All werewolves except for Mark are part of the story Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause. Please read it if you want the complete details.
The sun had risen by the time the small group of heroes had made it back to Arra's home. Arra was so frustrated. She hated being restricted by the daylight! If only she could go out there and look for her lost mate, but no she couldn't do that.
"We know who the vampanzee is now. We should be out there looking for him before he hurts Richie or kills someone else! You heard Dr. Harris, Hypocrites is crazy!" Arra yelled.
"That's not a smart idea. We don't have all the facts. We can't just rush headlong into this situation. We need a plan of action and need to approach the situation cautiously." Batman told the young vampriss dryly.
"Are you questioning me? I thought I was in charge here!" Arra growled her eyes blazing angrily.
"You may be calling the shots, but a good leader listens to everyone before giving orders. Apparently that's a skill you lack." Batman replied glaring at her intensely.
"Okay I think that's enough for now. Arra, calm down please. Look he's right about one thing. We need to take care of a few things before we go looking for this Hypocrites." Superman told them both stepping between the two.
"Arra my Pops is going to be calling me on my cell phone this morning. What do I tell him? He may know the truth but if he finds out what's going Trina and him will be back here faster than you can flirt. Plus if Sharon calls you know she'll discover the truth so I've got to cover all my bases. Plus someone has to be there incase Foley's call. What do I tell them? Hi Mrs. Foley how's the Caribbean's? Oh Richie he's fine he's just been kidnapped by a murderous monster anything new going on with you?" Static told her panicky
"Look, you don't need to get your costume all twisted out of shape. I've got that situation covered. Let me show you guys. Backpack heel!" Arra called out. Everyone glanced down as the little robot walked into the room and over to Static. His center button began to glow multicolor and he produced a speaker. Suddenly out of the speaker came a voice "Hi how's it going." It was Richie voice.
"Get out of here! Since when is Backpack programmed to imitate Richie's voice?" Static asked pleased.
"Since his last upgrade about a week ago. He's got over four thousands programmed responses and since he's got his own AI matrix he can adapt to any situation. He's the most fail safe cover up program you can get." Arra said proudly.
"I'm impressed. It must have taken a long time and a lot of patience to do something like that. Even my robots aren't this good." Superman added.
"Enough chit chat. Look this takes care of Static and Gears problem but what about the two of you? I mean your alter ego's have to report in." Wonder Women said simply.
"I'll call Perry and tell him I'm working this story for the Daily Planet. After all this is an exciting story and it does have Metropolis number one hero involved. I'm sure Bruce can handle himself. After that I'll fly around the city maybe I can find something." Superman said heading for the kitchen to phone his boss.
"I'll contact Jonn and see what he can dig up on this Hippocrates finances and stuff. Maybe he's used his credit card or accessed his bank accounts in the last 24 hours who knows plus I'll have him send all available material on this doctor to me. If were going take on this guy we have to know what makes him tick. Maybe with the others help we can figure out what his master plan is." Wonder Women said simply.
"I check out his apartment and car. The man's bound to have left some clues behind somewhere. He maybe be smart but I doubt he's smarter than me." Batman told the others heading for the door. He paused when he passed Arra. "What did you say?"
"Nothing, nothing at all." Arra said innocently. He glared at her and stalked towards her menacing. "Really I know I heard you mutter something."
"Fine, I said that's going to a load of help. Your thinking and acting like this guy is some punk or hood from your precious Gotham. Well he's not! He's a mad doctor with ancient powers that have gone crazy and I don't think your going to catch him. Not with your arrogant attitude." Arra snapped.
"You're the one with the attitude. If I recall correctly you're the one who need my particular skills to help you solve this case. I'm the one who discovered Hypocrites true identify. Once more I think you're to close to the situation. Your letting your emotions cloud your judgment to be a truly effective leader. Your enemy may be different than mine, but they all cower in fear the same way. My methods will work." Batman told her in a low tone of voice that indicated he was very angry.
"Your methods aren't the way of the vampires. You intimate people through fear and sneak around scaring the living daylights out of people until you get what you want. I've never met a man in my life who everyone considers a vampire because of his symbol but would voluntarily shun the light. You want the truth I don't like you much. You don't respect or trust me. Your treating me like I'm some sort of idiot or criminal well news flash I'm not. Also I'm not afraid of some man running around in his pajamas playing superhero. You don't scare me not one little bit and that's what gets you isn't?" Arra demanded.
"Okay that's enough from both of you. You're supposed to be fighting on the same side not against each other. Arra why don't you head up to the Media Room and I'll join you shortly. Static go make your calls. Batman can Superman and I talk to you for a second?" Wonder Women asked with forced politeness as everyone obeyed her.
"What is your problem Batman? I've never known you in all these years to act like such a child. Your really letting her get under your skin." Superman began looking at his old friend.
"You've seen the way she's been acting since Saturday. I may have originally voted to help her but right now I'm thinking I should have voted against. This is a waste of time." Batman replied angrily.
"Your just mad because she dissed your costume. I don't know what your problem is Batman but whatever it is get over it fast and grow up. We can't have teammates arguing. Whether you like it or not were in this together." Wonder Women told him arms folded tapping her foot in anger.
"I'll be back by lunch. I want everything and everyone getting along when I get back. Do I make myself clear?" Superman asked receiving nods. He then walked out the door and left. Batman also headed out but not before receiving one more word from his girlfriend.
"Both you and Arra have very strong personalities and they're clashing right now. But one of you has to stop being so stubborn and make peace. I suggest that you do it first before she decides to feed on you. Bye."
Diana made her way up to the Media Room where she found Arra praying to her gods. The alter had be set back up. Arra was kneeling before Vita and chanting. "Phylus Ect Portastest. Phylus Ect Portastest."
"That's Latin isn't it if I'm not mistaken. Blood is power? Why would you say something like that?" Diana asked the girl.
"Its my people's motto. I'm sorry for my actions early I was out of line. I should have held my tongue. Maybe I am to close to the situation to be effective or I'm letting my vampire blood control me." Arra told her friend sadly. She looked up at the older female. "I've never in my entire long life had to be a leader. I'm a follower. Now I'm thrust into this situation and I don't know what to do and to make matters worse I'm suffering from not knowing who I truly am."
"Don't put yourself down. If you doubt yourself you'll truly will be a failure. Look I know this can't be easy at all for you. Your not use to working with us or our style of doing things but I got to say I've never been more impressed by the way you stood up to Batman. You told him how you felt about his treatment of you and that was smart. You can do this." Diana told her giving her reassuring hug.
"Thanks and sorry about calling your boyfriends costume a pair of pajamas." Arra sniffed.
Diana smiled. That had actually gotten a giggle out of her. "That's okay. So you want to introduce me to your gods? I mean you already know all about mine."
"This is Vita the Goddess of Life. I'm praying to her to protect all of us so we don't get hurt. That one is Daemon the God of the Dead. I pray to him that if any of die that our spirits make it to Paradise or Heaven as you might call it. Finally I pray to Callista to make our judgments sound and our choices valid. Enough praying we have to get to work. Hippacrites may be restricted by daylight to but I have a feeling he's got a trick up his lab coat sleeves." Arra told Diana after explaining everything else.
"Your right. Jonn this is Diana. I need you to run a check on all public and private records concerning one Jordan Hippacrites. Everything you can find on him. Credit card bills, bank statement, telephone luds, anything. Also start using the enhanced sensors to scan the city of Dakota for Gear; you have the hair sample that Arra gave you. Call me when you get the information." Diana ordered into her communicator.
"Will do Diana. I'll get right onto it. You should have the information you requested within two to three hours. Everything is going fine up here. How's everything going with you guys down there?" Jonn asked concern hinted in his voice.
"Well let's just say things could be better. Superman, Static, Arra, and myself get along great but Batman suspicious nature is causing friction between us. I don't know what to do." Diana informed him quietly. She glanced over her shoulder at Arra who was reading all recent news reports.
"I was afraid of that but he is the only one with the nesaccery detective skills to find Gear. His nature and Arra's is very similar but not exact. Don't worry I'm sure that something will work out and they will learn to trust one another. It always does." J'onn told her. "Over and out."
Diana turned to face Arra. Her already pale face was now an ash white color. "Another body with the same m.o. was discovered last night. A homeless man dumped in the park. I checked hospital records he was part of their free clinic. Another thing police don't think he was killed in the park, it looks like he was killed somewhere else."
"This is bad. Sorry to barge in on you guys but I finished with the phone calls and heard the end of your conversation. Arra you're frowning. What's bothering you?" Static asked from the doorway.
"Look its just that Hippacrites is following every rule of the vampanzees lifestyle so perfectly yet he's also managed to incorporate his modern life into it. That's what frightens me. Look here's a map of the area. We know he picks his targets here, the hospital, that's his targeting ground. Over here is where he hunts them down and kill them. They're not in the exact same area. If I had to bet money I think his home isn't anywhere near these two areas." Arra began running a hand through her hair. She shot her nails into the wall to relieve some tension.
"So our mad doctor could be hiding anywhere in Dakota. Downtown, uptown, near the outskirts or the center. Man that's a lot of area to cover. Anyway to narrow the search down?" Static asked.
"Not without more evidence. Also I've calculated the amount of blood that has been taken. Even with his metabolism and feeding schedule more blood has been taken then needed." Arra told them gravely.
"Great any more bad news you like to tell us fang girl." Static asked sarcastically.
"Yeah the body of the homeless man was dumped during the early hours of the day. When the sun was up. Vampanzees are even more photosensitive then vampires. He would have burned faster than me. When I was connected to Richie I got the sense there was more then one person in the room, but not a vampanzee. We know Hippacrites used all the blood to create himself and it wouldn't be smart of him to blood others right away. No he's has humans helping him for some unknown reason and I don't like it one bit." Arra told them.
"Man this just keeps getting stranger and stranger." Static said sitting down hard. Next to him Diana looked like she was ready to puke. This was disturbing information.
A loud beeping and the sound of a fax arriving broke everyone out of the stupor. "What are we gawking at? Lets get back to work. I had Dr. Harris fax over some of Dr. Hippacrites published works. According to his most recent published works he believed that the only way the human race could survive the next few years is if they evolved into super genetically altered humans. He planned on combining the DNA of different species together to form some type of superhuman."
"That's sick and not in a good way. Did he truly believe he could get away with that kind of work? He be kicked out of the medical field or at the very least his colleagues would have to report him for unethical practice." Static responded sharply.
"That's what the lawsuit was on remember? According to this article I pulled he wanted to start by experimenting on humans and skip the whole animal and computer simulations. No go. The hospital warned him if he tried it he would have his license revoked." Arra informed them gnashing her teeth. Her fangs itched a lot.
"It seems he didn't listen to them. Why not according to all of this stuff Dakota Union wasn't the only place this has happened. He's been bounced around from over a dozen different hospitals in the last two years alone." Static said after scanning a paper.
"Cadmus would love this guy. He has no moral sense at all. He may be a genius but no one liked him much. No social life to speak of at all. You know this guy has been nearly suspended and his license taken away for good at least six times. Somehow he's always managed to wiggle out of it." Diana told them. She slipped in the video of Jordan Hippacrites experimenting on himself. It sickened her on how low the men in this world would go.
A rush of wind announced the return of Superman. With a quick tornado twist he changed into Clark Kent. "You know I still can't believe that you're Superman. It seems so wack." Static told him
"Thanks I like people to think that way. How are things going here?" Clark asked urgently
"We've just been reading and making theories about what's going on. So far nothing solid has popped up. Whatever Hippacrites is planning is both big and dangerous. I'm waiting for Jonn to send me some personal information on our foe but it could take some time." Diana told her friend.
Arra looked at him anxiously. "Please were eagered to learn about what you discovered. Please did you find Richie or where Hippacrites is? Did you learn anything at all?"
Clark sighed and shook his head no. "I flew all over Dakota three times and scanned for Gear but I couldn't find him. If he's calling for help I couldn't hear him. Where ever Hippacrites is holed up he's smart enough to be staying in place that's sound proof and lined with lead."
Diana and Clark's communicators beeped. She walked over to the computer and pressed a couple keys. A few minutes later they received everything and they also got a fax. "Thanks Jonn will call if we need anything else."
"Okay most of this is background knowledge we already know. There have been no major bank deposits or withdraw. His credit card has not been active in days, no important calls at all. Internet access has been limited to medical sites and electronics. He owns an apartment and a car but nothing else. Nothing else that pops out at me." Diana told them sadly. "Where ever he's hold up it's a place that isn't listed here. Jonn also would like to inform us that whatever jamming equipment Hippacrites is using is blocking all of the Watchtowers sensors. It is virtually impossible to find Gear using them."
"I hear someone. You can come out Bats I heard you a mile away." Arra said out loud. Everyone gasped and turned towards the shadows where Batman materialized. Clark was impressed, even with his super hearing he hadn't heard him coming.
"How did you hear me coming? No one has before." Batman asked curiously.
"I've been trained to hear a mouse in the middle of noisy field I can surely hear you." Arra stated calmly. "What did your investigation reveal?"
"Not as much as I hoped. I went over his car and apartment with precision. He was smart enough not to write anything down. His car was clean. After turning into that creature he must have abandoned the place. I did discover left over pieces of equipment used in blocking electronic transmission. If it were combined with a electric scrambler adjusted for brainwaves it would block someone from telepaths." Batman told them.
"That kind of equipment must require a lot of power to run. Added to the fact we know he's in a place that's soundproof, lead line, near a power source and in a comfort zone for him. If we put all these facts into the computer maybe we can figure were he's hold up." Static said programming the information on. One hundred and fifty spots came up.
"It could take days to search all these places! We need to try to narrow down the list. If we can't track Hippacrites down were screwed. I think we should try to find Richie again. I want to try hypnotizing myself and using the Bloodstone to find him." Arra told the group.
"Didn't we just say that the jamming equipment is blocking our attempts? Besides how are you going to hypnotize yourself? Are you going to use your own power on you?" Static asked confused
"We know that the equipment isn't perfect. Those two have had brief contacts over the last 24 hours or so. Maybe the key to breaking through is relaxation on one member's part. Whatever it is we have to try." Diana said.
"I agree we need more information. Lets try it. Arra sit down. Here's a mirror. Why don't you bounce your hypnotic suggestions off it and relax your mind. That would make it work. Will be right here listening to everything you say." Clark said handing her the mirror.
"This better work or were out of options." Batman stated. Arra relaxed her mind and touched the Bloodstone in one hand and held up the mirror with the other. Staring hard into the mirror she used her hypnotic glare to put herself into a trance, relaxing her body and mind as if this was yoga. She reached out for Richie's mind.
Meanwhile Richie was still tied up. He was tired, hungry, and very thirsty. He had dried blood all over him and his bruises, cuts, and burns ached. His hair was cut in several places, his punishment for trying to send an email to Arra.
The lights were on now and even though it was low lighting he could tell he was in a warehouse. The building had to be a little old but not ancient judging by the smell. The place was divided into smaller rooms. He glanced up at the ceiling were the skylights were covered to make sure no light got in. Glancing around he knew he was in one of the back rooms. All the stuff that had been here the night he had arrived had been moved. Two things remained besides his cage. Some type of electronic device aimed at the cage and a table containing torture devices.
To his right was a small office where Hippocrates slept and wrote his plans. He was coming out right now with one of his servants. "I see the young vampire is awake. How's the young Richie Foley enjoying his stay?"
"Shut up you psychopathic freak! My partner Static will rescue me. Its only a matter of time before he gets here with the police." Richie growled.
"Do you truly believe that I'm afraid of the police or am that stupid young man? I chose this place well in advance even before I assumed my rightful place as a vampanzee. This place has twenty-four securities that don't miss anything. Its soundproof, waterproof, fireproof, any type of proof you want so no one can hear you scream. The building is made up of titanium steel with lead. My jamming equipment has blocked all sensor attempts to find you and my brain scrambler here is keeping you from using your powers. Face it young man I have all my bases covered. You are my prisoner." Hippocrates informed him. He snapped his fingers and the servant left the room. A few minutes later he returned with food and water.
"I know you haven't eaten in days and you must be starved. Tell you what. If you tell me what I want to know I'll instruct my servant here to give you something to eat if not you'll be punished severally." Hippocrates stated.
He picked up the double cheeseburger and let Richie take a whiff of it. Despite himself Richie stomach growled in hunger. He wanted the burger but he couldn't tell Jordan Hippocrates anything. "You'll never get anything out me you blood demon."
"We shall see. Tell me about Static. Who is he really? What are his weaknesses? What does he value most? Will he fight me if I use you as a shield? Answer me now insolent boy!" Hippocrates growled.
"Go to Hell! You'll get nothing out of me!" Richie yelled. He felt his legs and arms started to be pulled apart like he was on the rack.
"The Justice League is assisting your girlfriend. I need to know whom else she'll ask for help. Tell me what I want to know or I'll continue this torture. How do I defeat the League? What are their weakness, their strengths, and their fears? Tell me everything now or so help me I'll kill you!"
"Go ahead I'm not afraid to die but if you kill me you'll have nothing to bargain with to get the Bloodstone with." Riche whimpered through the pain as his arm nearly came out his socket.
"Enough! Last chance boy or I'll have my servant here torture you were it hurts the most." Hippocrates whispered to him softly. He walked up to the cage a pulled Richie to him. "What's you answer boy?" Richie spat in his face and glared at him.
"Do what you will with him but I want him still breathing when I wake up. Tell Seth to get me up an hour after dark. Don't disturb my rest unless its an absolute emergency understand Kraven?" Hippocrates told the servant.
Kraven had picked up a syringe full of something in one hand and cattle prod in the other. "Don't worry boss he'll still be alive."
The syringe was full of a sedative that was supposed to knock Gear out so that he could be shocked. Right before that happened Arra managed to make contact. "Richie? Its Arra please tell me where are you? Are you okay?"
"Arra! Help this man is crazy. He plans to awhhhhhhhh!" Richie shouted out mentally.
Arra woke up from her trance with everyone looking at her. The mirror lay on the floor cracked. "He's on to us. I didn't get a lot but he was asking for ways to defeat us. Richie thinks he's knows what's going on that much is certain, but the only way were going to find out is if we find him." Arra said simply walking out of the room down to the library.
"And how are we going to do that? We've tried every way possible to find him. It's impossible. Not even the Bloodstone can locate him!" Static yelled at her as she walked over to the magic section and began scanning books.
"Not the oldest way we haven't. We have to get primitive. We have to track him down by scent and there's one person that can help. Batman can I see those test results you had on those animals tracks again. I want to check something." Arra said. Scanning the test she smiled and handed them and a book on summoning magical creatures to him.
"What's this for?" he asked.
"You'll see. Okay we need to pick up a few items. Virgil I need you to pick up three cans of gray paint and some brushes, Clark I need you to head to an occult shop and pick up some torches, Diana please purchase six dozen rose peatals and three dozen wolfs bane. Bruce get some rope and take the book with you and go secure the meadow where we found those paw prints. I have a statue to go get. Meet in the park just after sunset." Arra said.
"But Arra the sun is out! How are you going to move about?" Static questioned.
"Simple lots of clothing and SPF 9000 twelve layers. Well bye. Victor and Demetra have a lot of spare clothes so borrow whatever you like. I got to go bye." Arra said handing them Victor's credit card and leaving.
Virgil didn't understand Arra's strange request, but he knew better than to question it. Armed with Victor's credit card he went to Debo's Hardware Store and purchased three cans of silver paint and five paintbrushes.
Across the street at Flora's Floral shop looking for her items. Diana was purchasing the rose petals and wolfs bane for whatever reason Arra needed them for. She sniffed them all taking in the heavenly scent. Next door Clark had already retrieved the torches and was heading for the park.
Meanwhile Arra was having some difficulty obtaining the final item on the list, the silver wolf statue, from the museum. The curator was reluctant to part with it. "It is not the custom of this museum to lend teenagers priceless works of art for their own amusement."
"But you don't understand I need the statue, at least for the tonight. I promise you that you'll have it back in one piece by tomorrow morning." Arra pleaded with him. She was covered up from head to toe in clothes and sunscreen. Her attire was getting strange glances.
"I'm sorry but my answer remains the same young lady. NO! Now do I have to call security to escort you from the premises?" the curator asked.
Arra let out a grunt of frustration. "I don't have time for this! Sunset is in less than a half an hour." She growled angrily. Whipping off her shades she turned on her hypnotic gaze on the curator and let loose. "You are going to let me have that statue and its not going to be a problem at all. That's because your not even going to miss it now are you?"
The curator nodded an in a trance like state gave her the key to the exhibit. She was in and out of the museum room in less then five minutes. Storing the statue safely in her duffel she took off running.
Batman was busy following the instructions in the book giving orders to everyone else on what to do. First he had Virgil paint a medium size pentagram in the middle of the meadow. Next Clark put a torch on the rim of the circle right above each point. Diana scattered the petals and wolfs bane evenly around the pentagram leaving about an inch of space between it and the rim Finally he dropped the length of rope in front of the top point and said simply, "Now we wait for our vampire friend to arrive."
"Sorry I'm late. You wouldn't believe what I had to go through to secure this. Virgil can you place this in the center please? Thanks a bunch. I'll take the book now." Arra said panting heavily. She took the book in one hand and brushed back a strand of loose hair with the other.
"Now what? What's going on? What are you planning?" Virgil asked curiously as he glanced around.
"You'll see in a minute. First everyone get into your costumes. Okay now put these around your necks and stand on one of the star points, but whatever you do don't I repeat don't step off the point until I say so." Arra instructed the skeptical bunch as they each put on a silver pentagram necklace. Her's clashed with the Bloodstone but she didn't care.
Arra took a deep breath let it out. This was the moment of truth. She couldn't blow this. The night sky had just risen and the moon shone brightly. She shed her daylight coverings and dropped her bag. She turned to face Superman and gave him a telepathic command to light the torches with his heat vision and he did so. Holding the book in her outstretched arms she began to chant.
"Lycanphobia, shapeshifter, Loup-garu, lycan! Child of Mother Moon and Father Forest. I invoke your call to summon you tonight to this sacred place. Come to me now." The torchlights blazed high and the light from them began to crisscross the pentagram till they hit the statue sending up a silver beacon of light. Wind roared and everyone screamed in fright as Arra let loose a long and mournful howl.
"What is she doing?" Static screamed over the wind.
"I have no idea!" was Wonder Women's reply as she tried to shield her face from the flying debris.
Suddenly they all heard a reply to the howl. It was loud, sharp, and close. Someone was definitely responding. Arra cupped her hands and kept it up howling louder. On her right Static began to sweat and to her left Wonder Women was chewing her lip. Batman was calm and Superman was mimicking him even though inside he was scared.
Suddenly from out of the trees boarding the meadow from the rest of the park a profile of a huge canine appeared. It stared down at them for a moment. Another one appeared by its side. Suddenly both canines raced down towards the group joined by many more. In the moonlight they could see that the creatures were large wolves. Nine wolves in total. Soon they were circling them, growling while they inched closer, but the minute they reached the rose petals and wolfs bane a force field went up and repealed them.
Suddenly the wolf with the black patch on his back threw back his head and let out a series of sharp barks and yips. The pack responded to him separating to form two lines. They lowered their heads, tucked in their tails, ears flattened in total submission. The group of heroes looked at one another in confusion. What in the world was going on?
From the top of the ridge where the tree's were emerged a large tawny wolf with blue green eyes that sparkled in the moonlight. It ran down the hill and sashayed past the others snapping at them when they forgot their place. It stared at Arra and growled in a low tone. Immediately Arra bowed submitting herself. She whispered, "Follow my lead." With out question the others did as they were told. The wolf licked its lips pleased by their actions. It yipped softly indicating they could stand up.
Now came the fun part. The wolf began to let out a dialog of barks, yips, growls, and whimpers. To Static it seemed like it was communicating with the rest of the pack about which one of them to eat first.
Whatever it was saying must have made sense to Arra because she began to reply in the same language. Static and the rest of the group stared at her like she was crazy. But then they were crazy for going along with this plan in the first place weren't they. "Ah I don't know about you guys but do any of you have a clue about what she's doing?"
"Communicating." Batman said simply.
"I thought it was just a myth that vampires could speak to animals like bats, rats, and wolves." Superman added quietly.
"Shu. Can't you see she's trying to concentrate?" Wonder Women told them angrily.
The wolf was now lying down on its belly by the rope. It seemed to be waiting patiently for something. "Static give me your coat." Arra ordered.
"Say what? Why? What's wrong with your coat?"
"Just do it!"
"Fine. Here take it." Static grumbled giving her his coat, which she then threw on top of the creature.
For a few seconds nothing happened. Then the tail shorten and was sucked into the body. The back legs made a crunch noise as they reversed direction and changed into human legs and bare feet. The front paws changed to slim human hand and clean nails. Fur disappeared replaced by golden skin. The head was the last to change. The muzzle changed into a mouth full of sharp but human teeth. The ears came down from the top of the head to side and rounded. Long tawny hair emerged. The creature stood up. Where a wolf had been now stood a tall willowy girl. She had a tiny waist, thin hips, full breast and curves in all the right places. Her skin was golden and her teeth were perfect. A small nose went well with her blue green eyes and long flowing tawny hair. She was a beautiful girl about nineteen maybe twenty. She was also completely naked.
Static covered his eyes and Superman and Batman turned away. "Okay that was not something I needed to see. Now I'm scared for life." Static complained.
The girl pulled the jacket on and used to rope to tie it closed. It was obvious now that Static coat was the only one that would fit her. "Sorry I forgot that humans have such reservations when it comes to modesty and such. Thanks for the coat." She said turning to face Arra. She smirked at her and said, "Arra Sails I should have known. Only you would be brash enough to summon us like this. How did you know we were even here? What's it been since we last saw each other?"
"Two years Vivian Gandillon and you know that. And are you kidding? With all the tracks and howling then spotting you at the museum how could I not know? I see being Queen still hasn't reined in your attitude." Arra replied evenly.
"When you're the number one bitch of your pack you have to be a little rough and bare your fangs. It's the only way things are accomplished anymore." Vivian told her haughtily.
"Question? Why would the girl who just emerged from the form of a dog insult herself?" Static asked softly. The minute the word dog was passed his lips Vivian tried to jump him. The force field held her back but it was bound to crack. "Static! Apologize fast!" Arra commanded.
"All right I'm sorry you're not a dog." Static said hurriedly his hands outstretched in an effort to protect himself from harm. Vivian calmed down and glared at him. "Get one thing straight. Never ever call me a dog. I am something far more special. Understand?"
Arra cleared her throat and spoke quickly. "Vivian I need your help and that of your packs. There's a vampanzee loose in the city and he's kidnapped my mate. I need your help to track him down and stop him before he kills again."
"First off that's a vampire's problem not my kind problem. Second what makes you think I'll help you? I am Loup-garu your kind and mine don't mix. We don't want any trouble. I know nothing." Vivian told her coldly.
"Lies. You know something other wise your tracks wouldn't be at the scene of a murder. Regardless of the reason you came to Dakota your involved with this. The vampanzee will move on from humans to your kind then all the other magical beings if we don't stop him now. See this necklace? You gave it to me as token of friendship and said that if I ever needed your help all I have to do is ask." Arra said angrily.
"We are natural enemies!" she shouted. "There is a truce between our races! An uneasy one I know but there is one. Why don't you trust me? Is it because I am only a normal vampire and not a Princess or Queen like you or is it my friends?" Arra challenged her.
"How can you think that? Look at you your controlling the Bloodstone you must be royal blood. Even though this isn't your regular clan they all smell good. I'm a little wary of the one in black he smells funny but still I don't even know who they are for real." Vivian told her pacing back and force agitated.
"All I am asking is to speak to your Council. I need your help. Please for the sake of all humanity please help me." Arra pleaded. Vivian sighed and shook her head. "You always could get to me. All right you clan can follow us to our meeting place but they can't tell anyone about it and I'll see what I can do for you. No promises that you'll get the help you want. Is that to your satisfactory?"
"Yes. Could you have one of your members return the statue to the museum please? Thanks oh and you might want to change partway before you give Static back his coat." Arra told her. Vivian nodded and fell on all fours transforming. When she was halfway done she shed the coat and wiggled out. She then led her pack into the forest except for the black-patched one who took the duffel containing the statue and left.
They all stepped out of the pentagram and began to fly after the wolves. "Okay what the heck was that? Who and what was that girl?" Static asked.
"Vivian Gandillon is an old friend of mine. I trust her with my life. If she can't find our quarry no one can. I believe that she can help us for that reason. As for what she is that's simple. She's a shape shifter, a Lycan, my native French call them Loup-garu."
"In simplest terms she's a werewolf. All of the creatures we just saw are werewolves." Batman told a confused Static. The other's glanced at each other nervously. What had they gotten themselves into?
Half an hour later they arrived in a clearing where they saw a large cave. Two huge wolves guarded the entrance but they backed down the minute Vivian bit them. The pack entered but they were halted. One of the wolves snarled at them and Static nearly hit it with a nova burst.
"What do these guys want? Its like they've got rabies or something." Static complained.
"They're not rabid Static they're just trying to protect the pack. The pack is from Vermont when they travel the use local caves and places to conduct business. Right now those two are in charge of making sure that no one enters the place who is armed. Please hand over your weapons and communication devices." Arra instructed removing her weapons and handing them over to a girl who had emerged from the cave.
"I don't know about this." Static said hesitantly.
"Its sign of trust. I have no qualms about giving up my communicator or lasso. Be polite young man." Wonder Women chided him handing over her things. The men followed suit giving up their weapons, flying disk, and communicators. "Thank you. They will be returned to you later tonight. If you would follow me please." The girl said.
They entered the caves, which were lit by both moss and artificicial means. The passageway led deep into the cave where they could see even more chambers. All around them they saw people. Some were laughing and joking around and others were fighting. They could see wolves everywhere. The girl led them to a chamber hidden behind a curtain. It contained a table and some chairs. "Please sit. Someone will come and get you in a few minutes." She said bowing before she left.
Everyone turned to face Arra with anger on their face. "What? What is it? Why are you mad?"
"Were supposed to be on the same team. There aren't supposed to be secrets between us. You're the one who says we need to trust you but you with held vital information." Superman told her arms crossed.
"I had no choice. I gave Vivian my word I wouldn't tell anyone about her pack. Her kind have been persecuted by mortals for so long that they were worried if I said anything they might be killed." Arra tried to explain.
"Arra who are we going to tell? No one would believe us anyways." Static told her.
"Guys back off. She made a promise and at least we know now. What can you tell us? Any basic information." Wonder Women asked.
"Vivian is nineteen years old and the Queen of her pack. Her mate Gabriel is twenty seven and the entire pack lives in upstate Vermont were they run an inn. They've gone through a lot of bad times in the past but their good people and I'm sure that they will convince the Council to assist us. They follow the Magical Creatures and Beings Constitution same as we do."
"What Constition is that?" Superman asked.
"Many millenniums ago when supernatural and mortal creatures first walked the Earth there were several complications. Many people hurt one another or killed. The only way for peace was to draft a constition. Unfortnually it's been so long that it no longer applies to many situations in present time. If only we could get someone to update it and give the magical community representation in the world things might be better but that's not going to happen." Arra sighed unhappily.
"How do you know Vivian?" Wonder Women asked.
"Two years ago my clan was living in Vermont. I saved Vivian's life and basically she owes me. Nothing special really believe me. Look you'll find out the whole story from them eventually. The thing you need to remember is everyone here has domination over someone else. They're full of pride and can be kind of harsh but you can manage. Diana I believe that you give us a great advantage by just being here." Arra told them.
"Me? Why me? I'm afraid I don't understand you at all." Wonder Women said in a confused voice.
"Loup-garu worship Father Forest and Mother Moon. Legend has it that loup-garu were once human who were devoted to Father Forest. He repaid their devotion by having his mate Mother Moon grant them the ability to shed their skin and pull on their fur. You name is the name of the Roman Goddess of the moon. They think you're the human incarnation of their Goddess." Arra explained giggling through the last part. The others tried not to laugh as Wonder Women blushed.
"That's a good story. I never heard it told like that before." A voice said from the doorway. They turned to face a boy with black hair and brown eyes who was wearing a polo shirt and jeans. He had a nasty scar running down his right arm. "My name is Mark. I'm new to this pack. I was a lone wolf from upstate New York who took a vacation to Vermont and now I'm Vivian's lietenunent. I was instructed to answer any questions you might have before I take you to meet the Council."
"Do you think your pack can help us stop this madness before anyone else gets hurt?" Wonder Women asked.
Mark nodded. "Yes I believe so. And before you ask Arra don't worry Vivian and Gabriel will be they're supporting your cause."
"Is there anything we need to know about in order to meet the with the Council?" Superman asked. "Just be respectful and non confrontational."
"Will we be able to speak freely?" Batman asked coolly. Mark nodded and shivered. That guy gave him the creeps big time.
"Can we get going now? The longer we wait the more time we waste stopping Hippocrates and finding Richie." Static said impatiently.
Mark led them to the largest cavern. The walls had been eroded in such a way to leave platforms and seats for the pack to sit and watch. Five People sat on the main platform. They recognized Vivian. Sitting next to her was a muscular dark blond haired and dark blue-eyed man who must be Gabriel. Mark pointed to the other two and said they were Persia Devereux and Orlando Griffin. He then took his place with the Council. Council was made up of the Leader, the Queen, Two Elders and the Queen's lieutenant.
It was time to begin.
Arra stepped forward and bowed. "Honorable Council members I thank you for seeing me on such short notice. I've come to you tonight to request your help in a grave matter."
"Arra let me say it is good to see you again child. It seems your keeping strange company these days. These people have the strangest scents." Persia said warmly.
"That's because they are meat people with powers. We've never been this close to one before." Gabriel said simply.
"Enough chatter time for business. I am the Keeper of the Law. No vampire or any other creature for that matter has requested our help in over five hundred and fifty years. Why are you asking for help now and what gives you the authority?" Orlando spoke in an grave voice.
"I am the only vampire left Orlando. I am the Guardian of the Bloodstone. You know why I've come tonight for your help. A dangerous man has used my clan's blood to transform into a vampanzee. He's a bloodthirsty monster. He's already killed at least people. He's planning something big and it requires the use of the Bloodstone. Also he has kidnapped my mate and I haven't seen him since Saturday please I need your help to find him and stop him before he strikes."
"Your request is honorable but I can't approve this. Gabriel this would put the pack at considerable risk. You can't do this." Orlando told his leader.
"Gabriel Arra is an honorary pack member and my friend. We can't abandon her. Besides what will this abomination do to us after its finished with human beings. He has to be stopped now!" Vivian pleaded.
"I don't know. We can't really do anything since their not pack members and I don't know if we can trust them." Gabriel said slowly.
"So your going to let my partner Gear dies because your tails are tied? What a joke you are a bunch of mangy mutts." Static shouted angrily.
"Static control yourself!" Batman whispered.
"Do you want to get us in trouble?" Wonder Women demanded
"He does have a point Diana. This isn't fair." Superman said.
"There right we are acting like a bunch of dogs. These are Earth greatest heroes and Arra is our friend. I say we let them take the Rites of Passage. If they pass them then their official pack members regardless if their meat people." Mark suggested.
"The Rites of Passage? No you can't do that! They don't understand the consequences if they do this. It's not worth the risk please find another option." Arra begged horrified by the mere mention of the Rites.
"Hold up a minute. What are these Rites and if we pass them does that mean they'll help us find Richie and stop Hippocrates?" Static asked hopefully.
Vivian stood up and explained. "The Rites of Passage are similar to the vampires Trials of Initiation. They prove that you are loup-garou of good standing and that you're an adult in the packs eyes. Everyone takes them including new members. If you pass them you become full members of the pack and we can assist you without any problems. If you don't take them we can't help you any other way. I warn you, there are severe penalties if you fail them so I warn you think carefully before you agree to any of this."
"What's to think about if it means we get your help? I say we go for it how about you guys?" Static asked the League. They looked at each other for a moment then nodded they were in. "We accept your challenge."
"I humbly ask for one hour to explain everything to them and prepare them for the task at hand." Arra said. The Council agreed to this and they were led back to their room. Once their Arra exploded "Virgil Hawkins you are the most impatient, idiotic, blockheads I've ever met! Why didn't you let me explain everything sooner now you're all doomed!"
"What are you talking about Arra? I thought you wanted their help and if this is the only way then what is your deal?" Static demand angrily.
"I wanted their help but not at the cost of losing your lives!" Arra snapped "Say what?"
"Please explain? I don't understand. What are the Rites of Passage exactly and what do you mean our lives are in danger?" Superman asked.
"The Rites are an ancient tradition used to strengthen the pack and prove your worth to the pack. Everyone takes them it's a requirement if you want to be counted as an adult in your fur and not just your skin. There are four Rites. The Rite of Strength, Speed, Wisdom, and Cunning. The way this will work will be that each one of you will compete against one of their champions in one of the Rites. If you win you are considered a member of the pack and get your stuff back but if any one of you loses just one then all fail and your execute. This is done to insure that only the strongest, fastest, smartest, and craftiest survive to pass on their genes. No one has ever failed the Rites in a group before so don't start now." Arra explained wearily.
"Its obvious, which Rite each of us should compete in. Is there anything else we need to know before we begin this?" Batman asked her.
"Yes those of you with powers will have them removed or at least weakened. No special abilities may be used. Only skill, luck, and intuition are allowed. The Bloodstone can temporarily to do that and give them back as soon as you've won. Are there any more questions?" Arra asked.
"No nothing like a little pressure to and the thought of death to motivate a guy. Well let's do it!" Static said jokily.
Soon they were led to the Arena were the pack had gathered. All of them were in their skin. Music could be heard. Persia Devereux stood in the center wearing pale silver robes and holding a silver chalice with an elixir inside. At one end of the arena a large burly man named Bucky stood stark naked. At the other stood Superman minus his cape. He nodded at Arra who clasped the Bloodstone in her hands and pointed it and Superman. It turned fire truck red and tendrils of light shot out and hit him. He groaned in pain as his powers were taken till he barely had any super strength and invulnerability left. That stone made him feel worse then Kryptonite. Shrugging it off he walked to the center to meet his opponent.
Persia raised hands for silence. She began to speak in an echoing voice. "In times long past the Rites of Passage have been used to help us determine which of us is worthy to survive and those who are not. They also tell us who should be allowed to join. Tonight is the first time an alien outsider has asked to join us and to added to this in an attempt to gain our help to save millions of lives. Let us hope his cause is worthy enough for Mother Moon and Father Forest. The Rite of Strength shall now take place. Champions pay tribute to the moon by drinking the elixir." She held the chalice to each of them and they both took a sip. "Shake hands and then retreat five steps. At my signal you will begin. The first person to knock their opponent to the ground and keep him there is the winner and earns the right to finish his opponent off. Places now begin!"
Bucky leaped into the air a human but came down as a creature. He growled and snapped at Superman. He stalked him in a fluent motion. Suddenly he leaped at Superman jaws wide open aiming for his throat.
Superman grabbed him and threw him down to the ground. He pounded his fist into Bucky side but he wasn't use to fighting with dimished strength. Bucky bit his leg and brought him to the ground. Superman cried out in pain as the wolf ravaged his body causing him to bleed profoundly.
"He's bleeding and he's losing! He could die!" Diana said in a panic
"He knew what he was getting into when he agreed to this. He has to fight with all his heart to win. Let him fight he can win." Arra said confident.
The two competitors fought each other tooth and claw against brawns and brains. Both were in extreme pain but neither was backing down. Finally Superman flung Bucky into a wall were he crumbled. He tried to get up but failed to. Superman towered over him. He looked at Persia who nodded. "You have won the battle it is your right to kill him. Finish him off he is weak."
"No I won't do it. I believe that all life is worth saving and the right to live is our most precious gift. I won't kill him even if you kill me. I spare his life so now I wait for your judgment." Superman preached.
"Congratulations Superman. Now you have truly won this Rite. This is the Rite of Strength. There are all kinds of strength. There is physical strength but the strength not to kill is even greater. Welcome to the pack." Persia monologue.
Cheers went up and Superman felt his powers return. He walked over to his team and congratulated him on a job well done. Now it was Diana turn. They followed the pack outside where a female wolf was already waiting. Diana let Arra drain her then walked over till she was standing next to the wolf.
"The Rite of Speed determines who is the swiftest person. Speed is a necessity in our way of life. You will both follow the course marked by the color markers on the trees. There will be many obstacles to overcome but the important thing is to finish first. Take your places. On your marks get set race!" Vivian yelled throwing down a green flag.
The race was on. Wonder Women ran as fast as she could but the werewolf was faster. They were going through a lot of thick foliage and there were a lot of tree roots that she could stumble over. When they got to a stream they dived in and she swam as hard as she could. Finally they reached the homestretch and with an extra burst of speed she crossed the finish line two seconds before the she wolf. Panting hard she looked up and smiled. "That was a lot harder than any training I received as an Amazon."
"Yet you have passed the test. You are as swift as any wolf. You truly are the Moon Goddess. It is time for the next rite. Let us go to the sacred place of wisdom." Vivian declared.
They arrived in a clearing with stones all around it. Batman was up and the team hoped his amazing mind was smart enough to win this challenge. Orlando Griffin approached him and bowed. "I am the Keeper of the Law. I shall be your opponent in the Rite of Wisdom. In our pack we must have wise leaders who make logical choices that will help protect our pack. I will ask you three riddles. You must answer them all right in order to pass. Shall we proceed?" Batman nodded slightly.
"Very well. Here is my first riddle. What is the difference between monkswood and wolfs bane and what do they do?"
"That is a trick question. They are the same plant and what they do is keep werewolves back or cure them at least according to legend." Batman answered smoothly.
"Correct. You have answered one of my three riddles. Here's number two." Orlando said coolly. He reached inside his robe and produced a large pink oval shape gemstone. "This is a moonstone. It has many mystical properties and names. Tell me what is another name for this gem?"
"Wolf Eyes." He answered simply. Everyone eyebrows went up. That was the right answer. He was good at this. Now it was time for the final question.
"I will recite our Law stating how old a male has to be in the pack to be considered an adult and compete in the Ordeal. Bone and flesh, flesh and bone, a man takes time to grow them. Two-five-two number the moons that it takes for a man to know them. Till then he is not the match of a man, and a man is not bound to him." Orlando recited. His gray eyes locked eyes on the Cape Crusader. Would he figure out the answer?
Batman thought about the riddle for a moment. The others were watching nervously. Had the World's Greatest Detective finally been stumped? Finally he answered. "The proper age for a male to be considered an adult is twenty one." Orlando nodded his head. Cheers went up from the sidelines. They had past three out of four Rites! Only one more to go and they were pack members.
Static was blindfolded and led to a meadow. Arra stripped him of his powers and after ten minutes the blindfold was removed. Mark stood in front of him with a sly grin on his face. "I am your opponent in the Rite of Cunning. In life you need all the wits and cunning you posses to survive in a tight situation. I have hidden a small chunk of iron somewhere in this meadow. Normally if you had your powers you would feel the magnetic pulse it gives off but now you have use your brains to figure out where I hid it. You have fifteen minutes to find the iron and bring it back to me. Good luck. Your time starts now."
Static groaned and rushed around checking under everyone stone and investigating every nook and cranny but he couldn't find the piece of iron. He let out a growl of frustration. "Man! This is so hard! If I just had my powers. But I don't I have to use my instincts. Come on think about this logically if I was Mark were would I hide it?"
Static closed his eyes and started thinking hard. He let the part of his mind that belong to Cassandra mingle with his mind. He thought about Mark's personality and the way he was grinning. Suddenly his eyes flew opened and he snapped his fingers. He knew where the iron was. He walked over to Mark calmly and said. "Can I have the iron that's in your pants pocket?"
Grinning Mark produced the iron and gave it to him. "I can't believe that you figured it out. Technically speaking I am in the meadow so I did hide it in the meadow. You also found it before time ran out so you past the Rite. Which means the Rites of Passage have been completed. You and your friends are now official pack members. Congratulations Static." Mark said shaking his hand.
Static pumped his fist and felt his powers returned. Now they were getting somewhere. Hippacrites was going down and they were going to save Gear.
"Tomorrow we will have a celebration to make your Initiation complete. It will be a great feast but right now we have to go. Dawn is fast approaching and Arra needs some cover. We have a place nearby. Lets hurry and Arra make sure you put on enough sunscreen." Vivian ordered and changed to her wolf form. Howling loudly everyone followed her towards town as the dawn fast approached.