Titans of Justice Unlimited Ch. 75 - "Monolith of Mayhem Pt. 2"
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Edited & Maxi-micros by: Power Guy


“Clue me in man, are these mummies…uh mummies or people under a spell?” Superboy nearly gagged as the mob of the undead made their way closer. Their stench was overwhelming.





“They’re dead as in dead. Don’t hold back!” Corporal Marvel said, striking one of the undead with his hammer, setting its soul free to go to the afterlife.





Superboy used his heat vision to incinerate hundreds of the mummies at once. Corporal Marvel’s hammer cut a swath through the mummies, sending them dropping left and right. Minutes later the mummies were gone, piles of ash covering the soccer field.

Corporal Marvel quickly filled Superboy in on Sabbac and Nefertiti.

“I could really use your help. Sabbac is no joke and now she has my girl and my best friend.” Corporal Marvel said, worried.

“I’m happy to help, but I don’t know how much help I’ll be. I don’t well against magic.” Superboy said, using his x-ray vision to find Hank Jr and Katie. Both of them were ok and in the stadium parking lot.

“Man, I’ll take any help I can get. First we have to find where they went. I don’t want my high school’s soccer team turned into a bunch of mummies.” Corporal Marvel said, petting Tawky Tawny’s head. The battle cat had returned after the attack inflicted upon him.

“That cat doesn’t bite does it? I had a dog once and he was very protective.” Superboy said, taking a step back.

“Ha, he’s a meek kitten with people he likes!” Corporal Marvel smiled. He leaned over and said, “Ok Tawky. See if you can pick up the scent of Sherry or Jared and lead us to them. Hurry.”

Tawky Tawny sniffed around and took off. Corporal Marvel and Superboy followed.





“Look Hank! There goes Superboy! Where’s Connor? We have to find him! Have you noticed everytime Superboy appears, Connor misses it? Come on Hank!” Katie said taking off running.

“Man, Connor. Katie sure is hot, but boy is she dumb!” Hank Jr thought to himself, following behind Katie.

In the sky, Superboy and Corporal Marvel followed Tawky Tawny. Corporal Marvel wanted to make conversation with the hero he considered a legend, but wasn’t sure what to say. Superboy was quiet. Finally Corporal Marvel said, “So…….how’s life in Beverly Hills?”

“It’s cool. Scott and Jerrica are the best. Being a big bro to Steven’s cool too.”

“Hm. So far, nothing snooty.” Corporal Marvel thought. He then said, “You know, it’s a treat for me to he hanging out with you.”

Superboy looked puzzled. “Me?”

“Yeah…I’ve read all the old case files of the Teen Titans. I’ve read all about Wonder Girl, Beast Boy, Kid Flash, Ravager, Empress, Robin, Solstice….all the greats.”

Superboy appeared uncomfortable. “Well, that was a long time ago.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to---“

“Man, it’s ok. I really haven’t talked about the past much. I saw Cass not long ago…it was awkward to say the least.”

“I bet. I met her once. She was really cool.”

“Yeah, Cass is the greatest. Kind of funny, she was always going on about how great Wonder Woman and Donna were. Now I’m part of their family.”

“Ever considered calling yourself Wonder Boy?” Corporal Marvel laughed.

“No.” Superboy glared and then busted out laughing.

“So why not live with the Kent’s? Jenna’s cool.”

Superboy thought for a moment. “Well, they’ve all moved on. Clark’s pretty much retired as Superman. He and Lois have the Planet to run and they have their daughter. It just seemed like….like I was intruding. You know?”

“But they're your family…”

“Yeah, we’ll always be tight. But, I have to move on too. Have to do my own thing. Scott and Jerrica let me do that. They don’t push. They let me make my own decisions and they’re there for me. No matter what. Plus, I like the scene in Beverly Hills. The girls are lot different than they were in Smallville.”

“I bet they are. Whatever happened to Simon Valentine and Lori? What about Psionic Lad?”

“Dude, you know about them?” Superboy said, surprised. “I don’t know. I almost tried to find them when I visited Ma’s grave. But….I figured whatever they’re doing, they’re better off without me showing up. Like no time has passed between study hall and geography class.”

Corporal Marvel was embarrassed that he knew so much about Superboy, but Superboy seemed impressed that his past adventures had such an effect on him. Soon, Tawky Tawny arrived near the city limits of Sunnydale.

“Sunnydale? Man, are we in for some trouble.” Superboy said.

“What do you mean?”

“Always some crazy sh*t going on in Sunnydale. Vampires, werewolves. I heard there was an urban legend about a girl, a totally hot one that fights the supernatural here.”

“Maybe she’ll show up tonight.” Corporal Marvel said, scratching Tawky Tawny’s chin.

Superboy scanned the town with his x-ray vision. “Over there…..I see them.”

***

Deep beneath the ground…

Constellation and Bullet Boy were held in a stasis beam over an underground volcano.

“Hope you kids aren’t too hot up there.” Sabbac laughed.





“And what a pretty belt. I could use this in my strip tease act.” Nefertiti snorted.





“I’ll have to sanitize my Cosmic Converter Belt when I get free!” Constellation screamed.





“Cosmic Converter Belt? You children are certainly….what do the Americans call it? Nerds?” Nefertiti laughed, tossing the belt aside.

The soccer players were huddled in another part of the cavern. Nefertiti walked over to them. “How long has it been? I’m hungry.”

“They have a few minutes to show and then you can kill them all for all I care. If the good Corporal doesn’t show, we’ll make Bullet Head or the Big Dipper here get the monolith for us.” Sabbac said.

“Don’t even think about it, horn head! Corporal Marvel will stop you!” Bullet Boy boasted.





“Oh shut up. I’m already tired of you.” Sabbac said, releasing him from the stasis field and dropping him into the volcano.

“Bullet Boy!!!” Constellation cried as he plummeted into the spewing lava. As he fell, he transformed his body to metal. Still, the lava was incredibly hot and he screamed as the lave swallowed him.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!!!!!” Sabbac laughed.

Just then, Bullet Boy emerged from the lava, his metal skin glowing with fire. He started at Sabbac, but Nefertiti sent a sand storm, dropping him to the ground. He reverted to his human form. Sabbac summoned a giant snake that quickly coiled around the struggling boy. Tired from the ordeal, he couldn’t change back to metal as the snake crushed the breath out of him.

“HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!” Nefertiti laughed.

“Whatever shall we do with the girl?” Sabbac laughed.

“Hmmm. In Egypt male children are preferred. Girls are often killed at birth or….sold. One with blonde hair and blue eyes could make some major cash as a……working girl.” Nefertiti offered.

“Yes, she would be a real tourist trap!” Both women erupted into laughter.

“No one touches her. Not while I live.” Corporal Marvel shouted. Superboy landed behind him.

“Smart boy. Once you retrieve the monolith, we’ll have some fun with you….if we decide to let you go.” Sabbac said.

“The monolith stays where it is and my friends will be leaving with me.” Corporal Marvel said, eyeing Bullet Boy and Constellation.

Superboy gestured to the soccer players to stay cool.

“Fool.” Sabbac said, lifting her arms into the air and firing streams of fire at the two boys.

Superboy used his tactile telekinesis to move a boulder, striking Sabbac in the head. The stasis field suddenly banished and Constellation started to plummet into the volcano. Corporal Marvel flew into the air and caught her.

“Am I glad to see you!” she kissed him on the cheek.

Superboy smiled at the reunited couple. WHAM! Sabbac sped by him, pushing him into a rock wall.

Superboy, Constellation, and Corporal Marvel engaged the two women in battle. The cavern shook and rumbled with each blast and punch.

BOOM!!!! A punch from Sabbac sent Corporal Marvel crashing through a wall and he dropped his hammer.

“Look!! The monolith!!” exclaimed Nefertiti.

Corporal Marvel looked up at the imposing monument. He felt sick just looking at it.

“So much negativity…evil….pouring off of it….” He whispered.

Sabbac had managed to get her whip around Constellation’s neck and was spinning her through the air. She let her go and sent her hurtling through a stalagmite formation.

Superboy lunged at Nefertiti and Sabbac.

“I’ll take care of this one.” Nefertiti smiled, motioning for Sabbac to attack Corporal Marvel.

Sabbac saw the stunned young man at the foot of the monolith. “What are you waiting for boy! Bring it to me!” the demoness took a step forward towards the monolith. She felt her skin burn. “D*mmit!!! I can’t get near it until you free it from this place. Bring it to me boy or I swear I’ll skin that girl alive and feed you her heart!!”

Nefertiti’s magic was getting the best of Superboy. She pinned him to the ground. She ran her hands up his shirt. “Such a body!” she whispered. “Come, give me a kiss!”

Before Superboy could react, Nefertiti started kissing him. His face started to sink and his body convulsed. He tried with all his being to fight back, but couldn’t.

“CRAAASHHHHH!!!!” Tawky Tawny burst through the cavern, growling. He stampeded towards Nefertiti and clamped down on her leg, thrashing her in the air.

Superboy tried to stand, but was weak. His knees buckled.

Constellation had shaken off the impact of the stalagmites and got to her feet. She saw her belt and quickly put it on. She flew through the air at Sabbac, firing off energy stars left and right. One struck Sabbac in the eye.

“D*mn you, girl!” She screeched.

Tawky Tawny then sent Nefertiti flying in Sabbac’s direction, knocking her over. The monolith started to shake and the ground openend up.

“The monolith…Zatanna must have placed some kind of safeguard…if someone with evil intent got near it, it would disappear!” Corporal Marvel said.

The monolith dropped into the rocky earth and was quickly swallowed up. The cavern walls started to shake.

Superboy had recovered from Nefertiti's attack and grabbed Bullet Boy. Constellation created a hard light construct, scooping up the soccer players. Corporal Marvel hopped on Tawky Tawny. As the cavern started to collapse, he saw Nefertiti and Sabbac fighting.

“You b*tch! I should have known better than to trust you! You and your insatiable appetite! You should have killed Superboy when you had the chance!” Sabbac hissed.

“This is all your fault! I have fought both Black Adam and Isis to a standstill! You can’t even fight three children! I’d been better off teaming up with Aunt Minerva!!!” Nefertiti fired back.

The three heroes made their way out, along with the soccer team as the cavern collapsed.

“What do you think happened to Nefertiti…to Sabbac…?” Bullet Boy asked.

“I’m sure they’ll be back, someday.” Constellation offered, walking over to Tawky Tawny.

“Yeah. Baddies like that always survive somehow….unfortunately.” Corporal Marvel said looking down into the hole where the cavern had been. It was now filled with boulders and dirt.

***

Days later, the soccer game had been rescheduled. The day was warm and the stadium was alive with young people.

In the end Beverly Hills High won the tournament.

“We should celebrate tonight!” Katie said, taking Connor’s arm

“Yeah! I hear there’s a big show tonight and everyone’s going. Josie and the Pussycats are headlining.” Hank Jr said.

“And look what I have. Six backstage passes.” Connor smiled, producing the passes. “Jerrica hooked me up.”

“So, who are going to invite?” Hank Jr said.

Connor saw Freddy, Sherry, and Jared across the stadium.

“I made some new friends while I got separated from you all when we got attacked the other night. Maybe they’d like to go.” Connor announced.

“The Fawcett City rejects?” Hank jr laughed.

“Be nice!” Katie scolded him.

Connor walked over to Freddy, Sherry, and Jared.

“Sorry about the game guys. Maybe next year.” Connor smiled.

“Aw, it was bad calling and you know it!” Sherry laughed.

Connor explained the plans for the night. “So, you guys want to go?”

“You mean, you, Mr. Beverly Hills want to hang out with us, the boring kids from Fawcett City.” Jared said.

“I do. You all remind me of my time in Smallville. Happy times. Plus, anybody that has a giant cat for a friend is cool with me.” Connor said.

“Lead the way, Connor. Sounds like fun.” Freddy smiled, anticipating what was sure to be a fun night….and the beginning of a great friendship.


THE END!

***

Tales of the Titans starring Apotheosis and Hawkgirl - "The Masks People Wear Pt. 2"
Written, Edited, & Maxi-Micros by: Power Guy


Gateway City…

George Jefferson had been abducted by The Mask earlier this evening. The man-killer had taken Mr. Jefferson to the old, abandoned Kanigher Complex to finish her mission. After using one of Dr. Psycho's mental-probing helmets on Mr. Jefferson and getting him to admit to his crimes, The Mask punched him in his stomach to wake him from the helmet's trance-induced state. Like her previous victims, Mr. Jefferson had one of The Mask's signature apparatuses placed on his head while being shackled to a pole in the sub-basement of the complex.

"ACKKKK!!!" Mr. Jefferson screamed in agony. He instantly noticed something was on his head and that he was very warm, sweating profusely underneath the mask and housing a dire thirst. "Where am I?!?!?!" he demanded.

"Some might call this Purgatory in light of what's about to happen next," teased The Mask as she made her presence known.





"Who are you? What do you want from me?" asked the late 20s man in desperation.

"What do I want? Why nothing……..you have NOTHING left to offer me or anyone else in this world," declared the Wonder-Family villain. "I know all about you pimping out Louise, Florence, Helen, and all of those other women in order to amass yourself a small fortune."

"What's your problem lady? Those women make good money!" howled Mr. Jefferson. "They'd be on welfare and SNAP if I didn't give them an opportunity!"

"Did you tell them that too?" asked The Mask as she cracked her whip on one of Mr. Jefferson's kneecaps. As he cried out in pain once again, she continued speaking, "You act like you were doing them a favor yet anytime they wanted to get out of the business you beat them or threatened the lives of their family members. You forced those women to be your whores, you swine! Poor Helen caught hepatitis and you left her high and dry, knowing she couldn't fend for herself any longer!"

"That's not how it went down, lady," Mr. Jefferson argued. "Unchain me and take this mask off my head. It's so hot under here and I'm dying of thirst."

"You're dying of thirst?" repeated The Mask. "Well then, by all means, let us quench your thirst!" she said as she pulled a control device from her pocket and pressed a button on it, causing Mr. Jefferon's mask to expel a tube down his throat which instantly flooded his throat with a powerful acid. Within seconds the acid ate through his throat and stomach, eventually taking his life.

"And I bid you good night, Mr. Jefferson!" said The Mask as she turned to exit the complex. As she made her way to the door, Apotheosis and Hawkgirl burst through the entry way.

"Not again! We're too late!" Hawkgirl shouted while shaking her head back and forth after seeing Mr. Jefferson's remains on the floor.





"You two again!" hissed The Mask. "I let you guys off easy last time yet you still come back for more?" The Mask pulled out a gun, firing bullets at the heroes.

Apotheosis ducked behind some wooden crates while Hawkgirl deflected the bullets coming at her with her Nth Metal Mace. Thanks to the Mace's magnetic properties, Hawkgirl was able to fend off the bullets and make her way up to her prey.

Suddenly's The Mask's headgear emitted a bright blast of light like during their previous encounter.

"Nice try!" scoffed Hawkgirl. "But I was ready for you this time. The lenses in my own helmet protected me from your little light burst!" Hawkgirl shouted as her mace bashed into the side of her adversary's head, leaving her dazed and disoriented.

"You're a woman, we should be allies! Not enemies!" The Mask mumbled as she tried to steady herself.

"Why on Thanagar would I ally myself with a killer like you?" demanded Hawkgirl as she shoved The Mask up against the wall behind her. With the villain's spree of gunfire ended, Apotheosis made his way from behind the crates he was hiding behind and started making his way up to the two women. Suddenly, The Mask's headgear released a green gas into Hawkgirl's face. The winged wonder soon began choking and wobbling about, as knockout gas filled her lungs.

"I see you weren't ready for that!" taunted The Mask as Hawkgirl collapsed into unconsciousness.

"And I see you're not ready for me!" gloated Apotheosis as he took The Mask by surprise and punched her in the head several times, knocking off her headgear. He didn't stop here, he help beating her until she was out cold.





***

About an hour later in an undisclosed location...

The Mask awoke to find herself strapped to a table with a bright light a short ways above her face, making it hard for her to see.

Apotheosis approached the Wonder Family villain and asked, "Any last words?" he said as he looked upon a large dagger in his hand.

"Nope," declined The Mask. "Any info you get out of me will come through my lawyer!"

"Oh, I think you've misunderstood me," countered the son of Paragon. "I'm not turning a serial killer like you over to the authorities. I'm going to be putting you out of your misery," Apotheosis said as he lifted the dagger above The Mask's chest.

"Of course……another man who brutalizes a woman! You men are all pigs!" The Mask said as she spit in Apotheosis' face. "Go ahead, kill me then! At least I stopped all of those men I killed from hurting more women. I thought you were a superhero yet instead of helping me stop abuse against women, you come riding to the rescue of spousal abusers, slave drivers, and pimps! I guess you men all stick together"

"Are you trying to say that you only kill men that harm women?" asked the purple-clad hero.

"Yes! Every single man I killed was guilty of beating, raping, killing, or otherwise tormenting a woman and I always made sure they were guilty with one of Dr. Psycho's mental-probing helmets before I killed them. I feel no guilt for what I did……….those men deserved to die for their crimes!"

Apotheosis stared down at The Mask but was silent for a few seconds until he finally brought the dagger downward…


TO BE CONTINUED!