Amanda Waller walked slowly through the desolate remains of the once-thriving town, now reduced to a wasteland of ash and debris. Her sharp eyes scanned the destruction, her face hard as stone. The silence was deafening, only broken by the sound of her footsteps and the distant crackling of still-smoldering fires.
An agent in tactical gear approached her, looking uneasy.
Agent: Ma'am, you're not going to believe this.
Amanda Waller: (coldly) Believe what? Who did this? How the hell did the town get reduced to nothing but ash?
The agent hesitated, then handed her a tablet. On the screen was grainy footage captured from a security camera near the edge of the blast zone. The video showed Cyclops battling Doomsday, sending optic blasts at the monstrous creature as civilians fled in terror. Waller watched as the fight intensified, her expression unmoving.
Amanda Waller: (narrowing her eyes) Cyclops?
Agent: Yes, ma'am. It gets worse.
The video continued, showing the moment where Cyclops, in a last-ditch effort, was slammed into a school bus. The screen flickered as flames erupted around him. Then, his voice thundered through the speakers.
Cyclops: (in the video) YOU'RE SO DEAD RIGHT NOW!
The footage went white as the explosion obliterated everything in its path. When the video ended, only silence remained.
The agent shifted nervously, then spoke up.
Agent: I believe Cyclops is responsible for this, ma'am. The explosion wiped out the entire town. Doomsday is dead... but so are 962 civilians.
Amanda Waller: (staring at the screen) Damn it.
Her eyes narrowed as she thought through the implications. The Phoenix Force. Cyclops. The destruction. She turned toward the agent, her mind already working through the next steps.
Amanda Waller: (quietly) He killed Doomsday... and took out an entire town in the process. Get me everything about this Phoenix Force or something. And I want Cyclops found, dead or alive. If he's still out there, we need to know where.
Agent: (nodding) Understood, ma'am.
Amanda Waller glanced one last time at the ruined landscape, the weight of the catastrophe heavy in the air. Whatever had just happened, it was far from over. She turned on her heel, her voice sharp and commanding.
Amanda Waller: Clean this up. I don't want a trace left behind. We can't let the public know what really went down here.
As the agent turned to leave, he paused and reached into his jacket pocket. With a hesitant glance at Amanda Waller, he pulled out a worn student ID and held it out toward her.
Agent: Ma'am, there's one more thing. I believe... it's yours.
Amanda's brow furrowed as she took the ID from his hand. Her eyes scanned the name printed on it: Zack Summer. Her heart skipped a beat. The name was all too familiar.
Amanda Waller: (whispering) It can't be...
The ID belonged to her adopted son, Zack Summer, one of the casualties of the massacre. She stared at the small plastic card, her fingers trembling ever so slightly as she gripped it tighter, her face a mask of cold, restrained fury.
Agent: (softly) I'll leave you alone, ma'am.
Without waiting for a response, the agent quickly turned and walked away, leaving Amanda standing alone in the ruins of the town. The silence returned, but this time it felt deafening. Amanda's mind raced, her breath coming in sharp, controlled bursts as she stared at the ID, the last trace of her son.
Amanda Waller: (quietly, to herself) Zack...
The cold rage in her chest grew with every second, burning like a fire beneath her calm exterior. Cyclops, Zack, had been the cause of this destruction, but in the aftermath, her son was one of the victims. Whether it was the Doomsday or not, it didn't matter anymore.
Amanda Waller: (whispering through gritted teeth) I swear... I will have my revenge.
Her grip on the ID tightened until her knuckles turned white, a deep, seething anger simmering just beneath the surface. The ID felt like a promise a promise that she would not let go unfulfilled. Zack Summer, her son, was dead. And Cyclops, whether knowingly or not, was the one responsible.
Amanda Waller: (softly, but with deadly resolve) Cyclops... you're mine now. You'll pay for this.
She stood there for a moment longer, her thoughts consumed by the coming hunt for Cyclops. She would use every resource, every connection she had. She would stop at nothing to avenge her son's death. With one final look at Zack's ID, Amanda tucked it into her jacket, her eyes hardening as she turned and walked away from the ashes, a storm brewing inside her.
Amanda Waller: (to herself) This isn't over. Not by a long shot.
.
.
.
The Teen Titans Tower was alive with the festive spirit. Christmas lights twinkled along the walls, and garlands hung over doorways. Laughter and chatter filled the room as the team enjoyed the rare moment of peace. In one corner, Cyclops sat on a couch, sipping on some hot cocoa, when Jason Todd, wearing his Robin costume but with a Santa hat, plopped down beside him.
Jason Todd: Hey, man, I gotta know how did you beat Nightwing in that arm-wrestling match? The guy's got some serious strength.
Cyclops smirked, setting his mug down.
Cyclops: (grinning) Well, it's not all about strength, Jason. It's technique. Plus, maybe Nightwing underestimated me a little.
Jason: (laughing) Yeah, right. You wiped the floor with him. There's gotta be more to it!
Cyclops opened his mouth to respond, ready to share the details of his victory, when the call of a familiar voice interrupted.
Nightwing: (from across the room) Robin! It's time to head home. We've got Christmas waiting for us in Gotham.
Jason's head snapped up at the sound of Nightwing's voice. He quickly got to his feet, a mix of excitement and reluctance flashing across his face.
Jason: (to Cyclops) Gotta run, man. Gotham calls.
Cyclops gave him a knowing nod, a smile on his face.
Cyclops: (lightly) Sure thing. Have fun. Say hi to Batman for me.
Jason grinned, waving as he jogged toward Nightwing, who stood by the door, his arms crossed but a warm smile on his face.
Jason: (calling back) Will do! Merry Christmas, Cyclops!
Cyclops watched as Jason joined Nightwing, the two brothers exchanging some light banter as they left the tower. The sound of the door closing echoed softly in the festive atmosphere.
Cyclops leaned back on the couch, the warmth of the room and the festive spirit calming him. For now, it was a rare moment of peace. He took another sip of his hot cocoa, watching the snow begin to fall outside the large windows of the tower.
Cyclops: (to himself) Merry Christmas, Gotham boys.
Now finishing the last sip of his hot cocoa. He sighed softly, his eyes drifting to the now-empty room.
Cyclops: (to himself) Alone in the T-Tower again...
Just as he placed the mug down on the table, he felt a shift in the air beside him. He turned his head to see Raven quietly sitting next to him, her presence barely making a sound.
Raven: (softly) Hello, Cyclops.
Cyclops: (a bit surprised) Hey, Raven. Where's Beast Boy? We promised to play Grand Theft Auto 3 tonight.
Raven's gaze remained steady, her voice calm but carrying a hint of something mysterious.
Raven: (coolly) He's busy with something else.
Cyclops raised an eyebrow, slightly confused by her response.
Cyclops: (curious) Busy with what? What do you mean?
Raven leaned in closer to him, her breath brushing against his ear as she whispered.
Raven: (whispering) How about you come to my room... right now?
Cyclops froze for a moment, taken aback by her forwardness. He glanced at her, trying to read her expression, but as always, Raven's face was hard to decipher.
Cyclops: (surprised) You mean... right here? Right now?
Raven's voice remained calm, almost teasing, as she responded.
Raven: (nodding slightly) Yes something special.
Raven stood up from the sofa, snapping her fingers. The next thing she knew, she and Cyclops found themselves in her bedroom.
Raven slipped off her top, revealing her perky chest. She then removed her pants, showing off her shaved bread. She walked towards Cyclops, a sly smile etched on her face.
Cyclops gulped, his pencil beginning to stir in his pants. "Special?" he asked hoarsely.
Raven giggled, placing her hands on his chest.
Raven: Do I really need to spell it out for you?
Before he could respond, she opened her legs wider and revealed her area.
Raven: My lovely hero, how do you like it? I've thrown away my dignity and now I submit to you... Please, look at me and fuck me to your heart's content...
As she spoke, she began fingering herself, her hips bucking against her hand.
Raven: AAH... AAH... Just thinking about it turns me on even more! Can't stop fingering myself... Look, Zack, look over here, something amazing is happening...
Cyclops felt his mouth dry up. He feel a throbbed in his pants, begging to be let free.
Beastboy burst through the front door of the Tower
Beastboy: Everyone! I'm back!
He waited for a response, but the silence was deafening. Shruging, he started to search the tower for his friends.
He checked the kitchen, the living room, and even the game room, but he was alone.As he turned a corner, he wondered if Raven was busy and made his way towards her room.
As he reached the door, he heard a faint moan coming from inside. His brow furrowed in concern as he knocked softly on the door.
Beastboy: Raven? You in there? Is everything okay?
There was no response, so he tried knocking again.
Beastboy: Raven? Babe? Are you alright?
When there was still no answer, he decided to try the handle, and to his surprise, the door was unlocked. He slowly pushed it open, calling out again,
Beastboy: Raven?
But before he could take another step inside, he heard a low groan followed by heavy panting. Beastboy's eyes widened as he peered inside the room. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.
-
BACK TO REALITY : DECEMBER 6, 2005
-
Zack jolted awake from his Raven bread and his Pencil , his breath quick and shallow. He glanced around, noticing the strange surroundings. He wasn't in America anymore. The air felt different, and everything around him was unfamiliar.
Zack: (panicked) Where am I?
Suddenly, a figure appeared a duck holding a reaper's scythe, its tiny wings flapping as it rushed toward him.
Zack: (screaming like a little girl) AHHHHH!!
He flailed, trying to back away from the absurd sight. But just as the scythe was about to reach him, everything shattered like glass.
Zack's eyes snapped open, and he found himself lying in the familiar medical room in T-Tower, breathing heavily. His heart was racing, but the realization slowly settled in he'd been dreaming.
Zack: (groggy, rubbing his eyes) Ugh... it was just a dream.
He took a deep breath, looking around at the sterile white walls of the medical room, the steady hum of the machines around him bringing him back to reality.
Zack: (sighing) I hate my life...
Nightwing entered the medical room, his steps light but purposeful. He pulled up a chair next to Zack, who was still trying to shake off the remnants of his bizarre dream. Nightwing sat down, his expression serious.
Nightwing: (softly) Hey, man. You okay?
Zack: (shrugging) Yeah, I'm fine, Dick. Just... you know, weird dreams.
Nightwing: (leaning forward) Well, sorry about the park... and we've got a problem, Zack.
Zack: (raising an eyebrow) What kind of problem?
Nightwing: (his tone grim) A really, really bad problem.
Zack: (sarcastically) Like a duck holding a grim reaper's scythe?
Nightwing: (shouting) No! It's much worse than that.
Nightwing tapped a device on his wrist, and a hologram materialized in front of Zack. The image of Amanda Waller appeared first, standing alongside several government officials, followed by a live broadcast of President Obama addressing the nation.
Nightwing: (gesturing to the hologram) Look.
Zack's eyes widened as he listened to the broadcast.
President Obama: As of today, Cyclops is declared a fugitive. Due to recent events, he is to be apprehended... dead or alive.
The words "dead or alive" echoed in Zack's mind. His stomach twisted as he watched the broadcast unfold, seeing his face masked, as Cyclops plastered all over the screen with the label "Fugitive."
Zack: (whispering) Damn it...
Nightwing: (seriously) They're coming for you, Zack. Amanda Waller's involved, and this is federal. We need to figure out our next move fast.
Zack clenched his fists, his mind racing.
Zack: (sighing) So... I'm public enemy number one now.
Nightwing: (nodding) Afraid so. We'll need the whole team for this. You're not alone in this, but we have to be careful. Waller doesn't play fair.
Zack: Wait a second, did you say Amanda Waller?
Nightwing: (nodding) Yeah, I did. Why?
Zack: (eyes widening) Oh shit, that's my mom!
Nightwing: (shouting) What?! Does she know?!
Zack: (nervous) Well... no.
Nightwing: (in disbelief) Fuck! You're fucking dead this time! She thinks you're dead! She saw your college ID! She thinks you were killed!
Zack: (annoyed) Shut up, Dick! How many days have I been here?
Nightwing: (pausing) Four... maybe five days?
Nightwing rubbed his forehead, sighing deeply as he tried to explain.
Nightwing: (serious) While you were out, we've been investigating you, Zack. Yesterday, Dr. Fate showed up. He warned us about something inside you.
Zack: (confused) Inside me? What are you talking about?
Nightwing: (frowning) Dr. Fate called it the Phoenix Force, or something like that.
Zack laughed lightly at the mention of it.
Zack: (laughing) Phoenix Force? I don't know why, but... I kinda like it. Hehe.
Nightwing: (concerned) What are you laughing at?
Zack: (still laughing) I don't know. I just can't stop laughing... hehe.
Suddenly, Zack's laughter turned into a maniacal cackle. His slim teal eyes shifted into an eerie crimson red, and his body tensed with uncontrollable energy.
Zack: (grinning) I keep hearing voices!
In an instant, Zack lunged at Nightwing, his hands crackling with energy. But before he could strike, a portal opened, and Dr. Fate emerged, slamming Zack backward with a forceful spell.
Dr. Fate: (calm but firm) Nightwing, are you okay?
Zack was restrained by a glowing magical field, his red eyes burning with a chaotic fire as he struggled against the spell. Nightwing, still catching his breath from the sudden attack, nodded to Dr. Fate.
Nightwing: (relieved) Yeah... I'm fine. What the hell just happened?
Dr. Fate: (serious) The Phoenix Force. It's starting to take control of him. We don't have much time.
Zack thrashed against the magical restraints, his body glowing with an intense heat. Flames began to flicker around him, and his fiery aura grew as the Phoenix Force tried to break free. His once calm features twisted into a menacing expression as the fire engulfed his body.
Zack: (growling) You can't hold me forever!
Dr. Fate's eyes glowed under his helmet as he tightened the magical field around Zack, layering more spells to contain the fire.
Dr. Fate: (voice firm) You won't escape, not under my watch.
The flames roared higher, and Zack let out a roar of frustration. His entire form seemed to flicker with the Phoenix Force, threatening to consume everything around him.
Dr. Fate: (glancing at Nightwing) Nightwing, go! Gather the Titans. We need everyone for this.
Nightwing hesitated, watching his friend in pain, unsure whether to leave him like this.
Nightwing: (worried) Are you sure you can handle him alone?
Dr. Fate: (nodding) I can hold him... for now. But we need to act fast. Go!
Nightwing gave one last glance at Zack, who was still struggling, flames licking the air around him. He knew he had no choice.
Nightwing: (determined) I'll get them.
With that, Nightwing sprinted out of the medical room, leaving Dr. Fate alone to continue restraining Zack, who writhed in fury.
Dr. Fate: (chanting) You will not break free, Zack Summers. The Phoenix is powerful, but so am I.
As Dr. Fate intensified the binding spells, glowing sigils appeared around Zack, locking the Phoenix Force deeper within him. The room was filled with the crackle of magic and the wild roar of Zack's flames, but for now, Dr. Fate held his ground.
Zack's eyes burned red as he glared at Dr. Fate, his voice laced with menace.
Zack: (sneering) If I get out of here... you're the first one I'll kill, Fate.
Dr. Fate's magic pulsed stronger, tightening around Zack's burning form. His voice was calm, yet filled with warning.
Dr. Fate: (threatening) If you even try, then you know i fall to my death and Spectre will come for you. And nothing escapes his judgment.
Zack's expression twisted into a dark grin, an unsettling laugh escaping his lips. The Phoenix Force within him flared up, flickering with wild energy as he leaned forward, mocking Dr. Fate with cold confidence.
Zack: (laughing) Spectre? You think Spectre is a threat to me?
Dr. Fate: (narrowing his eyes) What's so funny?
Zack's laughter grew louder, filled with malice, until he locked eyes with Dr. Fate, the fire in him burning brighter.
Zack: (grinning) You don't even know, do you?
Dr. Fate's voice grew cautious.
Dr. Fate: (confused) Know what? Why are you suddenly saying that about Spectre.... Wait what did you do to Jim!
Zack: (voice shifting into the Phoenix's sinister tone) Oh, him? Spectre's gone. I killed him a long time ago. Before I ever took control of this boy's body.
Dr. Fate's eyes widened behind his helmet. He took a step back, the weight of Zack's words sinking in. His hands trembled as his spell flickered for a moment.
Dr. Fate: (stunned) What... what did you say?
Zack's grin widened, flames dancing around his body as he taunted Fate, the dark truth unraveling before the mystic.
Zack: (mocking) That's right, Fate. The great Jim Corrigan, the host of Spectre... he's been dead for years. You're fighting the Phoenix now, not some fragile soul. You thought Spectre was the ultimate judge? You don't know true power.
Dr. Fate's magic faltered slightly as he tried to comprehend the gravity of Zack's revelation. Spectre, the Spirit of Vengeance, dead. Fate's heart pounded, knowing they were dealing with something far more dangerous than he anticipated.
Dr. Fate: (quietly) This can't be...
Zack: (smirking) Believe it, Fate. Now, what are you going to do about it?
Dr. Fate tightened his magical restraints, but the flames around Zack burned brighter, his eyes glowing with a terrifying energy as he spoke.
Zack: (grinning) Let me tell you a story, Fate. It happened when you and the boy were busy in Hell, fighting Meru and her fire golems. While you two were distracted, Spectre decided to confront me... or rather, the Phoenix Force.
Flashback to a desolate stretch of space, stars twinkling in the distance. Spectre, cloaked in his ominous green and white garb, stands tall, watching as the Phoenix Force, a massive fiery bird, hurtles toward Earth. His booming voice echoes through the void.
Spectre: (sternly) Phoenix Force, you are forbidden to enter this universe. Your presence here threatens the balance. Turn back now, or I will return you to your realm.
The Phoenix Force slowed, its fiery wings beating in the emptiness of space. The energy crackled around it, and within the flames, a feminine voice responded, filled with power and defiance.
Phoenix Force: (calmly) I'm not here for your universe. I'm here for the boy.
Spectre's expression hardened, his ethereal eyes narrowing.
Spectre: (firmly) That's not going to happen.
He raised his hand, preparing to cast a spell to banish the Phoenix back to its universe. The space around them trembled, and just as Spectre was about to unleash his power, the Phoenix Force flared brighter. With incredible speed, it lunged at him, flames engulfing his spectral form. Spectre struggled, his power vast but unable to contain the raw, cosmic energy of the Phoenix. It seeped into him, burning through his essence.
Phoenix Force: (mocking) You think you can send me back? You're nothing but a soul, a judge. I am life itself.
Spectre convulsed as the Phoenix Force invaded his being, tearing him apart from the inside.
Spectre: (pained) No... this can't...
Zack's voice took on a sinister tone as he narrated the final moments.
Zack: (grinning) The great Spectre. The Spirit of Vengeance. He didn't even realize what was happening until it was too late. The Phoenix Force didn't just fight him it possessed him. From the inside, she tore him apart, bit by bit, until...
Spectre's body began to crack, glowing with fiery light from within. He screamed in agony as the Phoenix Force exploded from him, his ethereal form shattering into millions of pieces, drifting away into the cold darkness of space.
Zack: (continuing) ...until he was nothing but a memory. His power, his judgment... all gone. And after she destroyed him, she came to Earth.
The scene shifts again, showing the Phoenix descending toward Earth, streaking through the atmosphere like a falling star. In Hell, as Meru and her fire golems fought against Dr. Fate and the boy Zack Summers aka Cyclops.
Zack: (darkly) I'II possessed this body. And with this power of the first Cyclops! And I tore through Hell. I killed the Meru bitch!
-FLASHBACK ABOUT MERU AGAIN-
Meru: What... What are you?!
With a steely gaze, Cyclops meets Meru's gaze head-on, his voice resonating with newfound authority and determination as he reveals his new identity to her.
Cyclops: I am not just man anymore, a man who call himself Cyclops. I am something greater. You can call me Phoenix Cyclops.
Meru, her confidence shattered and her resolve faltering, takes a tentative step back as she feels a sense of dread creeping over her. Her hands tremble as she struggles to comprehend the overwhelming power that now stands before her.
Meru: What... What's happening to me?
Phoenix Cyclops, his gaze steely and unwavering, advances towards Meru with a sense of grim determination. The flames of the Phoenix flicker around him, casting an ominous glow as he confronts his terrified adversary.
Phoenix Cyclops: That, Meru, is fear. It's what happens when you come face to face with true power. And right now, I'm the one in charge.
Meru recoils in horror as Phoenix Cyclops's words sink in, her eyes wide with terror as she realizes the gravity of her situation. She stumbles backwards, desperately seeking an escape from the overwhelming force that now looms over her.
Meru: No... This can't be happening...
With a menacing voice, Phoenix Cyclops raises his hand, summoning the fiery essence of the Phoenix into his palm. The flames dance and swirl, casting an eerie light as they pulse with raw energy.
Phoenix Cyclops: You wanted power, Meru. Well, now you're about to experience it firsthand. But be warned... From the ashes, you will be reborn as nothing.
Meru's fear reaches a fever pitch as she realizes the true extent of Phoenix Cyclops's power. With a panicked gasp, she turns and flees, her mind consumed by the overwhelming terror of facing such an unstoppable force.
Meru: No! I have to get out of here!
Meru, her screams echoing through the hellish landscape, frantically tries to flee from the relentless pursuit of Phoenix Cyclops. Tears stream down her face as she cries out for her mother, her voice filled with desperation and fear.
Meru: Mother! Help me! Save me!
Her pleas go unanswered, and Meru's cries grow more frantic as she realizes that no salvation will come to her aid. Her heart pounds with terror as she stumbles through the fiery inferno, her every step a desperate attempt to escape her inevitable fate.
Phoenix Cyclops, his eyes ablaze with determination, forms a flaming arrow in his hand, the fiery energy crackling with power as he takes aim at his fleeing adversary. His voice is firm as he prepares to deliver the final blow.
Phoenix Cyclops: Goodnight Sara, my imaginary friend.
Meru: Please don't Zac-
With a swift motion, Phoenix Cyclops releases the flaming arrow, sending it hurtling through the air towards Meru. The arrow blazes with intense heat as it streaks towards its target, leaving a trail of fire in its wake.
The flaming arrow strikes Meru with a devastating impact, engulfing her in a swirling vortex of flames. She lets out one final, piercing scream as the intense heat consumes her, reducing her to nothing more than ash and dust in the fiery maelstrom.
Zack: (Thinking) I feel like laughing... Everything is so small... So pitiful.... What is this power...
-END OF FLASHBACK-
The flashback ends, and Zack stands in the present, his body still burning with the cosmic fire of the Phoenix, eyes glowing with its terrible power.
Zack: (grinning) That's what you're up against, Fate. You're not fighting a boy. You're fighting a force of nature, one that already killed your precious Spectre. What makes you think you can stop me?
Dr. Fate knew he had no choice. The situation was spiraling out of control. Zack's laughter echoed through the medical room, sinister and unhinged. Dr. Fate stood firm, his golden helm gleaming under the lights, the energy of his magic swirling around his hands.
Dr. Fate: (calmly) Enough. You must be stopped before you destroy everything around you.
Zack, still grinning, took a step forward, his eyes glowing with the fiery red of the Phoenix Force.
Zack: (mocking) You think your little tricks will work on me? I've killed gods, Fate. You're no—
Before Zack could finish, Dr. Fate's hand shot out, the air around them trembling with the force of his incantation. Ancient symbols glowed in the air, spiraling around Zack. A soft hum filled the room, the sound of power, as the spell began to take hold. The energy tightened around Zack, binding his limbs in place.
Zack: (struggling) What... what are you doing?!
Dr. Fate: (sternly) I'm not fighting you, Zack Summers. I'm containing the Phoenix.
With a final surge of magic, Dr. Fate spoke the last words of the spell, his voice booming with authority.
Dr. Fate: Somnus aeternus!
A golden wave of energy shot from his hands, enveloping Zack. His body convulsed for a moment, the Phoenix Force trying to resist, but the spell was too strong. Zack's eyes flickered, the fiery glow dimming as his body sagged under the weight of the magic. His eyelids fluttered, and then, with a soft gasp, he collapsed to the floor, unconscious.
Dr. Fate stood over him, breathing heavily, but the room was finally still. The cosmic flames that had once danced around Zack's body vanished, leaving only the boy's inert form behind. Dr. Fate lowered his hands, the magic slowly dissipating, though the strain of keeping the Phoenix contained was clear in his posture.
Dr. Fate: (quietly) Rest now, Zack. The world isn't ready for what you've become.
Donna Troy's home, the soft lullaby of a mobile played above her baby boy, Robert Troy. She gently laid him in the crib, brushing his dark curls from his forehead.
Donna: (whispering) Sleep well, my son.
As she watched her son peacefully drift to sleep, a wave of calm washed over her. She stepped out of the nursery, heading toward the kitchen, eager for a brief moment of peace. But when she entered, she froze, her instincts kicking in. Standing in her kitchen was Nightwing her old team leader.
Donna's body tensed, her warrior reflexes taking over as she instinctively fell into a fighting stance.
Donna: (sharply) Why are you here, Nightwing? And how the hell did you get into my house?
Nightwing raised his hands slowly, signaling that he wasn't there to fight, though his posture was as steady and calm as ever.
Nightwing: (calmly) Relax, Donna. I'm not here to fight. I'm here because we need you. There's something happening... something serious.
Donna, still wary, narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms, standing her ground.
Donna: (demanding) What is it? What could be so important that you'd break into my home?
Nightwing: (serious) Zack. He's been restrained by Dr. Fate back at the Tower. There's this... force inside him. Something called the Phoenix Force.
The words hit Donna like a punch. Her face fell as the color drained from her cheeks. She slowly sat down at the kitchen table, processing the news. The mention of Zack her old teammate, her friend in connection with something as dangerous as what Nightwing was describing, was hard to swallow.
Donna: (stunned) The Phoenix Force...? What is that? How... how bad is it, Nightwing?
Nightwing: (grimly) We don't know all the details yet. Dr. Fate says it's some kind of cosmic entity, something with unimaginable power. Zack's not in control. He's dangerous, Donna... more dangerous than we ever knew.
Donna's eyes widened, her breath coming in shallow as she struggled to comprehend it all. Her mind flashed back to her memories of Zack their battles together, their camaraderie, his unwavering loyalty to the team. She couldn't reconcile the image of her friend with the idea of him being a threat.
Donna: (softly) Zack... how could this happen?
Nightwing crossed his arms, his expression somber but determined.
Nightwing: We don't have time to figure that out right now. The team's gathering at the Tower for a meeting. We need you there. Zack needs you. Whatever's happening inside him, we need to be ready for it together.
Donna nodded slowly, the shock still weighing heavily on her. But deep down, she knew she had to go. She had to help her friend, no matter how terrifying the situation seemed.
Donna: (sighing) I'll be there. Just give me a moment to get ready.
Nightwing: (nodding) We don't have much time, Donna. Be quick.
As Nightwing turned to leave, Donna glanced back at the nursery, her heart heavy with the weight of the decision she was about to make. She took one last look at her sleeping son, kissed her fingers, and gently touched the doorframe.
Donna: (whispering) Sleep well, Robert. Mommy has to go help daddy for a bit.
The Flash Museum bustled with activity as visitors marveled at the displays of speedster history. In the midst of the crowd, Wally West, better known as Kid Flash, zipped through the hallways, catching the last of the museum thieves who thought they could get away with a heist in the home of the fastest man alive.
Kid Flash: (grinning) You guys really thought you could rob the Flash Museum? Not on my watch!
Wally swiftly tied the thieves with a length of rope he found nearby, securing them just as a call buzzed in his earpiece.
Nightwing's Voice: (urgent) Calling all Titans! Go to the T-Tower immediately! We're having a meeting in ten minutes!
Wally's smile faded, sensing the urgency in Nightwing's voice. He glanced at the captured criminals, shrugged, and in a flash, he was gone, leaving the crooks bewildered as the police sirens approached.
Meanwhile, deep in the Batcave, Beast Boy and Cyborg lounged around, fiddling with some of Batman's gadgets while waiting for Tim Drake to show up.
Beast Boy: (curious) So, Cy, what's the deal with Tim, anyway? How'd he end up as Robin? I mean, isn't there a whole, like, adoption process or something?
Cyborg chuckled, leaning back against the Batcomputer.
Cyborg: (smiling) Dude, it's not exactly that simple. Tim's a different story. He figured out who Batman and Robin were on his own basically, he's a genius detective. Plus, Bruce saw something special in him.
Just as Cyborg was about to dive deeper into the story, their communicators buzzed loudly, cutting through the silence of the cave.
Nightwing's Voice: (serious) Calling all Titans! Go to the T-Tower immediately! We're having a meeting in ten minutes!
Cyborg and Beast Boy exchanged a quick look, their playful demeanor immediately turning serious. Beast Boy shapeshifted into a hawk for a split second before shifting back, his nerves visibly on edge.
Beast Boy: (urgently) We better go now. If Nightwing's calling, it's gotta be serious.
Cyborg: (nodding) Right. Let's bounce.
Nightwing and Wonder Girl sat in silence inside the T-Jet, the soft hum of the engines filling the tense atmosphere as they headed back to the Titans Tower. Donna Troy, known as Wonder Girl, gazed out the window, lost in thought, her hands clenched tightly in her lap.
Wonder Girl: (softly) If I see Rachel's face after everything she did... after what happened between her and Zack... I don't know if I can look at her the same anymore.
Nightwing glanced over at Donna, sensing the pain in her voice. He took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully.
Nightwing: (gently) So... are you ever going to tell Zack about Robert?
Wonder Girl: (firmly) No. I'd rather keep it that way. He slept with Rachel during that time, and... I just can't. It's too complicated.
Nightwing nodded, though there was clear curiosity in his eyes. After a moment of silence, he spoke up again, his tone lighter, trying to shift the mood.
Nightwing: (curious) By the way, Donna... how did I never know? How did you end up pregnant?
Donna's expression shifted, a mixture of embarrassment and frustration crossing her face. She let out a sigh before answering.
Wonder Girl: (reluctantly) Zack and I had a two-month relationship... We were... we were together in a public restroom, and we used ten condoms... but one of them broke inside me. Boom. I got pregnant, but I never said a word. That's why I left the Titans. I was scared that if Zack found out, he'd demand an abortion. I was about to tell him we were having a baby, but then... what happened between Rachel and Zack last year? It just made me stay hidden and also blame Kid Flash because his the one who made this bet.
Nightwing: (shocked) Damn... I had no idea what kind bet is it?
Donna glanced at him, her gaze softening slightly as she shifted the conversation.
Wonder Girl: (curious) Not gonna say it and what about you? How are things with Starfire?
Nightwing: (nodding) Fine. We've had our ups and downs, but we're working through it.
The silence returned, heavier this time as the weight of their respective situations loomed over them. The T-Jet continued its course toward the Titans Tower.
Nightwing: (sighing) It's going to be a hell of a day when we land.
Wonder Girl: (nodding) Yeah... it really will be.
Wonder Girl leaned back in her seat, her mind racing with thoughts of what could have been. The memory of Zack flooded her mind, and she found herself lost in a daydream.
Wonder Girl: (thinking) If Zack had been beside me on the day Robert was born... he should have his father's last name Summers. But we weren't legally married, and the Amazons don't want men on our island.
An image formed in her mind: Zack in his original blue suit, standing proudly next to her as she held their newborn son.
They were a family, united in that perfect moment, the joy of new life brightening their faces. The vision felt so real that she could almost hear Robert's soft coos and cries, see the way Zack would have looked at their son with pride and love.
But the image quickly faded asNightwing's voice broke through her reverie, snapping her back to the present.
Nightwing: (alert) We're arriving, Donna.
Wonder Girl blinked, her heart racing as she nodded, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. The vision of the family she longed for dissipated, leaving behind a mix of hope and sorrow.
Wonder Girl: (quietly) Right... I'm ready.
The T-Jet landed smoothly on the Titans Tower's landing pad, and the hatch opened as Nightwing and Wonder Girl stepped out onto the platform. Nightwing barely had time to take a step before he felt someone grab him from behind in an enthusiastic bear hug, shaking him.
Kid Flash: (excitedly) Bro, it's been forever! I thought you forgot about us!
Nightwing tried to maintain his balance as Kid Flash continued shaking him. Wally's excitement was infectious, but before Nightwing could respond, Kid Flash's gaze shifted to Wonder Girl, and his demeanor changed instantly. He released Nightwing and took a nervous step back, scratching the back of his head.
Kid Flash: (nervously) Hey, Donna... long time no see. Uh, what brings you here?
Wonder Girl shot Wally a sharp glare, her expression unamused.
Wonder Girl: (coldly) Shut up, Wally. I'm here for the meeting, and I still haven't forgotten about that stupid bet.
Kid Flash winced, knowing he was still on thin ice with Donna after the infamous bet that had soured their last interaction.
Kid Flash: (awkwardly) Yeah, okay. No problem...
Nightwing, sensing the tension, quickly changed the subject.
Nightwing: (to Kid Flash) Is everyone here?
Kid Flash shifted his focus, trying to put the awkward moment behind them.
Kid Flash: Let's see... Raven's been waiting in the meeting room, Beast Boy and Cyborg just arrived a few minutes ago.
Nightwing nodded, but Kid Flash's next words caught him off guard.
Kid Flash: Oh, and Starfire's here too!
Nightwing's eyes widened in surprise.
Nightwing: (surprised) Kory's here? I thought she was back home.
Wonder Girl, clearly impatient with the back-and-forth, rolled her eyes and stepped forward.
Wonder Girl: (firmly) Enough catching up! Can we go inside already? We have more important things to deal with.
Nightwing and Kid Flash nodded.
20 Minutes Later
The Titans sat around the meeting table, the room buzzing with tense energy. Nightwing stood at the head of the table, looking weary and frustrated. The team had been asking nonstop questions about Zack's condition, and Wonder Girl remained silent, her expression closed off. The rest of the team, however, was far from quiet.
Kid Flash: What's the plan, Nightwing? Is Zack gonna be okay?
Cyborg: We've seen him bounce back from tough spots before, but this is different.
Raven sat quietly, avoiding eye contact, while Beast Boy looked visibly agitated. Finally, Beast Boy couldn't hold back any longer.
Beast Boy: (frustrated) Why are we even bothering with Zack Summers? Why can't we just abandon him altogether? He's a danger to everyone!
The room fell silent as the tension escalated, and Nightwing's eyes narrowed. His patience snapped. He slammed his hand on the table with a loud thud, making everyone flinch.
Nightwing: (furious) Shut up and listen! You, Beast Boy, especially! I know why you're pissed it's because Zack slept with your girlfriend, Rachel!
Beast Boy recoiled at Nightwing's words, but Nightwing wasn't finished.
Nightwing: (angry) We are not here to discuss cheating, relationships, or your messed-up personal issues! I don't give a damn about who got cheated on, who got hurt, or who feels like they got cuckolded! This is bigger than all of us!
The intensity of Nightwing's outburst echoed in the room, leaving everyone stunned. Starfire, who had been watching quietly, stepped in, trying to diffuse the tension.
Starfire: (calmly) Richard, you need to calm down. You're scaring Zack's pet?
She pointed to the small, sleeping figure of Jeffrey the Landshark curled up peacefully on the floor, completely unfazed by the heated argument around him.
Starfire: (observing Jeffrey) Never mind... he's still asleep.
The brief moment of levity did little to lighten the atmosphere, but it broke the immediate tension. Nightwing took a deep breath, running his hand through his hair, trying to regain his composure.
Nightwing: (sighs) Look, I get that this situation sucks. But Zack's our teammate, our friend, and whether we like it or not, he needs us now more than ever. So let's focus on what matters and figure out how to deal with this mess together.
The room remained quiet, everyone absorbing Nightwing's words. Despite their individual grievances, the reality of Zack's plight weighed heavily on all of them.
As the tension in the room began to ease, a ripple of energy filled the air, and suddenly, Dr. Fate appeared in the Titan's meeting room, his golden helmet glinting under the overhead lights.
Dr. Fate: (in a deep, resonant voice) Hello, kids.
Nightwing crossed his arms, looking unimpressed.
Nightwing: We're adults now, Fate.
Dr. Fate turned his gaze to Nightwing, an enigmatic smile playing on his lips.
Dr. Fate: (with a hint of amusement) You're still children, Grayson.
The atmosphere shifted as Dr. Fate continued, the gravity of his presence making everyone pay attention.
Dr. Fate: I have discovered who Zack truly is.
Wonder Girl leaned forward, her brow furrowing in concern.
Wonder Girl: What do you mean? Who is Zack really?
Dr. Fate's expression turned serious as he began to explain.
Dr. Fate: (slowly) The concept of the multiverse is vast and complex. Zack Summers, or Cyclops as you know him, does not belong to our universe.
A shocked silence fell over the group. Beast Boy's eyes widened, and he looked at Nightwing, who seemed just as taken aback.
Nightwing: (skeptically) What do you mean he doesn't belong?
Dr. Fate continued, his voice steady as he delved deeper into the revelation.
Dr. Fate: While I ordered you to gather for this meeting, I searched through Zack's memories. I discovered that when he was just a baby, his world was destroyed by another Earth another universe.
Wonder Girl's expression turned to shock and concern.
Wonder Girl: (stammering) Wait, are you saying that Zack is...?
Dr. Fate interrupted her, his tone grave.
Dr. Fate: (emphatically) Yes, indeed. Zack Summers does not exist in this universe. His universe perished when two realities' Earths collided over an eight-hour period, resulting in the destruction of both Earths and their respective realities.
The room fell silent as the weight of Dr. Fate's words sank in. Each Titan exchanged glances, grappling with the implications of what they had just heard.
Cyborg: (shaking his head) So, you're saying Zack is... a survivor from another universe?
Dr. Fate nodded, the gravity of the revelation hanging in the air.
Dr. Fate: Precisely. He is the last remnant of a world that no longer exists, and with that comes a unique burden—and immense power.
Kid Flash, still processing the information, looked around at his friends.
Kid Flash: So, what does this mean for Zack? For us?
Nightwing's expression hardened as he focused on Dr. Fate.
Nightwing: We need to figure out how to help him and contain this power before it consumes him or puts us all in danger.
Dr. Fate looked at Nightwing with a mixture of respect and caution.
Dr. Fate: That is the challenge before you. The path ahead is fraught with peril, and understanding Zack's true nature is only the first step.
.
.
Zack found himself in a surreal dreamscape, suspended between past and present, watching a memory unfold before him. It felt like he was floating in a void, witnessing a scene that wasn't his own, but still held an inexplicable familiarity.
Before him, he saw Jean Grey and Scott Summers, standing together in what looked like a serene yet otherworldly place. The sky was tinged with hues of pink and purple, casting an ethereal glow around them. Jean held a newborn baby wrapped in a soft blanket, her expression a mixture of joy and sorrow.
Jean Grey: Scott, what should we name our baby?
Scott looked at the infant, his face softened by an emotion Zack had never seen in his own reflection a sense of love mixed with the weight of impossible choices.
Scott Summers: How about Zack?
Jean's eyes lit up momentarily at the name, but as the reality of their dire circumstances loomed, her joy faded. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she clutched the baby closer, as if shielding him from the impending disaster.
Jean Grey: That's perfect, Scott. But... but I can't bear the thought of Zack growing up in a world about to be destroyed.
Scott wrapped his arm around Jean, pulling her close. His eyes were filled with determination and a deep sadness that Zack could almost feel himself. It was as if the weight of the world no, two worlds was crushing him.
Scott Summers: I know, Jean. It's hard for me too. But we have to do what's best for him.
Zack: Who are they...?
As Zack turned, he noticed a presence behind him. A striking woman with fiery red hair, dressed in a sleek black and red suit, was walking towards him with a calm, yet commanding presence. She radiated a warmth that felt oddly familiar, and her piercing gaze locked onto Zack.
Zack stepped back slightly, eyes widening as he took in her appearance.
Zack: Who... who are you?
Woman: My name is Jean Grey.
Jean Grey: I am your mother, Zack. And if you're wondering, this... this is a memory. The last day before our universe collapsed.
She gestured to a scene that played out like a ghostly projection nearby. A man with dark hair and a strong, stoic presence was holding a small baby, protectively cradling him as chaos seemed to unfold around them.
Jean Grey: (pointing to the man) That man... is your father. Scott Summers, leader of the X-Men. And the baby he's holding... that's you, Zack.
Zack stared at the scene, struggling to process the sight before him. The names, the faces it was all so unfamiliar, yet something about it tugged at his heart.
Zack: X-Men...? Who are they?
Jean Grey took a step closer, her voice gentle yet filled with sorrow as she explained.
Jean Grey: The X-Men are a team of mutants who fight for peace between humans and mutants. Mutants, like us, are individuals born with extraordinary powers. Your father, Scott, led them with great honor. And you... you were destined to be one of us, a powerful mutant in your own right.
Zack's mind raced with the information, the implications sinking in. He looked at Jean, bewildered.
Zack: So, you're saying I'm a mutant... not a metahuman?
Jean Grey nodded, her expression somber.
Jean Grey: Yes, my son. You are a mutant. But understand, the world has never been kind to those who are different. Humanity often rejects us... fears us.
Zack furrowed his brow, a mixture of confusion and frustration bubbling up.
Zack: What do you mean? Why would they hate us?
Jean Grey's eyes flickered with pain as she spoke, her voice laced with the weight of experience.
Jean Grey: (softly) Normal people often hate and fear mutants because they think we pose a threat to their existence. They fear what they do not understand... and they are envious of our abilities. To them, our powers represent something dangerous, something they cannot control.
Zack glanced back at the scene of his father holding him, his mind grappling with the harsh reality Jean was revealing. The weight of being born into a world that feared him was a burden he never knew he carried.
Zack: So... we're just supposed to be hated? To be feared?
Jean Grey placed a comforting hand on Zack's shoulder, her eyes filled with a fierce determination.
Jean Grey: We fight to show the world that we are more than their fears. That we can coexist. You are more than what others say you are, Zack. And though our universe is gone, you carry our legacy with you.
Zack looked down, feeling a mix of pride and sorrow. The realization that he was part of something bigger than himself something both beautiful and tragic began to settle within him.
Zack: I... I don't know what to do.
Jean Grey: You've seen the truth now, Zack. You know who you really are.
Zack, still grappling with the flood of revelations, looked at her, his expression torn between fear and confusion.
Zack: I don't... I don't understand. I've always been told I was something else a metahuman, a hero. But now you're saying...
Jean Grey interrupted, her voice firm but laced with empathy.
Jean Grey: You are not just any hero. You are a mutant. A being of immense power, unlike anything this world understands or accepts. Humanity will never see you for who you truly are.
Zack clenched his fists, the conflicting emotions swirling within him like a storm. He had fought so hard to belong, to fit into a world that always felt just a bit out of reach.
Zack: But... I've always tried to do the right thing. To be good. To be... human.
Jean Grey's expression hardened slightly, her eyes blazing with the kind of determination that had fueled her own battles.
Jean Grey: Humanity will always reject what it cannot control, Zack. They will fear you, hate you, because you are different. You've seen it in their eyes, felt it in their actions. No matter how much you try to fit in, you will always be the outcast.
She stepped closer, her voice growing more impassioned.
Jean Grey: Stop trying to conform to their rules, their limits. You are so much more than that. You are powerful beyond their comprehension. Reject your humanity, Zack... and embrace what you truly are.
Zack's eyes widened at her words, the weight of her command crashing into him. He had spent his entire life trying to be something he wasn't, struggling to suppress the parts of himself that didn't fit the mold of a human hero. But now, the truth was laid bare before him—tempting, terrifying, and undeniably real.
Zack: Embrace being... a mutant?
Jean Grey nodded, her fiery red hair almost glowing against the dark backdrop of the dream.
Jean Grey: Yes. Embrace your heritage, your power. The mutant inside you is your true self, not the mask you've been forced to wear. The world will never understand, but that is their weakness, not yours. You were born to be more than they could ever dream of.
Her words resonated deeply within Zack, striking chords of anger, sadness, and a growing sense of liberation. For so long, he had been confined by the expectations of a world that would never truly accept him. The allure of letting go, of embracing his true nature, was almost too strong to resist.
Zack: But what does that mean for me now? What do I do?
Jean Grey smiled faintly, the warmth of a mother's pride mixed with the steely resolve of a warrior.
Jean Grey: You carve your own path, Zack. Not as a human trying to be something they're not, but as the powerful mutant you were always meant to be. Your journey is just beginning, and you will find your place. You are more than their fears, more than their hate.
Zack looked at her, feeling the weight of her words and the fire within himself beginning to stir, untamed and unapologetic. For the first time, he felt the urge to let go of everything that had held him back, to truly become the person no, the mutant he was meant to be.
Jean Grey: (softly) Let the world fear you if they must. But never again hide who you are.
Zack's eyes snapped open, his breath hitching as he stared at the ceiling of the medical room. The faint glow of Dr. Fate's restraining magic still clung to his body, binding him in place. But the words of his mother Jean Grey echoed in his mind like a powerful incantation, urging him forward.
Zack: (whispering) Yes, mother...
With a sudden surge of energy, the Phoenix Force erupted within him, its fiery aura blazing around his form. The magic restraints cracked and shattered under the immense power, unable to hold back the full force of the Phoenix. Zack stood up, his eyes glowing a brilliant, menacing red as he grinned, his mind set on a new purpose under the influenced by the Dark Phoenix.
Zack: (smirking) Let's cure the world.
As he finished speaking, a dark voice faint and sinister whispered in his ear, feeding his resolve.
Voice: Yes...
Zack wasted no time. He glanced around the medical room, quickly finding a set of civilian clothes stashed nearby. He pulled on a dark hoodie and jeans, blending himself into something unrecognizable, far from the heroic persona of Cyclops that everyone knew. He looked in the mirror, seeing a different person staring back a mutant ready to embrace his power.
Without a moment's hesitation, Zack turned to the wall of the medical room. His eyes flared, and he unleashed a concentrated burst of energy, blowing a massive hole through the thick concrete. Alarms blared throughout the tower as dust and debris filled the room, but Zack didn't care. He stepped through the gaping hole, feeling the cool air against his skin as he looked down at the drop below.
Zack: (grinning) Time to make my mark.
He leapt from the T-Tower, plummeting several stories before landing effortlessly on the ground below, the impact cracking the concrete beneath his feet. Without looking back, Zack sprinted forward, his mind set on escape, on freedom, and on the new path he had chosen.
He could hear the distant shouts of Titans inside the tower, and the sound of the alarms growing more frantic. But he ignored them, his mind drowning out all distractions as he ran faster, disappearing into the city's shadows. The world around him felt different now, not a place he had to conform to, but a canvas for his true power.
Zack: (to himself) They will never see it coming...
Cyborg: So, you're saying Zack is... a survivor from another universe?
Dr. Fate nodded, the gravity of the revelation hanging in the air.
Dr. Fate: Yes precisely. He is the last remnant of a world that no longer exists, and with that comes a unique burden and immense power.
Kid Flash, still processing the information, looked around at his friends.
Kid Flash: So, what does this mean for Zack? For us?
Nightwing's expression hardened as he focused on Dr. Fate.
Nightwing: We need to figure out how to help him and contain this power before it consumes him or puts us all in danger.
Dr. Fate looked at Nightwing with a mixture of respect and caution.
Dr. Fate: That is the challenge before you. The path ahead is fraught with peril, and understanding Zack's true nature is only the first step.
Everyone sat in a heavy silence, processing Dr. Fate's earlier revelation about Zack Summers not belonging to their universe. The Phoenix Force now posed a dangerous threat, and no one knew exactly how to deal with it. As they sat there, Dr. Fate's gaze drifted toward Donna Troy, who sat nervously, her eyes avoiding contact with the others.
Dr. Fate: (seriously) Donna... are you not going to tell them?
Donna stiffened at his words, her fists clenching under the table. Starfire, sitting beside her, furrowed her brow in confusion.
Starfire: (curious) Tell what? What do you mean, tell him what, Donna?
All eyes turned to Wonder Girl, and she felt their collective stares boring into her. She looked at Nightwing for some sort of support, but Nightwing averted his gaze, unwilling to get involved. That simple act made Donna feel even more isolated. She swallowed hard, then turned her gaze toward Dr. Fate, and with a silent nod, gave him permission to reveal her secret.
Dr. Fate: (solemnly) Wonder Girl... Donna Troy... has had a child. A child fathered by Zack Summers.
The room fell into complete shock. The Titans' expressions ranged from disbelief to confusion. Kid Flash, Beast Boy, Cyborg, and Starfire all stared at Donna, eyes wide with surprise.
Starfire: (gasping) What?!
Beast Boy: (stunned) Whoa, hold on, you're saying... Donna and Zack?
Cyborg: (shocked) No way...
Kid Flash looked the most stunned, his eyes darting between Donna and Nightwing, but Donna's glare settled on him.
Wonder Girl: (angrily) Blame Kid Flash for that stupid bet.
Kid Flash: (defensive) Whoa, whoa! Hold on! I didn't know it would lead to this! I mean, it wasn't... I didn't think... you two actually...
Wonder Girl: (snapping) Well, it did, Wally! I ended up pregnant because of that bet, and I've been hiding this for months! You dared him to get with me, remember? You made it a competition, and guess what? One thing led to another, and now I have a son because of it. Robert. He's back home, safe.
The revelation weighed heavy in the room, the awkwardness and shock palpable. Starfire blinked, trying to process everything.
Starfire: (softly) Donna... why didn't you tell us sooner?
Donna sighed, her anger shifting to frustration.
Wonder Girl: I was scared. Zack and I had a short relationship... and then everything went to hell. I didn't want to burden any of you with this, and I especially didn't want Zack to know. I was afraid he'd demand an abortion or... worse. So I left.
Kid Flash: (guilty) I didn't know, Donna... I swear.
The tension was cut abruptly when a blaring alarm echoed throughout the tower, catching everyone off guard. Cyborg immediately rushed over to the computer console, typing rapidly.
Cyborg: (urgently) Oh no... oh no, no, no...
Nightwing: (on edge) What is it?
Cyborg turned around, his face pale with concern.
Cyborg: (grimly) Zack's escaped. He broke out of the medical room. The Phoenix Force... it's unleashed.
Nightwing's face tightened with worry, and the others exchanged nervous glances. The room suddenly felt colder as the realization set in. Zack, with the Phoenix Force, was now on the loose. And no one knew how to stop him.
Nightwing: (determined) Titans... get ready. We're going after him.
Zack Summer influenced by the Dark Phoenix, jogged through the city streets with a sense of dark purpose. His once heroic demeanor had twisted, and the power coursing through him felt intoxicating. As he ran, a voice echoed in his mind, urging him to stop.
Voice: (whispering) Stop my son.
Zack skidded to a halt, the echoing command reverberating in his thoughts. He looked up and saw a dilapidated building, its windows dark and foreboding. Recognition flashed in his eyes as he recalled it being a known mafia gang hideout.
Voice: (commanding) Look up.
He tilted his head back, his eyes narrowing as he remembered what this place was. A slow, chilling laugh bubbled up from his throat, a twisted joy at the thought of the carnage he could unleash.
Zack: (laughing) The mafia... I remember this place.. He he he...
A mafia member standing outside the building eyed Zack warily, his hand inching towards his concealed weapon.
Mafia Member: (gruffly) What the hell are you laughing about, freak?
Zack's crazed laughter stopped abruptly as he turned to look at the man. His teal eyes, glowing faintly with the fire of the Phoenix Force, locked onto the mafia member. For a moment, Zack seemed almost... curious.
Zack: (being stupid) Is this a mafia base? How many of you are inside the building?
The mafia member scoffed, misunderstanding Zack's intent.
Mafia Member: (irritated) What are you talking about? Nobody cares how many of us are in there.
In a swift, brutal motion, Zack shoved the mafia member to the ground, his foot coming down with deadly force on the man's head, ending his life instantly. The sickening crunch was drowned out by Zack's dark look.
Zack: (darkly) He he he... Wrong answer...
Without hesitation, Zack stormed into the building, his laughter echoing off the walls. Inside, the dimly lit interior was filled with armed men, all turning towards the intruder with confusion.
Zack: (grinning) Let's see how many of you are left to play with?
Nightwing: (urgently) We need to figure out how to stop Zack. This Dark Phoenix entity inside him... it's out of control. We can't let him continue down this path. He's going to end up hurting innocent people!
Raven's eyes remained closed, but her brow furrowed in concentration as she tried to sense any psychic disturbances related to Zack.
Raven: (calmly) The energy around him is chaotic and destructive. We need to find a way to neutralize the Dark Phoenix's influence before it's too late.
Beast Boy: (anxiously) We're talking about someone who was once our friend. What if we can't reach him? What if... what if we're too late?
Kid Flash: (determined) We can't think like that. We need to act now. Zack was a hero once. There has to be a way to bring him back.
Starfire: (concerned) What if we use our combined powers to create a containment field? Something strong enough to suppress his abilities?
Just then, Cyborg's voice cut through the room, startling everyone.
Cyborg: (urgent) Guys, you need to see this!
He pointed to the large screen embedded in the wall. The feed showed chaotic footage of a building being torn apart by intense flames. The camera angle shifted, and the Titans saw the mafia building, now a burning wreckage.
Wonder Girl: (horrified) It's... it's Zack! He destroy the mafia building!
Nightwing's face turned ashen as he watched the destruction unfold. His pacing ceased, replaced by a look of grim determination.
Nightwing: (resolutely) He's gone too far. We have to stop him before he causes more damage. But we need a plan something to contain him without hurting him. We can't lose him completely.
Raven opened her eyes, her gaze focused and resolute.
Raven: (determined) I can create a psychic shield to block out the Dark Phoenix's influence, but it will require immense concentration and could be risky. We'll need to get close enough to him to use it.
Cyborg nodded, his mechanical eyes analyzing the situation.
Cyborg: (strategically) We'll need a distraction to get close. Starfire, Wonder Girl, and Beast Boy can create a diversion. Kid Flash and I will be in charge of delivering Raven to the site. It's a risky move, but it's our best shot.
As Dr. Fate concluded his cryptic warning, he glanced at Nightwing, his voice calm yet urgent.
Dr. Fate: I will leave this in your hands now, Nightwing.
With that, he vanished, leaving the Titans alone in the meeting room, tension thick in the air. Nightwing, ever the leader, took a deep breath and began to rally his team.
Nightwing: Alright, Titans. Let's move. We need to-
Suddenly, the room was engulfed in a blazing light as flames erupted near the entrance. From within the inferno, Zack Summers now a vessel for the Dark Phoenix emerged. His aura radiated an immense power that made even the bravest among them falter. His eyes, glowing with Phoenix fire, locked onto the team as he smirked.
Zack: Where do you think you're going?
Nightwing stepped forward, attempting to remain calm as his best friend stood before him, now an unstoppable force.
Nightwing: (cautiously) Phoenix, stop. You've possessed an innocent man. But you can still do the right thing. Let him go.
Zack's grin faltered for a second, confusion flickering across his face. He tilted his head, narrowing his eyes at Nightwing.
Zack: (coldly) What do you mean possessed? I'm not... possessed, Dick.
The Titans looked between each other, the gravity of Zack's words settling in. He truly believed he was in control. Zack took a step forward, his voice sharp.
Zack: (angry) And why should I believe you? What am I to you?
Nightwing's expression softened as he took a deep breath, fighting to hold back his emotions. His voice trembled slightly, but his conviction was clear.
Nightwing: (sincerely) You're... my best friend, Zack.
Zack's eyes dropped to the floor, as if considering Nightwing's words. For a moment, it seemed like the old Zack was still there, beneath the Phoenix's influence. But then, his eyes ignited once more, a twisted smile spreading across his face.
Zack: (darkly) Is that so? Not for long.
Nightwing's eyes widened, realizing too late what Zack was about to do.
Nightwing: Wait... What do you mean?
Before anyone could react, Zack raised his hand and opened a swirling flame portal. With a swift movement, he pushed Nightwing into it. The rest of the Titans stood frozen in shock, Kid Flash the first to break the silence.
Kid Flash: (yelling) DICK!
He darted toward the portal, but it was too late Nightwing had already vanished.
Zack's laughter filled the room, chilling everyone to the core. One by one, he turned his gaze to the remaining Titans.
Zack: (mocking) Don't worry. You'll all get your turn.
With a flick of his wrist, more flame portals appeared, surrounding the Titans. In a desperate attempt to escape, Kid Flash sped toward Zack, but was immediately caught by another portal, disappearing before anyone could stop it.
Kid Flash: (panicked) N-!
Raven, Starfire, Beast Boy, and Cyborg were next, each trying to fight back, but Zack was too strong. He easily overpowered them, sending each Titan into a separate portal, scattering them across unknown universes. One by one, they fell, until only Wonder Girl remained.
Zack: (softly) Donna...
Wonder Girl's fists clenched as she glared at Zack, her heart pounding. But before she could move, a portal engulfed her as well, and she vanished, leaving Zack standing alone in the empty room, the remnants of his former friends scattered across the multiverse.
.
.
.
Nightwing felt the overwhelming pull of the portal yanking him through a chaotic void, his senses spinning as the world twisted around him.
Nightwing: Oh my goooood, whaaatttt's happeeennninnng to meeee!!
His voice was lost in the whirlwind, the sensation of his body distorting as dizziness overtook him. He could barely think until, finally, he was spat out into a crumbling, abandoned building. Stumbling to his feet, his head spinning, Nightwing leaned over and vomited.
Nightwing: Ugh... never... doing that again.
He wiped his mouth, trying to get his bearings. The building looked like an old, ruined company headquarters dust and debris scattered everywhere, broken windows allowing the wind to howl through the place. As Nightwing cautiously walked forward, something caught his eye.
Nightwing: What... what is that?
He squinted, trying to make out the figure in the shadows. His heart raced as he heard a voice, distorted but unmistakably familiar.
Voice: (distorted) Heeelllooo, AnYboDY TheRe?!
Nightwing: (whispering) Zack? Is that you?
The figure stepped out into the dim light, and Nightwing's eyes widened in horror.
Nightwing: (gasping) Oh my god... Zack?
Standing before him, in a tattered, classic blue suit, was Zack no, not Zack, but a zombified Cyclops. His flesh was decayed, his right side exposed down to the ribs, but the iconic visor was still there. The undead Cyclops slowly raised two fingers toward his visor, preparing to fire.
Zombie Cyclops: HeElLOo DICKHeAd!?
Nightwing was frozen for a second, staring at the grotesque sight of his friend in such a horrific state. Before he could react, the zombie was kicked violently from the side by a figure emerging from the shadows a dark-clad female hero, moving with precision.
Nightwing: (startled) Uh, who the hell are you?
The woman, clad in a dark suit and cowl, looked back at him with fierce eyes.
???: Come with me if you want to live.
Nightwing, too shocked to argue, nodded quickly.
Nightwing: (hurriedly) Okay, okay!
They both started running, with Zombie Cyclops groaning as he tried to pull himself back together. As they sprinted through the crumbling corridors, Nightwing glanced over at his mysterious savior.
Nightwing: (panting) Who are you?
The dark hero glanced over her shoulder before responding, her voice low and controlled.
Batgirl: Cassandra Cain. I'm Batgirl
Batgirl: (interrupting) And that zombie that almost ate you? He was my ex-husband.
Nightwing: (incredulous) Ex-husband? You've got to be kidding me...
Batgirl: Long story. Keep running.