Chapter Seven: Gather and Split Up.

Batman had returned to his manor, where Alfred presented him with what he had found on Baron Pericles Phibes. An obscure fact held away in his father's study until now. Bruce looked up at the image of his father, Dr. Thomas Wayne. As a boy Thomas was a giant in the eyes of his father. Looking up at the still image high on the wall, he still was.

"He's still guiding you even now, Master Bruce," said Alfred, placing a hand on Bruce's shoulder while handing him the journal.

Bruce looked down at the journal, an old text over a century old. He then gave one final look towards the image of his father before leading the way out of the study.

"Miss Gordon is continuing to search for any more contemporary information on Alphonse Murnau Phibes, assuming that he is indeed a person of interest," said Alfred.

"It's the best lead we have now," said Bruce. "But I want to look more into the Phibes family in general. If that even is who we're dealing with."

"I anticipated sir," said Alfred, opening the grandfather clock entrance. "I've compiled all I had been able to find on the Phibes family whilst you were tying up ends on the Watchtower. Gathered at the Bat-Computer along with your breakfast."

"Thank you Alfred," said Bruce, making his way down to the Bat-Cave.

"I have also searched into the information Master Allen procured from his contact," said Alfred. "Particularly into that ghastly image of the mammoth spider."

"According to Flash's contact the name given to that molted skin translates to Revolta," said Bruce.

"An apt name to be sure," said Alfred. "But what I found of interest was in the story of the carnival manager. Discounting the obvious showman pitch I did find some reference to this 'vampire princess' he said to have traded for his life. Assuming it is relevant."

"We'll have to assume every piece of information we can find is relevant at this time Alfred," said Bruce.

"Very well sir," said Alfred. "But sadly there's not much more than folklore. Thankfully we do get a name from it. The tragic tale of the Princess Sibella Valdronia."

As Bruce sat at the computer, beginning to nurse the breakfast Alfred had laid out, the faithful butler brought up the image of an oil painting of a radiantly beautiful young woman done in the style of the 16th century.

"The princess of the small European nation which shared her family name, heir to the throne," said Alfred. "An unfortunate reality of her nation was that given its small size, its army was often difficult to compare to the various other European powers. But what they lacked in numbers the Valdronian military did have a reputation for stealth with their small numbers working to their advantage. Often prioritizing guerrilla warfare tactics against their enemies, at times to devastating effect for whoever they were against."

"I can imagine," said Bruce.

"This specialty led to the Royal Family providing Valdronian soldiers as mercenaries to greater nations in exchange for their respect of their boarders," said Alfred. "Of course that tended to fluctuate depending on which was the greater nation. It wasn't even uncommon for Valdronia to make deals with various nations, ensuring they would have a contract with the winner. Of course without the winner knowing. A tactic which served them well until Napoleon rose to power. Napoleon proved to be a more difficult opponent and discovered the deceit. The Royal family was deposed and the nation of Valdronia absorbed into Napoleon's empire. By all accounts all members of the royal family, the princess included, perished while in prison. But local folklore in the area suggests that the princess did indeed survive, in a sense. A plague is recorded to have broken out not long after this. But strangely enough it only seemed to effect the French occupation forces. The Valdronian people believing that their princess was avenging the destruction of her family and the conquest of her people. Although now as a creature of the night."

"I can relate," said Bruce.

"I believed you would sir," said Alfred. "Sadly the nation of Valdronia never recovered. It's territories split between its neighbors and it's culture relegated to history. Those few who held onto their nationality were left nomads, gypsies, and..."

"Circus folk," said Bruce.

"A pity if indeed there is truth to it all," said Alfred. "Should that young woman still be...among us today, I cannot help but wonder what wounds she carries from those times. To somehow transform oneself into a creature of the night to try and fight for their home and family, only to lose it all. In truth Master Bruce, an almost sad possibility for ourselves in a sense."

Bruce hummed in light agreement. He then began to look over the data on Pericles Phibes.

"Baron Pericles Phibes, awarded professorship of the University of Berlin's department of medical research," Bruce began. "He was leading the charge of medical theories that wouldn't be proven until decades later."

"He often attempted to prove those theories at ghastly extremes," said Alfred.

"Attempted vivisection on captured Allied soldiers and even German soldiers who were close to dying of the Spanish Flu," Bruce read. "Amputations and even early attempts of transplants. Those mercenaries you said the Phibes family kept up to protect them also being donated to the cause to bolster forces weakened by the flu. This kept Phibes from being punished by the high command."

"But none the less his reputation in medical science was rather tainted," said Alfred. "His position was terminated and he retired to the family estate. His son Alphonse was not too perturbed by his father's fall. A veteran of the war and a prodigy, Phibes the younger had a slightly higher standing. And his genius could not be denied by the same university his father had been expelled from. Quickly earning degrees in several fields."

"Biology, anatomy, engineering, chemistry, theology, and even music," Bruce read.

"Graduating at the age of twenty," said Alfred. "However in spite of his impressive resume the young Phibes retreated from public view. Though not before composing his own opera for the German symphony."

"The Witch of the Web," Bruce read.

"Critics considering it a masterpiece," said Alfred. "If an odd one, detailing the rise of power of a witch. With a noted spider motif."

"I'm guessing Valdronia was a neighbor of Germany," Bruce said.

"Indeed sir," said Alfred.

Wheels began turning in Bruce's head.

"Do you recall the Mad Monk?" Bruce asked.

"Indeed sir, one of the first costumed foes you ever encountered at the beginning of your career," said Alfred. "You faced him after your first encounter with Hugo Strange if I recall. That case also caused the sad end of your romance with Miss Madsen."

Batman recalled Julie Madsen, a woman he truly cared for, loved even. But her father had been under the thumb of one Salvatore Maroni, one of Gotham's most notorious crime lords. It was during a fight with Maroni that Julie's father saw the Batman. After that he had gone mad with fear that the Batman, in his mind a monster which could have harmed him and even Julie for his association with Maroni. Leading him to try and kill Maroni only to die at the hands of his bodyguards. Julie at the time didn't know, the stress of her father's condition leaving her to be vulnerable to a cult under the command of a red clad villain called the Monk. A villain who seemed to have characteristics of a vampire. Back then Bruce had been skeptical to the existence of such a creature. And while their confrontation ended in the Monk being burnt alive by a lightning bolt, leaving the truth an eternal question in the Dark Knight's mind. But since then, even with his skepticism, Bruce thought it wise to learn all he could on vampires. In case such monsters did exist to threaten Gotham again.

"I think it's time to look into our vampire research," said Bruce.

"Then I'll be sure to prepare some garlic along with your dinner tonight," said Alfred.

"Best make it to go, I'm meeting Diana along with J'onn to finally meet the whole of Mystery Incorporated," said Bruce.

"Very well sir," said Alfred. "Do you expect any friction from the young Mister Jones and his associates? Jones in particular given your last encounter."

"Considering what we're up against it'll be best to look over what happened at the museum, so long as he returns it," said Bruce. "Although...I wouldn't mind the chance to show off my own traps and snares. For the sake of my own professional pride of course."

"Of course Master Bruce," said Alfred. "When you are ready to rendezvous with Miss Prince I have the Bat-Plane ready and waiting for your earliest convenience."

"Excellent," said Bruce, as he continued to read over the information on the Phibes family. "Interesting."

"Sir?" asked Alfred.

"The coat of arms, a knight skewering a wolf," said Bruce.

"Hopefully not an ill omen for the tormented Mister Rogers," said Alfred. "I must ask Master Bruce, do you truly believe his lycanthropy can be cured?"

"If it can it should be, like Diana said," said Bruce. "Too often we've seen monsters made because of forces outside their control. With conditions we couldn't or haven't cured. Really, I can't blame his friends for trying to avoid us to protect him from that. From me."

"You have never unfairly prosecuted Master Bruce," said Alfred.

"Haven't I? I wonder Alfred, all the villain's I've come across who only turned to crime because of some disease or accident which transformed them, have I truly done them justice?" Bruce pondered. "Croc, Clayface, Freeze, if I had tried to cure them instead of just locking them away in Arkham would they still plague Gotham? My father...would have sought to cure them. To...heal rather than condemn."

"You are far too hard on yourself Master Bruce," said Alfred. "Indeed these men turned to lives of crime because of unfortunate transformations, either by birth or chance, but the choices they made are what led them down their paths in the end. Recall that more than a few of your allies too share such distinctions. Master Allen, Master Stone, and many others who too faced accidents or unique conditions of their bith which transformed them greatly. They chose the path of heroism. Even Mister Rogers has made a choice. In spite of his monstrous condition from all accounts he willingly again and again investigated crimes in which innocent lives would have been ruined by those of the criminal fraternity. And while his condition has appeared worsened, he still has the power of choice to try and do good in race against this latest conspiracy. Choice Master Bruce, beyond anything else, is the driving force of our lives beyond any external forces."

Bruce absorbed the words his faithful butler, really his second father, had told him. More than any other it was Alfred's insight which had helped guide and mold Bruce in the years since the deaths of his parents. His wisdom and often sardonic manner helped keep Bruce in check and he always treasured his advice.
And with that the butler went about his duties while Bruce looked over his work, it was going to be quite the day for them all.


In the town of Scorpion Ridge, Fred Jones walked into the diner. Dressed as a biker he scoped out the scene and saw a redhead woman in a corner booth. He took a seat across from her and pulled off his shades.

"Any of the others get here yet?" he asked.

"No," said Daphne. "I only got here last night. Think they're alright?"

"It was a full moon last night," said Fred. "Let's just hope Shaggy managed to find a place to hunker down."

"Have you been paying attention to the news?" Daphne asked.

"You mean how an Amazon went missing from the same museum Shaggy was staking out? Yeah," said Fred. "If the League weren't already looking into us after I nearly ran down Batman they are now."

"You don't think..."

"Shaggy would never take a hostage," said Fred. "You know him just as well as I do Daph. Still...he's got trouble on his ass if she's with him."

"So what are we going to do?" Daphne asked.

Fred sighed, hoping that even if the League found out about them they could at least avoid them long enough to find Shaggy's cure. Afterwards whatever happened he would take the full brunt. He didn't mind going down a disgrace, like his father. But Shaggy had been his best friend since childhood. When his father was arrested, Sam Rogers had all but adopted Fred until his uncle Skip and aunt Peggy took custody. He owed Sam for that kindness and owed Shaggy for being such a good friend. At times he wondered if he shouldn't have enabled Shaggy to join him when he decided to open his own detective business. But he thought he was helping his friend try to overcome what he then thought was a panic disorder. They both wanted to honor Sam Rogers in that sense.

"Fred," Daphne said, gaining his attention while placing her hand over his.

He looked up at his fiance and saw she was gesturing with her eyes. He followed her gaze and saw that they were being looked at by their contact here, an old man named Lester. He sat in a booth on the other end of the diner. Across from a man they didn't recognize.

"We'll actually be eating over there," Fred said.


"I did warn you what would happen had you failed," the master said.

His sharp fingers digging into the humps of both his henchmen.

"Yes...master but...in our defense the wolf man was too strong for your beast," said Brunch. "But we did regain your...property."

"Yes, yes you did," said the master.

The master removed his hands, lightly lapping the blood off of his finger tips.

"I must admit I'm surprised that the Grim Creeper failed," said the master. "I had such high hopes for when I designed it from a base organ. The flesh truly is weak, even if has been heavily modified in certain cases."

"The spirit then," an echoing female voice said in the darkness of the chambers, the voice joined by the sound of thousands of spider legs tapping upon the walls.

"Indeed my love," said the master. "For now we must plan our next move. These young meddlers were an annoyance but now...we must tend with the Justice League as well. Inevitable really, we could not hide forever. But we've now shot across their bow and they are mobilizing for war. The greatest consolation is that now they know your strength is not one to trifle with. But my collection is incomplete. One of them took the princess's scroll. I must have that if I am to complete the work needed for you my darling."

"The wolf-man and the dog must be dealt with as well, my dear doctor," the voice said. "They are closer to powers they do no comprehend and must never realize."

"Of course my dear," said the master. "But we must change tactics I believe to deal with them. The wolf-man, Rogers I believe his name was, I might have to look deep into him. Maybe even make...a house call. In the mean time, as you said, the spirit must succeed where the flesh has failed. Ready to unleash it, along with some...assistance. We must divide and conquer if we're to succeed. Thus...let the knights clash."


While the outside of the jet was invisible, the inside wasn't. Thankfully though it had room for all in it. Shaggy was snoozing in his seat, Scooby-Doo resting his head on his lap. Alexa glancing over at the two, with her sister glancing at her.

"So what exactly did happen?" Artemis asked, with a slight smile.

"Nothing," said Alexa. "I...I...well let's just say some of your...insistence on training came in hand."

"Oh I'm sure," said Artemis, proud that Alexa was finally admitting it. "And keeping the wolf-man on a leash? Aphrodite's loving authority at work no doubt."

"Sister!" Alexa gasped, a light blush on her face.

"By Hera you really did get a rush from it," Artemis laughed. "Finally, I was worried I was kin to the only prudish Amazon in existence."

Alexa blushed at all of Artemis's suggestions. To which Artemis only chuckled. She truly was impressed that Alexa had been able to handle herself against a beast. There was hope to make her into a warrior yet.

"If I had only known you had a monster fetish," Artemis continued to tease.

"Sister!" said Alexa. "It isn't like that at all. Neither of us have made any kind of advancement to the other."

"Well that's good," said Artemis. "Coming at you as a werewolf is one thing. Coming at you as a man on the other hand...well."

Artemis gestured towards her axe.

"So you prefer me to be eaten by a werewolf than come onto by a man?" asked Alexa.

"At least the werewolf thinks with its stomach," said Artemis.

"Actually I think in both forms he thinks with his stomach," said Alexa.

Artemis recalled how Shaggy went down on the emergency rations Diana stored in the jet. Either that or listen to his stomach roar the entire way.

"Can't argue that," said Artemis. "But either way now that you've decided to finally utilize loving authority, you're going to need to work on your knots. You may need stronger bonds as well."

"Sister, for the last time there is nothing going on between Shaggy and I," said Alexa. "We may have had some...interactions when he was undercover."

"And that sparked your interest but he needed to be harrier to truly stir you," Artemis laughed. "Truly sister I had you pegged wrong all these centuries. Perhaps I should get you a whip to so you may truly have him lapping at your heels. A nine-tails at least."

As Artemis and Alexa continued Velma, her face slightly red at their conversation at well, caught Diana's ear.

"Should we..."

"Trust me this is tame compared to some Amazon...locker room talk," said Diana. "Besides, it's good for Artemis. She was worried sick for Alexa. They are blood sisters after all, it tends to make them closer than other Amazons."

"Yeah but...you don't think anyone would actually..."

"Considering the various forms the gods have taken for their dalliances you learn anything goes," said Diana.

"I suppose I can't argue," said Velma. "Swans, bulls, and who knows what else."

"Oh I'm sure by now just about every animal in existence no doubt," said Diana. "So a wolf really isn't a surprise."

"Yeah, it's just...Shaggy never seemed the type to be interested in a relationship," said Velma.

"Speaking from personal experience?" asked Diana.

"We tried but...really Shaggy was more of a big brother kind of person for me," said Velma. "And I guess...well I didn't really know what I was into back then."

Dina didn't press, understanding what she was saying. She then went back to the navigation.

"We'll be approaching Scorpion Ridge soon," said Diana. "Batman will be joining us soon. Martian Manhunter is already there but we haven't heard from him. Especially since other members were attacked."

"When?" asked Alexa.

"Around the same time frame you and Rogers had been attacked," said Diana. "Thankfully no casualties. But studying the remains at the motel you visited..."

"Remains?" Shaggy said as he began to stir.

"The hybrid creature and the animal woman," said Diana. "When I attempted to question them...they erupted with monstrous spiders."

"Spiders?" asked Alexa. "Did they...say anything?"

"Say anything?" asked Artemis.

"When we were at that motel I was in the bath and the skin-changer unleashed a monstrous spider upon me," said Alexa. "I struggled with it and when I invoked Hera's name for strength...the spider laughed. In a woman's voice I believe. It was no normal spider sister. There was something...truly evil in it. If not for Scooby-Doo I would have died that night."

Artemis grimaced at that thought, clearly wanting to introduce her beloved axe to the monstrous enemy that would not only spite one of her goddesses but also attack her beloved sister.


In the town of Crystal Cove, there was a mental hospital in which one of the most 'unique' patients was a man named Matthew Mione. His mother had been a career criminal, running a smuggling ring through her restaurant business. When she had eventually been arrested, a teenage Matthew, a strong built young man not wanting to waste his life in his scrap yard job turned to crime as well. His first true attempt being a burglary. One which ended in the death of a young woman babysitting the town sheriff's children. That night ended with Matthew having his entire face clawed off. His statements that a wolf boy did it to him were what landed him in the nuthouse. Where his supposed treatments only helped make the trauma he had gone through even worse. He became known for violence against doctors and orderlies. It had gotten so bad his damaged face needed to be covered by a mask to protect people from being bitten by him. Given his strength he would often break the plastic masks he had been given.
As such he had been forcibly fitted with an iron mask, bolted to his skull for good measure. Hence he had since been given a cruel nickname by the orderlies, Old Iron Face.

"Such a sad, sad tale," this latest doctor said, gaining Matthew's attention in the chair he had been strapped to.

Matthew saw that this wasn't like the other doctors. He wore a black lab coat which seemed almost crossed with a priest's robes. He was bald and pale, though the skin did appear to be damaged as if by a fire. There was no nose on the man's face. The rest obscured by a flu-mask that had a slit in it. The slit seemed to almost act as lips, for Matthew couldn't see any when the man would talk. All he could catch were glimpses of sharp teeth. The mask was also stained red, almost making it look like a smile.

"Of course the most tragic part is...you are not mad Matthew," said this doctor. "I know the wolf exists."

Matthew's eyes widened, he had never been believed before.

"The wolf boy however is a man now," said the doctor. "I have a...personal interest in him so to speak. As such I would like to...conduct a little experiment. How will he react when he sees you again? But of course it won't go as before. If you like, I can ensure you have the means to avenge your injuries by giving you the means to injure him. Alive or dead it matters not. For him that is, but the dog that accompanies him I want alive, my reasons are my own. Agree to this, and I will grant you your freedom, power, and vengeance. A simple growl in will suffice if you accept."

Matthew Mione, Old Iron Face, growled to the doctor's delight.


The invisible jet landed outside the town and the party made their way towards the great formation of Scorpion Ridge. As the did soon the great shadow of a bat fell over them. The Batman leaped down and joined them, his jet flying off.

"Like, sweet entrance man," said Shaggy.

Batman eyed the reluctant wolfman, he truly didn't appear that impressive an individual. Fit obviously but with such unkempt hair and demeanor one would hardly consider him a threat.
Alexa for her own part had jumped at the image of the Batman. While she had heard of him quite a bit from Diana, as apparently she and this Dark Knight were lovers of a sort, Alexa still felt a great unease about him. That his entire demeanor was one of darkness and pain. That his life was naught but sorrow and violence against the worst of Man's World. She wondered why Diana would find herself attracted to a man such as this. A man who visually radiated the opposite of everything she did. It was as if she were an Eagle, radiating in justice and lawful authority. While this Bat gave off only darkness. She actually found herself drawing back. Shaggy, oddly enough, found himself putting out his chest and stepping in between the Bat and the Amazon, a light growl coming off of him. Batman narrowing his eyes in response.

"It's alright," said Diana, attempting to calm Alexa. "He doesn't always mean to be so intimidating."

"Not much of a comfort," a loud male voice echoed.

The party looked up and saw Fred Jones, now dressed in a blue combat suit with an orange ribbon tied around his arm. He gestured to the bazooka like apparatus on his shoulder. Standing next to him on the rocks was a woman in a purple suit, various bladed short weapons adoring pockets on her legs and vest, and a fierce whip at her side with a rifle on her back.

"Mr. Jones, we're here as allies not as hunters," Diana stressed. "We know why you did what you did. As well as the foes you race against. They have levied the gauntlet to us as well. This is a time for alliance not for distrust."

"Easy to say when you have my friends surrounded," said Fred. "Or when you send a spy to try and cut us off."

"Where is here?" Batman asked.

"He's fine, with a friend of ours we had here waiting for us," said Fred.

"Fred, come on man," said Shaggy, walking past Batman and Wonder Woman. "It's alright, things are getting out of hand. We need help, there's a lot more at stake than...than what we thought."

"That might be true Shag," said Fred. "But the second they're done with us you know what these people will do to you. And then to us."

"As of now no major crime has been committed by Mystery Incorporated," said Batman. "Even your theft of the Egyptian scroll from Gotham can be excused given that you technically didn't steal it from the museum. And even with Rogers being a werewolf we have no casualties connected to him. But a man is dead, Wickels, do you honestly want to waste time now when his killers are escaping justice?"

Fred was silent, sternly looking down at the Batman, but when Daphne put her hand on her fiance's shoulder, he released a breath.

"Alright, come on," said Fred. "Your friend met our contact. Guess they took a liking to each other."

"Most people who get to know J'onn do," said Diana.


While Batman and Wonder Woman were meeting up with Mystery Incorporated, Superman decided he'd put his own investigative skills to the test. They needed intelligence on the group that had attacked them.
In his civilian identity as reporter Clark Kent, he sat at the Ace O'Clubs Bar and Grill waiting for his contract.

"Gotta love the ribs in this place," said the voice of Clark's father-in-law General Sam Lane.

The general took a seat next to Clark at the bar and ordered.

"Heck of a show you guys put on," Sam said in a low voice.

"You know about the Watchtower being attacked already?" Clark asked.

"Uncle Sam likes to keep track of what's up in the sky," said Sam. "Friendly or otherwise. Guessing that's why you called."

"We've stumbled into something, potentially big and nasty," said Clark. "Organized, coordinated, well informed, and able to attack and vanish into thin air."

"Sure it's not someone old doing something new?" asked Sam.

"The individual attackers are new," said Clark. "All we really have to go on is the collection of items stolen tracing back to being recovered from the remains of a Nazi secret science location from the war. We have a name, Phibes, but are having trouble finding anything on him."

"I'll see if there's anything archived from then," said Sam. "I'll also check any of the intel on the other Nazi splinter groups that have popped over the decades."

"Do I want to know how many there really are?" asked Clark.

"More than you think unfortunately," said Sam. "Hitler may have offed himself and we got a lot but those bastards still pop up. Anything I should be on the look out specifically?"

"Abnormal genetics and potential occult power base," said Clark. "Some of the attackers have been documented but disregarded as paranormal hoaxes or cryptids. One of whom we have supposedly been seen in Brazil."

"Figured occult, I'll reach out to the boys in the Black Room. Not really looking forward to it though," said Sam, pulling out a file. "In the mean time, figured you'd want to see this."

Clark looked over the file at super-speed. In it were details of the ship that attacked the Watchtower.

"Experimental craft developed by NASA in the late sixties," said Sam. "Meant to cut down on the risk of vertical launch by essentially functioning more like how an aircraft launches. Meant to build up speed as it moved along with the rotation of the Earth, essentially using gravity to slingshot it into space."

"The thing we fought had weapons," said Clark.

"The thing we built had them in case foreign governments attempted an interception," said Sam. "But only one was built, another would have been too costly at the time. Built and launched along with its designer, Lt. Henry Bascom."

"You sure you're good to give these?" Clark asked.

"Those files are long since declassified so it's no issue," said Sam. "Same with most of the files from World War Two so it shouldn't be hard to go through them."

"Might want to see if there's anything from World War One also," said Clark. "Again with the name Phibes."

Sam hummed, taking in the information.

"What I'm having trouble with is how these people have been quiet for so long," said Clark. "Degaton, Captain Nazi, all of them revealed themselves."

"It could be that even if they started out as Nazis they're breaking off into their own group now," said Sam. "Perhaps less fanatical but none the less dangerous. Especially if they're dealing both occult and radical super-science. And if they've been quiet for this long, the only reason they'd be making noise now is if they're confident in their strength. Otherwise why shoot across your bow?"

"Still, an operation like this, there has to be a trail to follow," said Clark.

"Lois would have found it by now," Sam said with a light smirk.

While Sam Lane had often in the past had a difficult relationship with his eldest daughter, as well as his eventual son-in-law, he was none the less proud of the courageous and intelligent woman she had become. Even if sometimes they found themselves on opposite ends of an argument. The topic of Superman being one of them. But time, and the birth of his grandson Jon Kent, helped settle some of the friction. Allowing a functioning working relationship he now enjoyed with his son-in-law's alter ego. And through that Sam Lane had often advocated for first attempting to extend an olive branch to aliens while keeping the arrows close, rather than shooting first.

"Yeah, but I'd have had to pull her out of at least three separate death traps by now," said Clark.

"True, but that's every other Tuesday for her," said Sam. "Point still stands."

"We do have another point of interest," said Clark. "A group of detectives, Mystery Incorporated."

"Specializing in paranormal-adjacent crimes and phenomena," Sam said as if recalling a file.

"So you already have a file on them?" Clark asked.

"Jones was under command of a friend of mind when he was in the service," said Sam. "A fine record, natural investigative skill, leadership, trap disposal. He could have gone far if he went the career route. Also have files on the others in his crew. They've worked in conjuncture with federal and sometimes military forces on occasion. How are they involved?"

Clark debriefed Sam on everything he knew of Mystery Inc.'s involvement in the case. He even included how Rogers was a werewolf but how he was currently under League protection and had no known casualties save for a monster sent after him.

"Wonder Woman radioed in how Dinkley thinks that there may be a connection to their various cases and this one," said Clark.

"That's a ghost of a trail but I'll look into it," said Sam. "I'm guessing won't be the only one but more eyes on these people means they have less room hide."

"We'll be sure to let you know if we find anything on our end," said Clark, stressing the need for cooperation.

"Still, watch yourself," said Sam. "I've got a feeling this is going to be big trouble."

"Don't need to be Lois Lane to know that," said Clark. "And she is going to be so mad when I break the story before her."


Twilight was coming soon in Gotham. Jim Gordon stood at the roof of the GCPD building watch as the sun began to touch the tips of some of the city's highest skyscrapers.
He had attempted to contact Batman about the escape of the pterodactyl creature earlier. But he got his 'people' who told him that he was already on the case. No doubt the rest of Batman's people were getting ready to patrol the city in the absence of the Dark Knight. While for some of the younger cops they found the sheer amount of vigilantes now operating in Gotham an insult to their profession and their legitimacy. But the older vets, like Jim, knew that they were necessary. While indeed Gotham's corruption issues were lesser now than when it was just Batman in the beginning, Gotham's justice system was still a mess. Besides, many were actually welcome that there was someone willing to take on the super-criminals so they wouldn't have to risk it. They could just collect the crook, file the paperwork, and go home to their family knowing they didn't get their heads bitten off by a giant jack in the box or gassed to death by fear toxin. Jim preferred to think of that as the greatest justification for Batman and his people. It lessened the risks to the men and women under his command. Of course he didn't like to think of Batman as cannon fodder. In truth, despite not knowing his true identity, Jim considered the Batman to be one of his truest friends. And in Gotham, you needed all the friends you could.

"Everything alright Commissioner," a young voice said.

Jim turned and saw Nightwing leaning on the bat-signal.

"Just glad he taught you manners," said Gordon. "Aside from the incident with that dinosaur thing all's quiet. But you know Gotham."

"I do," said Nightwing.

"Little early aren't you?" asked Gordon. "Still got a bit of sunlight."

"You know Gotham," said Nightwing.

"Yeah, still most the major hitters are still in Arkham," said Gordon. "Most of the mob is keeping quiet. Got a few bits from the gangs but...and dear god don't let me jinx us, it looks like it'll be a quiet night."

Nightwing was about to respond but something caught his eye in the reddish skies. Pulling out a pair of high power binoculars.

"Shit, what is it?" Gordon asked, realizing he had indeed jinxed things.

"Something's flying our way," said Nightwing.

"Damn, I think I can see them too," said Gordon. "Please tell me that's just a flock of birds. Or bats."

"No, too big," said Nightwing.

"How bad son?" Gordon asked.

"Bad," said Nightwing. "All hands on deck."


Fred and Daphne led the gathered group to a small, simple house near the ridge. The sun setting into twilight behind the ridge.

"A little out in the open isn't it?" asked Diana.

"Well we don't necessarily dress to draw attention to ourselves so for us it works," said Fred, knocking the door.

A hunched over old man opened the door and the group walked inside, where the Martian Manhunter sat sipping tea at the man's couch.

"I am pleased you are all unharmed," said J'onn. "I heard of the trouble of the Watchtower and the attack on Flash's group."

"No casualties thank Hera," said Diana.

"I am also pleased your Amazon sister is indeed safe," said J'onn. "A pleasure my dear."

"I'm honored,' said Alexa.

J'onn's attention then drew to the dog Scooby-Doo. A light green glow came from Scooby's eyes just as a red glow came from J'onn's.

"Jinkies, telepathic communication," said Velma. "Has anyone ever taken a proper scan of Martian Manhunter's..."

"Velma, scientific curiosity later," said Daphne. "Besides, it's rude."

"It's quite alright Ms. Blake," said J'onn.

The Martian then stretched out his hand to the dog, who put his paw in the green hand.

"We have agreed to full cooperation and transparency between Mystery Incorporated and the Justice League," said J'onn.

"We have?" asked Batman, an annoyed tone in his voice.

"Since when?" asked Fred, equally annoyed in his tone.

"Because other lives are now in need of help," said J'onn.

"The she-wolf," Scooby said.

"The attack on these three was aided by the unwilling assistance of a young werewolf who was able to track Mr. Rogers," said J'onn. "The howl she let out was a cry for help from one of her own."

"Yeah," said Shaggy. "I do remember that."

"And Mr. Rogers and Mr. Doo have agreed that regardless of anything else this must be addressed," said J'onn. "Including a potential cure for Mr. Rogers."

"What?" all three of their friends asked.

Alexa looked at Shaggy with a deeply concerned expression. One which Artemis did not miss.

"Like it helps to have a telepathic dog," said Shaggy. "But yeah, I don't usually remember a lot when I transform but...my instincts told me that someone was calling out for help. And like...I...well I don't know what these people are doing or really who they are...but I know they got someone who doesn't want to be with them. Someone whose scared of and...hurt by them."

There was a shakiness in his voice, as well as a low growl. Both a somewhat jittery human, and a simmering wolf, but at the same time both were motioning to a fair point.
Fred and Batman shared a glance and wordlessly nodded an agreement. They would indeed work together, especially if there was someone innocent in dire need of help. While they couldn't say they trusted each other, they put their trust in respective teammates and their judgement.

"Well, now that is settled, allow me to introduce our host," said J'onn. "This is Lester Wells, the contact Mystery Inc. were sent to meet. When I arrived he was able to determine my alien origin thanks to a light psychic ability. He has vital information for all of us."

Lester walked over to a tarp and pulled it down revealing a series of paintings detailing various alien worlds.

"His naturally artistic mind became a conduit for images being sent out by entities beyond what we consider the known universe," said J'onn. "Or even the multiverse as we know it. Cases have been noted of other such artistic and creative minds touching beyond the veil of this phenomena manifesting in their work. In the case of these images, I have found that his mind was receiving information from beyond our concept of reality. Made to offer up as a warning."

J'onn and Lester pulled out the images which detailed an alien world beset by a bizarre entity. Eventually being sealed in a giant crystal and sent out into space before landing on Earth.

"Earth was not the only world visited by the Annunaki," said J'onn. "And not all of them were benevolent. Millennia ago, one such entity was a menace devoted only to its own pleasure derived from dominating and then devouring those it came across. It was imprisoned and banished into space before sadly landing on Earth."

"Why didn't the Annunaki just destroy it?" asked Artemis.

"They are beings of energy and thus cannot be destroyed," said J'onn. "As such it was imprisoned in a special crystal which would contain its powers."

J'onn moved some of the paintings and showed one featuring a large crystal meteor flying through space. Before eventually coming down to Earth, breaking up as it did so.

"That's not good," said Fred.

"Indeed, the meteor prison eventually made its way to Earth and tragically split off part of its integrity," said J'onn. "Falling on both sides of the Earth in what we determine to be the fourteenth century."

"And with the integrity of the prison compromised, the entity was released," Batman deduced.

"I fear so," said J'onn. "But the crystals still exist and their mere existence helps reduce the power the entity is able to exert."

"Like Kal-El and Kryptonite," Wonder Woman said.

"In a very similar manner yes," said J'onn. "And the entity would still need a beast host and even more..."

"An avatar," Alexa said. "In the book it was written that while the Annunaki could speak through beasts and act influence over humanity, the forms limited the power they could release. Hence they needed hybrid creatures, fusions of man and beast whose minds they could overtake to house their consciousness."

"Hence why we have so many examples of animal headed gods," Velma said, thinking along with Alexa's words. "I think this mystery is coming together."

"It is?" asked Shaggy.

"Of course," said Batman. "Each of the robberies were committed with some animal-based hybrid creature. The Nazi scientist, A.M.P, Alphonse Murnau Phibes was working on hybridization. And before that he created an opera titled The Witch of the Web."

"The spider," Alexa gasped, realizing the implications.

"Jeepers," said Daphne.

As the horrifying implications sink in, Batman's personal communicator rang.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Master Bruce, Gotham is under attack," Alfred's voice came through.

"What?" Batman yelled.

"That's not all sir," said Alfred. "There has been an incident in Crystal Cove."


Repairs on the Watchtower were well underway by the time Superman returned.

"General Lane is going to look into finding anything on the group we're dealing with," said Superman. "Along with anything Oracle can dig up we should have enough eyes looking for these people. Even had some intel on the spirit and ship that attacked us."

"Well that's something," said Aquaman. "Flash and I checked all over where we fought...Chickenstein."

"Cisco loved it," said Flash.

"Of course he would," said Aquaman. "Anyway, we couldn't find anything. We're definitely dealing with magic."

"Well with Bruce and Diana now meeting with Mystery Inc. hopefully we'll get more information on..."

Alarms blared through the Watchtower.

"What now?" Aquaman yelled.

"Atom what's the emergency?" asked Superman.

"We're getting reports of a large scale attack in Gotham City," said Atom over the intercom. "Almost just as the sun was going down this fleet of robots flew in and their wrecking havoc."

"Get word to..."

"I'm aware, en route to Gotham now," Batman's voice came in over the com.

"Batman we're ready to offer assistance," said Superman. "If needed."

He knew how Bruce could be.

"Nightwing is already taking charge of the Family and mounting a counter-attack," said Batman. "I'm patching him and Oracle in now."

"Hearing us alright up there?" Oracle's voice rang through.

"Roger that Oracle," said Superman. "Nightwing?"

"I'm here too," said Nightwing. "I've got Robin, Red Robin, Red Hood, Spoiler, Batgirl, and Batwoman working to corral these things using the spare Batmobiles. Heavily armed and armored but here's the thing, they look like a mix of World War Ii German infantry and medieval knights."

That caught Superman's attention, as well as the others.

"But here's the weird part it's not just robots," said Nightwing. "They're being led by this thing that looks like a Black Knight, but I see smoke coming through parts of the armor. I'm thinking magic. Could be related to the case you're on."

"It is, the late Professor Wickels was a member of a secret order of Knights," said Batman. "We found the carcass of a monster made from an eye that had been missing from his carcass."

"You don't think..."

"Focus on keeping damage contained and taking out the robots, we'll handle the Black Knight," said Batman.

"We?" asked Superman. "Is Wonder Woman with you?"

"No, Jones is," said Batman.

That caught Superman and the others by surprise.

"At the same time, I was informed that there had been an incident in Mystery Incorporated's home town of Crystal Cove," said Batman. "This is not a coincidence, the enemy is trying to divide the attentions of the League and Mystery Inc."

"How certain are you?" asked Superman.

"Given the incident, very certain," said Batman. "Diana and Artemis are with the rest of Mystery Inc. while Jones and Blake are with me. J'onn is going to bring the one secured artifact we had to the Watchtower along with a series of paintings."

"Paintings?" asked Superman.

"He'll explain when you meet him," said Batman. "But they give us an idea about what this is all about. And it's not good."


When Alfred told Batman that Gotham was under attack, he also mentioned how Oracle had picked up an incident in Crystal Cove. A patient at an insane asylum had gone missing and several orderlies and doctors were dead, drained of blood. But the most important part had been the patient in question. The very same man whose face Shaggy had clawed off as a child.
This was not a coincidence as Batman determined. Despite their friction, as well as how both knew one of these incidents was a trap, both Fred and Batman agreed that they needed to be dealt with. Thus they split up. Fred and Daphne going with Batman while Shaggy, Velma, Scooby, and Alexa went with Diana and Artemis.

"Alexa, you should let us take you back to the Consulate," said Artemis.

"No, sister," said Alexa. "I have to see this through to the end."

Alexa cast a look to Shaggy, who sat trembling, slight growls coming from him as memories bubbled up from that horrid night. Scooby-Doo attempting to calm him as best as he could.

"All my jest aside, you owe him no obligation," said Artemis. "Not your safety and not your life."

"I gave my friendship," said Alexa.

"Just friendship?" asked Artemis.

Alexa cut a glare to her sister who turned, irritated that Alexa would choose to continuously place herself in danger. For a man none the less. For a moment she thought perhaps she seriously did want to have 'relations' with the wolf man.


In Crystal Cove, Maggie Rogers was staying over with her mother to do laundry, visiting from college. While they were waiting for the last load to dry, mother and daughter decided to pass the time with a movie. Little knowing that lurking outside the house, was a lumbering figure with sinister intent.

"Ro...ah...ah...ger...s...s," the iron faced beast hissed.