"So where the hell are we and why are we here?" Supergirl's question is blunt and clearly echoes the concerns of the group. Seated on the rich grass in the midst of a refreshing morning freeze, the girls discuss their current predicament. Missing many pertinent facts, they are reduced to much conjecture and theory in devising a strategy.

"While you two slept, I discovered something that's both odd and disturbing." Batgirl begins. "I can no longer read or write! Several items in my belt have writing on them ... ingredients, instructions, etc.. I know the language is English, yet the words are nothing but gibberish to me." Diana and Kara verify that they too have lost their ability to read and write.

Batgirl pulls a sheet of heavy-duty writing paper out of her belt pack. "Phranyx apparently sent this along with us." Babs notes. It contains text which none of the heroines can decipher. "I think this was intended to be a guide of some kind." the Gotham City native theorizes. "Yeah sure!" Supergirl contests. "More likely, it's that creep's newest set of rules for his sick, twisted game he's playing with us!"

"Not necessarily ladies." Gordon responds. She recognizes that Wonder Woman seems to have drawn the same conclusion as Kara. "My last encounter with Phranyx was a bit different than either of yours. He reluctantly divulged some information to me during our battle. Somehow, I also want to believe he imparted additional thoughts in the interim between our captures and exile to this nightmarish place."

"Frankly, I must confess that I have no recollection of any such meeting of the minds." Diana observes. Supergirl seconds the Amazon's statement. "If Phranyx did attempt to clue us in on what to expect, I'd say it was just through you Batgirl." she adds.

Barbara fills her friends in as best she can. Her own understanding is quite limited, because Phranyx was deliberately cryptic during their fight at the warehouse. She is convinced however that the purpose of their banishment is far more than just a deadly game. Batgirl believes that their presence on what the heroines have termed 'Perdition Isle' has far-reaching consequences. Their own lives are surely at stake, but she strongly suspects that the fates of many others hinge upon them.

Although her memories are very fuzzy, Babs knows that their goal is to escape from Perdition Isle. To achieve such, she recalls one specific quote which Phranyx seems to have drilled into her mind. "One must overcome an army to uncover a stone." Diana and Kara ponder this enigmatic clue. 'It strikes me as a prophesy of some kind." Batgirl rules. "I'm positive this holds the key to cracking our mystery, but for now it's still too ambiguous for us to make any sense out of it."

"The only hope we have of unlocking this riddle is to explore Perdition Isle and uncover its secrets." Wonder Woman suggests. "Before we do so, however, I must say that I'm quite concerned about our inability to read and write. First our powers are gone; now this. What's next?"

"I can't tell you I'm not worried Wonder Woman, but I would suggest the abilities you mention were likely lost upon our arrival here." Batgirl argues. "We simply didn't notice the reading deficiency right away because we were busy fighting cavemen and dodging volcanic ash. Speaking for myself, I believe my mind is as lucid as normal. You both also seem to be as cogent as ever."

Further allaying Diana's concerns, Babs observes that they still retain the cognitive ability to construct and understand maps. The masked female leads her two allies back to the cave. On an isolated section of floor, she has etched a layout of their surroundings as she knows them. Since lettering can not be used for identification, Supergirl proposes that they name each area and landmark so that they all have a common frame of reference. Given the nature of their situation, the heroines tend to opt for negative terms for the various regions. Kara settles upon Lex River, Grundy Swamp and the aptly named Parasite Desert after their mutually draining experience in the heat. Diana tabs their heavenly home base as Paradise Cove. The Amazon names the woods Neron Forest and suggests Batgirl's tornado region be called Storm Lands. Seeing confused reactions, Diana briefly explains that the moniker is derived not from a villain, but from a super heroine from an alternate universe whom she once fought. Babs finishes up with two designations of her own. She arrives at Clayface Pit for the tar pit. Citing the immense hurdles overcome in reaching it, Batgirl entitles the volcano Mt. Cormorant.

With much to accomplish, the women try to formulate an effective plan. Their immediate priorities are to obtain food and fortify the entrance to the cave. Further exploration is imperative, but must wait until basic survival needs are met. Suggestions are bandied about and, for the first time since their arrival, an argument ensues.

Although accustomed to working solo, Batgirl firmly believes that the circumstances mandate that the trio sticks together. Babs acknowledges that this could slow their progress somewhat, but she reasons that due to massive unknown dangers, it is wise to play it safe. Wonder Woman disagrees. The Amazon asserts that they can be far more productive if she branches out on her own. Given her background, she is far more acclimated to a natural environment than her fellow heroines. Diana argues that alone she has a better chance of slipping back into Neron Forest undetected. She insists that she can secure the vital sources of sustenance while avoiding the dangerous inhabitants who prey there.

Batgirl desperately wants to find fault with Diana's argument, but she is forced to concur that it makes good sense. Wonder Woman possesses the highest tolerance for the desert and seems best equipped to handle herself in the wild. The Amazon's crucial initiative also frees Babs and Supergirl to investigate the unexplored territory to the east of Paradise Cove.

Wonder Woman once again coats her body with mud in preparation for her journey through Parasite Desert. Fearing dehydration, she guzzles nearly two gallons of water. Batgirl provides her with a plastic garbage bag to carry any food supplies she obtains. Diana cheerfully and confidently proclaims "Hola!" as she turns to leave. "Diana!" Kara calls out. "Be careful out there!" The Amazon looks back at her two concerned friends standing side by side. "Likewise." she smiles and quickly fades from view as she marches into the sandy, scalding yonder.

Batgirl and Supergirl take measures to safeguard their stronghold. Using tree branches, vines and ingenuity, the two women construct a booby trap which hovers over the cave mouth. Taught lines of ivy are covertly positioned about the grassy perimeter. Should an enemy happen nearby, the defensive measure will be triggered. A considerable volume of stone will fall, thus blocking the entrance. The women will therefore remain relatively safe while they sleep. They will also feel comfortable knowing that an ambush won't be waiting from within when they return after a long day.

Satisfied with their safety precautions, Kara and Babs head out due east across the rich green plain. Although the immediate weather is truly ideal, the ladies follow Diana's lead and cover their exposed skin with stream silt. They walk roughly one mile when suddenly they notice a stark contrast in environment. The temperature drops and the green grass dissipates with every additional step. Within the span of twenty paces, the super heroines find themselves crossing a glacier.

An Arctic breeze whips wildly against the disbelieving heroines. A light snow stings their faces given the velocity of the wind. Reminiscent of Gotham winters gone by, Barbara judges the atmosphere to be about zero degrees Fahrenheit. The wind chill makes it seem more like twenty below. Supergirl feels the chilling effects very swiftly. To compensate, she removes her cape and drapes it over her head and shoulders like a blanket. This protects Kara's face and ears, but her legs take the full brunt of the cold.

Babs Gordon also finds the frigid environment uncomfortable, but she is far more accustomed to it. She is a woman who has never allowed the winter weather to interfere with her crime fighting. Cold. Blizzard. It matters not; she makes no concession to the elements. No winter coat. No scarf. For Batgirl, it's just her conventional costume and her unforgiving motorcycle.

Barbara recognizes Kara's distress. The Kryptonian is greatly disadvantaged without her powers, for weather conditions are typically of no consideration for her. She wants to turn back, but Batgirl is determined to proceed, at least a little farther. The masked heroine gives her gloves and cape to Supergirl for added protection against frostbite. Kara initially refuses the offer, but Babs insists she take them.

A still shivering Supergirl trails directly behind her ally. Absent her gloves, Barbara soon begins to feel intense discomfort in her hands. She too will soon have to reverse field. The duo plods along for what seems like an eternity when yet again they encounter a surreal weather change. The arctic plain gives way to breath taking heat. Kara and Babs realize that their sojourn has brought them back into the equally treacherous Parasite Desert.

The barren sands extend as far as the limited visibility permits. Batgirl judges that at their current position, the sahara is approximately three miles wide. Neither woman finds the prospect of crossing the desert appealing. Fortunately, the dramatic changes in environment afford the heroines a respite. The transition in climates takes place within the span of twenty feet. This buffer region is rather mild, for the intense heat and cold tend to offset one another. As such, the women have a narrow corridor through which to slip between the foul territories.

Rejuvenated, Supergirl and Batgirl utilize the bizarre natural passageway to cover much ground. They boldly venture out into the frosty cold with the comforting knowledge that they have safety to which to retreat. The ladies discover that the arctic area varies in depth from one to two miles and comes to and end due to the barrier of blackness. Babs dubs it Mr. Freeze Corner, for the glacier is essentially 'J' shaped and forms the southeastern boundary of Perdition Isle.

Babs and Kara continue moving north until their travels lead them to far end of Grundy Swamp. The marsh is very narrow at this juncture, for it is squeezed by widening Lex River. The rapidly moving water reaches its climax with an enormous waterfall. It's a stunningly beautiful sight. A huge cliff on the opposite side of falls serves as a background as the river ends with a precipitous drop.

Batgirl would like to learn what lies atop the massive cliff across the falls. Her curiosity must wait however, for it would take a concerted effort to circle around and cross the river at a safe point. Both heroines are tired and famished. It is late in the afternoon. They both agree that it is prudent to double back.

The corridor separating the desert and arctic sectors bends due East. As such it is nearly a two hour walk for Batgirl and Supergirl to return to home base. As the welcome sight of the cave comes into view, Supergirl remarks "I sure hope Wonder Woman's back. I'm starved!" Babs concurs, but before she offer a verbal response her thoughts are interrupted by an unexpected aroma.

"Is that fish I am smelling?" Gordon asks Kara as they cautiously avoid the booby trap lines hidden in the smooth grass. To their mutual amazement, they find a half-dozen fish, resembling trout, suspended over a campfire. They are nearly done cooking and literally make the two women's mouths water.

"I thought that smell would bring you two running!" Wonder Woman proclaims with a smile as she emerges from the cave. "In addition to the fish, we also have plenty of fruit. Apples, pears, bananas, pineapple. Enough to last us a few days if need be." she adds.

Supergirl is incredulous as they prepare to sit down for a much needed and appreciated feast. "We don't have any nets or reels. How did you manage this Diana?" Kara asks. Batgirl chuckles. "She's an Amazon!" Wonder Woman nods graciously in acknowledgment of Batgirl's compliment. "My very namesake is Diana the Huntress." she explains. "I consider it to be both a great honor and responsibility to remain worthy of the name. I use whatever means are available to me; in this case, my bare hands." Kara is tempted to blurt out "With your bare hands!?" in astonishment, but she restrains herself.

The three hungry women devour the tasty meal in short order. They briefly compare notes on the day's events. In Diana's case, her time was devoted to the acquisition of food. She basically revisited previously charted territories; therefore the new additions to the map are left to the others. With yet another long day in store, they all soon retreat to the cave for a good, sound sleep.

*****

Supergirl fidgets on the cool, hard cave floor as she attempts to rest. She can often have difficulty sleeping given her atypical drowsing intervals. The previous night, Kara was so exhausted that she was in dreamland before her head hit her rolled up cape. Tonight, although she is bushed, the girl of steel can't quite seem to drift off. Thoughts dance around in her head as she lies in the nearly pitch dark cavern.


I haven't felt this vulnerable since I was a 'normal' child under my parents' care in my native Argo City. Since arriving on Earth, I've been endowed with unthinkable abilities. While I have had occasion to feel insecure socially, I've always possessed the strength and fortitude to be independent and self-sufficient.

Banishment to Perdition Isle has changed all of this. Without my super powers, I am basically just Linda Danvers. It is Linda who must survive in this wilderness. It is Linda who must team up with a tenacious masked vigilante with remarkable resourcefulness. It is Linda who must work with an amazing Amazon princess who still manages to excel despite the loss of her great powers. It is Linda Danvers who finds herself out of her league trying to carry her weight alongside Batgirl and Diana of Themyscira.

Over the past few years, I have developed a close friendship with Wonder Woman. We have fought side by side on numerous occasions. Her front as my cousin via marriage has served to further our relationship. By contrast, Batgirl and I have rarely crossed paths. She focuses the bulk of her attention on city crime while I am more inclined to combat super-human threats. Batgirl is also a very closed, private person; word is only the Batman knows who she really is.

Strangely enough, I now find myself more comfortable in the presence of Batgirl than Wonder Woman. Outwardly, my friends have both been understanding with me. Deep down, I sense their reservations, particularly those of Diana. The princess seems to harbor frustration, perhaps because she has adapted so well without her powers while I am struggling. At full strength, we are pretty much equals; now there is no comparison.

Batgirl has never had meta-human abilities. She is as much a perfectionist as Wonder Woman, but in a different way. Batgirl is a loner while Diana is a Justice Leaguer and an Amazon champion. While they are all abundantly capable individuals, Justice League members have high expectations of their colleagues. It comes with the job. Batgirl relies solely upon herself. Her mindset is such that any assistance she gets is appreciated, but not mandatory. As such, my limited contributions are more likely to be regarded positively by Batgirl than Wonder Woman.

I'm convinced that Diana ventured out on her own today, because she didn't want to bring me into hostile territory. I hate being perceived as a weak link. If we're ever to get out of this awful jam, we're going to have to work as a team.