Titans Tomorrow #4

[Glippernip]

TITANS TOMORROW #4

Fear Itself, part 1.

Written and Edited by Joel A. Sawyer



“We’ve all heard the old cliche about the teacher learning from his student. Well, when it comes to Roy, the cliche was a fact many times over. Somewhere along the way, Roy taught every one of us, and sometimes reminded us of what it is all about. Whether it was Speedy with The Titans, Arsenal with The Outsiders, Red Arrow with The JLA, or plain old Roy Harper, leader of The Freedom Fighters 2020, he gave his best, pushed himself beyond the limits of endurance, and proved that we do, in fact, make a difference. The fact that he possessed no super-powers makes his accomplishments that much more astounding.” Oliver Queen stepped down from the podium.

They were collected in a good sized building in Star City, a place not normally used for memorial services. It was once a high level holding area for meta-criminals. Currently abandoned, the place was not normally monitored but at the same time built for security. Guards now stood watch at their stations to make sure the heroes were not disturbed if the media somehow did learn of the event. Simply, super-heroes had been around for over 100 years, and many in the government felt that they deserved some privacy as they said goodbye.

Of the older heroes, most of them were here. Chief among the guests, Oliver Queen, Dinah Lance, Conner Hawke, John Deardon (Black Arrow), Sin, and Roy’s family: his daughter Lian, her husband Joshua Lyons, and their children, the adult Gabriel Oliver and teenaged daughter Donna Rae. Also in attendance were various remaining Titans, including Wally West, one of the originals. Garfield Logan (Animal Man) and his wife Tara Markov-Logan (Terra) had flown in from Markovia, Princess Koriand’r (Starfire) came from Miami, her son Ryand’r traveled from Ivy City. Bart Allen (Flash), Miriam Delgado (Mirage), Owen Mercer (Captain Boomerang), Virgil Hawkins (Static), and Tim Drake also paid their respects. Raven appeared suddenly halfway through the service with one ‘guest’, a lanky dark-haired young man who seemed terribly out of place and uncomfortable to be here.

“Look at them, commit their faces to memory,” she whispered to David Dagon before joining her old friends, “These are your greatest resource.”

Finally, Kal-El stood silent and vigilant, not saying a word. This Superman had seen too many fallen friends in his lifetime.

After Green Arrow’s emotional closing eulogy, the group chatted and started to disband. “I will try to visit,” Raven told Starfire, “my duties are many, now, but I should be able to take a break soon.”

“Has Tamara been in contact with anyone that you’ve heard of,” Gar asked Ryand’r before leaving.

“Tamara’s in America,” Ry asked.

“She came about a week ago and hasn’t let us know what she’s found,” Gar replied.

Tara added, “She and I both felt something offensive to Mother Earth. The feelings went away a few days ago, but now that I’m in America, I can feel it again, just barely.”

“No, I haven’t heard from her, and I’ll let her know about that oversight next time I see her. I’ll keep my ears open.”

Eventually, the visitors left, leaving Roy’s extended family to help him to his final resting place.

*********************

[Glippernip]

I knew something was wrong with Opal City, but I couldn’t figure out what. I’ve been here all of my life. Well, all sixteen years of it. I know this town too well, and recently, things were off. People were distant, not getting enough sleep. The entire city seemed...afraid. When I came across them, it just verified to me that something big was going down, even before my transformation.

Charlie Watkins sizzled through the afternoon sky blazing like a florescent bulb, sparks running up and down his young frame. Live Wire had been buried in a local cemetary, but since then, Charlie had no information about who had killed her. Now, though, he had heard of a strange creature lurking around. He streaked toward the most recent sighting at the Opal City museum heading South. Charlie came in for a landing before them like a lightning bolt.

“This is my town,” Charlie said to the massive muscular figure before him, “What is your business?”

The three stood there awkwardly. The two teenaged girls glanced up at the big, furry, bull-headed creature, who simply regarded the electrified youth calmly.

The blonde girl, who was actually taller than Charlie, turned toward him. “This is still America, isn’t it? I mean, did you overthrow democracy or something,” she asked with a faint European accent. “How old are you,” she finished condescendingly.

“My age is irrelevant,” Charlie replied sternly, “Opal is under my protection, and bizarre events are occurring. An eight-foot tall monster strolling through town draws a lot of attention.”

The beast stepped forward, and Charlie prepared to fry some hamburger. Then it said, “I am Taurus, hero of Greece. My companions are Tamara Markov-Logan and Liana. We come from Midway City on trail of a metahuman criminal named Arcana. We request permission to operate within your jurisdiction. Perhaps we can compare data.”

For a moment, Charlie just stared at the eloquence of the man-beast. Actually, so did Tamara. Charlie straightened.

“I see. I am Kilowatt. We can speak together, but we really need to reconvene elsewhere. Follow me,” Charlie told them.

Kilowatt led them to a sporting goods store, asked to use the back room, and helped himself to the key. Turning off his power revealed a young African-American high-school student with (hopefully) quite a bit of growth left to him. The back room was used as some sort of meeting room, with tables, chairs, and even a coffee maker.

“I do a lot of hiking, so my family buys a lot from this store,” Kilowatt said, “and yes, I’m sixteen. That doesn’t mean that I don’t take my responsibility seriously. I’m Opal’s hero, now.” He rubbed his brown hands together nervously.

Liana smiled assuringly at him. “I’m easily younger than you are, and I’m serious about all of this as well.”

So each of them told their tales, with Charlie going into detail about the strange feeling in Opal.
“Even crime is down. No one wants to come out at night, and no one sleeps well. I received a message from a psychologist who has noticed the state of mind in Opal. I’m meeting with him tomorrow.”

“Would you mind if come with you,” Taurus asked, “At this point, any lead is a good lead.”

*********************

[Glippernip]

“OK, everyone. The first meeting of The New Titans is now in session,” Starbolt said proudly.

“Great. This Roost of yours is really too small even for us, let alone if we add members,” Battalion replied, “And where’s the food.”

“Could you be a little more serious,” Ryand’r asked, “This is a big thing.”

“I am serious, Twip. We just came from Star City, and I’m hungry. Is there a good Hunan place around here? I like the spicy stuff!”

Ryand’r glanced apologetically at the others present and muttered, “Fine.”

“I’ll handle it,” John offered. He stared at the Roost’s computer for about twenty seconds, then smiled. “Imperial dinner for five, about twenty minutes, 102 creds.”

Ry nodded. “I hope this doesn’t sound too lame, but I felt we should introduce ourselves, just some general information. You all know me, Ryand’r Grayson, eighteen years young. I’ve known I would fight crime since...well, since my dad died. I’ve been trained by some of the best. Starting a new Titans team seems right.”

“I’ll play your little game, golden boy! Well, because of recent activity, you all know about me, although I’d only met Ry before face-to-face. I’m Battalion, but you can call me Gabe. My ‘heroic lineage’ is as impressive as his, but I’ve got a villain or two back there.”

“Villains,” Fusion asked.

“At least one, anyhow. An assassin named Chesire is my Grandmother. Never met her, and I think she died before I was born. When I’m in battle gear, I talk very loud and act intimidating, and the bad guys just don’t know who they are up against, end of story. I’m actually 20 years old, but I act a bit older when I’m Gabe and sometimes, I act more recklessly as Battalion.”

Carrie smiled broadly. “This feels foolish,” she said, “The only one here who doesn’t know me is Fusion.” She pointedly turned to the armored girl. “You know I call myself Cardinal. I’m told that I’m overly optimistic. I’ll give you the shirt off my back if you need it, but I’ll also let you rot if you deserve it. I’m sixteen, my real name is Carrie Levine, and I don’t keep my identity a secret. I’ve tried to hide my wings, and it doesn’t work. Besides, flying is so Schway!”

“I’m John Levine, Carrie’s brother,” the young man sitting next to Carrie offered. He had wavy, reddish-blond hair, small ears, and a slightly large nose on a pudgy, round face. He wasn’t fat, just not at a fighting trim. “She was born about thirteen hours before me, so she acts older than Mary-Kate. I don’t have a costume or a code-name, and I don’t have any battle training. For now, I’m strictly non-combat. I can interface with computer systems from a distance of about 60 feet. Don’t ever ask me about food.”

“He will always order Chinese,” Carrie helpfully told everyone.

“I had digitally scouted the local restaurants before I arrived,” John added smugly.

The ensemble became quiet. Fusion shuffled her feet nervously. Ryand’r cleared his throat.

“You don’t have to reveal anything, Fusion,” he said sympathetically, “I understand your position, and the others will follow my lead.”

Fusion looked from one face to another, then sighed. Her yellow and orange armor shimmered, flickered, then blinked off, revealing a pretty caucasian girl with short, hot pink hair. She wore a loose halter and shorts, and appeared very clean and groomed. She hesitated before speaking.

“My name is Alexandra Light, and I am 19 years old. I like movies, dancing, holovids...” She blushed suddenly and laughed. “Oh, slag! I sound like a personal ad. Sleepless in Seattle! Basically, I’m here to redeem my family name.” Bracing herself for the worst, she finished, “My grandfather was Arthur Light. Doctor Arthur Light.”

Gabe asked, “The Dr. Light?” Ry nodded.

Everyone remained silent until Gabe again spoke up. He asked casually, “So, what kind of movies do you like?”

Taken aback, Alexandra stammered, “Ummm...cheesy martial arts films and action movies, mostly.”

“How did you make your armor disappear,” John questioned, “and how can you wear such thin clothing in the winter?”

“Well, my ‘armor’ is actually a projected light shield. I had to practice a lot to make it look like armor, and before I mastered it, it looked like a shiny orange and yellow blob. As I run, I build up a lot of heat quickly from friction, so I don’t wear much when I’m Fusion.” She glanced at Ryand’r questioningly.

“Told you not to worry,” he grinned, “Welcome to the family!”

“Food’s here,” John added.

“Great! I’m so hungry, I could eat cloned rat on a stick right about now!”

**************************

[Glippernip]

“Where are we,” David Dagon asked his mentor. He and Raven stood on a rock that floated in a strange, grey void. With his newly acquired senses, he felt only two life forms on the entire plane. No plants, no indigenous creatures. Just Raven and himself.

“This was Azarath, once,” Raven told him. Her deep blue cloak and dress had become shining white after their journey, and her hair seemed electrified. “I am the only being to come here in a very long time, David. This place is safe for meditation, for rest, even for hiding. Sometime, you will need a place to go where no one can reach you. Azarath will shield you. Only you and I know how to come here.”

“I am honored,” he said with a slight bow, “but couldn’t I come to you for assistance if I needed to?”

“I’ve said that I have a very important task to attend to. I will not be available to you. You will need to act in my behalf, but on your own initiative. You will return to Earth alone.”

“You’ve trained me for all of a week,” David argued, “You mean you are just letting me go?”

“I chose you because you were mentally ready, David. You are like one the Helm of Fate would choose, similar to those who donned the mantle of Hawk and Dove. You just required the power to wield and I have granted that to you, power that comes from you and runs through you. You are not a magician, David. You are now a magical being. You will learn much more from the world. Now, before you return home, here are your instructions.”

***********************

[Glippernip]

Dusk the following day in Opal City, and David Dagon was pissed.

“My first assignment, and I’m on a freaking stake-out,” he grumbled under his breath. Shrouded in a black field and nestled in a tree, no one farther than 5-foot distance could see him. He watched while several figures approached the front gate of the estate he watched.

They made a strange looking squad: two mid-teens, and older blond girl, and a hulking beast-man. As they awaited, another man approached the gate from inside. David struggled to hear the conversation.

***********************

[Glippernip]

Tamara caught her breath at the sight of the handsome man approaching the gate. Handsome didn’t do him justice; the face was positively gorgeous. Standing about 6' 3" with a lean build, his darker complexion hinted at Slavic or Greek heritage and his black hair was perfectly groomed. Strong faced, sort of rectangular with a pointed chin, he exuded confidence. Even though he looked to be in his thirties, Tamara felt herself flush as the man opened the gate.

“Mr. Watkins, you did not tell me you were bringing guests,“ the man said in a deep voice with a smile.

“I am sorry, Sir,” Charlie respectfully replied, “They have joined my investigation just recently.”

“That is fine,” the man stated, stepping aside to allow access, “I am Dr. Obos, but while you are my guests, please call me Phineas.”

Phineas, Tamara thought, an old, respectable name.

“Come with me,” Dr. Obos beckoned, “I have learned much in my time studying the citizens of Opal, and I concur that something is affecting the city as a whole.”

************************

[Glippernip]

Across the street in his shroud, Dagon watched as the squad entered the large house. The man who had allowed them entry began to follow them. He stopped in the doorway, turned and looked directly at David. For a moment, David could not move, could not believe such an ordinary looking man could spot him on his first mission. Then the man smiled, a huge grin spreading across his face. In fact, his face seemed to split in a toothy smile much too big for his head. His eyes blazed red and burned with malicious joy. Fear unlike any he had ever felt swept through David as he stared into the apparition’s eyes.

“I see you,” a hate filled voice said in his mind.

The voice pushed David over the brink. In a cloud of smoke, David Dagon fled.

To Be Continued...