Titans of Justice Unlimited #102 - “The Blood Pact Pt. 2”
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Edited, & Maxi-micros by: Power Guy


The Home of Scott & Jerrica Trevor…

“Night Terror, what did you do to her?” The Witch Doctor asked as Lian Harper convulsed on the Trevors’ kitchen floor. Her eyes were wide open and she was gasping for air.





“Nothing! My darkness simply places the victim’s mind in the deepest despair. I don’t know where her mind took her.” Night Terror replied.





“Well you better snap her out of it, she looks like she’s dying! Paranoia will not be happy.” The Witch Doctor chided as The Heretic stared at the unconscious Superboy.

“I don’t know what to do! People usually just pass out when I envelop them!” Night Terror said defiantly.

The Witch Doctor produced a pouch with a pinkish powder in it. He sprinkled some over Lian and she became still and quiet. “There, that should keep her calm.”

“Good. These two must be able to stand trial for their sins.” The Heretic said, producing a rosary with skull hanging from it. “I want the young man first. He will confess all his sins.”





Night Terror and the Witch Doctor both looked at each other, and for the first time feeling very uneasy—even fearful around the Heretic.

“We need to leave a message for Jerrica Trevor.” The Witch Doctor said. The Heretic walked over to Connor’s body. He dipped his finger in his blood and scrawled, “Find the boy, before God calls him Home.” across the kitchen wall.

The Witch Doctor hit the warp button on his wrist and they all disappeared.

***

“Sorry Wilma, I’ve run all kinds of tests. You’re stuck being a teen ager. I’m sorry.” Illumina said.





“As much of a blast I’m having working with the Flash, it totally stinks being a teen ager---again.” Hot Flash replied.





“I don’t know. Sometimes I think I’d like to be that young again and have a do-over.” Black Orchid smiled.





“I wouldn’t! All that acne, the uncertainty, having to sit through high school again. YUCK!” Sargona laughed.





“You, the almighty Sargona had acne? Why didn’t you just backwards spell it away?” Black Orchid laughed.

The ladies were at S.T.A.R Labs. Illumina had run some tests at Hot Flash’s request to see if there was any way to reverse her being made a teenager again by the White Lantern. Being homeschooled and not being to go out with her older friends was beginning to get on her nerves. Black Orchid had arrived to have Illumina test her powers after she was injured by Circe and spent several weeks in the Green’s cocoon. Sargona had requested some exams to make sure her powers were working properly after her recent ordeal in the Universe of Evil, as well as her recent bout with amnesia.

“Well, everyone’s tests are complete. I won’t have the results for a day or so. Why don’t we all go out for dinner.” Illumina said very uncharacteristically. She was usually very serious and had no time for such trifles.

“I wish I could. I have to get home for a test tomorrow. Being home schooled sucks.” Hot Flash sighed.

“Oh Wilma, it won’t be forever.” Sargona said. The ladies made their way from Illumina’s lab when a bright flash of light stopped them. Before them stood Paranoia.

“How sweet. Ladies night out. And how nice of so many of you being together right here!” She smiled.





“Paranoia! How brazen of you to join us!” Illumina shouted, light energy glowing from her hands. She sent a beam at Paranoia, which she dodged.

“So quick to action??” Paranoia said, staring the Asian heroine down. “Don’t you feel terrible, so very terrible for your rude behavior?”

“I….I…..” Illumina stammered, overcome with fear.

“There, that’s better!” Paranoia smiled.

Hot Flash raced towards her, unaware of the mist forming around her. “I’ll make quick work of you!”

“Is that so, dear?” Phantasma’s face materialized before the speedster.





“You…It can’t be!” Hot Flash said in disbelief as she began to slip on some ice that Phantasma’s mist was producing.

“I assure you my lovely, it is!” Phantasma said, forming a giant fist and punching Hot Flash into unconsciousness.

“Sargona! That’s one of Dr. Light’s grandchildren! They’re supposed to be in the Phantom Zone!!” Black Orchid said, panic in her voice. She recalled how Celsius had captured her and tried to lobotomize her with the assistance of the Light grandchildren.

“Not to worry, Orchid. A simple spell will……..” Sargona’s voice garbled. Phantasma had entered Sargona’s mouth and nose, choking her until she passed out.

“And now, the delicate little Black Orchid all alone….alone and SCARED!!!” Paranoia hissed as Black Orchid flew towards her. “What? Why isn’t my power working on you?”

“Maybe because I’ve faced my demons and I’m not afraid of anyone or anything anymore!” Black Orchid screamed, punching the villainess until her nose was bloodied.

“Ok Phantasma, come on out. Unless you’re chicken!” Black Orchid said, pacing furiously. She felt a cold, damp breeze brush past her. Suddenly she was knocked to the floor.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! You can’t hit what you can’t touch!” came Phantasma’s laughter as she easily slid beneath a door. Seconds later, Black Orchid had smashed the door down.

“You’re only making me angrier. Give it up!” Black Orchid said, her eyes darting.

“Poor thing. I almost hate to do this to you.” came a man’s voice. Black Orchid spun around to see a man. His face was painted and he wore a garish costume. She started at him, but noticed a small doll that resembled her in his hands. He struck the doll with some sort of electronic device, something that looked like a syringe and she felt sick. Black Orchid started coughing and clutched her chest. Soon she was vomiting and dropped to the ground. Phantasma manifested, pointing and laughing.

“Fool. All plants are hurt by pesticides! And the Witch Doctor just injected you with a doozy!”

Black Orchid struggled to stand. She was seeing double and her knees buckled. Paranoia walked up behind her and struck her in the back of the head with a heavy steel tray. Black Orchid dropped.

“Paranoia….your face…..” the Witch Doctor said.

“She did this to me! What I have planned for her will be a cake walk compared to The Heretic’s methods! My face….my beautiful face!” Paranoia screeched.

“Here, I can help.” The Witch Doctor said, producing a serum. Paranoia smeared the liquid across her face and felt the pain subside. Moments later, her face was back to normal.

“Beautiful as ever.” The Witch Doctor smiled reaching for her. Paranoia swatted his hand away. “We have no time for puppy love. We have tasks at hand!” she commanded. I do offer my thanks for warping here so quickly.

“I would do anything for you.” He said.

Phantasma rolled her eyes as the group warped away with their captives.

***

Helena Wayne drove her car across the winding road that led to Wayne Manor. As much as she valued her time alone, she was sad her parents were vacationing in Trinidad and Tobago. “Maybe I’ll call Didi up and see if she and Dan want to get together.” She thought as she drove along.





Out of nowhere a figure dashed in front of her. She swerved to miss him, catching a glimpse of the man. She noticed he was in a costume.

“That can’t be good.” She thought. As she started to slow down, she felt a sharp pain in her abdomen. She clutched her side and gasped. Before she could slow the car down, she smashed into an old oak tree, the car flipping and rolling. The windshield shattered as her airbag deployed. The horn sounded and she raised her head from the airbag. She smelled gasoline and felt heat.

“Got to…get out of here….” She whispered, her insides still burning. She struggled with her seatbelt and crawled through the shattered driver’s side window, dropping into the grass. Suddenly her legs felt as if they both fallen asleep and she used her arms to crawl from the now burning wreckage. She continued to crawl and looked back at her car. When she turned around, she saw a pair of legs standing in her path.

“How are you feeling?” smiled The Witch Doctor. He pressed a needle into a small doll’s legs and Helena Wayne screamed. “Enough!” the man laughed, kicking her in the head until she was unconscious. He picked up her limp body and warped away.

***

Deep within a cavernous underground grotto, The Brotherhood of Evil admired their work. Before them were Esmeralda Sargon, Helena Wayne, Lian Harper, Imako Hoshi, Alba Venus Garcia, and Willma West.

Paranoia walked over to each one, pressing her forehead into theirs.

“What are you doing?” Night Terror asked.

“I’m implanting a mental suggestion. When they wake up, they’ll be less confident, unable to think straight.”

“And my voodoo fetishes will keep them in just enough pain to be unable to concentrate enough to use their powers.” The Witch Doctor said. “Besides Miss Wayne and Miss Harper are normal humans, shouldn’t be much trouble.”

“But we’re short a few of the guilty!” Phantasma huffed. “I want Sonic Boom, Jem, and Supergirl!”

“Patience, patience. The Heretic will sway Superboy to tell us where Jem is.” Paranoia smiled.

“Jerrica Benton shouldn’t be too hard to find. Neither should her lunk-headed husband.” Phantasma said.

“They must have adopted Superboy or something in addition to the son they have. There were pictures of them all over the house.” Night Terror said. “And I’d suggest restraining those two.” He added pointing at Helena and Lian.

“Point taken.” Paranoia said, producing heavy chains.

“AGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!” a cry shattered the air.

“Ah, The Heretic must be entertaining Superboy!” Paranoia laughed.

In another part of the grotto, that once served as Brother Blood’s lair, Superboy was chained up, crucifixion style, a wooden beam across his shoulders. He had been stripped to the waist and a mixture of blood and sweat poured down his chest.

“God is in his Holy Temple……Earthly thoughts…..be silent now….” The Heretic sang as he arranged his instruments of torture on a silver tray. He turned and faced Superboy.

“Hello Connor. I don’t enjoy my work, but unfortunately it must be done. It is God’s will. You can save yourself some trouble and pain right away. Tell me where to find Scott, Jerrica, and Steven Trevor. They must pay for the sins. The baby must be saved from their corruption.”

Superboy struggled at his bonds. “Must be magical, or I could easily free myself….”





“What are you thinking about Connor? Are you regretting your sins? I’ve seen your commercials selling hope to the hopeless. Glorifying your body. Vanity, immodesty….sins of the wicked and Godless!”

“Dude, what were you? The kid that got picked on during gym class!?” Superboy spat at his captor.

The Heretic dropped to his knees.

“What are you doing you dufus?”

“Praying for your unrepentant soul.”

The Heretic walked over and picked up a scalpel. “These instruments are enchanted with a power beyond any of our comprehension. I know about your weaknesses.” He slowly dragged the scalpel across Superboy’s abdomen. Superboy closed his eyes and clenched his teeth, determined not to scream.

“Fight it all you want boy. Your tongue will be loosened. Your telekinesis….the work of the Devil…useless thanks to The Witch Doctor. I don’t agree with his arcane methods, but they suit me for now.” The Heretic smiled beneath his mask, the scalpel slashing into Superboy’s back.

Back in the main area, the others listened as Superboy’s screams echoed throughout.

“We’ll know the whereabouts of Jerrica Trevor soon enough. Now, I want Di Di Queen next as I am sure you do too.” Paranoia said.

“My sister and I will take care of her.” Night Terror said.

Phantasma smiled at her brother.

***

Didi Queen relaxed on the couch, reading the newspaper. Her husband was gone for some kind of Green Lantern business on Oa. She thought about the house they had put on offer on. Living in Dan’s cramped apartment was not for this pretty bird. She needed a home with lots of open space, lots of windows, and plenty of garden space. She heard the doorbell ring and it was the UPS man with a package. She signed for it and wondered what the package could be.

“I haven’t ordered anything. Maybe it’s a late wedding gift!” she smiled, tearing into the package. She was disappointed when the box was empty.





“That’s weird. No card, nothing.”

Just then a mist exploded from the box, knocking Di Di down.

“Hello Miss Queen, or do you prefer Mrs. Jordan?” Phantasma’s red eyes glowed through the mist.

Di Di Jordan was frozen solid, terrified. How could this be happening? Dr. Light’s granddaughter was trapped in the Phantom Zone. In a split second, Didi relived the events of Lian’s rape and the murder of Dr. Light. She quickly shook off the unpleasant memories and jumped to her feet.

“I don’t know how you got free, but you won’t be running loose for long!” Di Di said, assuming a judo stance.

“It’s you that won’t be free for long, murderer! You’re going to face justice!” Phantasma screamed, the mist growing bigger.

Sonic Boom let loose with her Sonic Scream, but Phantasma separated her cloud-like body and the scream passed harmlessly by. Suddenly Phantasma disappeared. Didi looked around, holding her breath…tensed.

WHAM!!!! A giant smoky fist pummeled the back of Di Di’s head. She felt her hair being pulled back and her face was repeatedly bashed into the wall.

“You killed our grandfather! You murdering witch! I should kill you here and now!!!!” Phantasma screamed, her pink gums flashing against her silvery skin.

“Your grandfather was a murdering rapist!” Di Di spat, struggling to get free.

Phantasma growled and threw Di Di through the window, sending her crashing into the trashcans below.

Di Di struggled to open her eyes and get up. “Move dammit!” she thought.

“Ok, ok…you’re outside….this is your chance….got to get help……” Di Di muttered, trying to gather her strength and stand. She pulled a shard of glass from her side and tried to steady herself.

“Well look at you! The newlywed. So sad your marriage is going to be short-lived and poor Daniel will be a widower. I wish he were here to watch what’s going to happen to you.” Night Terror said, stepping out from the alley.

Didi opened her mouth to let loose her scream, but Night Terror kept coming.

“Scream all you want. These ear plugs drown out today’s horrible pop music as well as your annoying scream.” He grimaced moving closer to her.

Di Di was hurt. She was pretty sure something was broken and she could feel the warmth of blood down her back. She tried to punch him, but he caught her fist wrapping her arm around her back. He got in her face and whispered, “You and I are going to get to know each a bit better before I kill you.”

“Brother!” Phantasma screamed. “Not yet, she must go to trial….then we’ll carry out her sentence, you and I!”

Phantasma then turned into a fine mist, entering Di Di’s nose and mouth, choking her out.

“Here, I found her costume. She should be dressed appropriately for her day in court.” Phantasma smiled. Her brother then pressed the button on his glove and the three of them warped away.

Seconds later, they were in the grotto. Helena Wayne was now awake and had surveyed her surroundings. She felt panic as she saw Di Di’s battered body drop to the floor.

“How wonderful!” Paranoia clapped. She was dressed in judge’s robes.

Di Di was quickly dressed in her Sonic Boom costume. Helena could see the extent of Di Di’s injuries and her eyes teared up.

The Heretic stepped forward and strapped Sonic Boom in some type of chair with clamps at the bottom. The clamps were tightened around Sonic Boom’s feet, nearly crushing them. She began to stir.

“Witch Doctor! Quickly before she is roused! Disable her scream!” Paranoia commanded.

The Witch Doctor smiled and zapped a doll that looked like Sonic Boom. “There, she’ll be able to speak but her scream won’t work.”

“Excellent. Let the trial begin!!!!” Night Terror laughed.

“Wait! What about Supergirl?” Phantasma asked.

“Why don’t we save her for later. “ Paranoia smiled. “We don’t want to have all the fun at once. Do not worry, the Kryptonian will pay for her crimes.”

***

The Trevor Mansion…

“Connor! I’m home. I got you those jeans from Express you wanted.” Jerrica said as she entered her house.





“Jerrica! It looks like World War III happened in here!” her sister Kimber gasped seeing the tattered kitchen.

“Oh God….not again…..” Jerrica gasped, dropping her bags.

Both sisters saw the bloody message scrawled across the wall. Kimber held her sister.

Jerrica quickly transformed into Jem.

“Jerrica….what are you going to do? What happened here?”

“I don’t know but God help whoever messed with my son and attacked him in his own home.”

Kimber could feel the energy growing in her sister. She had never seen her that angry before. The family had been through hell these past months.

“Try to contact Scott. I’m bringing Connor home.” Jem said, storming out the kitchen door.

Back at the grotto, the captive heroines had been arranged in chairs with Paranoia sitting high above them, much like a judge would sit.

All of the women were awake now and realized the horror of their situation.

“Sargona, work a spell, free us!” Black Orchid said. All of the women were shackled together. “I can’t break free.”

“I tried to say a spell…..something’s stopping me….” the shaken sorceress said.

Illumina was next to Lian. “Lian, Lian…can you hear me?”

Lian sat wide eyed, terrified. “K---keep away from me…….” she whispered, her eyes darting.

“What have you done to her!?” Hot Flash demanded.

“That little whore is trapped in a hell of her own making!” Night Terror said walking over to Hot Flash. “And just what happened to you? The last time I saw you, you were older. In fact, you were dead!”

“I got better @$$hole!” Hot Flash shouted.

“Enough of this. You women are all on trial for crimes against humanity. How many times have you thwarted our colleagues? Stuck your nose in where it didn’t belong? Each of you will answer for your crimes, starting with Sonic Boom. Ah, I see our accused murderer is stirring now.”

Sonic Boom strained to open her eyes. Her feet felt like they were being crushed and her body was wracked with pain.

“Confused my dear?” Paranoia asked. “Get it together quickly. Your trial begins. NOW!!!!”


TO BE CONTINUED!