much like a child throwing a tantrum. “I killed you! Killed you all!”

“Dude, give it a break!” Superboy said. Green Lantern sat the Titans down gently and aimed his ring at Celsius.





“I’ve been more than patient with you. Pulled my punches. You hurt my friends. My best friend and the woman I love. If you want a fight, you’ve got one.” Green Lantern growled, with righteous anger in his voice.





“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!” Celsius screamed as glass shattered across 3 city blocks. “I will bring this entire city down and everyone in it!” Celsius’s fist glowed with fire and ice as buildings started to sway and buckle. He screamed again and sent a blast of fire and ice at Superboy and Green Lantern. Weakened from their ordeal, they both went smashing into a storefront, glass shattering. Celsius lifted into the air.

Black Orchid sat out after him, his raving becoming more and more insane. By now, a crowd had assembled, watching in horror as their city started to burn. They ran and screamed as buildings caught fire and trees froze as Celsius fired off bolts left and right.

Black Orchid grabbed Celsius by the foot. He responded by sending a blast of fire directly at her. Despite the flames, she pulled him down. He managed to grab her by the throat as they twisted through the air, crashing into skyscrapers. “Ha, do you feel it? Your very life ebbing!? You’re nothing more than a two bit prostitute, stripping for dollars here and there! Nothing but a joke to the others. I remember when you were Venus! And you think you are a true hero---------------urkkkkkk”

Black Orchid punched her fist into his mouth and clear through his skull. His body went limp and she let him drop to the ground. She landed next to him as his body twitched for a moment and then he died. Superboy and Green Lantern walked over to Black Orchid, blood on her fists. She was shaking.

“Hey. Are you ok?” Superboy quietly asked.

“I am. I thought….I thought I could contain him…..” Black Orchid gasped.

Green Lantern looked around. The crowd was cheering Black Orchid. He looked at his injured teammates and the burning debris that was once the Hall of Justice. He sat down for a moment and tried to take in all that had just happened.

***

Hours later……………….S.T.A.R. Labs...

Top level doctors worked trying to treat the wounds the Titans had sustained. Illumina led the medical team, despite her own injuries. She approached Superman and Lois Lane.

“How is she?” Lois said, her face streaked with tears. Superman put his arm around her, worry on his face.





“Illumina began, “She’s going to make it. She’s sustained blood loss and one of her lungs was punctured, but I was able to speed up the healing process thanks to some solar powered treatments. She’s in recovery. You can go in if you like.





“Thank you Illumina.” Superman smiled. Superboy walked up and hugged Lois and Superman.





“I’m glad she’s going to be ok.” Superboy said, still shirtless and battered.

“Connor, you need to let them check you out.” Lois said, touching his cheek.

“Here, let me get Illumina back over here.” Superman said.

“I’m ok. You two go, go see Jenna. I’ll be ok.”

As they turned to go down the hall, Superboy sat down. Bursting through the door were Scott and Jerrica Trevor.

“Connor! Thank God!” Jerrica gasped.





“Man, we got here as fast as we could!” Scott Trevor said as the three of them hugged. After the beating the couple had endured at Circes’s hand, they had been healed by the Purple Ray, housed on Paradise Island.





“Where’s Steven?” Connor asked.

“My sister’s watching him. Oh Connor, if anything had happened to you---“ Jerrica’s voice choked.

“My sister told me how you pushed her down and protected her when the Hall came crashing down.” Scott smiled.

Connor smiled back and replied, “Just looking out for my family.”

Down the hall, Wonder Woman, Steve Trevor, Donna Troy, Tom Tressor, and Lilith were in Champion’s room.

“This is silly. I’m fine.” Champion said, trying to get out of bed.





“Back into bed, young lady.” Wonder Woman said.





“That’s right. You have a concussion. Even Amazons have to be careful.” Steve said, tucking his daughter back into bed.





“Lilith, what happened back there?” Donna asked. “Is it true that Celsius was behind all this?”





“I’m afraid so, Donna. But my ESP tells me he’s dead this time. He’s not coming back.”





“And that is a blessing.” Tom winked at Champion. Scott, Jerrica, and Superboy entered the room.





Wonder Woman walked over to Superboy. “You protected my daughter today. You put her safety above your own. Connor, you are truly an amazing young man. I know Clark and Lois are proud of you and we are too. Proud that you are one of us.” She hugged the young man.

In another room, Green Arrow and Black Canary sat beside Dark Arrow’s bed. Green Lantern walked in.

“How is he?” Daniel Jordan asked.

“In a coma.” Black Canary sobbed, clutching her son’s hand. Green Arrow stroked his son’s forehead and was quiet.





Sonic Boom had been checked out and had minor injuries. She rolled herself in the room with her wheelchair. Green Arrow’s eyes widened as he saw his daughter all bandaged up.

“Mom……Dad…..” she started to cry. Green Arrow and Black Canary hugged their daughter gently. “They told me Rob was coming to help me when part of the ceiling fell on him….I was so hateful to him….about the Titans of Authority….”





“Shhhh, shhhhh. It’s ok baby. He understands.” Black Canary said, cradling her daughter.

Green Lantern walked over to his best friend. He took his hand and prayed. Hal Jordan entered the room.

“I got here as quickly as I could! How is he? Didi, Oh God, are you ok?” the former Green Lantern asked.





“I’m ok.” She said, quietly.

“Dad….maybe I should have done more….before it came to this….” Green Lantern said, fighting back tears.

“You did what you thought was right. All three of you were doing what you thought was right.” Hal Jordan said.

“We raised you to have your own opinions and stand by them.” Black Canary said.

Just then, Dark Arrow stirred. “Could you all keep it down….my head’s pounding….”





“Rob! Baby!!!” Black Canary cried, running to her son.

Sonic Boom rolled over and took his hand. Dark Arrow smiled at his sister.

In another part of the hospital, Power Girl burst into her son’s room, with her husband, the original Star Spangled Kid right behind her.

“Where is he? Where is the son of a b*tch that did this to my baby?” she fumed.





“Mother. Calm down.” Power Guy smiled.





“Look at you! Look at your hands!”

“I’m going to be alright.”

“We got here as fast as we could.” The former Power Girl said, pacing. “Heard that Jenna was roughed up badly too. Are you in any pain? What can I do?” she said, taking a seat beside her son’s bed.

“Mother, please. You’re making me nervous.” Power Guy said.

"Karen, calm yourself down for our boy's sake," Sylvester Pemberton urged his wife.





“I’m sorry. I just want a piece of the jerk that did this to you!”

“I don’t think he’ll be bothering anyone again. Black Orchid saw to that, from what I’ve heard.”

The Flash then entered the room.

“Flash, you’re up! Walking!” Power Guy smiled.

“My superspeed healing factor kicked in and I’m fine.” The Flash said. “I can’t believe how this all went down.”





“Have you talked to Wilma?”

“I did. She was shaken about hearing all this, but relieved to know that Celsius won’t be bothering anyone ever again.”

“Vince, why don’t you take a break from all this, devote more time to the company? After what happened with Sargona and now this, it’s just so much…all at once.” Power Girl suggested, after calming down.

“I don’t know, mother. We’ll see.”

“Vince, what will happen now? I mean, the Hall of Justice is gone.” Flash asked.

“I don’t know. I’m sure the IADC will conduct an internal investigation. Mother, I can’t take a break. I have to be there, have to make sure the Titans of Justice will be ok, have to rebuild the Hall.”

“Now Vince, I try not to butt in your life but you’ve been hurt---“

“But Mother, can’t you see—“

The Flash smiled and exited the room as Power Girl and her son continued their discussion.

Hawk Warrior and Storm Surge checked in on Apotheosis. He was hooked up to many machines and was very still.

“I feel badly for him. It’s like a Justice League of America reunion out there but there’s no one here for Apotheosis.” Storm Surge said.





“I know. At least we’re here for him. Celsius nearly killed him. Nearly killed all of us.”





Just then, the duo heard a wheelchair. It was Corporal Marvel. His face was still swollen and his feet were wrapped.

“Corporal. How are you?” Storm Surge asked.

“Getting better. Tom Tressor had Goldbug, Starman, and I transported here. Is it true? The Hall of Justice is destroyed?”





“I’m afraid so.” Hawk Warrior said.

“Worry about that later. You need to focus on recovering.” Storm Surge said.

“I’m fine when I change to Corporal Marvel, but Freddy is a different story. It’ll be a while before I feel normal again. After what Celsius had them do to us……” Corporal Marvel did not like remembering the horror he had endured.

Jerrica Trevor stopped in Starman’s room.

“Jerrica….” He said quietly. He was very groggy due to the pain medications he was given due to his severe injuries.





“I couldn’t leave without seeing one of my best friends.” Jerrica smiled, taking his hand.

“Have you heard…how is…Goldbug?” Starman said, his mouth dry.

“I heard he was slowly coming out of his state of catatonia. Illumina has some top therapists working with him. I heard the mental torture was almost worse than the physical pain he endured.”

Illumina poked her head in the room. “Sorry Jerrica, I have to ask you all to leave. Starman and the others need their rest. I’ll take good care of him. I promise.”

Jerrica leaned over and kissed Starman on the forehead.

“Better not let Mr. Trevor see that.” He laughed.

As the activity at the labs started to wind down, Helena Wayne burst into the emergency area. She saw Red Robin sitting alone in behind a half-drawn curtain. “Thank God!” she said, hugging him.





“Hey Helena.” He smiled.





“Your arm…your knees….” She gasped. “

“It’s ok, really. I’m fine. Did you hear how Black Orchid stopped Celsius? I can’t believe I missed all the action!”

“I think you saw more than enough action for one night. Part of our deal was that you would help from the sidelines and not get that involved just yet.”

“True, but if I hadn’t who knows how this would’ve turned out. After all, I helped stop him from using the Phantom Zone projector.”

Helena recalled what happened to Knightvision and suddenly felt guilty for sending Red Robin into the line of fire. “That’s true, but you almost died…..”

“Don’t beat yourself up. I was there because I wanted to be. Our friends needed me." Red Robin smiled with youthful exuberance.

Kitty Kat watched from the shadows. She smiled knowing that Red Robin would be alright.

“Good work, Kitty Kat.” Came Tom Tressor’s voice.

“Tom. You know, you’re the only man who could ever sneak up on me like that.” She smiled.





“Are you ok?”

“I’m fine. You look pretty good too, despite all that’s happened.”

“Listen. As far as I ‘m concerned you’ve upheld your end of our bargain. Come see me tomorrow and I’ll give you the location of the Lazarus Pit.”

Kitty Kat’s emerald eyes twinkled. “I’ve been thinking about that. I’m not sure what’s going to happen to the Titans now, and I’ve made a big enemy in Punchline. I don’t think trying to bring Knightvision back to life is what I want. He’s at peace. Resting. Maybe hanging around Punchline and his crazy gang made me realize how out of this world my own plans were. If you’ll have me, I’d like to keep working for you. I’m not saying I won’t help myself to a diamond now and then, but I like working with you. I do have a favor to ask.”

Tom was impressed at Kitty Kat. “You name it.”

“I want immunity for my brother. He’s very smart and could be a big help to the IADC.”

“I think I could make that happen.” Tom smiled as Kitty Kat waved, and then disappeared into the night.

Tom made his way to meet the Trevors. He was going to take Scott and Jerrica up on their offer to spend the night at their house. He wanted to see his grandson.

“Tom.” Came a female voice.

“Black Orchid. How are you?”

“I’m ok. Just a little rattled at all that’s happened.”

“And with good reason. I’m proud of you. You saved us all, saved the city.”

“So, what happens now? What happens to our Titans? To the Titans of Justice?”

“There’ll be an investigation on just how deep Celsius had gotten into our business. Probably some reorganization at the IADC. We have a new President now and we’ll have to see how she wants to proceed. No doubt the Titans of Justice will get their charter back since they lost it due to Celsius. Probably get a brand new Hall of Justice too.”

“That sounds nice. Well, I hope our team stays together. I feel at home, truly at home. You know what I mean?”

Tom saw Scott and Jerrica waiting for him. He smiled. “I do.”

***

EPILOGUE ONE

A mountain in Switzerland…

The duo sat up straight taking in their surroundings.

“d**n it. I thought for sure we were about to get out of this Hell.” Kurt Light huffed. “I never knew the Phantom Zone had winter.”





“Wait a minute. Kurt, I’m cold. I can feel the snow. I can feel the air.” Jill Light replied. “I think we’re back…I think we’re free.”





Kurt reached over and grabbed a ball of snow. “I…I feel it. It’s cold in my hand!”

Jill hugged her brother. “Somehow we got out! Kurt, somehow Celsius freed us!” Jill took a deep breath of the cold air.

“But where are we? All I see is snow and mountains.”

“It doesn’t matter my brother. We’re free. Those Titans better watch out. We finally have our chance to avenge Grandfather.”

Kurt Light smiled at his sister as they stood and started making their way down the mountain.

***

EPILOGUE TWO

KOSOVO…

An elderly woman made her way to her modest home after walking to the market. She clutched her shopping bags close as she walked. She looked out at the farmland that had been in her family for years and saw a flash of light.

“What was that?” she thought. “That girl….she materialized out of thin air…. A witch! A demon!” she thought. “Pull yourself together. That is superstition, the old way of thinking.” She noticed the woman, with her dark hair looking around, gasping for air. She had a look of panic and terror on her face. The woman made her way to her and said, “Who are you? Are you hurt?”

The startled woman said, “H…help me….”

“English? Is she an American?” The old lady spoke in English despite her thick accent.

“Do you need help? Are you hurt?”

“I….where am I….?”

“Kosovo.”

“Why can’t I remember…help me…..” the pretty girl said, extending her hand. The old lady took it and helped her up.

‘Where did you come from? Who are you?”

“I….was helping them….bad people….I had to fulfill my word….didn’t want to leave….leave my family…..”

The old woman knew of young girls taken from their families, sold into slavery or drug trafficking. “You poor thing. Come, I will make you something to eat. You can rest. I will help you.” She noticed she was clutching a ruby. “Ah, such a pretty jewel.”

The young woman looked in her hand. “It…it’s important to me. I don’t know why….and why am I dressed like this?”

Noticing the young woman was in a torn gown and wearing ripped fishnets, the older lady assumed the worst. “Poor girl. They turned her into a prostitute.” She spoke aloud, “Come, come. I will make you something to eat and we will summon the authorities. I will help you.”

“I…thank you.”

“What is your name?”

The young woman looked around. “I….don’t know.”

Miles away in his hospital room, Power Guy dreamed. He dreamed of the Universe of Terror. He dreamed of Sargona. He awoke with a start covered in sweat.

“Sargona!” he shouted, swearing he felt her presence.


The End!