Titans of Justice Unlimited #83 - "Conjura The Great"
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Editing & Maxi-Micros by: Power Guy


“Mr. Trevor, this is the best idea you have ever had!” Jerrica Trevor smiled as she sat down, looking out the window of their luxury suite.





“The best idea I ever had was asking you to marry me.” Scott Trevor replied, kissing his wife on the cheek.





“A second honeymoon! All my years of touring and I never made it to the Czech Republic. I’ve always wanted to come here.” Jerrica said.

“I had a few modeling jobs here, but never had the time to really get out and explore the sites. I can’t think of anyone in the entire world I’d rather see them with.” He put his arms around his wife.

“We need to call Connor, make sure he’s ok. We need to give him our suite number. Oh, and then we need to contact your parents. I think I forgot to give them Steven’s doctor’s emergency number and then I---“

Scott kissed his wife. “Everything’s ok. Mother and Dad are more than capable of taking care of Steven. They have every number, every email, everything they could possibly need. Mom is Wonder Woman after all.”

“You’re right. He’s in good hands. It’s just that I’ve never been this far away from him….for such a long period of time. Let me call Connor really fast and—“

“He kissed his wife again. “Connor’s fine. Hank and Melody told me that Hank Jr. had invited him to spend a few nights at their house. Everything is ok, Mrs. Trevor.”

“I know. I just worry.” Jerrica smiled taking her husband’s hands.

“That’s why you’re a great mother and an excellent wife.” Scott Trevor said, kissing his wife as the sun started to set.

***

“I don’t know Branislava. Do you think this makes me look….cheesy?” the beautiful dark haired woman said. She was looking at herself in a full-length mirror.





“Cheesy? I’m not sure what you mean. You look so pretty!” the elderly lady smiled as she put the finishing touches on the woman’s magician costume. The woman known as Sargona had mysteriously returned to Earth 1 after sacrificing herself to protect her friends. She was suffering from amnesia and had been taken in by a kindly lady named Branislava. “Here, I will sew your pretty ruby onto your hat’s band. It will be lovely.”

“I wish I knew more about the ruby. Its power frightens me. I just think about something and there it is. Wether it’s a rabbit out of a hat or being sawed in half.” The sorceress said. She had picked up a European accent.

“I know my precious girl.” Branislava said. She had called Sargona ‘Lena’ after her own daughter who was killed during the war in Kosovo. “You are a mystery. That is for sure.” Branislava had done everything in her power to find out who the woman was. There was no missing person reports, no trace of who the woman was. She simply appeared on Branislava’s farm. Branislava’s nephew, Vladko even visited the American and Canadian Embassy in Kosovo, searching for clues, but hit a dead end. In Kosovo, the Titans of Justice were not well known, and Sargona had blended in for several months. In fact, she had become a local celebrity with her magic act, Vladko serving as her assistant. They had traveled through Europe with their little lounge act and were becoming quite popular.

“Tomorrow night is a big show, Lena.” Vladko said. “You’re booked at one of the biggest hotels in Prague and your evening show has sold out. Everyone wants to see Conjura the Great.” The handsome man smiled, referencing Lena’s stage name.

“I keep thinking I’ll see my family…or someone who knows me. But, I’ve pretty much given up. No one’s looking for me. Besides, you and Vladko are my family now.” Lena smiled, hugging Branislava.

“Precious girl. I shudder to think of the horrors you endured before you came to us.” Branislava said, her eyes tearing up. “You were so confused that day, your dress and hose all torn.”

“It’s a shame that so many young girls are either kidnapped, even sold by their families into a life of prostitution or selling drugs.” Vladko added. “Lena, you are a strong woman to have evaded your captors. God truly held you in His hand.”

Lena smiled. “ I suppose so, I just wish I knew more about my past. Maybe it’s for the best that I don’t. Oh, enough of this. Let’s practice for tonight’s show.”

“Yes, tonight will be a big show.” Vladko smiled. “Let’s see….shows in Estonia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Albania, Romania, and then off to Croatia. I have you booked for a charity show at a womens shelter tomorrow night.”

“I’m glad. If I can bring hope to other girls who endured what I apparently did, it will be well worth it.” Lena flashed her smile as they rehearsal began.

***

“That was quite a meal.” Jerrica smiled, sipping a glass of wine.

“After all that walking we did….and the way we spent our morning, we worked up quite an appetite.” Scott smiled, a twinkle in his eye.

“It’s so beautiful here. And this hotel, so full of charm. So, what do you want to do tonight? Jerrica asked.

“I don’t know. I saw a club down the street that looked fun.” Scott said.

They couple continued talking. Jerrica noticed the little theatre located off the restaurant’s lobby begin to buzz with activity.

“Conjura the Great?” Jerrica smiled. “Oh Scott! It’s a magic show. Let’s go!”

After paying their tab, the couple walked over to the box office.

“Sorry sir, tonight’s show is sold out. Conjura is a big act here.” The man in the box office said.

“Are you sure it’s sold out?” Scott said, flashing some Euros.

“Oh! Well, let me check.” The man said shuffling some papers.

“Just for you, my American friends! I have two tickets. Enjoy the show!”

Scott and Jerrica took their seats and listened to all the foreign conversations going on around. Scott knew enough Greek to learn that the couple seated next to them were newlyweds from Greece. Jerrica surveyed the crowd and enjoyed the experience of being a spectator rather than a performer. Soon the house lights went down. She took Scott’s arm and whispered, “I’m so excited! The show’s about to start!”

“I had no idea you were into this stuff.” He said.

“I didn’t either, but it’s so fun!! Maybe it reminds me a little of our missing friend, Sargona.”

Soon music came on and various props were rolled on stage. Vladko came on stage, dressed in a dark suit.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, friends from around the world! I present to you….CONJURA THE GREAT!!!!!!”

POOF! From a cloud of smoke, Conjura appeared. She was dressed in a magician’s costume that resembled her mother Zatanna’s first costume.

“She looks like Sargona.” Scott whispered to Jerrica.

“Yeah! Enough like her to be her twin!” Jerrica said, startled at the resemblance.

As the magic act continued, Conjura wowed the crowd with trick after trick. She even sawed herself in half. The crowd roared with applause.

“Scott, that ruby on her neck. I believe that is Sargona!” Jerrica said, wide-eyed.

“But that can’t be. She stayed on Earth 3…..” Scott gasped.

“Look at her! Those aren’t simple parlor tricks. She’s doing the impossible up there.” Jerrica said.

Soon the show was over. Scott and Jerrica slipped backstage. The stage manager was raving about Conjura’s show and discussing rebooking her. She looked up and saw Scott and Jerrica. They waved to her.

“Pardon me for a moment.” Conjura said, hesitantly walking towards them. “Did you enjoy the show?”

“We did very much. Do we know you from somewhere?” Scott asked.

Conjura seemed confused. “No, I don’t think so?”

Jerrica began, “I’m sorry. We must be mistaken. You look a lot like a friend of ours. A missing friend.”

Conjura’s eyes flashed. “Really? Please, tell me about this friend. My own past is lost to me.”

Vladko walked over. “Lena, please we must go. The train is leaving soon.”

“Vladko, these people think they know me! Please, can’t we wait?” Conjura pleaded.

Vladko was suspicious. What if these people were responsible for the horrors Lena had endured? What if they were drug dealers or specialized in human trafficking. Vladko felt he could trust them, but was cautious. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” He said looking them up and down.

“Please, we mean no harm. Perhaps we were mistaken. We enjoyed your show. Good luck to you.” Jerrica said, not wanting to cause any trouble. Vladko and Conjura walked away. Conjura turned to look at them and hesitated. She turned her head and kept walking.

Branislava said, “My girl, why do you cry? What did the Americans say to upset you?”

“Nothing…they thought they knew me….maybe they did? Could they be the ones that hurt me...? Conjura wept. ‘I wish I could remember more about my past. Maybe they really are friends that knew me?”

“Oh my poor girl.” Branislava hugged her. “Probably opportunists.” She thought. Soon Conjura, Vladko, and Branislava boarded a train for their next destination.

Back at the hotel Jerrica was upset. “Scott, that had to be Sargona.”

“How can you be sure? Maybe she’s a doppelganger? A long lost twin sister?” Don’t you think she would have reacted if she were Sargona. She was one of your best friends.”

“What if she’s being held captive? What if she has amnesia?”

“I think you’ve been watching too many soap operas.” Scott said, turning down the covers to their bed.

“But how could she do all those tricks. And the uncanny resemblance. Something’s going on.” Jerrica said.

“I agree it’s uncanny. They say everyone has a double, maybe she’s Sargona’s.”

The couple got into bed. Scott held Jerrica in his arms. “You’re not going to be able to sleep are you?”

“I just have this feeling….that had to be Sargona. The ruby, the magic….I think I’ll ask around tomorrow about Conjura.”

“My wife, Nancy Drew.” Scott laughed.

“Don’t laugh at me.” she giggled. “I read all of Nancy Drew’s book when I was a kid. I bet I can solve this mystery!”

***

On the train, Lena slept. She dreamed of shrouded figures….crazy dreams of alternate dimensions….a man…a man in a red cape. Friends…..

“GASP!” Lena awoke with a start.

“Lena, what is wrong?” Vladko asked.

“Nothing…just another dream.”

Vladko put his arm around her. “It worries me when you have those dreams. Dreams of time travel, strange people with strange powers.”

“It does me too. What if it’s some sort of drug flashback. Oh Vladko, what did those people to me?”

“Shhhh, my precious. Vladko is here. I will protect you no matter what.” He cradled her, recalling the American couple from earlier in the night. “Seeing those strangers upset her.” Vladko had fallen in love with Lena over the past weeks and she would not admit it, but she had developed feelings for him. He held her tight and Lena drifted off to sleep.

***

Estonia...

The ladies who resided at the shelter were excited about the magic show. All day long the shelter had buzzed about the former abused woman who had escaped her harsh life and made a new life for herself. Lena, Branislava, and Vladko entered the shelter. The director made small talk and escorted them to a room where they set up for the magic act.

Soon, the show was underway. The women all cheered as Conjura performed impossible trick after trick. One woman in particular was held at rapt attention. Donia El Shelbaya had been cast out from her family in Egypt. Her parents accused her of being in league with the Devil. When she felt threatened or curious, a mystical eye manifested on her forehead. She wasn’t a Muslim, but often wore headwraps as she could never be sure when the eye would appear. She had fled Egypt and wound up in Russia. She had been forced into a life of drug running and sexual abuse just to survive. Some nights she slept on the streets, resorting to digging through dumpsters to find food. She often was harassed as she was mistaken for a Muslim. She fled Russia and worked her way to Estonia……she tried to block the abuse and horrors she endured before arriving at the shelter. Despite her harsh life, she somehow managed to smile and remain optimistic that better days were ahead. At the end of Conjura’s show, she led the standing ovation.

“Thank you! Thank you!” Conjura said, humbly. “If I can make it to this stage and bring you a moment of joy, there is hope! I hope you all find happiness and your way in life!” Conjura touched her ruby and disappeared. Within seconds she reappeared with a check to donate to the shelter. After the show, she participated in a meet and greet. Donia made her way to her.

“Your show, it touched my heart.” Donia smiled.

“I’m glad.” Conjura smiled. “But you seemed troubled. Can I help?”

“I ….I’m afraid to ask you…”

“Come, let’s step out into the hall. We can talk there.” COnjura and Donia stepped into the empty hall. She removed her wrap.

Conjura gasped at the sight of the mystical eye. “What is that?”

“I was hoping you could tell me. I think I have powers…powers like yours. Sometimes I feel power inside me….it scares me…” Donia started to cry.

“I’d like to help you….but…I’m dealing with so much myself.” Conjura said.

“But, you’ve got to help me…you’ve just got to! I can’t go home…I’ve nowhere to go!” Suddenly the eye emitted a bright light. Conjura covered her eyes and had a glimpse of a great hall in the United States. The man in her dreams appeared in shadow. Conjura was startled.

“I’m sorry child. I am not the one to help you. Not now.” She quickly turned and found Vladko. He had packed up all of their props. They met Branislava outside.

“That girl…the Egyptian…she scared me.” Lena said. “She’s possessed of some strange power…like me.”

“Something’s going on.” Branislava said. “First those Americans and now that girl. Evil is at work to take you from us!”

“I don’t know. Somehow I feel connected to her….and that couple last night….” Lena cried. Vladko held her as she sobbed.

***

“I should call Vince.” Jerrica said as she and Scott rested by the pool.

“NO! That’s not a good idea.” Scott said.

“Why not?”

“We don’t know who that woman is. No need in getting him upset. I heard he’s taking her loss pretty hard. Not resting, working himself into the ground. “

“I guess you’re right.” She said, sipping a margarita. “But he should know, what if it’s Sargona!”

“And what if she’s not. It would be like slicing open an old wound. Look, if it’ll make you feel better, I’ll call Tom to check this Conjura out. I’m sure with the IADC contacts all over the world, they can dig something up. We find out something concrete, we’ll tell Vince. Deal?” Scott said, walking over to take a swim.

“Deal…and thanks.” Jerrica said, reclining in her chair. She couldn’t get Conjura’s face out of her mind. “I know you’re Sargona. You just have to be.” She thought as Scott dove into the pool.

Later that evening, Lena, Vladko, and Branislava checked into their hotel for the next day’s show. Vladko was walking by Lena’s door and heard crying. He knocked on the door and Lena opened it, permitting him in. Her face was streaked with tears.

“Lena, Lena…shhhh, calm down. Tell me what is wrong.” He smiled, cradling her face in his hands.

“Why can’t I remember? I had to have had a life before your aunt found me! Someone out there had to know me, loved me! And that ruby! That d@mn ruby! It has all this power, but it won’t help me remember who I am!” Lena was hysterical.

“It’s ok. Maybe your life was horrible you blacked it out. It’s the only reason I can think of. Look, why don’t we set up a meeting with a psychiatrist. Maybe a doctor can help you remember, if that’s what you truly want.”

“You think I’m crazy.” She sniffed.

“No…no…far from it. Lena, I love you. I love everything about you. The way you speak, your smile.”

Lena was stunned at Vladko’s words. In her heart, he reminded her of someone…someone special.

Vladko walked over and kissed her. At first she was hesitant…..but soon she was kissing him back. It felt….right in an odd way. The duo tumbled onto the bed. Lena felt safe….felt like she had found her home.

***

The home of Hal and Carol Jordan...

Vince Starr had joined Daniel Jordan for dinner at his parents home. Dinner had been served and the Jordans made small talk. Vince really didn’t pay attention to what they were saying. Later, he joined Daniel on the patio. Vince was still quiet, not saying much.

“Vince? You’ve been so quiet tonight. I know things are rough and you’re going through a lot. Do you want to talk about it?”





Vince was quiet. “I…I’d rather not. I feel like I’ve lost her. Like I’ll never see her again.” He looked up at the night sky and could swear he felt his heart shatter.





TO BE CONTINUED!