A blinding burst of white light shone through the Legion's empty laboratory as Superman, Batman and the rest of the team were transported back to the source of their wild adventure. Ready and alert to even the slightest sign of enemy activity, the group stealthily made their way through the lab, splitting up to search for the mutagen component necessary for permanently changing them back to normal. "Fan out," Batman directed as he made his way to the computer and proceeded to hack into the Legion's system.
"Lantern, you and Diana watch the door. We've got to get what we need and get out as fast as we can," directed Superman as he and Flash followed Batman's directions and prepared several empty flasks in the chemical hood while Wonder Woman watched excitedly as Batman prepared the computer's system to reproduce the necessary compounds to restore their humanity. Within minutes, there was a faint buzzing sound as the computer remotely prepared their concoction and proceeded to filter the liquid into a series of test tubes which Superman tentatively placed in a centrifuge to thoroughly separate the serum's necessary components before they could be poured into the vials.
After another half hour of procuring the formula, everything was completed and the team was prepared to return to the Watchtower and finally put an end to their chaotic day. "Well, it looks like we're good to go," said Wonder Woman contently, as she approached Batman, still typing away at the keyboard. "You finished?"
"No," Batman replied bluntly, his eyes still fixed on the main monitor. Intrigued, Diana engaged her friend's reply and patiently waited for an explanation. "If the Legion was able to perform this once-successfully," Bruce dictated as he examined the extensive comparisons of human and wolf genetic coding. "What's to stop them from doing it again?"
"Well we've got our hands on enough of this stuff to reverse its effects if they ever try to transform us again," said Green Lantern as he raised one of the flasks in his hand. "And I know it's not a stretch when I say that you probably put together another vial of your own to test later," he continued cynically. "So I'd say we're good."
"I'm not talking about for us," Bruce corrected as he pulled up a series of web pages and data sheets displaying just how deep the Legion's studies had delved into the matter. "These findings show just how much this splicing serum is capable of. By tuning us into animals- to the length they were trying to take it anyway- they utilized its capabilities to the full extent," he explained as he displayed a computer animated image of a person being turned into monkey. "But they can rewrite it for other purposes as well..."
"Like?" asked Diana as she stood beside Bruce and watched the detailed video.
"This level of genetic splicing, combining human DNA with that of animals, could be exercised to a series of different degrees," Bruce explained. "From something as simple as crossing a person's DNA with their pet tabby's so that they'll have matching eyes," he paused and opened another file on the computer, "to combining a man's genetic makeup with that of a bull to increase his strength."
"So they could easily create their own super humans!" exclaimed Superman.
"Our readings show that this was their first time exercising the serum," Batman continued as he pulled up a file on the Man of Steel. "We were their guinea pigs-"
"-And we can count ourselves lucky that's not what they turned us into!" Flash interrupted humorously.
"Well, at least we know why they were doing this," commented Lantern as he and the others read the web page's studies.
"Now we just need to figure out how to stop them before they really get started," Diana continued as she placed a hand on Bruce's shoulder. Ready to agree, Bruce turned to address Diana, only to have his train of thought cut short by the chillingly familiar sight of black and brown rosettes slowly manifesting on her skin!
"That'll have to wait!" he said as he took her hand and studied the markings. "The antidote is wearing off; we have to get back to the watchtower. Now!" Immediately Diana held her hand up to her face and stared at the rosettes as if they were some type of disgusting stain or scar that had been left on her body.
"Is the coast clear?" Superman asked as he and Green Lantern approached Flash who was already peeking out the door, making sure they were able to sneak out and make a break for the Legion's transporter.
"There's no time to sneak around," objected Batman as he closed his findings on the computer and expertly erased his search history, clearing any evidence that they were ever there. "I've already sent a composition list of all the elements present in the antidote to the Watchtower. They can reproduce the serum there; we have to get out now," he instructed as he pulled a panel from the ceiling, using his now claw-length nails to pry the piece free. Stealthily, everyone made their way up into the air shaft in the ceiling and began to navigate their way through the narrow passage, to the transporter.
Crawling through the cold darkness of the headquarters' air shaft, the team stumbled down the winding maze-like path, trying to find their way to the teleporter before they turned back into animals. Already, as they made their way through the shaft, the group could feel the debilitating cramps and nausea as their humanity slowly proceeded to fade away. Stealthily, Batman led their way through the darkness. His eyes- reflecting what little light did manage to remain present in the air shaft- glowed in the black emptiness, like those of a wild beast watching from the shadows of the forest. Still making their way towards the teleporter, the awkward silence was soon broken as Superman impatiently inquired about their location. "Are we getting close?" he asked as he stopped to push his thick white hair from his brow. At first Batman ignored him and continued forward, only to reply moments later.
"We shouldn't be far," he replied, his voice deeper and more grainy than usual, like the raspy snarl of an angered animal.
"Good thing too," said Green Lantern as he crawled past Wonder Woman and proceeded to make his way towards Flash.
"Yeah," the Scarlet Speedster agreed. "Hopefully this time we won't get thrown all over the city," he joked. "Not sure if I can take nearly being flattened by a semi again."
"Yeah," agreed Green Lantern humorously, "Can't promise that Superman will be there to save you a second time-"
"OUCH!" Flash yelped as Lantern passed him from behind.
"Sorry," John apologized. "I think I stepped on your foot."
"I hope so..." Flash replied in a whisper as he closed his eyes and nervously reached behind him. Curious, the others watched as he picked up a bushy red and white tail! "Aw man," he groaned dismally at the sight of the familiar limb.
"We're changing faster than before!" Superman observed as he looked over his teammates.
"Are we any closer to that teleporter?" asked Wonder Woman eagerly. "We have to get out of here, now!"
"Agreed," Batman replied as he turned to look at his teammates. Shocked, the others stared back at him, gawking at the toll the transformation was taking on his facial features. With eyes shining yellow in the darkness, and his face shielded in thick black fur, the once identifiable Batman now resembled something out of a golden age 'Wolf Man' flick. "Come on," he growled as the team proceeded.
Picking up the pace, they continued through the air shaft, drawing nearer to the transporter with every step. As they pushed forward, the team moved briskly, yet remained wary of any noises- such as the sounds of their now clawed nails, scratching and tapping against the metal shaft beneath them- that could draw attention to their whereabouts. Turning around a corner, the group passed an open air vent. Light shining through and the sound of elevated arguing, the League- despite their worsening predicament- paused to listen in on the conversation as soon as they overheard the two recognizable voices arguing:
"This is all your fault!"
"My fault? If we had done things the way I intended, we could've had them locked up and done away with by now!" The voices shouted as the League peeked through the ceiling's air vents and listened as Grodd and Lex Luthor bickered and blamed one another. Angrily making accusations about how their plan had backfired. "If you hadn't gone behind my back and altered the serum, none of this would have happened! But of course you had to get something out of it." Grodd grumbled as he paced around Luthor who stood still, a frustrated scowl on his face.
"As if you had any greater incentive than mine?" he fired back, throwing a handful of papers into the ape's face. "What good are rats? Filthy vermin. We both know they would've escaped eventually; and what would've happened if we followed you're stupid plan?" he asked rhetorically. "Our entire facility would have been infested! As if the Justice League weren't already pests, you actually wanted them to embody the term?" The two continued to argue and belittle each other as the League listened and began to deduce their quarrel. "And what would you have done once the transformation was complete? Throw them out? At least with my intended transformations we would've made a profit, or at least gotten to keep some type of trophy..."
"Profit?" whispered Green Lantern as he looked from the angered crime lords to his teammates. "Does anyone know what their rambling about?"
"I think so," Superman replied as he brushed his dense white mane from his face, trying his best not to scratch himself with his claws. "But I don't like where this is going..." he stared at Luthor angrily, before thinking aloud what he'd meant by his words, "Trophy?" he repeated, looking to Batman who continued to listen intently to the conversation.
"At least with my initially intended outcome, they would have been harmless," Grodd snapped. "If you knew there was a possibility of their escape, what logic was there in turning them into animals capable of defending themselves or even killing?" He asked accusingly. "Who needs super strength when you can maul someone to death?" he continued, openly mocking Luthor. At first he didn't respond, an irritated grimace carved into his face. "You took away their powers, only to give them new ones!" Grodd shouted, as he continued to criticize Lex's plan.
"Which is why I had Cheetah reconfigure the spicing agent," Lex replied smartly. "They wouldn't even have been capable of an attack, had they escaped; they'd be too busy fighting and trying to kill each other. Besides," he laughed arrogantly, "I would have had them shipped and skinned before they even had the chance to sink their filthy fangs into anyone."
"Skinned?" Flash chocked out in confusion, immediately aware of what, and more importantly, who they were talking about.
"Do you have any idea how much a white lion pelt is worth on the black market?" Luthor asked. "And I've always wanted a leopard-skin rug."
"Excuse me?" scoffed Wonder Woman, shocked.
"Well at least we know why the mutagen was so specific," commented Green Lantern as he turned to Superman- a furious look in his eyes.
"They were going to sell us to the fur trade!" exclaimed Flash as he looked down at the shaggy red fur that slowly continued to spread across his body. "Whoa, I've never been a fan of fur for fashion to begin with, but I never thought I'd be the source of somebody's scarf!" He continued, picking up his tail.
"I can't believe this," commented Wonder Woman bitterly. "We can't let them get away with this!"
"They're not going to," replied Superman, his voice resonating beneath a bone chilling snarl. Furious, he reached for the air vent, intent on tearing it off and bursting in to his enemies' discussion to give them what for.
"What are you doing?" snapped Batman as he grabbed his friend's arm, stopping him from making any irrational decisions. "We're not going in there."
"They're talking about turning into carpets and coats!" the enraged Kryptonian snarled, his thick white hair standing on end. "You're telling me it doesn't bother you that Lex could've had us all stuffed or skinned and used to decorate his house?"
We don't have time for this." He snapped as he directed his friend's attention down at the thick coats of black and white fur that covered their arms. "We have to get to the Watchtower and address this first." The two exchanged intimidating stares before Superman snatched his clawed fist from his friend's grip. "We're leaving. Now."
After giving the final orders, Batman proceeded to make his way further through the air shaft, his now present tail trailing close behind- flowing behind him under his cape. Reluctantly, the others proceeded to pull themselves away from Lex and Grodd's argument, trying their best to ignore their words and forget everything they'd just heard; but Superman couldn't pull himself away. Still fuming and insulted by what he'd just heard, he sat and continued to listen, growing angrier with every word. "Superman?" Batman called when he realized that his teammate hadn't followed. Just then there was a bellowing growl, followed by the sound of breaking metal; immediately, Batman and the others turned around and attempted to stop their friend before he could make a move, but were unfortunately too late, as an enraged Superman had already leapt down from the ceiling and proceeded to impulsively direct his anger to those responsible for his beastly condition.
"Superman!" shouted Wonder Woman as she and the others followed behind to back up their friend.
"What the-" exclaimed Luthor as he and Grodd were startled by a thunderous roar and the sight of an odd white blur dropping from the ceiling. Tense, Superman stood before them, fists clenched, and angrily approached. Once the initial sense of shock had worn off, Lex studied the white-haired humanoid figure that approached, and was immediately shocked once he realized who he was looking at. "No," he said in disbelief, "Superman?... But you all got out. How are you still here?" he asked in utter disbelief as both he and Grodd studied the clearly enraged superhero and mused over his current appearance and what little humanity he had left. Still snarling in anger, Superman prepared to reply but was cut short by another feral growl as Batman and the others also exited the air shaft. Grodd and Luthor's shocked stupor was furthered by the sight of their other Justice League foes and their unnaturally anthropomorphic appearances. There was another growl and a sharp bark as Batman stopped his friend from addressing Luthor. While he and Grodd stared, frightened and confused, Superman responded to his friend's actions, understanding what had been said to him:
'Don't answer him.' Batman directed in a series of barks and growls.
'Why not? They can still understand us-'
'-For now,' added Wonder Woman.
'But they don't know that,' Batman replied. 'Their splicing mutagen was supposed to transform us completely, remember? Which means we shouldn't be able to speak- let alone understand- English. They don't know that that effect was negated,' Bruce explained as he looked to Grodd- a look of sheer uncertainty still plastered on his face. 'Let's keep it that way...'
'Fine,' Superman agreed begrudgingly.
Still listening to the disconcerting arguing of their now mutated enemies, Lex and Grodd stood in utter confusion and shock at the sight of their subjects' off-putting appearances. Curious, Lex struggled to follow their conversation, trying to link the volume of the growls, screeches and howls, and their still, somewhat readable body language, in an attempt to guess what they were talking about. "I don't suppose you'd know what they're saying?" he asked his ape conspirator mockingly.
"Unfortunately not," Grodd replied, insulted. "The mind altering component of the splicing agent must finally be taking affect, if it hasn't already occurred. I doubt they even know what one another are talking about. While I'm surprised the transformation has taken this long," he commented in regards to their increasingly furred and feathered appearances. "I'd say that it won't be long before they're on all fours and at each other's throats." Spitefully, Lex smiled at the idea of watching the once noble and iconic enforcers of justice savagely executing one another, focusing on Batman and Superman, still fully engrossed in their argument.
'We have to get out of here now!' Batman ordered with a sense of urgency. 'We know the location of their headquarters, and can come back and settle this matter later.'
'Yeah, maybe then we can turn Lex into a pig or something and sell him to the local petting zoo,' commented Wally as he wearily leaned against a nearby wall and placed a hand to his head.
'Kal, we have to go,' Diana agreed as looked down at her hands and picked up her tail in anguish. 'Now's not the time to be stubborn.'
'Not sure of how much you heard earlier, but unless you don't mind the idea of having your head mounted on someone's mantle, we need to get to that transporter,' John continued bluntly, running his fingers along the primary feathers protruding from his forearms, before dizzily closing his eyes and wrapping an arm around his aching chest.
'And if we waste any more time here, they just might get that chance,' Batman continued. Bitterly Superman glared back at Luthor, who still watched in amusement during the entire discussion. Frustrated, he bared his fangs and growled hatefully before turning back to Bruce and Diana. However, upon returning his attention to his friends, Superman was startled to see them both- as well as John and Wally - weakly slumped against the walls and nearby furniture in the room, all doubled over in different levels of pain and discomfort.
Immediately Superman knew what was happening and regretted his anger-fueled rampage and how much time it had taken away from their escape. Defeated, he watched as each of his friends dropped to the floor, wearily, as the splicing agent's final affects took hold. Suddenly exhausted himself, Clark stumbled forward, arms stretched outward to catch Diana as she passed out and limply fell to the floor. His vision blurring in and out of focus, Clark just managed to catch her in his large, furry paws, before he too lost consciousness and lay beside his friends at Grodd and Luthor's feet...
Dazed and sore, Superman was suddenly awakened by a thunderous thud which vibrated his bones and violently knocked him out of his stupor. Disoriented and weak, he had little to no memory of anything, and grew nervous when he quickly realized he was alone and in the dark- with no more than a single sliver of light shining through a crack in, whatever it was, he was confined to. Anxiously his eyes darted back and forth, trying to determine where he was. "Lantern? Flash?" he shouted in hopes that his teammates were nearby.
"Oh, great," chuckled the unfamiliar voice of a man. "Hey Butch, sounds like the bruiser is awake!" the voice shouted, followed by the sound of light banging over Clark's head.
"Beauty!" replied another man as a shadow, presumably one of the conversing men, stood in front of the crack in Clark's cell- blocking out what little light he could see. "It's about time. I was beginning to think the brute was already dead!" the two men joked much to Superman's confusion.
"Hey? Hey!" he shouted trying to get their attention. "What's going on here? Lex?" he called, still trying to get his bearings.
"Ah, shut up!" the two men fired back, slamming against Superman's confinement a second time. In doing so, there was a sudden tearing noise as the little crack of light was revealed to be a rip in a tarp, now made bigger by the men's rough actions. Now with enough light to see, Clark took in his surroundings and was startled to find himself in what appeared to be a warehouse. Surrounded by thick metal bars, he soon deduced that he was confined in some sort of crate, 'or cage,' he thought to himself. 'The kind used to hold...'
"Oh no..." he said to himself, the sharp sting of realization sinking in, as he looked down and gawked at the chillingly familiar sight of two hulking, white paws beneath him...