Chapter Six: Beauty and the Beast

The Watchtower shook again as the strange craft bombarded it again. The Watchtower's own defenses not affecting it in the slightest. Superman wasn't having much better luck with the ship's pilot. His fists passed through the phantom astronaut, but said ghost's fists could hit him square on.
His other powers weren't fairing well either. Heat vision passed through the creature as if it weren't there. Other abilities like his super-breath wouldn't work in space and that ship seemed to share its pilot's intangibility.
Dodging a strike from the ghost astronaut Superman saw a welcome sight. He just needed to buy time. He continued to dodge the strikes of the ghostly spaceman, keeping the creature in one place until from behind a mace landed a blow on the creature's back. The ghostly astronaut was forced away while Superman was greeted with the welcome sight of Hawkman, donning a Thanagarian space-suit made from Nth metal. The ship attacking the Watchtower was currently being attacked itself by Hawkman's ship the Steel Eagle, no doubt piloted by Hawkman's wife Hawkgirl.

"Just my luck that I end one war in space only to find another," Hawkman said over the com. "

The space phantom began to attack again only for Hawkman to strike first. The Nth Metal disrupting the spirit's energies. Hawkman then pulled a pair of Nth Metal knuckledusters to Superman. The Man of Steel put on the provided weapons and the two launched their counterattack.

"Something's wrong," Scooby said as Shaggy got more agitated.

"What is it?" Alexa asked.

A rumbling went through the old jail as the wall broke through and large tentacles shot into the building, grabbing all three. Alexa dropped the book when she was grabbed and dragged through the crumbling building. She didn't fully comprehend what was happening until she saw the foul creature, a massive eyeball from which the horrid tentacles sprouted out. It wrapped its tentacles around Shaggy and Scooby as well, carrying them out as well. Alexa struggled against the creature's vile appendage as it wormed over her body. The tightening caused her to cry out, which Shaggy heard. Struggling against his own bonds, all Scooby's attempts to keep him calm were rendered useless as the beast became unleashed. Flexing with superhuman strength, the werewolf broke through the tentacle holding it. While now Shaggy was a beast relying on instinct, that instinct knew to protect the pack. With razor sharp claws Shaggy cut through the tentacles which held Scooby, forcing the monster to drop the dog.
Reeling back in pain the creature rolled back, supporting itself on its tentacles, but still holding onto Alexa. Somewhere deep within the werewolf was Shaggy's memory and Alexa's scent. It told the wolf that she was a friend. The wolf charged, leaping with incredible strength, bounding on the tentacles of the creature until coming to the limb that held Alexa'. With a swipe of claws the wolfman cut the tentacle, forcing Alexa to fall. The wolf caught her clothing by its teeth and landed, setting her down as gently as it could. It then turned to the creature which had threatened its pack and charged. The tentacled monster, this Grim Creeper, attempted to slam a tentacle onto Shaggy, but the wolf dodged with lightning speed. Once it was close enough the wolf leapt and with its claws, tore into the gigantic eye.

In the Gotham City Police Department, the pterodactyl man was still held in their max isolation unit.

"Anything yet on that thing?" asked Commissioner Gordon, sipping his coffee.

"I've sent word to DEO, DOD, and just about a dozen other agencies but nothing," said Aaron Cash. "Nothing from them but we may get a request to hand it over."

"Hopefully soon," said Gordon.

"Anything from you know who?" Cash asked.

"Nah, but I'm hoping that just means he's working the case," said Gordon. "Till then we keep Gotham's newest attraction..."

The lights began to flicker throughout the station.

"Chances that's a good sign?" asked Cash.

"Not in this city," said Gordon.

The lights began to burst as a long and massive hand of electricity formed and tore open the cell. All the officers were blinded by the hand and couldn't see what was happening. When it was done Gordon commanded a sound off to ensure the safety of his officers. Thankfully there were no casualties. The lights were still out so many were forced to use their own personal flashlights.
The electronic locks on the holding cells had come undone so many officers were scrambling to secure prisoners before they got out. Thankfully the prisoners were at the disadvantage in this scenario.

"Well shit," said Gordon, looking over the empty isolation cell.

"While we maintained radio silence we still kept in touch," said Velma, under the influence of the Lasso of Truth. "Daphne and I reported that we hadn't been able to secure our assets. Fred had managed to but Shaggy was still looking. We all found out about the incident at the Gateway museum but when we got no word from Shaggy we assumed he was already en route to the rendezvous point. Likely traveling light and hoping to avoid attention, as we all planned. I only just came this way from Oakhaven after doing undercover work as a coroner on the Mayor, killed by an unidentified creature which seems to have some properties of...a chicken."

"A chicken killed a man?" asked Artemis.

The three women were in Diana's invisible jet, flying the bus route

"Strangulation," said Velma.

"But you don't know where Rogers is now?" asked Diana.

"No, he and Scooby are likely hold up somewhere given it's now a full moon," said Velma. "Scooby can keep Shaggy calm and in one place when he undergoes a full transformation."

"How?" asked Diana.

"Scooby is a descendant of the Annunaki," said Velma.

"By Hera," Diana gasped.

"Scooby can influence the animal mind of Shaggy when he's in his full werewolf form," said Velma. "All the Dogs in the Doo family of Great Danes which the Rogers family have kept with them for centuries share this ability. They can even speak via a form of telepathy. Some can try to speak normally but it tends to sound garbled given the anatomical issue of canines."

"What about Alexa?" asked Artemis.

"We never intended for anyone to get involved," said Velma. "But Shaggy and Scooby would never hurt anyone. Even with his lycanthropy, Shaggy was never someone to go looking for trouble. For all his desire to be more like his father, Shaggy was always more interested in good food and good company."

"But now he'd be fully transformed," said Diana.

"If she's traveled with Shaggy long enough he'd have her scent," said Velma. "With Scooby keeping him calm if she were with them all she'd have to do is keep her own calm and Shaggy would recognize her as a friend as well. The only issue would be if something were to attack them when Shaggy's in his full form. If Scooby isn't able to concentrate on keeping Shaggy calm, Shaggy is all instinct. And granted greater strength than in his semi-form which activates along with his heightened fight or flight responses."

"But you swear he would not harm Alexa," Diana stressed.

"He'd never hurt anyone," said Velma. "After he failed the police academy Shaggy largely adopted a genuine attitude of non-aggression. Even largely being passive during investigations, though mostly out of trying to keep his, what we then thought was a panic disorder, in check."

"But now that you're all aware that he's a werewolf you're hoping this collection will help find a cure," said Diana.

"Yes, but we also did notice that there was a string of criminal activity in regards to the list of collected artifacts," said Velma. "We were hoping to get ahead of the thieves, determine a potential cure for Shaggy, and then we would have looked into the criminals. Granted this meant we'd have to steal the artifacts ourselves, but we were pressed for time. Attempting to go through official channels would have taken too long and allowed the criminals to make their move."

"I can't argue against that," said Diana. "What do you know about these criminals though?"

"Very little aside from how the seemingly paranormal elements of the crimes matched with what we had been doing for some time now," said Velma. "I personally have a theory that any of said crimes we had previously encountered are somehow connected. Strategically invested technology and techniques in places in which there is little to no metahuman or masked adventurers who would hinder said operations. But that is only a theory."

Diana attempted to reach the Watchtower to get Bruce's ideas on this conversation. But the connection wasn't going through.

"Flash, this is Wonder Woman, I can't reach the Watchtower," she said into the com. "Can you get in contact with..."

"Sorry Diana, we're kind of dealing with our own trouble," said the voice of Barry Allen. "Some...thing attacked us not long after meeting my contact. No way it's a coincidence. And if we're getting trouble then..."

"There may be trouble with the others," Diana said. "And we may very well be attacked soon enough."

"And that Alexa may be under attack as we speak," Artemis said, gripped her battle axe tightly.

Diana took hold of the lasso, still attached to Velma.

"Is there anyway to track Rogers?" Diana asked.

"No, but I can track Scooby," said Velma. "There's a tracer in his collar."

The werewolf tore into the eye of this Grim Creeper, spilling its fluids over the desert ground. The creature fell to its death and the werewolf Shaggy crawled from its body. It shook off the fluids over its furry body and went over to the others. The dog was breathing but unconscious. The female seemed to begin stirring. As this went on, the two hunchbacks secured the book, Alexa having dropped it when she was grabbed by the tentacle of the Creeper.

"We have the book," said Brunch. "And at least the Creeper managed to incapacitate the dog. We just need to try and find some means of distracting the werewolf."

All the while Alexa continued to stir. Waking up fully she saw what had transpired and recalled all that happened. She was then faced with a werewolf Shaggy who was still on a combat high and with Scooby-Doo unable to calm him. The werewolf began to turn to her, snarling. Alexa began to try and rise when the werewolf pounced. She dodged and rolled over, quickly getting to her feet. She ran for the ghost town with the werewolf in pursuit.
She ran into the abandoned general store, searching for a weapon. While she didn't want to hurt Shaggy, doubting she could without silver, she needed to find some means of defending herself until sunrise. But all she could find was an old lasso. As the werewolf burst in she grabbed the lasso and ran out into the town, the wolf still chasing her. She continued to try and run but the werewolf was still coming in, running on all fours. Suddenly Alexa turned and ran towards the wolf.

'Like a rock on the sea shore he standeth firm,' she thought, trying to keep herself calm as she ran.

Getting in the ideal spot before the wolf could get her, Alexa put all her power into a leap, pushing off with both feet. Once in the air she maneuvered herself into a horizontal position, the wolf passing under her. An ancient bull riding skill taught on Themyscira. She had never participated in such events, or at least not always willingly with Artemis as a sister. But she still remembered the training. She also remembered all those times Artemis would try and teach her how to use weapons. Alexa had always been too timid with a sword or an axe. But her precision had always helped her with rope style weapons, such as Diana with her lasso.
Alexa looped the lasso over Shaggy's neck and straddled his shoulders as he ran. The wolf attempted to buck her off like a bull but Alexa held firm to her grip. As the werewolf rampaged along and back out of the town Alexa noticed two familiar forms. The hunchbacks who attacked her and Wickels now making their way to the unconscious Scooby-Doo.
With all the strength she could muster Alexa tried to turn the werewolf Shaggy's attention to the hunchbacks. It managed to work as it recognized a clear threat to a member of the pack.

"Hola," Alexa yelled as she continued to ride in on the werewolf.

The great speed of the beast cut off the hunchbacks before they could get to Scooby.

"Oh bother, time to go," Brunch said, holding up a small mirror.

In a flash of light the two hunchbacks were gone. Dazed from the sudden blinding Alexa had relaxed her grip on the lasso. As such the werewolf Shaggy flung her off, sending her into the dirt.
The beast then began to turn towards Alexa, who strained to get up. As the werewolf came close a sudden and rare flash of anger rose in Alexa.

"Enough," she yelled, smacking the werewolf on the nose.

The beast yipped at this and backed away, truly more like a real animal than a supernatural beast.

"Sit," Alexa yelled.

The werewolf growled only for Alexa to use the lasso as a whip and once more strike at its snout. She now stood up and flooded with adrenaline she approached the creature. A creature which now seemed to back away from her.
With her heart racing, not in fear, but in fury and perhaps excitement, Alexa gripped tightly to the lasso as she walked up to the creature.

"This ends now," she said.

The chicken creature's strength was formidable. As was its durability as it battled against the three heroes.

"I'm hitting this thing like a jackhammer and it's doing nothing," said Flash.

"Actually I think he's letting up a bit," said Aquaman, holding his trident horizontally with the creature attempting to press him.

"Just hold him there guys," said Green Lantern.

Lantern unleashed a construct of chains to wrap around the creature. But the monster flexed with such force it strained the construct.

"Toss him Hal he's busting through," said Aquaman.

Lantern wasted no time and heeded his ally's command. Flinging the monster far down the mountain into a lake.

"Send me after him. I'll finish off that..."

"Chickenstein," said Flash.

"Seriously?" asked Arthur.

"What else is there to call that thing?" asked Flash.

With a name decided, Hal launched Aquaman into the lake after this Chickenstein. Certain that Arthur would be able to quell the beast once under water, the Green Lantern went to check on their civilian informants while Flash went down to the lake to back up Arthur if he needed it.

"You guys alright?" GL asked.

"Yeah," said Dell. "Dude was that..."

"Bigfoot? No, but definitely weird," said Lantern. "Flash called him 'Chickenstein'."

"Dude...awesome name," said Dell.

With this moment of calm Hal opened his com link to report to the rest of the League. But nothing came of it, interference.

"That's weird," said Lantern. "Flash stay with Aquaman, I'm taking our civilians to a safe place and checking in on the Watchtower, I can't reach 'em. Doubt we were the only ones having trouble."

"Our troubles might just be starting Hal, I'm with Arthur," said Flash.

"Chickenstein?" asked Hal.

"Gone," Aquaman's voice came in. "I even reached out to the salmon, they weren't disturbed in the slightest by a sudden impact."

"You're kidding I threw the damn thing in there myself," said Hal.

"We're definitely dealing with some weird shit," said Aquaman. "Just get the civilians to safety and go check the Watchtower. Flash and I'll keep looking. See if we can find out how that thing came and went so fast."

"Roger that," said Hal.

Armed with Nth Metal, Superman and Hawkman were now pushing this Space Kook to the ropes while Hawkgirl continued to deal with the ship. All three were about to finish the fight when the phantom astronaut and ship vanished.
Superman scanned the area of space with every type of super-vision he had. Nothing turned up, just as the shine of the Green Lantern came up. Lantern formed a field around himself, Superman, and Hawkman, providing oxygen.

"What happened?" Hal asked.

"An incident during Batman and Zatanna's autopsy followed by an attack from a skeleton in a space suit," said Superman.

"And a ghost space ship," said Hawkman.

"Joy," said Hal. "But..."

"Gone," said Superman. "Just like that."

"Had a similar incident with Arthur and Barry," said Hal. "Came and went, not sure how. The civilians we went to meet are safe. I was sure to leave them at an A.R.G.U.S station and told 'em we'd give them a proper sitrep on a potential threat."

"Get anything that might be useful?" asked Superman.

"A potential ID on those spiders and maybe a name we can attribute to those initials that keep popping up," said Hal.

"That's something," said Superman. "Come on, let's see what the damage is and try and get in contact with the others."

Velma's knowledge of the tracking chip on Scooby-Doo's collar finally gave Diana and Artemis a heading. For her own part Artemis was prepared to kill to protect her younger sister, knowing this went against Diana's promise to Albert.

'Forgive me sister,' Artemis thought in advance. 'But for Alexa's safety I will go against you if I must.'

"We're here," said Velma.

The tracker had led them to a long abandoned ghost town, one that now looked quite rundown and devoid of life. Most concerning was the corpse of a large tentacled monster.

"Great Hera," Diana muttered.

Wonder Woman lowered the plane as the sun began to rise. Diana and Artemis quietly exited the vehicle, Dinley in tow. The two Amazons took point and went through the various buildings. They went through the damaged buildings, searching for the three.
Making their way to an old in the three women heard a low animal growl. Fear for her little sister's safety overtook Artemis and she took her great axe Mistress to the wall of the in and ran through.

"Artemis wait," Diana yelled, hoping to restrain Artemis before she took unnecessary action.

Diana and Velma ran in and saw Artemis standing over the sight of Alexa, holding a trembling Scooby-Doo in her arms, both atop a barely clothed Shaggy with a rope tied around his neck.

"Jinkes," said Velma.

"Well, at least they're all seemingly alright," said Diana. "But what gave off that growl?"

"Like...that would be my stomach," said Shaggy. "Is there a fridge on the Invisible Jet?"

"I've just found you, a liar, thief, and werewolf sitting half naked with my little sister and am using all my restraint, which is not much mind you, to not take your head with my axe," said Artemis. "And you're chiefly concerned by the needs of your stomach?"

"Like post transformation mornings usually leave me starving," said Shaggy. "And like I can't really think of much else."

"I am fine sister," said Alexa. "Despite...some...excitement last night."

Scooby-Doo and Alexa got off of Shaggy's back as all three began to stand. It was then Shaggy really began to notice the rope around his neck. He then cocked an eyebrow at Alexa. Artemis also doing such when she noticed the blush on Alexa's face.

"I'm...huh...guessing that had to do with whatever that thing is out there?" asked Velma, hoping to change the awkward subject.

"Yes, we...were attacked last night," said Alexa. "It did cause some...issues."

"Like I didn't..."

"No, I...I...well I..."

While fumbling for her words Alexa, also fumbling with the rope in her hands, slapped the chords together and Shaggy immediately took a seat.

"By Hera...Alexa tamed a wolf man," Artemis said with a laugh.

"Sister," Alexa yelled blushing.

Artemis continued to laugh, her fear and anger draining along with all tension.

"And here I was worried you would be the only prudish Amazon," Artemis continued to laugh.

"It was nothing like that," Alexa rebuked.

Diana chuckled as well at the sight of the two sisters bickering. While she remembered indeed there was serious work to be done this was a welcome breath of air and relief knowing that Alexa was safe.

J'onn sat in the diner of the small town of Scorpion Ridge, named after the landmark of the same name. He had taken his human guise of John Jones, private investigator.
He monitored the events happening with his allies over the psychic link he had established as a back-up communication network. While indeed his first instinct was to go help his comrades, he knew that these battles were meant to divide and distract. He trusted his friends to carry out their work as they trusted him to do his. And his job was to wait and monitor for the arrival of the various Mystery Incorporated members to arrive. As he sat and ate the breakfast he ordered, thanking the waitress who attempted to flirt with him, as human women often seemed to find his human form attractive, he felt a presence. Something or someone wishing to make contact on a mental level.
J'onn carefully turned and saw an old man on the end corner looking towards him.

Zatanna was slowly regaining her strength once the attack was over. Her flesh was restoring to her youthful image and the color was returning to her hair.

"Bruce," she muttered.

"Don't strain yourself," Batman said, monitoring her vitals.

"Whatever that spider was connected to is something beyond me," said Zatanna. "It's malicious, cruel, sadistic, and even more it's...hungry."

Zatanna slipped back into unconsciousness.

"How is she?" Superman asked as he entered the med bay.

"Still weak but she's getting better," said Batman. "We didn't learn much but we now know we're dealing with a major threat."

"We weren't the only ones attacked," said Superman. "Barry and his team got hit too. J'onn isn't answering so we don't know what he's dealing with. Diana didn't get attacked but she just reported in and she's found her sister and Rogers. Also the corpse of an unidentified creature."

"How's Alexa?" asked Bruce.

"She's fine," said Superman. "Diana also intercepted another of Mystery Inc. Dinkley, she led them to Rogers and the dog. Jones and Blake are still in the wind but likely heading towards J'onn. There's also this...Professor Wickels died in the hospital.."

Batman's eyes narrowed in both anger and thought.

"The monitors weren't functioning so no one was alerted until now. He was apparently drained of blood and was missing an eye," said Superman.

Batman remained silent, absorbing the information Superman was relaying to him.

"Also, Diana is stating that the corpse of the creature she stumbled across was apparently a giant eye with tentacles," said Superman.

"We need samples," said Batman.

"She's on it," said Superman. "Whoever is behind this has likely been operating in secret for a long time. They're taking a risk being so bold."

"Not too much of a risk but a show of force," said Batman. "They've managed to wound Zatanna, one of the most powerful known Homo Magai on Earth. A brazen attack on the Watchtower along with others in a coordinated strike. But in all cases they were countered in spite of a staggering initial blow. While anonymity was their greatest defense it eventually gives way. For these types of people it always usually does."

"And what type are we dealing with?" asked Superman.

"Look at the clues," said Batman. "The roots go back to the Nazi party in World War II. They were able to be the most evil men on Earth, flaunting it for the world to see and tremble. This group still has that arrogance inside of them. They want to terrify the world again. They've had to stay quite and gather strength but now they're getting bold."

"But what's their end goal?" asked Superman. "So far they've just been collecting what they used to have?"

"We'll find that out in time," said Batman. "Once we've consolidated everything Mystery Incorporated knows."

"Then what? We essentially take over from them?' asked Superman.

"Essentially yes," said Batman.

"We should offer to work hand and hand Bruce," said Superman. "Cooperation instead of confrontation. From what I've looked into of them they know their stuff. A group effort could help get better results for all of us."

"In spite of the crimes they've been involved with as of late?" asked Batman.

"You're not entirely one to talk Bruce," said Superman.

"Fair enough," said Batman. "There's also the issue of Rogers."

"Diana already said we'd help and we will. Besides it's past the full moon now so there shouldn't be much trouble," said Superman. "You really can't blame them for trying to avoid us. How many people have we allowed to be categorized as villains just because of some kind of transformation that made them into what we assume are monsters? We just lock them away where they delve further into crime. Forgetting that they were once just people."

"Some of them do it to themselves Clark," said Bruce. "Sometimes it's really just a monster taking off the disguise of a man. To become what they really are inside."

"Some could say the same thing about you Bruce," said Clark.

"No doubt," said Bruce.

Batman's communicator rang in his cowl.

"Go on Alfred," said Batman.

"I assume by your ability to respond all is well aboard the Watchtower sir?" asked Alfred.

"Nothing we couldn't handle," said Batman. "Did you have something?"

"Yes, sir," said Alfred. "I'm afraid the GCPD has lost their latest guest. Commissioner Gordon stated that it was some kind of phantom of electricity that helped in the creature's escape."

"No doubt at the same time we were being attacked," said Batman. "Anything else Alfred?"

"I believe so Master Bruce," said Alfred. "Oracle was running a search on the initials which have cropped up in this case as well as the name Masters Allen, Jordan, and Curry were given."

"Did she find something?" asked Batman.

"Actually Master Bruce it is I who may have found a crucial clue," said Alfred. "Or rather it was your father who provided the clue."

"What do you mean Alfred?" Batman asked, intrigued with Superman listening in.

"When I saw the name Phibes come in on the network along with the initials I recalled something in your father's things," said Alfred. "Your father had journals containing information on the controversial German physician and scientist Pericles Phibes."

"That's the name Barry and the others got," said Superman.

"Indeed Master Kent," said Alfred. "Thomas, as he was in his own studies in the medical arts, developed an interest in Baron Phibes. Phibes had controversial theories of vivisection and transplant techniques that he had reportedly done on soldiers fallen in the first World War. Both German and Allied soldiers alike according to rumor. Apparently the family had quite the reputation, some even being accused of witchcraft in earlier centuries. But the vast Phibes fortune allowed considerable protections from persecution in the form of a mercenary army, control of which was handed down the family line. A line which supposedly ended with the Baron's son, Alphonse Murnau Phibes."

"A.M.P," said Batman. "Anything on him?"

"Only some scant references to how the younger Phibes was a prodigy like his father and a true polymath with degrees in several subjects," said Alfred. "Ranging from biology, theology, engineering, chemistry, and even music. All record appears to end prior to World War II, I'm afraid. I do hope this has proved to be something of a lucky break sir."

"Luckier than I think we've been in a while Alfred," said Batman. "Look up any more information on the Phibes family. Anything that might have survived the war that could give us insight."

"Right away sir," said Alfred.

The faithful butler cut off contact to carry out his master's orders.

"We have a name," said Batman.

"Assuming he's still alive," said Superman. "He'd have to over a hundred years old by now."

"We've fought older," said Batman.

"Point taken, especially since we're dealing with...what exactly should we classify it as? Magic or mad science?" asked Superman.

"Safe to say a mix of both," said Batman, looking down at Zatanna. "A dangerous and powerful mix of both."

The news of Professor Wickels's death was disheartening to Diana and even more to Alexa. As well as the possibility that the creature that attacked last night could have been part of his body.
As Diana and Velma collected samples from the monster's decaying tissue, Alexa knelt in prayer for the professor's soul. Not far from her Shaggy, having been fed thanks to a supply of rations from Velma, also slumped down in front of the creature. Alexa rose to her feet and went over to Shaggy where she knelt back down next to him, opposite the dog Scooby.

"I've never actually killed anyone as a werewolf," said Shaggy. "Or anything, the closest was when I...when I was a kid. My sister and I were staying at a babysitter's house. My favorite babysitter, really like a big sister. She was a theater major who was also our church organist. She had a great laugh too and even introduced me to some of the horror movies I'd love. Her favorite was Phantom of the Opera, the original. Then one night a burglar came in. He killed her...right in front of me and Maggie. It was a full moon and I...I was so scared and angry."

"You transformed," Alexa deduced.

"I tore the guy's face off...blocked it out and..."

"And since then you've struggled with your fears," Alexa said, taking his hands in hers. "And with them your inner beast."

She felt the hair on his hands, his powerful fears threatening to partially transform him again.

"I could have killed you," Shaggy said. "Maybe I am better off letting Wonder Woman put me in one of those super-prisons."

"You saved us," said Alexa. "The beast may have partially recognized my scent but...but it needed to be brought to heel."

"Like yeah how..."

"I might not be a warrior but...I did train a bit," said Alexa. "And...I'll admit having to...lasso the wolf was...an experience."

Shaggy noticed a blush on Alexa's face.

"Like yeah that...what exactly did you do?" Shaggy asked.

"For the Amazons there is a practice of...loving authority," said Alexa. "It tends to require the use of bonds not for cruel subjugation but...loving submission. To bind the body and the heart in...passion that tames an aggressive soul. To turn that aggression into passion."

"Like did we..."

"No!" Alexa gasped. "I just...I did well sort of ride you into the hotel. Oh Hera that sounds worse."

"I'm just glad you're not hurt," Shaggy said.

"But...I did drop the book and now it's gone," Alexa said sadly, looking away.

Shaggy hooked her chin and turned her gaze back towards him.

"Better it than you," he said.

Alexa put her hand up to Shaggy's fuzzy chin, tracing down to his neck where there were still some rope-burns present. Her fingers traced his neck gently, little realizing how little she had to extend her arm to him.
Shaggy himself found he was getting closer to Alexa. Breathing in her scent as he looked deep into her eyes, feeling the warmth of her skin through his fingertips. The sound of a angrily clearing throat brought this exchange to an end.

"This is hardly the time," said Artemis. "Sister, a word?"

The two Amazon sisters left the man and his dog in the dirt. Scooby chuckling in a way.

"Like, laugh it up Scoob," said Shaggy.

"Come on it is a little funny," said Velma, walking up to her friends.

"Yeah, Fred and Daphne are going to love how we both got caught by the Justice League," said Shaggy. "So...what's going to happen on that end?"

"Wonder Woman is going to give us a lift to Scorpion Ridge," said Velma. "The same group we've been dealing with have now thrown the gauntlet to the League too."

"Fred's not going to like that," said Shaggy.

"Perhaps not but we do need the help," said Velma. "This group has numbers, powers, and resources. The League may even offer to help find a cure for you."

"Not just me," said Shaggy.

"What do you mean?" Velma asked.

"We've been caught before by these guys twice," said Shaggy. "At the motel, don't know how, and here. But here they had us tracked by another werewolf. I don't entirely remember it but...I know it was a female, young, and...crying for help."

"Help?" Velma asked.

"Ruh-roh," Scooby-Doo said.