Women of Wonder

By Michael Weyer

A quick update hitting me on this to enjoy.

Jamie Sommers considered herself a rational woman in an often irrational occupation. Over the years in the OSI, she had put up with a lot of crazy things. Weather-controlling machines, a perfect imposter, a bionic dog, Fembots, even the occasional alien. She'd learned that it was best to just roll with whatever life threw at you and try not to get too overwhelmed.

Finding herself thrust forty years into the future of an alternate universe filled with superheroes was challenging her life mantra.

She sipped at her tea, trying to be calm as she took in the situation before her. This world's Wonder Woman was examining Diana and Prince (Jamie felt it was better naming them this way to keep her already testy sanity from imploding) with quite a bit of interest. The other costumed figures were wary but seemed not as shocked at this as Jamie would have expected. The large area they sat in resembled a fancy meeting room and it took Jamie a moment to realize the rather small device nearby was a computer that had more power in its space than the entire OSI put together. She could only marvel at what the future would bring as the others talked.

"Interesting," Wonder Woman intoned. She looked over Diana carefully as the other woman returned the scrutinizing gaze. "We're aware of counterparts in other realms…"

"Oh, yeah, I got to meet one of mine!" the Flash spoke up. "Cool guy, a little intense at times but not bad!"

Diana smiled. "You do remind me a bit of our Wally."

"Wally?" the Flash frowned. "Huh, weird, second Earth I've met he's that…"

Batman was circling the group, his glare making even Diana feel a bit uncomfortable. "We don't know yet for sure who they are."

Wonder Woman arched an eyebrow. "Batman, they're dressed like me, look like me, and have the same lasso."

"It can be a shapeshifter and just because they look like you doesn't mean they are like you."

Green Lantern rubbed his head. "Batman, you know what they call people who are always suspicious and expecting the worst?"

"Yes. Prepared."

Diana smiled. "I can see not much different than my Batman…"

"Now that is a terrifying thought," the Flash muttered.

Superman was looking over Jamie with interest. "Hmmm...Mechanical enhancements to your legs, right arm, right ear..."

Jamie blinked. "Wait...are you...scanning me?"

"Sorry," Superman stated with a truly apologetic smile. "But learning the hard way how ignoring some people at first glance isn't a good thing."

Jamie sighed. "I was skydiving, my chute didn't open so I crashed. Shattered both legs, the arm and lost hearing. My...boyfriend at the time managed to talk his bosses into outfitting me with bionics. After that...well, let's just say I felt had to work off the debt."

Cyborg was cocking his head as if he could somehow "hear" the devices under her skin. "Not bad. Pretty archaic now but look good and surprisingly advanced in some places."

Jamie knew Rudy would throw a fit at his brilliant work dismissed this way but reminded herself there had to be serious advancements in this by this point in another world. "Frankly, I'd much rather be a teacher but it feels more important to help out."

"I hear that."

Jamie wasn't happy but still focused on him. "Listen, I just need to figure a back to…my world…and time…and wow, that is so bizarre to say…."

"You get used to it," the Flash remarked. "Hey, did I tell you all about the Earth where blimps are still a thing?'

"Yes, Barry, you did," Green Lantern said in a tired voice.

The Martian Manhunter was studying Diana. "Hmm….much like our Diana, your thoughts can be difficult to read even at a cursory glance. And I dislike delving much further without permission."

Diana didn't seem too upset as she crossed her arms. "I suppose we do have some common ground to discuss." She looked to her doppelganger. "I'm suspecting the Gods have something to do with this meeting."

This Wonder Woman smiled thinly. "In this reality, the Gods are mostly dead." She shrugged. "Well, if such a term can apply for them."

"How is Paradise Island?" Prince asked with interest.

"We call it Themyscria," Wonder Woman corrected. "I visited recently, they are doing well. I do wonder if Mother is ready to take a step into reaching out to the rest of the world but…"

"Still a traditionalist?" Prince smiled. "Doesn't sound too different from mine. As much as Drusilla keeps trying to get Mother to modernize a bit. She even brought one of those new-fangled Walkmans to the island."

"What's a Walkman?" Barry asked, not noticing Green Lantern's eye roll.

Diana chuckled. "Donna has been the same way. She wants Mother to even reach out, try to get an embassy in Washington. After all, I am supposed to be an ambassador."

"We do need to focus here," Prince pointed out. "This Aresia is a danger and that's without the Cheetah by her side."

Wonder Woman let out a sad sigh. "Damn. It would be nice to find a reality where Barbara managed to avoid that curse."

"You too?" Diana asked.

Wonder Woman made a somber nod. "She was a friend once. Until her jealousy overcame her and she was manipulated into being transformed." She rubbed her face. "I've tried to help her come back but she falls too much into her animal side."

"Mine's not much different," Prince related in an understanding voice. "But keep trying, something of the old Barbara has to be there."

Wonder Woman waved to a nearby room. "We should chat more." The other two women nodded to follow. Jamie watched them go and then looked around. "So…." She began, trying to force a light voice. "Who's got scores on what, to me, are the next forty World Series?"

Wonder Woman led the way into a study, the books packed with information from history to the latest crime studies, Diana looking around. "Very interesting. In my reality, we work out of a satellite over Earth."

"Bruce is actually working on something like that," Wonder Woman replied. "It's a bit tricky but it's being handled so far." She waved to chairs as the duo sat, each unconsciously adjusting their uniforms as they settled in. Wonder Woman studied the pair, noting the similarities but also the differences. Clearly, both women were warriors yet she sensed Prince wasn't quite as hardened as Diana or herself. Yet she seemed more at ease in a modern world than Diana was or even Wonder Woman herself. At the same time, Wonder Woman could sense the power in each as well as an aura much like her own. "So…." She began. "Daughter of Ares?"

That got a pair of shocked looks. "Wait…you're…" Diana began.

Wonder Woman arched an eyebrow. "So there is a large difference, intriguing." She smirked. "You mean…you really were born out of clay?" She saw the pair nod and mused to herself. "Huh. I personally can't believe I actually fell for that story for so long."

Diana shook that off as she looked her double over. "World War II?"

"The First War, actually," Wonder Woman answered.

"Ah, so no Steve."

"Steve Trevor?" Wonder Woman was surprised. "Oh, no, he crashed upon the island and I followed him to aid in the war." Her smile faded. "He…sacrificed himself to stop a major threat." She shook her head. "It was…very difficult. He briefly returned due to circumstances best not to get into."

Prince smiled. "He has that way about him. Mine did at least and his son handles it too."

Diana was tapping her chin. "Hmm…there's one on my world but we don't really talk much. Oh, a good man in a fight but really, just acquaintances."

Wonder Woman smiled. "Hmm….perhaps someone else then? A certain teammate?"

Diana let out the tired sigh of someone about to begin a familiar conversation. "Bruce is just….a friend."

Prince shook her head. "I may not have a Batman on my earth, but I highly suspect you feel a bit more than just camaraderie with this man."

Wonder Woman nodded as well. "Oh, he can be stubborn as hell but he has carried so many scars. He is a good man at heart, he just closed it off to much. But the right person could try to pry it open."

"Oh? Like you?"

"Well...not so much," Wonder Woman admitted. "He carries a torch for his Catwoman, as much as he denies it. But perhaps yours is more open to you."

Diana rolled her eyes. "I cannot believe I am getting dating advice from my own selves…" She pointed at Prince. "You can always give your Steve Jr. a try."

"Being with him after his father?" Prince shook her head. "No, that's just a bridge too far for me. Frankly, not sure about the dating aspects. After all, hard to imagine a long life when you know you'll still be the same centuries from now and so many gone."

"I know the feeling," Wonder Woman said with a tired sigh. "I've lost more than my share of friends. I cut myself off from the world for a time because of that but realized that wasn't right." She shook her head. "I've met a few others with long lives and it's much the same for them. I just never had to deal with it before living on the island for so long." She chuckled. "The modern world was a shock and this was 1917."

Prince laughed. "Oh, I know. The first time I saw a car, I was just staring at it and wondering…"

"Where are the horses?" All three said in unison before laughing. "Plus, it was the 1940s," Prince added. "I felt a little embarrassed about the outfit."

"Oh, dress shopping was fun," Wonder Woman replied. "Of course, fashions then were a bit tricky. It took me hours to figure out how a skirt worked."

"Modern times not much better," Diana added. "Also, finding a place to live. I was on the satellite for a while but eventually found a new apartment. Tricky part was storage for the jet."

"I know that," Prince answered.

"Jet?" Wonder Woman asked.

"The invisible jet."

Wonder Woman blinked. "How…does that even work? People just…look up and see you in nothing?"

"How do you fly?"

"I don't. I leap far but not fly."

"That's odd," Diana mused.

"You have an invisible jet and you're saying that's odd?"

"I'm just saying, it works…"

"Plus," Diana went on. "Having to be an ambassador. And the media attention can be a bit much."

Wonder Woman nodded. "I try not to make as big a splash with them but of course, there are the problems. One statement taken out of context and the next thing I know, a thousand websites are drawing up sides on issues."

Prince seemed confused. "What's a website?"

Her two counterparts sighed. "Trust me, relish the world without the Internet while you can," Diana stated. "If nothing else, it makes it much easier for you to get around without someone able to follow you nearly every minute, I can't even get to my apartment without a mob of photographers camped around it."

Prince frowned. "You still don't have a secret identity?"

"Again, I tried, it doesn't work as well," Diana said.

Wonder Woman smirked. "You attempt the glasses?" At Diana's nod, she chuckled. "So did I, dropped them after two minutes, it did nothing at all. I honestly have no idea how Clark does it."

Diana pointed to Prince. "She makes it work."

"Wait...really?" Wonder Woman leaned in toward her counterpart. "You really put on a pair of glasses and somehow people fail to make the connection?"

Prince shrugged. "Frankly, there are days I can't believe it either. And I work at an intelligence agency."

Wonder Woman decided to get off the topic. "Now this Aresia…"

It was Diana's turn to sigh. "She was a good person, she truly was. Angry but good. I guess the anger overwhelmed her, blamed all the ills of the world solely on men and we were better off without them."

"Sadly, too many here who'd agree with her," Wonder Woman muttered. "And you have a Circe too? She can't be as bad as mine."

"I hope not," Diana allowed. "However, Aresia joining her with is very troublesome. I fear Circe is using her anger, warping Aresia further and no longer caring about the consequences of her actions. Now, let loose upon another Earth, it's more difficult."

"She may still be disoriented," Prince pointed out. "I mean, a strange world, another time period, that may delay her and give us an advantage."

"With someone else, maybe," Diana stated. "But Aresia was always fast on her feet, even as an Amazon. I have little doubt she can find a way to recover." She paused, thinking. "Hmmm….In fact, my guess is, her best option would be to find a way to reach Circe. Get her to give further aid in returning to her own reality and time."

Prince pointed to her counterpart. "That device she was using…The central gem powering it didn't look like some random lens."

"No," Diana mused. "Something about it seemed familiar, the purple glow…"

"Purple…" Wonder Woman was rising up, looking about the library. Her eyes fell on a large volume as she pulled it out, flipping through the pages. She moved to show a drawing of what appeared to be a large dark purple crystal that, even on the printed page, appeared to shimmer with light. "Did it resemble this?"

Diana's eyes widened. "Of course! The Heart of Darkness!"

Prince had no idea what this meant but sensed from their reactions it wasn't good. Before she could speak, the door opened as Green Lantern stepped in. "Sorry to interrupt but we got a hit on some other-dimensional activities and I figured you'd want the heads up from me, not Barry."

The trio entered the main room where the holographic table was showing a map of Gotham City, focusing on the Gotham Museum of Antiquities. Batman's expression was stern as he took it in. "The scanners indicate a different vibrational frequency coming from the area near the Museum," he barked. "I'm guessing they want something inside.

Wonder Woman's expression was dark. "Have they gotten anything new recently? Some sort of artifact recently uncovered?"

To her lack of surprise, Batman only needed a keystroke to bring up the Museum's recent records. "Yes. Something transported from the jungles of Columbia, discovered inside a temple." He swiftly brought up an image of a dark purple gem rotating about.

"The Heart of Darkness," Wonder Woman repeated.

"Yep, putting darkness in the name is never a good sign," the Flash intoned.

Wonder Woman went on. "Long ago, a twisted malevolent spirit known as Eclipso ravaged the land now known as South America. He was finally defeated and cast into that gem. It was meant to be hidden far away but his spirit remains inside to infect any who attempt to hold him. It grants them incredible power….but also corrupts them and others."

Diana spoke up. "We have a version in my own reality. It actually managed to capture myself and others in the League." She shuddered. "It takes all the darkest parts of your own self, the parts you hide away, and lets them be unleashed."

"With Bats, how could you tell the difference?" The Flash's chuckle was cut off by the Dark Knight's hard glare.

Wonder Woman rubbed her head. "If Aresia finds the Heart…"

"There's no telling the damage she can do," Diana continued. "She can use its power to attack and ravage this world."

"Or spread the corruption," Prince added. "Imagine an entire city turned to darkness like that."

"Circe would love such chaos," Diana agreed.

The Flash had been looking from one to the other and leaned toward Aquaman. "This really is hot." He winced as Mera smacked him across the head.

Superman was nodding. "We need to move. Hopefully, we can shut them down fast."

"Yep because things always work out so well and ducky," the Flash muttered and for once, Aquaman had to agree with him.

Night in Gotham City was an often tense time. The citizens had learned long ago how easily things could erupt into chaos due to the various threats amid the city which had increased in the last several months. It also meant security forces at certain areas were low for the fact many saner people were not willing to risk their lives for someone else's property.

This was why it didn't take long for Aresia and her followers to subdue the low staff at the Museum in order to enter the main storage area. They were soon tearing through the various boxes, Cheetah growling as she did the same. "I still say could have killed them," she snarled.

"We're trying to keep a low profile," Aresia brushed off. She didn't trust the savage creature, even with the control she had over her. The Cheetah's primal side was affecting the spell and Aresia was concerned if she pushed it too hard, it may snap. For now, it was enough to keep her on a leash. "Just find the Heart."

The Cheetah growled as she kept up the search. It took a moment for one of the pseudo-Amazons to cry out. "I have it!" She held up a case which Aresia snatched from her hands. She lifted the case, seeing the gem shimmering within. Even through the glass she could feel the spirit deep inside and shivered, knowing its power was just what she needed. "Come, let's get going."

They made their way upstairs and were entering the main museum when a flash of familiar golden threw itself toward her. Aresia just barely dodged it. "Still so predictable, Diana…" Her words died when she saw a different woman in armor standing before her. "Oh, damn, there's one here too…"

Wonder Woman glared at her as she pulled her lasso back. "I don't want to judge you too much, but my Amazons are not the type to attack man."

"As weak in this world then," Aresia snapped. Cheetah snarled as she leapt forward, slashing with her claws. Wonder Woman dodged it, struck by how this version was far more savage than the Barbara she knew. She winced as one slash came close to striking at her shoulder but in a blur, Prince was there, wrapping her own lasso around Cheetah to pull her back. The woman kept up her growls as she tried to fight out of the attacks.

One of Aresia's group was throwing out a large vase but Jamie was there to block it, carefully placing it down. A blur echoed in the air and in seconds, the various women on Aresia's side were wrapped up in some of the museum's guard ropes. The Flash smirked as he slapped his hands together. "See, no problem, and oh damn why did I say that out loud?"

The words weren't out of his mouth before Aresia cursed and threw out the hand containing the gem. It shimmered with light before erupting a blast of black fire the Flash barely dodged. Diana was cursing as she realized Aresia's own inner darkness was calling out to Eclipso. "Aresia! You don't know what you're doing!"

"No, Diana!" she snapped. "I'm changing this world for the better!" She held up the gem as she began whispering under her breath. The rest of the League was arriving, Superman stepping forward but before he could do more, a familiar cloud of green smoke and light formed. When it faded, it revealed a voluptuous woman in a tight green outfit showing off plenty of leg and cleavage. Her hair was purple and her eyes nearly white with only tiny green irises. Her purple-lined lips were pulled into a smirk. "Well, well, what have we here?" she purred. "Three Wonder Women? This is a very fascinating world."

"Circe," Diana hissed.

Wonder Woman raised an eyebrow. "Amazing. She's actually worse dressed than mine."

"I suppose I should thank you," Circe addressed Wonder Woman. "If my counterpart was still in this reality, I couldn't be. Cosmic rules on certain forms occupying the same dimension and all that." Her smirk grew. "But with her gone….I can be footloose and fancy-free." She let out a giggle and Wonder Woman somehow sensed that, while evil, this version was less serious and more fun-loving than her Circe. Which, somehow, did not make her happy.

Diana was glaring. "What is your plan this time? Take over Olympus? Or the world?'

"That would be telling," Circe mocked. "But suffice to say, when I'm done, this world and yours is going to be a lot different."

"That's not going to happen," Batman snarled as he threw out a Batarang. With an absent wave of her hand, Circe transformed it into a butterfly. "Oh, there's one of you here too. I wonder if you have a better singing voice…"

"Bats singing?" the Flash couldn't help but laugh at the very image.

Superman stood before her, his arms crossed. "We're giving you one chance to surrender. Otherwise…"

"Oh, I have no time for this," Circe remarked. "We've wasted enough time as it is. Normally, I'd just incinerate you all on the spot but…" Her smile grew as she raised a gloved hand. "I think in this case…the classics can work."

Diana was opening her mouth as Green Lantern reflexively created a shield around half the League. Before it could be completed, Circe snapped her fingers and a bright flash of light echoed. When it faded, she, Aresia, Cheetah and their female followers were gone. The Leaguers slowly blinked their eyes as they took in the sight before them.

"You have got to be kidding me," Cyborg spoke for all of them.

The doors to the museum burst open as a pack of figures entered. Most were in matching black suits and caps, almost uniforms in their odd way, several hauling large boxes and crates filled with everything from multi-colored paint to fireworks to party decorations. At the lead, his purple suit and hat bright and clear, the Joker strode into the entranceway, his lips pulled back into that wild grin. "Pick up the pace, boys!" he called out. "We've got a big night ahead." He rubbed his gloves together in anticipatory glee. "Hmmm….just get this whole thing set up, rob the paintings and statues and leave that very fun surprise and…."

He stopped as he took in the scene on the balcony overlooking the main atrium. "Dude, grab that thing!" the Flash was yelling as he chased to grab one of three pigs who each wore a costume much like Wonder Woman. Aquaman and Mera was racing to grab another while Green Lantern used his ring to pluck a third off the ground. He handed it off to an attractive blonde-haired woman whose expression showed she clearly could not believe what was going on.

Padding behind the group was a German Shepherd wearing a mask and a short cape the Joker found very familiar. Floating a few inches off the floor behind them was a chimpanzee clad in a red and blue suit with a large S-like symbol and a red cape, letting out some high-pitched cries as the dog barked at him.

The Flash was holding out one of the pigs toward Mera. "Here, you take it!"

"I'm not taking it!" she snapped.

"Ugh, when I joked I wanted Diana in my arms, this was not what I meant!" The dog seemed to bark in anger at that.

For a long moment, the Joker simply stood there, staring blankly outward as he bit his upper lip. After a pause, he threw up his hands and spun on his heel. "Pack it up, boys, we're going home."

The goons looked at each other in surprise. "But, boss…" one started only to be cut off by the Joker's raised hand.

"Key rule of comedy, Mortimer." The Joker pointed toward the arguing heroes. "Never try to follow an act you know there's no way you can possibly top." He walked away with the baffled underlings trailing after him. Above, the heroes continued bickering, having given no notice whatsoever to the entrance and exit below.

Not for the first time, the Leaguers were impressed by how unflappable Alfred Pennyworth was. Most people, when discovering their employer had been transformed into a dog, would be hard-pressed to be able to say or do anything. After a brief (if understandable) moment of slack-jawed amazement, Alfred rebounded to begin ordering how to place the transformed Superman, Batman, and Wonder Women into a container in the underground chambers of the Batcave. That left the group to just stare in wonder at what they were seeing.

"Dude, I swear, his glare is even scarier as a dog," the Flash hissed and for once, Green Lantern had to agree with him. The Bat-Hound was giving them a harsh glare that was enough for the Flash to silence a dozen jokes he'd normally be cracking at this moment. The Wonder Pigs (and even Barry couldn't believe Arthur openly called them that) were mingling together while the Super-Chimp floated yet still oddly seemed to retain a near regal bearing.

"You realize he throws poop at us, we're all dead," Barry whispered. He winced when the chimp fixed a hard glare to realize it still had super-hearing.

The Martian Manhunter was cocking his head. "I can read their thoughts and they still retain much of their usual intelligence. They simply cannot communicate verbally."

"Are they….ticked?" Mera asked.

"I would say they are…perturbed."

Jamie rubbed her forehead. "Is this…a normal thing for you?"

"Actually, even by our standards, this is something weird," Mera had to acknowledge.

"Any ideas?"

"Get some heavy-duty leashes and draw straws who cleans up after them?"

"Not it!" four male voices spoke up at once.

Jamie rubbed at her temples. "Go skydiving, Jamie, it'll be a fun adventure, Jamie, what's the worst that can happen, Jamie?"

"Since opening the world's weirdest petting zoo isn't an option, I'm kinda open to suggestions," Cyborg announced. "Dammit, I hate magic." The fact he was actually accepting this as more than a science was telling but Vic Stone was enough of a realist to know there was no other logical explanation for what he was seeing.

Aquaman shook his head. "All that and we lost the bitch bunch. We're back at square one."

"Just once, be nice if we were left at square two," Green Lantern muttered.

Alfred stepped back into the room, looking calm. "I've put in a call so we should have help."

"Let me guess," Aquaman sardonically said. "Your boss left behind instructions on what to do just in case he was turned into a dog." He saw Alfred putting a bowl of water down which Bat-Hound began drinking from and his smirk faded. "Wait…he didn't…"

"At this point, I wouldn't be shocked," Cyborg said.

Alfred rose up. "I suppose we should be ready. I must admit, this was a step in the right direction…straight out of left field."

Right on that brilliant cue, a cloud of purple smoke formed to reveal a female figure. The Leaguers were instantly alert as the smoke faded to show a strikingly beautiful woman with lush black hair under a top hat. She wore a tuxedo top and very short shorts which showcased her legs covered in fishnet stockings and ending in high heels. She smiled as she nodded to Alfred. "Got your call, Al, good to see you again."

"Zatanna Zatarra?" The Flash gawked.

Green Lantern was just as dubious. "We're counting on a Vegas act to help us?"

Jamie stared at him. "Did you miss the part where she appeared out of a cloud of smoke?"

"That's her act."

"You're wearing a ring that can make anything you want, you're with a guy who talks to fish, there are five animals who used to be people and you're drawing the line at magic?" Jamie rolled her eyes. "Even I'm opening my mind to all this and that should say something."

Zatanna smiled. "For the record, yes, I do use real magic. Learned it from my dad who learned it from his, long family tradition." She shrugged. "I'm totally honest about it, not my fault folks don't believe it."

"Wait…that's all real magic?" The Flash frowned. "I'm trying to decide if that counts as cheating."

"In the biz, we call it misdirection," Zatanna returned. She focused her deep eyes onto the transformed Leaguers, leaning down to scratch at Batman's neck. "Aw, Bruce, you've never looked cuter!" In response, he let out a sharp yip.

The Flash grinned toward Alfred. "Please tell me the security cameras are running, I want every minute of this." The tiny smile on the butler's face told the Fastest Man Alive that he too was getting some enjoyment out of this.

Jamie rubbed at her temples, trying to deal with the situation. "Come on, Jamie…you saw an alien girl shrink to two inches tall, you can roll with this…" She took a deep breath. "Can you just…oh, Lord, I can't believe I'm about to say these words…cast a spell to bring them back?"

Zatanna's smile faded as she studied them. "Damn, this is tough. We're talking power of a goddess here." She tapped her chin. "Hmmm….buuuuuut it looks like it wasn't too serious. She must have been in a rush, normally a Circe-level transformation can only be undone by her. In this case, it's a little looser so can be cracked, if I can find a way to counter the deceptive nature of the spell."

"Um…crazy idea," Jamie piped up as she pulled out the three shining glowing lassos of the Wonder Women. "These didn't seem affected and my Diana told me among the powers is compelling the truth."

Zatanna's eyes brighten. "Hey, that can work!" At her command, Jamie was soon wrapping the lassos about the transformed animals, carefully winding them in specific bonds. "I always knew those Girl Scout lessons would pay off someday," she cracked as she made the ties exact. She held the three lassos now wrapped up in her bionic arm, the added strength able to contain their power.

Zatanna looked to the others. "Back up, just in case." They did so with Green Lantern instinctively creating a shield for them to stand behind. Zatanna took a deep breath as she touched the lassos and uttered a line. "Namuh ot erotser , cigam s'ecriC odnu!" It took a moment for Jamie to realize the woman was speaking backward. A line of purple fire mixed with the glowing golden lassos to travel down and flow around the animals. They all shimmered for a few moments with Zatanna repeating her incantation, with a stronger voice.

Once more, the bright flash of light echoed and when it faded, Batman, Superman, and the Wonder Women were once more in human form, all shaken while on hands and knees. Batman was on his feet in an instant, not hesitating to storm toward Flash and point a finger in his face. "Not. One. Word. EVER." The Scarlet Speedster could only make a terrified nod.

Superman winced as he brushed at his suit. "God, that was...an experience I sincerely hope no one here ever tells Lois."

"That depends," Green Lantern said. "Just how good are you crushing coal into diamonds?" He held up his hands at Superman's glare. "Hey, it was me or Barry, thought better coming from me!"

Batman looked to Zatanna. "Thank you," he managed to get out. "I...you know how I feel about your world."

"Aw come on, it's not always so bad," Zatanna protested. "Magic can be very beneficial!"

"If used properly," Aquaman intoned, hefting his trident. It seemed to spark at the tip with Zatanna interested. "Nice stick."

"I like it." Aquaman said only to realize too late the smirk on Zatanna's face at the double entrade he'd walked into.

The Flash chuckled. "Nice work, Baywatch."

Aquaman growled as he pointed at him. "I told you, never mention that show around me!"

"Ah, I liked the movie," Zatanna stated. She tipped her top hat up. "I think I should stick around a bit longer, you can use any magical edge right now with Circe on the loose."

"I agree." Diana seemed to have recovered faster from the ordeal, brushing at her hair. "Ugh, at least it wasn't as long as the last time."

"This has happened to you before?" Prince gaped. Even by her own experiences, this had been the weirdest thing that had ever happened to her.

"Circe did it. Batman had to save me by...well...singing in public."

Even the Martian Manhunter was smiling at the way Batman glowered at the very idea. "Man, your Earth sounds so much more fun," Flash remarked.

"Barry, you try going over there and getting any footage of that," Green Lantern started.

"You yell at me."

"Hell, no, I'm going with!"

Diana brushed it off. "What matters is stopping Aresia. If she unleashes Eclipso with Circe at her side, the consequences can be horrible."

"We need to start searching," Batman snapped. He winced as he brushed at his suit. "First…I need a shower and a quick nap."

"Should I then lay out some newspaper?" By the time the Batman turned, the Flash was halfway out of Gotham yet oddly they could hear him yelling out "worth it!" as an echo in the air.

No matter the world, Circe always demanded the best. This was unfortunate for the former occupants of what had once been one of the fanciest penthouses in Metropolis not owned by Lex Luthor. While running a "global charity" that was really a Ponzi scheme was a crime, being transformed into jade statues, their faces frozen in agony and terror, was hardly a just punishment.

Circe herself lounged on a cushion, eating caviar with relish. "Hmmm…delightful. This world seems more…lively than my own." The various other women were about, some just sitting and waiting for any command. It was obvious how they were at the beck and call of Circe with her magic dominating them, even the Cheetah more subdued as she licked from a saucer of milk set on the floor.

Aresia stood nearby, her arms crossed, and her sole remaining eye fixed on the twisted goddess. "Should you be wasting time? This world's version of the Justice League is searching for us." She glanced around the room. "We should be in some distant island or fortress, not lounging here. You might as well have just booked us a hotel suite."

Circe pointed a finger, her eyes hard. "Be careful, Aresia. Never forget who saved your life and gave you the power to enact your revenge."

Aresia didn't back down as she glared at Circe. "I know my place. Again, I could care less what you do with this world. As long as Diana and men suffer, I'll follow you." She narrowed her eyes. "But don't expect me to bow and scrape to you. You can get anyone to do that. I may serve you but I won't worship you."

Circe chuckled. Rather than be displeased by Aresia's disobedience, she rather enjoyed the young woman's feisty nature. It was a key reason she'd chosen to save her, that and that her hate of Diana and the Amazons rivaled her own. It was refreshing to have a pawn who knew what piece she was and yet willing to fight if need be. That made her plans all the easier.

Circe looked to the dark gem hovering in a special case above the main table. "Hmmm….This is quite the discovery."

"I've heard the tales of Eclipso on my world," Aresia said with some concern. "You really wish to unleash him? It could backfire, he's not the type to control."

"Eclipso?" Circe blinked in confusion then burst out in a loud laugh. "You think I'm going to this trouble for that pitiful little creature?" She shook her head. "Oh, no, I have so much greater plans for this Heart. Even this world's Wonder Woman has no clue the power it truly contains, power I can use."

Aresia frowned deeply. "Then….you're not going to unleash some dark god?"

Circe's grin was wide and terrible. "My dear, sweet Aresia. Why would I want to unleash one dark god….when I can release and control all of them?" Her cackling seemed to carry like icy rain across the entire building as the Heart glowed brighter as if something inside was desperate to break out.

A short update but wanted to get it out and the Joker bit inspired by a sadly deleted scene from the JLU episode "This Little Piggy." Also, for Zatanna, imagine Alexandra Daddario who would be fantastic in the part. Hopefully more to come sooner, all comments welcomed.