Sins, Sirens and Strife

By Michael Weyer

Shazam was tapping a foot in nervousness as he was aware of the looks being thrown his way. "This is why I never wanted to tell anyone," he spoke to Thor. "I knew they'd treat me differently."

"I know the feeling," Jane told him. "I get looks whenever I attend a conference and almost no one actually paying attention to a lecture. People thinking I'm some sort of deity now. It's hard to be taken seriously." She rolled her eyes. "Don't get me started on the idiots claiming I somehow "stole Thor's thunder" and think that's clever."

"Thanks," Shazam said with a smile. "It's just so weird, the instant change and shifting back and forth. I'll spare you a lot of the details…"

"And I deeply thank you for that."

"But let's just say going through puberty and back with a single word is not the best way to cope with high school."

Sif mused as she studied him then leaned in to whisper to Thor. "Maybe it's just me but…doesn't he remind you a bit of Fandral?"

Thor frowned as he looked at the man. "Hmm….darker hair, no beard but…you're right." He smiled. "Although Fandral was a tad more successful with the ladies." Sif had to chuckle in agreement.

"All right, I think I have something," Cyborg announced. He was standing before the main holographic table with his red eye focusing on the data flowing through his database search. "According to some older records, there was a major archeological find in Kahndaq in 2001. A temple believed to have been buried about 3600 years ago."

The rest of the heroes watched as the hologram showed the image of a half-buried temple in the desert, its rocky exterior battered by the elements. "What's Kahndaq?" Darcy asked. "I'm not sure we have that one in our world."

"A small nation situated between Egypt and Israel," Superman answered.

Jane winced. "Ouch. If the relations between those two are like they are on our Earth, it can't be nice for Kahndaq."

"It's not," Superman confirmed. "The country suffered a lot thanks to the Six Day War and other conflicts. It's doing a bit better today but its status is still pretty uncertain thanks to the issues of the area."

"According to legend, it was once the major powerhouse in that region," Cyborg stated. "It's hard to tell for sure thanks to how records and legends mix up a bit too much but something happened that changed things."

Batman examined the temple. "What did they find inside?"

"Not much," Cyborg answered. "But not for lack of trying. They did find a codex of some sort and evidence of other treasures. Before they could look further, the entire area was hit by a freak sandstorm out of nowhere. Then six members of the crew took ill from a disease that should have been eradicated centuries ago. The head of the team ended up being killed in a plane crash, his aides drowned when their boat home sank and the locals decided to just give the place a wide berth."

The Flash winced. "Ouch. I've seen enough Indiana Jones movies to know a curse when I see it."

Thor nodded. "Aye. Some deities could be harsh protecting a resting chamber." He paused before rubbing his chin. "Or a prison."

Diana's eyes widened in understanding. "The defenses, the curses…they're not meant to keep people out. They're meant to keep something inside."

Batman seemed dubious. "Magic curses for a prison? Seems a bit hard to accept."

"Only if you can't do it," Jane stated.

"I believe in what I can see and judge."

"You have Sherlock Holmes on your world?" At Batman's nod, Jane continued. "Then he says the same thing. Once you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." She sighed. "The problem with that is that too few people are able to tell the difference between what is impossible and what they believe impossible."

She waved at herself. "If you'd told me five years ago, I'd be wielding a magical hammer I'd have said it was impossible. The world has a way of opening your eyes up more."

Cyborg was looking back at the screen. "The tomb's been cut off from visits ever since. There's a belief that Codex might have some clues but no one has been able to translate it."

"Maybe we can," Valkyrie stated. "Between Asgard and places I've been to, our language grasp is much wider."

"That means we have to find who took it," Superman sighed. "That could take a while."

"No." Batman's jaw was set. "I know where to look for it."

St. Roch, Louisiana

It was quiet at this time of night with the museum long closed. Only a few security guards were about, all of whom were busy either reading a magazine, doing slow walks or playing cards in the main control room. They were used to the museum's recently upgraded security system to do all the work for them. Which was just what the figure slowly sliding down from the ceiling was counting on.

Her body was clad in a tight dark suit, mostly black with shades of purple to it as well. Her boots were high-heeled yet somehow also conventional for her. Her head was covered by a tight cowl with a mask over her face yet did little to hide her gorgeous features. Long black hair cascaded out from under the cowl as she hovered a few feet over a glass case in the middle of the display room.

Carefully, the woman touched a finger to her mask. The goggles over her eyes activated, allowing her to see the infrared lasers criss-crossing the display area. The woman reached to her belt to remove a small device. She held it up as she hit the button on it and watched as the lasers shut off. She lowered herself down on the rappelling line until she was just over the case. Reaching down, the woman touched one of the sharp claws of her glove onto the case. She made a slow circle as the diamond laser tip cut through the glass.

Reaching inside, the woman lifted up the bright red ruby resting inside the case. She tested the weight in her hand, taking a moment to admire it. She then moved to place it into her belt pouch as she prepared to lift herself back up…

"The Eye of Bast. You just couldn't pass it up, could you, Selina?"

At the familiar voice, Selina Kyle twisted in place. She saw Batman standing in the museum chamber, his arms crossed. Superman and the Flash were at his side, the latter unable not to admire Catwoman a bit.

She let out a tired sigh. "Really, Batman? I thought we had a deal when I left Gotham?"

"You haven't hurt anyone so I haven't had to come after you." Batman focused on her. "I thought you were in Europe."

"Ah, I do enjoy stateside now and then." Catwoman appeared utterly nonchalant as if having a conversation while hanging upside down in the middle of a robbery was a normal occurrence.

"Just come down now, Selina," Batman stated.

"Hmmm….No." Catwoman hit her belt to send her speeding up the tether line to the ceiling. In a blur, Superman had cut the line down. In an expert somersault, Catwoman landed right on her feet on the floor. She had already pulled a whip from her belt and was sending it flying in a low angle on the ground. She timed it perfectly as the Flash was racing forward and tripped onto the whip.

Before Catwoman could move, there was a flash as she felt her arms pinned to the sides. Wonder Woman strode out, her lasso wrapped around Catwoman. She glared at the Amazon before looking to Batman. "If you wanted to talk, I do have a phone. You didn't have to bring in your super-friends."

Batman moved toward her. "The Inarmi Codex. You stole it from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo two years ago."

"I did and it was actually easy, the security in that place was a joke." Catwoman blinked before glaring at Wonder Woman. "All right, really, me and Batman have a wonderful banter going with me avoiding his questions and playing hard to get and you're ruining it by making me tell the truth."

"Where is it?" Batman snapped.

"I sold it."

"To who?"

Catwoman shrugged. "You know me, Bat. I work through various secondaries, I never know the real client. Better for both of us. Did fetch a nice price for it."

Batman glared. "You know where though. You don't give up that easily, Selina."

She mused over it. "I have a good idea…" She looked to Wonder Woman. "Really, you can lose this thing now."

Diana smirked. "I think it's best to keep you…"

In only a few seconds, Catwoman had twisted her body, given herself a jump and slid right out of the lasso. Diana blinked in amazement as Catwoman stretched out. "Ah, much better." She smirked at Wonder Woman. "Sorry, hon but I've been tied up much better by tougher people." She gave a sly wink to Batman.

The Flash was leaning to look at him. "Dude, are you blushing?"

"No," he snarled.

"Really, cause I'm pretty sure…"

"Flash!" Batman glared at Selina. "We need that information, Selina."

"Oh? Planning a theft?" She smiled. "Because if so…I want in."

Diana stared at her. "We caught you red-handed stealing a priceless gem and you are offering to steal again?"

Catwoman shrugged. "Gal's gotta eat, Princess." She looked to Batman. "Come on…be like old times…"

He just glared at her as she shrugged. "You want my help…."

Batman glared at her before nodding. "Fine. Leave the Eye behind."

She pouted at him. "But I had the perfect spot at my villa in France for it…"

Superman frowned. "Batman? Where are we going…"

"Oh, please, I've known who Bruce is for a long time," Catwoman smirked. "And it's been way too long since I was in Gotham." She began to saunter forward. "I assume the security guards have given you the okay here. Upgraded the car or are we flying?" She smiled at Superman. "I wouldn't mind being carried in your arms, handsome."

Superman just looked at Batman. "You have the most interesting friends…"

Khanduq's palace was a lavish building, the single property worth more than half the city combined. Whereas most of the city was full of hovels and markets, the palace was made as elegant as any building in a far more developed country. The flags of the nation flew from banners as soldiers patrolled the area. The occasional passerby would give a harsh look but then move on. The last attempt to form some sort of protest to the harsh ruling class had ended in mass bloodshed.

In his main office, Asim Muhunnad sat in the lavish area. He was a fat man whose tight military uniform boasted scores of medals that were completely unearned. His office was packed with several items of gold and expensive art including a huge portrait of himself on the wall. He was leaning back as he observed his staff. "What of the latest deals with Biyala?"

"We have managed to earn a substantial return on our latest drug smuggling," one aide said. "Combined with the arms sales abroad and we should be making a good profit."

"Excellent," Asim stated with his oily smile. "Anything else?"

"Another complaint from the U.N.," another aide stated in a bored tone. "About our refusal to aid the refugees of the flood last year."

"Tell them our infrastructure is too damaged at this time," Asim said as he lit up a $200 cigar. "And let me see the latest models of Ferrari. I feel like one in gold this year…"

Before anyone could reply, a loud ruckus emerged from outside. Loud screams were heard along with the sounds of gunfire. Everyone was rising up just as the doors to the office burst off their hinges. Striding into the room was a powerfully built man in a nearly black uniform with a golden lightning bolt on his chest and a sash at his waist. Behind him, a soldier opened fire with a machine gun with the man treating it as if it as a mosquito bite. He grabbed a nearby globe and tossed it behind him to send the soldier flying back.

The man turned back to face the stunned group. "This…is what has become of my home?" he hissed in a voice filled with rage. "What was once the center of a dynasty has now become some…some pathetic downtrodden hive overseen by greedy jackals?"

One general was rising up. "Who are you to…"

Without hesitation, Black Adam threw out a punch, his fist bursting right out of the general's back. Everyone else leapt back in shock and horror as the man's body fell. Black Adam gazed hard at Asim, who cowered back in his chair. "You have lived off the backs of the populace of this nation. You claim to be their leader but you have no concept what such a role demands." His eyes narrowed. "It is time Khanduq finally took its rightful place in the world."

His eyes narrowed at the men before him. "A shame you will not be there to see it."

The screams of the men in the room could be heard by what few people remained alive in the palace.

As soon as the gorgeous woman in the leather-clad outfit sauntered into the meeting room, Valkyrie's eyes widened. "I may just move to this Earth."

Darcy mused. "I don't know. All these leather outfits aren't as much a turn-on as I thought they'd be."

Batman nodded to her. "This is Selina Kyle aka Catwoman. As much as I hate to admit it, there's no better thief alive on the planet."

"Awwww, you always knew how to say the sweetest things," Catwoman smirked as she lounged into a cushioned chair with her heeled boots up. She looked to the older man and smiled. "Alfred! Good to see you again!"

"Ms. Kyle." Alfred actually had a small smile on his face. "It has been too long. Sherry?"

"Thank you."

Batman gave Alfred a hard look as he shrugged. "It's been a while since we had some decent female company in this house. Aside from Ms Diana."

"She's a thief, Alfred. She's dangerous and I sometimes wonder about her sanity."

"Of course sir, you are in the best position to judge someone else's mental stability." Alfred walked off without enjoying the smirks most in the room were throwing at Batman.

Darcy smiled at Jane. "I am so glad I came on this job."

A beeping sound came over the communicators. Cyborg patched in to show a collage of various news feeds. Each was dominated by the same image of Black Adam floating above a sea of onlookers in the main square of Khanduq. In his hand he clutched a struggling Asim, the man's uniform stained with blood. "I am Teth-Adam," he began in a bold voice. "Thousands of years ago, this was my land, my home. I took harsh measures but that was the time. I did what it took to make Khanduq a land of peace and prosperity. That prosperity has been long lost…but will now be reclaimed."

He held up Asim. "This man has harmed and exploited the people of this land for long enough. From this day forth, Khanduq will once more stand tall." His eyes narrowed. "And woe to anyone who tries to stop me."

He let his hand open to allow Asim to drop into the square. The man barely had time to gasp before he found himself surrounded by the people he had brutally treated. "You are not worth staining my hands with," Adam snapped, his arms crossed. "They shall see to your judgement."

Asim looked up in terror, recognizing the looks of many who had lost loved ones to his death squads, his stravations and more. His screams echoed as they descended on him in a wave of righteous anger.

Adam gazed back at the cameras focusing on him. "I am now the ruler of this land. It shall become a jewel of this part of the world." His eyes narrowed. "And any attempt to stop me…shall be met with strict reprisals."

The image went dark as newscasters buzzed over this. "Damn," Flash whispered. "Who the hell is this guy?"

Batman looked to Shazam. "His uniform looks like yours."

Shazam slowly nodded. "The Wizard told me he and his buddies gave powers to a guy long ago but he was corrupted by them. I think that might be him."

Batman looked to Selina. "We need that Codex, Selina, to find out more about him."

"What about this Adam?" Thor pressed. "We can't just let someone like that take over a country."

Aquaman snorted. "Did you see the way those folks tore Asim apart? Trust me, right now, Adam isn't a conqueror, he's their hero."

"Plus, we don't just go in overthrowing people and installing our will on nations," Green Lantern stated. "One of my Corps, Sinestro, did that and it turned him into a dictator in no time."

"We still have to handle him," Superman stated. "The situation is unstable as it is without a rogue powerhouse like him adding to the fire."

Black Adam tossed aside a bloodied corpse as he examined a map on the side of the office. "Hmm…the world has changed much in the last few thousand years."

"Tell me about it," Circe agreed. She sipped from a glass of champagne as she lounged in a nearby couch., not seeming to mind the decapitated body nearby. "Far too many countries to keep a tight eye on. We really need to lock down control better in the future."

Sivana was less than impressed by the banter between them. He also admitted to being more troubled than he expected at the condition of teh room. "Do we really have the time to waste indulging in some power play?"

"Sivana is correct," Mister Mind declared from his place on the edge of the table. "The reaction to this little coup is going to be swift and bring those heroes back upon us."

Adam sniffed. "I have defeated armies before."

"Today, we have these little things called nukes," Sivana dryly stated. "Not to mention the Justice League."

Black Adam waved a hand. "I shall handle them."

"Best not to be overconfident," Mind stated. "You have been trapped for several millennia."

Ibac was gulping on a drink as he shook his head. "Where's blondie anyway?"

"She had something to handle before joining us," Circe stated.

Ibac shook his head. "We should be keeping an eye on her."

"I'm sure you would," Circe dryly stated. "The adults are talking, please."

"Hey, I may not be a big brain but I've got the sense to know when someone's playing me! And she's doing it to all of you!"

Adam glared at him. "I am never 'played'."

"And I manipulate others, not the other way around," Mind stated.

Ibac threw up his hands. "Have none you watched Wild Things?" Four blank stares met him. "1998 movie, really a classic. Four con artists working a scam and the key thing is that three of them each think they're the one who knows the real deal, which is double-crossing the other two for the score. What none of them realize is that the fourth member is playing them off each other, letting them think they're in charge and then screwing them all over in the end."

"What are you saying?" Adam pressed.

Ibac pointed at him, then Sivana and then Circe. "You're Matt Dillon, he's Kevin Bacon, she's Denise Richards but guess what? None of you are Neve Campbell and she's the one who sails off with the money."

"We don't care about money," Circe snapped.

"I know," Ibac fired back. "You each want some power of some sort. Question is, what does Enchantress want? And why is she so eager to use all of us to get it?"

Everyone took in his words before Mind spoke up. "As much as it pains me to say this…I do think this thick-headed ape actually has a good point."

Circe sipped her wine. "I'm inclined to agree."

Ibac shrugged. "Look, she gave me the power but trusting this woman? Forget it."

A cloud of green smoke emerged to show Amora with Balder at her side. "Sorry for the delay," she announced. "I had to get some extra ingredients for my plan."

"And here I was thinking you were just taking some…personal time," Circe said, eyeing Balder.

"Mammals," Mind snorted. "No matter your power, you are still overcome by your petty emotions and needs. Even Adam here."

Adam glared at him. "Do not press me, worm or you shall be crushed like the insect you are."

"Easy, boys," Amora said. She frowned at Mind. "It is 'boy' right? I know you call yourself Mister but still…"

"Amora," Circe cut in. "The plan?"

"Right." Amora moved to the map and pointed to what appeared to be an empty spot in the Pacific Ocean. "Under a variety of cloaking spells and its actual location moving is a lovely little island called Themyscira, home to the Amazons. A race of warrior ladies I do believe Circe is well acquainted with."

Circe scowled. "If the plan involves razing that place into the sea, then I'm all for it."

"It will," Amora promised. "However, there is also a power source on that island, one that can benefit all of us." She faced them with a smile. "The Purple Ray."

Circe's eyes lit up. "Ah, I should have known."

"The what?" Mind asked.

"That's what the Amazons call it," Amora stated. "Orgone energy is another name for it. An amazing source of power to manipulate cells at their atomic level." She snorted. "Those Amazons….they claim to be warriors and they waste it on healing others. A source of energy that can easily be used for other purposes."

"Just what do you get out of it?" Sivana pressed. "With respect, madam, I have learned the hard way about putting my trust in others. Especially those with clearly dark intentions. I'm not fooling myself into thinking this is an equal partnership but I don't like being kept in the dark."

"I am forced to agree with Sivana," Mind put in. "I have my own plans and while aiding you can help me achieve my goals, I will not stand for being used."

"Nor I," Adam agreed, glaring at Armora. He nodded to Balder. "Unlike your bodyguard, I do not follow you out of infatuation, woman. I follow no one."

She looked to Circe, who shrugged. "Sorry, dear, but you don't have the best reputation for being trustworthy. And this is coming from me."

Amora sighed. "Very well. I am planning my return to my own dimension. I had hoped that the power of the Purple Ray would aid me in finally taking over Asgard. Seeing as how Asgard no longer exists, as I have just confirmed with some scyring, I will be altering said plans to find another world that can accept me as their queen."

Circe sniffed. "Really, Amora? That's what this all adds up to? Getting your own throne?"

"I'm sorry and just what do you plan on doing?" Amora snapped. "Retire to a beach house?" She looked to Mind. "Get back to whatever planet you came from?" She waved to Adam. "He has his homeland and power. I want mine."

Circe narrowed her eyes. "Just be sure you don't screw the rest of us over getting it, dear Amora. I'd hate to have to punish you after all we've been through."

"I'll bear that in mind," Amora stated. She looked to the others. "If anyone else has any objections, I'll listen."

"What of the Justice League?" Sivana pressed. "And the heroes from your world?"

"i have plans for that," Amora stated. She looked to the map with a smile. "Let's go ravage Paradise."

It took Thor and Jane a few moments to realize they hated Gotham City.

There was something about this place that just screamed out an area of danger. There was grime, there was filth and even the architecture seemed to be designed to drive someone mad. That was the downtown area. It was even worse in the slums and the rough neighborhood Catwoman led the group to which was called the Narrows.

To their surprise, the actual loft was rather upscale behind its door, featuring some nice carpeting and more than a few expensive paintings and decorations about. As soon as Selina entered, a half dozen cats of various kinds came up to her, letting out meows. "Sorry it took so long, sweeties," Catwoman said, taking time to stroke a few of the cats in turn. "I promise, it won't be as bad in the future."

She moved to the nearby kitchen and emerged with a bowl of food in one hand and a saucer of milk in the other. She put each down as the cats converged. "I guess Holly was delayed checking in on you."

Wonder Woman observed her with great interest. "You truly love these animals, don't you?"

Selina shrugged. "They're better than most people. Especially in this city." She looked to Batman who was simply glaring at her. "I suppose it's too much to ask you just turn around so you don't see my safe."

"I know where it is."

"And I know you know which is why I moved it."

"I know where."

"Ah, which is why I moved it again."

Thor frowned to Jane. "If this is what passes as flirtation on this world, I am rather concerned on the future of this species." Jane had to nod at that.

Finally rolling her eyes, Selina moved to a nearby painting of a pack of kittens on a lovely rug. She pulled it back to reveal a safe with a keypad and two classic locks. In a few moments, Selina had it opened to pull out a thick volume. "The Codex," she said, holding it up then pulling it back just before Batman could take it. "Ah, ah. We still haven't discussed payment."

"We don't throw you in jail," Wonder Woman stated. "That works well."

Catwoman looked her over. "You don't like me much, do you? And not just because you have issues with feline-themed villainesses."

"You're a criminal."

"We can't all be princesses."

"You have amazing talent and intellect. Surely you could make more of yourself."

Catwoman snorted. "This is Gotham, Princess. Just surviving is making something of yourself." She looked Diana over. "How long since you actually walked among normal people? I see you on TV doing charity stuff and visiting areas but when was the last time you put the hair up and tried to be a normal person."

"To be fair," Thor stated. "It is a bit harder for one such as her to simply 'mingle.' Jane and I have that difficulty on our world."

"Or it could be you don't want to," Selina fired back. "You can go ahead and judge me all you want but you haven't lived like I have, any of you. I do what I do to survive." She shrugged. "Bats can understand that as much as he'll deny it."

Jane raised an eyebrow. "Really? The man who grew up in wealth and luxury knows a hard life?"

Selina looked at her in a hard tone. "Do you know why he does it? Why he's spent two decades risking his life every night?" She looked at Batman who was merely staring grimly at her. "If he doesn't want to tell, that's his choice. Trust me, he's been driven by stuff a lot tougher than what you have." She looked to Wonder Woman. "Just because we're women, don't think we're on the same side, Princess. You don't judge me until you've walked where I have."

Diana looked at her for a long moment before glancing to Batman. "You two really must have gotten along well."

Selina smiled. "You have no idea…"

"Selina," Batman snapped. "The Codex." She stared at him and he sighed. "Please."

Diana just stared as Selina handed the book over. "Please? You just said 'please'? To her?"

Selina winked. "Maybe I just have the right touch…"

Jane leaned in toward Thor. "I really am afraid to imagine what internet dating is like in this world."

"So how is internet dating in this world?" Valkyrie asked Flash.

The younger man shrugged. "Not too bad, I guess. I've been a bit too busy to handle it."

She frowned at him. "You can move at the speed of sound."

"Yet, I still don't have enough time on my hands. Ironic, I know."

"I see this world also has bad definitions of irony." Valkyrie shrugged. "I do wonder if I should try to get myself out there more. I just don't seem to connect to people."

The Flash looked over her armored form with the large sword at her back and how she was downing her third straight bottle of wine. "I can't imagine why."

There was a crack of thunder outside and moments later, Batman, Catwoman, Thor and Jane entered the manor. Batman was holding the Codex up to Cyborg. "Here. Get cracking." Cyborg nodded as he took the book and started scanning it into the database.

"Ya know, you can get further with a kind word than a bad attitude," Darcy noted. Batman just fixed her with that glare that once more made her step back. Cyborg was ignoring her to enter the Codex into the database. The holographic projector showcased the various writings as Cyborg worked away. "Running it through various translation programs now, hope to be able to crack it. Languages are like any other code, just need to find the right key."

Thor was looking at the pages with some interest. "Hmmm...This does look somewhat familiar. My mother did her best to teach me on languages in my youth." He sighed. "Sadly, I had little patience for it then. Whereas Loki absorbed it easily. Yet another mistake I wish I had avoided."

"That's how it is," Arthur agreed. "You blow off this stuff in your youth and find out too late it could have been important down the line."

Darcy blinked. "Wow. I no longer feel as terrible sleeping through my home ec courses."

Diana's eyes narrowed as she saw one page. "Wait...that mentions Themyscira."

"You mean the island full of women who are just as gorgeous and warrior capable as you are?" Valkyrie's eyes went wide. "What's that expression Darcy taught me...Dibs!"

"Atta girl!" Darcy called out.

Diana was focused on the words. "They mention the Purple Ray...a healing device we've long utilized on the island...The power it contains…"

"Power that can be misused," Batman noted.

"We have to get over there," Green Lantern pressed.

Diana shook her head. "Themyscira is specially protected against outsiders." She glanced at Thor. "I doubt your hammers could manage to break through to it."

A beeping sound echoed and Cyborg pulled up the scanners. "We've got something coming at high speed toward Metropolis. Scanners are reading level 8 power levels."

"Adam," Superman snapped. He was already moving with Shazam right behind him. In a blur, both were gone as Batman shook his head. "We need to get…"

Another alert blared as Cyborg checked the holographic map. "Another hit in Norway, energy readout is like Amora."

Thor clutched his hammer. "That one is going to be ours."

"Dividing us up is not a smart move," Green Lantern argued.

"No, but it can help us," Batman mused. "We can handle another plan, one that can deal with this threat fast."

"Which is?"

"I'll let you know when it's finished."

Jane frowned. "I don't want to jump into things without preparation."

"But it is necessary," Thor stated. "Once more, Amora is our responsibility."

"And my home will be mine," Diana declared.

"Not alone," Aquaman stated. He smiled softly. "I've got someone who can help there fast."

It took just moments for Superman and Shazam to reach Metropolis. Already, the people were running off from the black-garbed figure floating in mid-air. Adam turned his head to observe them, cocking an eyebrow. "So...the new champion." He looked over Shazam and snorted. "I can see past your cloak, child. Really? You are the best the Wizard could choose?"

Shazam set his jaw. "At least I'm not taking over a country."

"I am reclaiming my homeland," Adam snapped. He looked to Superman. "I was told you are something of a champion to this world as well. Which makes you a threat."

Superman crossed his arms. "I don't want to fight you...But I will if I have to."

"Guess what? You have to." With that, Adam flew ahead to smash his fists into Superman's chest. He was flung back as Shazam flew back in to attack Adam, who caught the blows easily. Soon, the air around Metropolis was filled with the sounds of fists striking like thunder.

As soon as the light of the teleportation faded, Thor, Jane, Sif and Valkyrie were ready. They saw Amora standing before them with Balder at her side. Her face had that damnable smirk as she looked them over. She stood in the middle of the field overlooking the ocean, the skies seeming to darken around them. "A lovely spot, wouldn't you agree? This world may not connect to Asgard but it shares some of the history we know."

Thor's grasp on his axe tightened. "I am swiftly losing my patience with you, Amora."

"Not that you ever had any," she snorted. "At least Loki could listen."

"Just why are you here?" Sif demanded.

"Ah, Sif. So sorry to hear about the Warriors Three, a rather sad ending to such a noble trio." Sif's face set in anger.

Amora cocked her head as a rumble came over the ground. "Ah. There we are." Without warning, the rocks before her erupted outward to showcase a massive pack of figures. They appeared to be garbed in old-styled armor and helmets, many still clutching swords and axes. They all were skeletal figures with almost no skin left to them who gazed out with nearly empty eyes.

Amora grinned wide. "It appears this world has its own Viking dead. Which can be used as a fine army." She pointed as the forces moved in on the Asgardians, who steeled themselves for battle.

The lightning was flashing in the skies as the Amazon warriors rode to the beaches of the island. Regal in her armor, Queen Hippolyta reined in her horse as she gazed at the skies. "This is foul sorcery at work," she muttered to her aide.

At her side, a gorgeous red-haired warrior was tense. Her uniform was a bit different than the others with a layer of green leather. "The Oracles appeared to be right, my Queen."

"I fear so, Artemis," Hippolyta noted. She was about to speak more when a cloud of purple smoke materialized before her. It faded to show Circe, a wicked smirk on her face as she took in the Amazons. "Hippolyta. I see the tides of time have been kind…" She made a show of looking closer. "Oh, wait, I can see the tides of time have smacked you around quite a bit."

"Circe," Hippolyta hissed. Behind her, the Amazons were quick to raise up swords, spears and bows with arrows. "You dare intrude upon our lands?"

"Oh, I dare more than that, Queen," Circe said in a mocking tone. "Now, I can act like if you simply give up the Purple Ray, I will leave you in peace. But we both know that's not true." Her eyes narrowed. "You locked me away for millennia, you Amazon bitch. Now, it's time to pay the piper."

She threw her hands outward, the Amazons instinctively moving to attack. Blasts of lightning raked over the skies as the Amazons moved back. It looked as if the skies were tearing up as Circe changed in a language long dead. From the tears came a pack of winged monsters who flew outward and seemed ready to charge down at the Amazons.

Circe grinned brightly at them. "Oh, you have no idea how I have waited for this, Hippolyta. To finally tear your beloved paradise down around you and get the power I deserve." She smirked. "Where are your Gods and Goddesses now?"

A blast of cannon fire ripped out to strike her from behind. Circe let out a loud gasp as she was sent sailing back and into a nearby rocky pile. She shook her head as she looked up to see a large submarine of a strange design rise up from the ocean. Exiting from a ramp at the front was a beautiful blonde-haired woman in a suit of white armor.

"Queen Hippolyta?" she called out. "Queen Atlanna, mother of King Orin. On behalf of Atlantis, we stand at your side."

"Well met, Atlanna," Hippolyta said with a smile. She looked up to see the wave of creatures racing toward the island and then threw a grin at her counterpart. "Come. Let us show them how queens make war."

For the Catwoman casting, who else but Jennifer Garner.

And yes, Ibac, Sivina and Mind are up to something as well. Again, all comments welcomed and hopefully more soon. And feel free to update the TV Tropes page to boot.