Titans of Justice Unlimited Ch. 74 - "Monolith of Mayhem"
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Edited & Maxi-micros by: Power Guy

Egypt…

The wind blew sand across the desert. All was barren except for a gaudily decorated tent that seemed to appear from nowhere.

“Now, put that oil on. You can either fight to the death or I can kill you both right now. The winner gets to spend the night with me. The exotically beautiful woman smiled at the two stripped down men. She was dressed in a flimsy cloth tunic with multiple gold bracelets and other bangles. Her long nails were painted neon colors and she adored herself in a mirror. Nefertiti poured herself a glass of wine and continued. “What are you waiting for? I heard you Turkish wrestlers were supposed to be tough. Go on, FIGHT!!! Or I kill you both right now!”





The two men were frozen in place. They had no idea how they arrived in the tent or who this woman was.

“Oh, the Hell with it!” Nefertiti hissed walking over to the first man, touching him. Within seconds, her touch caused the once athletic young man to decay and rot. Nothing was left but a pile of ashes that blew away in the dessert wind. “Now. You will pleasure me.” she smiled leading the remaining man to her plush bed. It was covered in many fabrics, pillows, and drapes. The man didn’t know what to think as Nefertiti took advantage of him.

After their tryst, the man lay exhausted. “Is there no man that can satisfy me?” she then kissed the man. He struggled as he cheeks sunk in and his eyes bulged. As she kissed him, his entire body withered until he looked like a mummy.

“Now, my little athlete. Head into the city and raise some hell!” Nefertiti laughed as the mummy ambled out of the tent and headed through the desert. “HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAAAAAAA!!!!” she nearly doubled over laughing, quite pleased with herself. She turned on some music and began twirling around her stripper pole.

“A vulgar display of great power.” Came a hissing voice.

Nefertiti spun around. “Sabbac. What the hell do you want? Don’t ask me to share my toys. I don’t share.”

“I have no need for your petty toys, foolish harlot. I come to you with a proposition.”





“Hmmmm. I charge by the hour, you know.” Nefertiti giggled.

“Listen to me. You and I can both benefit from what I propose. Unlimited power. We can rule the world!”

“Now you’re talking, honey. Tell me more.”

“I’ve discovered a power source. The source of all evil. A monolith. It was buried years ago by the Justice League of America. As time has passed, it has shifted…been displaced. It’s buried in California. A town called Sunnydale.”

“So, let’s go dig it up! Although digging will be murder on my nails.”

“It’s not that easy. There is some sort of enchantment around it. The member of the Justice League known as Zatanna put some kind of spell on it. If anyone with evil intentions tries to obtain it, they will be rendered helpless. Someone pure of heart has to procure it for us.”

“Well, that certainly leaves us out.” Nefertiti smirked, growing bored with Sabbac.

“Ah, but I know just who can retrieve it for us. Once he gives the monolith to us, you and I will kill him together.”

“You have my full attention! Tell me, who is this purest of the pure. Sounds like a real half-wit to me!”

Sabbac smiled and her eyes flamed. “Corporal Marvel.”

***

Beverly Hills…

“Man, those Fawcett City kids are real dorks.” Hank Hall Jr. huffed.

“They certainly aren’t like us.” Katie replied, noticing the way some of the Fawcett City girls were dressed.

“Cut them some slack guys. They seem nice.” Connor Trevor smiled, picking up their tray at the concession stand. Fawcett City High School had an awesome year with their soccer team and made it all the way to the national high school finals, playing Beverly Hills High. Connor wondered if Freddy Batson was among the kids from Fawcett City. He scanned the crowd but didn’t see him.

On the other side of the soccer field, Freddy Batson spoke to his best friend, Jared alias Bullet Boy. Freddy’s girlfriend, Sherry alias Constellation was seated between the two boys.

“These kids from Beverly Hills sure are snooty.” Jared said. “One of them practically shoved me out of the way while they talked away on their cell phone. It's like I wasn’t even there!”

“Beverly Hills is certainly different from Fawcett City.” Freddy mused. He wondered if Connor Kent was in attendance. He knew he attended Beverly Hills High. He had heard that some of the Titans considered Connor a bit of a snob since he was firmly ensconced in Beverly Hills, as well as being adopted by Scott and Jerrica Trevor.

“One thing’s for sure. Fawcett City will wipe the field with these Beverly Hills pretty boys.” Sherry offered.

“Hmmm. While we’re here, I should drop off some headshots at that modeling agency the Teen Titans run.” Jared said, referencing the Hall Agency ran by Hank Hall and his wife Melody.

“Ha, the only thing you’d get picked to model is the before picture in a before and after ad!” Freddy good-naturedly ribbed his fame-hungry best friend. The three of them laughed and enjoyed the soccer game. Freddy was happy that the wounds inflicted on him by the mind controlled IADC had finally healed. He wished he could rid his mind of the unpleasant memories of the torture he endured. Starman’s and Goldbug’s screams still echoed in his head. He was snapped from his thoughts as Fawcett City scored the first goal. The crowd erupted into cheers as the kids from Beverly Hills scowled and booed.

“Oh my gosh! Come on guys!!” Jared shouted, excited at the surprise goal. “Get another one!!”

As the cheers continued, the air became heavy. Sherry rubbed her eyes. “Feels like sand…” she said. Moments later a huge sandstorm engulfed the stadium. The wind howled as sand blew everywhere. Students and parents ran for cover.

Across the stadium, Connor and his friends moved along with the crowd seeking shelter from the sandstorm.

“Hank, take care of Katie. I’m going to check this out.” Connor whispered, slipping away. Katie didn’t notice Connor leaving as sand had gotten in her eyes.

Across the field, Freddy, Sherry, and Jared slipped away as well. Under the bleachers, Freddy shouted “SHAZAM!” transforming into Corporal Marvel. Sherry and Jared quickly became Constellation and Bullet Boy.

“Good thing we’re here!” Bullet Boy smiled. “I don’t want anything ruining Fawcett City’s chance at winning!”





The three Fawcett City heroes took to the field. Corporal Marvel summoned Tawky Tawny, his pet tiger. The tiger sniffed the air and growled.

“Ah, look at the little babies!” Nefertiti cackled, she descended to the ground, wrapped in a sand storm.

“Nefertiti!” Corporal Marvel shouted.





“Nothing and I mean nothing will ruin this game!” Bullet Boy said, setting loose a hail of metal projectiles from his fingers.

“A trifle.” Nefertiti smiled, waving her hands and sending the projectiles at the Beverly Hills High team.

Constellation was quick to act. She flew over to the team and created a force field, protecting the team. The projectiles bounced off and landed harmlessly. She winked at the team, much to Corporal Marvel’s chagrin.





“What do you want?!” Corporal Marvel said, drawing his hammer.

“Why, I came to watch the soccer game! It’s so nice that such a backwards country has shown a love for the world’s greatest sport! And I have an insatiable taste for athletes.” Nefertiti smiled, plucking a coach from the crowd and kissing him. Within seconds, he was a mindless mummy. The unfortunate man wandered aimlessly as people screamed and ran.

Tawky Tawny growled and charged at Nefertiti. She grabbed him by his helmet, tossing the startled cat into the air. Before Corporal Marvel could react, he saw the tiger’s neck become ensnarled by a whip that transformed into a snake.

“That should keep the kitty occupied.” Sabbac smiled. She then opened her mouth, spewing her fiery breath. Bullet Boy transformed to metal and flew through the fire, punching Sabbac. She replied by back handing the young man, slamming him into the ground.

Sabbac aimed her fire breath at Corporal Marvel. He swung his hammer, deflecting it back at her.

“Need a hand?” Superboy flew overhead, smiling.





“Superboy.” Corporal Marvel said. “Sure! Good to see you!” In spite of their previous altercation during World War Justice, Corporal Marvel had a good heart and was following Starman's advice to forget the past and move forward.

Superboy flew straight at Nefertiti.

“Yum! Does that “s” stand for sexy?” Nefertiti said, licking her lips.

“Is that your best pick up line?” Superboy said, rolling his eyes.

“Full of spirit, I see. A spirit that must be broken!” Nefertiti said, sending an intense sandstorm at Superboy.

By now, Tawky Tawny had freed himself from the whip and was at Corporal Marvel’s side. The two of them charged at Sabbac.

“I normally wouldn’t punch a lady, but you’re no lady!” Corporal Marvel said, striking the demoness.

“So feisty!” she clapped. She punched Tawky Tawny, sending him flying over the stadium. “I hate cats.”

Angered at seeing his pet hurt, Corporal Marvel swung his hammer at Sabbac. She gracefully dodged his blows and kicked him in the chest. He doubled over, gasping for air.

Constellation took to the sky sending energy star blasts at Sabbac. She dodged them and grabbed Constellation by the throat, her nails digging into her skin. “Stand down boy, or I rip her throat out!”

Corporal Marvel noticed blood coming from his girlfriend’s neck.

Bullet Boy joined his friend. Both boys weren’t quite sure what to do as Sabbac momentarily had the upper hand. Superboy had freed himself from the sandstorm. He fought Nefertiti punch for punch. The lithe witch twisted and turned, dodging his blows. She lifted her foot, kicking Superboy in the face, sending him crashing into the stands.

“She must be magic based.” Superboy said, as he stood trying to shake off her attack.

FWOOOOOOSSSHHHHH!!! Came a wave of Sabbac’s fire breath, dropping Superboy to his knees.

“AGHHHHHH!!!” he screamed as the magical flames burned at his skin.

“I think now is a good time to wind this up!” Nefertiti waved.

“I agree!” Sabbac laughed as Constellation struggled. Sabbac started reciting words in a language no one could make out. Corporal Marvel and Bullet Boy watched in horror as the Fawcett City High School soccer team was teleported away.

“No!” Bullet Boy shouted as he watched his friends vanish into thin air. He flew full strength at Sabbac. With her free hand, she cracked her whip around his neck. The whip then changed into a snake, coiling around the panicked boy’s face. The snake’s mouth opened wide, venom dripping.

“Corporal Marvel!” Sabbac said as Constellation and Bullet Boy vanished. “I’ll make you a deal.”

“No deal!” Corporal Marvel said, clenching his fists. By now, Superboy had joined his side.

“That’s a pity. You see, if you want to see your friends and classmates again, you’ll have to make a sacrifice. I’ll free them in exchange for you. You see, there’s a certain artifact I need you to retrieve. Perhaps you’ve heard of it? The Monolith of Evil?”

“Dude, I’ve heard of it. It’s some heavy sh*t.” Superboy whispered.

“Here is my offer. You retrieve it for Nefertiti and I……and maybe I’ll let your friends go. I can’t guarantee they’ll be in one piece. Oh, and to sweeten the deal I’m going to let Nefertiti have a go at your soccer team. One per hour until you agree to help me.”

“Better make your mind up fast, boy. That army of mummies I created before coming here looks awfully hungry!” Nefertiti pointed to a legion of the undead entering the stadium from all entrances. “That many men really took a lot out of me!”

Superboy and Corporal Marvel looked on, horrified at the mummies as they clumsily made their way through the stadium, grabbing and biting at the crowd.

“When you have some free-time, we’ll be in Sunnydale. Waiting. Oh and probably torturing and killing our little club we just put together! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!!!!!” Sabbac laughed as she and Nefertiti disappeared.

Corporal Marvel and Superboy gasped as the mummies surrounded them, bloodlust in their eyes.


TO BE CONTINUED!


***

Tales of the Titans starring Apotheosis and Hawkgirl - "The Masks People Wear"
Written, Edited, & Maxi-Micros by: Power Guy


Gateway City…


Archie Bunker was a prominent business man, owning a large law-firm in Gateway City. Over the years, he had made a habit out of using bribery, blackmail, and coercion to win his cases. Many of his peers considered he and his clients to be "untouchable". He woke from sleep only to find himself strapped upside down to a X-shaped contraption. He first noticed he couldn't move his neck like normal and then found his vision to be obscured. He soon realized that someone had placed a large mask over his head which extended down to his shoulders. Soon, a costumed woman made herself visible in front of him.

"Archie Bunker - shrewd lawyer, underhanded businessman, and abusive husband," began The Mask. "How many people have you forced to look the other way, make evidence disappear, or simply ignore the evidence in front of them?"





"I don't know what you're talking about, lady!" hollered Archie, defiantly.

"You certainly did a few minutes ago when I used my mask to make you sing like a canary during your sleep," revealed the nemesis of the Wonder-Family. "You told me how many sick individuals you got released from custody thanks to your sleazy tactics. Many of them were spousal abusers but you, you were the worst one of all. Poor Alice….how many times did you smack her around for speaking up about your less than legal business operations? She was a good woman. Always trying to get you to see the err of your ways and trying to help you turn your business and your life around but you wouldn't have it!" The Mask shrieked in anger. "Now, she's lying in a coma thanks to multiple stab wounds. Wounds you had blamed on a a rival business man……….but actually, you were the culprit! You never knew what was good for you, did you, Archie?"

"Listen you crazy skank, I did no such thing now cut me loose!" ordered Mr. Bunker.

The Mask walked up to her prey and punched him in the groin. "Fool! I already told you that you admitted your sins to me but still, I will honor your request and cut you loose!" She quickly pulled a device from her pocked and pressed a button on it causing the mask Archie was wearing to release several sharp blades into his head, impaling him multiple times. The remains of Archie's head fell to the floor as The Mask looked down upon them with disgust.

Seconds later, Apotheosis and Hawkgirl crashed through the window.

Upon gazing at the gory scene before them, Hawkgirl shouted, "Moons of Thanagar! We're too late to save Mr. Bunker!"





"He got what he deserved," howled The Mask in defiance as she drew her whip. "If you two know what's good for you, you'll leave me to do my work!"

"You just killed an innocent man in cold blood! We're not going anywhere until you're on your way to Belle Reve prison!" countered Apotheosis as he and Hawkgirl advanced towards The Mask.





Hawkgirl dove towards The Mask who surprised her with a judo-kick to her chin, sending Hawkgirl backwards into a post in the room, stunning her a bit.

Apotheosis took advantage of The Mask being distracted and landed a punch into the side of her face. "You're sick lady! Time to put an end to this!"

"You're wasting your time with me, son of Paragon! I don't have any fancy powers for you to absorb! Just meticulous skills and a tenacity to see my work done!" teased the man-killer as her whip cracked in Apotheosis' direction.

Hawkgirl had taken to the air and pulled out her mace but before she and her partner could make their attack, the goggles on The Mask's headgear emitted a bright flash of light, temporarily blinding the two heroes. Hawkgirl crashed into a wall while The Mask used her whip to pull Apotheosis' legs out from under him. She took off running as the heroes recovered.

A few minutes later, Hawkgirl slammed her mace into a nearby table, smashing it to bits in frustration.

"Try not to get too upset, Shayera," offered Apotheosis. "Well catch her. The purple clad hero then thought to himself, "Or at least I will and once I do, she'll never take another life again." After a few deep breaths, the purple-clad hero continued thinking to himself, "Dammit, I was hoping to get The Mask alone so I could relieve this unrelenting urge that I have. I have to kill again….and soon!"


TO BE CONTINUED!