Chapter Eight: Home Invasions.
Gotham sadly had been used to sieges. But thanks to that it could never be said that Gotham's protectors weren't prepared by this point. Using the fleet of advanced Batmobiles, Nightwing led the Bat-Family against the robotic invaders.
The attack had initially landed in the middle of Gotham square before other squads landed around the city with no real determined strategy. It seemed as if the robots were simply pillaging more akin to barbarians than the Knights they seemed modeled after. But what they seemed to lack in strategy they made up for in firepower and numbers. While indeed made to resemble knights, in addition to the large swords they held, the robots were armed with wrist mounted machine guns. Their armor was also thick enough to shrug off at least a few 7 mm. rounds.
The biggest trouble however was the lead. It wasn't a robot to be sure. It was a haunting figure atop a pitch black steed. It carried a long lance which could pierce the armor of a Batmobile. As Nightwing learned firsthand when the Black Knight charged him.
"Damn," he said, having barely avoided having the lance run through his head, just as it ran through the armored visor of the vehicle. "Okay, the big guy in black is definitely an issue."
The lance seemed to fade in a puff of dark green smoke, cementing the concept of a supernatural attacker.
"Definitely occult," said Nightwing.
"Ghosts and robots, that's a treat," said Robin.
"Kid you have a weird idea of a treat," said Batwoman.
Before Nightwing could continue to engage in this conversation, he narrowly swerved his Batmobile to avoid a slash from the Black Knight's sword. Although the blade did cut into the armor.
"Note to Bruce, we may need an upgrade for magical defense on the vehicles," said Nightwing.
"Dick do you need backup?" Oracle asked.
"I'll be fine, I just gotta keep this guy focused on me and not on the civilians," said Nightwing.
"Bruce is on his way," said Oracle.
"That's nice, because I think he's the one this guy really wants to talk to," said Nightwing. "Naming dispute I think. Though to be fair he's got the look for it."
Fred took stock of his equipment, as did Daphne, both of whom riding in the Bat-Wing with the Batman. Though throughout the flight Fred continued to shoot glances at Batman.
"Not apologizing by the way," said Fred.
Batman said nothing in response.
"And I am going to find a way to help my friend," said Fred. "Even if I have to go through you and the other masks to do it."
"Fred," said Daphne, stressing for him to stop.
Batman paid no heed although he did keep not at Fred's attitude. A chip on his shoulder yes. But there was a legitimate desire to help his friend. In truth Fred's attitude reminded Batman of how he was when he was first beginning his career as a crime fighter. Full of anger and distrust in him. He could also relate to the desire to help a friend undo a monstrous transformation. The memory of Harvey Dent's initial transformation into Two-Face coming to mind. And the constant attempts Batman made to try and get his friend the help to heal the mental wounds that, along with the physical transformation, turned him into the vile super-criminal he was now.
It was an odd feeling, like he was being force to interact with his own younger, more reckless and foolish self.
'How Alfred dealt with it I'll never know,' Bruce thought.
Diana flew the Invisible Jet at top speed. Of course that did nothing to ease Shaggy's stress. Claws and hair was flaring up on him. The same time Batman's city came under attack, the man whose face he tore off was released from containment. The buried memories of that night were still a blur. But Shaggy could recall the fear and terror of that night. The blood of his babysitter on that man's hands. The man's blood on his hands as he held his crying sister Maggie by the time all was said and done. And now that horror was free again.
Even Scooby's influence was having a hard time keeping him calm.
"Dog, either keep the wolfman in line or I will..."
"Do nothing sister," Alexa said, placing her hand on Shaggy's to try and help keep him calm.
Artemis noticed how Alexa had spoken in such an assertive tone. Perhaps indeed she was feeling something for the wolfman. And in spite of her teasing earlier, Artemis was concerned over such a development. Regardless of how lucky she had been Alexa had been far too close too death for her liking. And a werewolf is still a werewolf. A dangerous creature compelled by the desire to hunt and to kill. Artemis would not allow Alexa to fall prey to such instincts then by the huntress goddess she was named from she would kill the wolf.
"We're almost there," said Diana.
Alexa squeezed Shaggy's hand, hair growing by the second, trying to soothe the wolf whose rage became fueled by his fear.
Reaching Gotham, Batman tapped into the view from the Family. The robotic knights were seated on steeds propelled by magnetic fields. Despite arriving by air, these magnets were now focusing on keeping a low altitude to fight with the Family in their respective Batmobiles. There also didn't appear to be a general plan of attack. Just an attack meant to cause mayhem and bring about a fight. Helping prove that this was a distraction meant to keep the Batman focused on his own city. Likely forcing him to separate from Mystery Inc.
But not for the scroll, J'onn was now securing it and the enemy would have to assume at least by now the two groups had met and kept that one artifact secure. Batman realized there was more to this. He needed to resolve the issue now and reconvene with Diana as soon as possible.
"I'm getting a reading," said Daphne, pulling out a palm held device. "There's a definite ectoplasmic presence in the area."
"That's the leader," said Batman.
He brought up the image of the Black Knight Ghost, who rode an ethereal stallion against Nightwing in the main Batmobile.
"Nightwing, pull back and rejoin the others," said Batman. "I'll handle the leader."
"Roger that," said Nightwing.
"A specter like that is going to be touch," said Fred. "If you've got Nth Metal you should be able to disrupt it. But if we want answers, and if that is who you say it is, we can't risk dispelling it completely or letting it get away. I radioed in to Shagworth, he's sending over something I can use to fashion a trap. Something to hold that thing to keep it escaping. Just get that thing off its horse to reduce it's mobility. Take Daphne with you, trust me she can kick ass with the best of them."
Batman, while known to prefer to take the lead in most situations, was capable of teamwork and following someone else's lead if need be. Jones did have experience in this field and in spite of their tension, both men were focused on the mission.
"Roger that," said Batman, setting the controls to auto pilot.
The cockpit then opened from the bottom for a jump.
"You're strapped to your..."
Daphne Blake let out a yell and dove down, having undoing her straps. From her suit came a fabric membrane allowing her to glide down.
"Built in wing-suit," said Fred. "Helps to be danger prone."
Batman said nothing as both he and Fred followed suit with their own gliding equipment.
Diana landed in Crystal Cove park and upon opening Shaggy and Scooby-Doo ran out like a bullet from a gun.
"Shaggy, Scooby, wait," said Velma.
"How far are we form their home?" Diana asked.
"Not far," said Velma.
"Then let's go," said Diana.
She picked up Velma and took off as Artemis began to follow. However she lowered her axe when Alexa attempted to leave the jet.
"Stay," said Artemis.
"Sister..."
"Alexa, you have been lucky not to get hurt so far on this little adventure of yours," said Artemis. "But as you have said time and again in the past you are no warrior."
"And time and again in the past you often tried to make me one," said Alexa. "And now I am willingly going into danger you stop me."
"You go foolishly and after the affections of a man," said Artemis.
"That...that..."
"My teasing aside Alexa I saw the way you looked at him, the way you held his hand," said Artemis. "While indeed love is a powerful motivation for a warrior, do not forget that there is a beast in him that could still yet tear out your throat."
"I have seen the beast sister," said Alexa, getting close to Artemis. "I am not afraid of it."
"One night's luck is nothing," said Artemis. "And I will not risk losing you again."
Before Alexa could protest Artemis struck her at the neck, knocking her out.
"I do this because I love you," she said, catching Alexa before she fell. "You are my heart sister."
Atremis tied Alexa's bracelets and feet together, leaving her on the jet, before joining in the hunt. Hoping that there would be no trouble she could get into while on the jet.
Before he had initiated the jump, Batman sent out a remote call for the bat-cycle. A mount he and even Daphne could use to counter the Black Knight Ghost.
"Wickels," Batman said to the spirit. "If that is you, you need to fight this. You protected the artifacts against the people who did this to you for years. Fight them now."
The Black Knight only lowered his lance and charged. Batman accelerated the bat-cycle in turn. Both he and Daphne ducked to avoid the lance. Although Daphne took the chance to wrap her whip around one of the legs of the spectral horse and attach it to the cycle. When the it became taught, the horse fell sending the haunted armor flying to the ground.
"Nice work," said Batman.
"Consecrated whip made from the leather of a Crusader's stallion with a silver tip," said Daphne. "It wasn't always idiots in masks. Helps to be prepared."
Batman turned the cycle as Daphne drew back the whip. She struck the horse with it and it dissipated. Leaving the Black Knight Ghost without a mount. This didn't seem to deter the specter as it drew its sword.
From his belt, Batman pulled a series of batarangs and put them together in the way of a sword's handle. And soon enough a blade extended.
"Nice toys," said Daphne.
"Helps to be prepared," said Batman.
The Dark Knight and the Black Knight Ghost then crossed blades.
"Wickels, please," Batman pleaded, hoping to address the soul of the man this spirit once was.
The two swordsmen drew back and clashed twice. Daphne attempted to strike out with her whip but the Black Knight drew forth a shield to guard against her attack. Batman then regained the ghost's full attentions.
As the two fought the ghost, Fred watched from an oncoming roof. He checked his own devices for an update for his own contribution to the evening of the odds.
"Mom," Shaggy yelled, kicking down the door to his mother's house.
To his relief he saw both his mother, Paula, and his sister Maggie were unharmed. Unharmed but alarmed by his sudden and violent entrance.
"Norville, good god what's gotten into you," Puala yelled.
"I...I thought you were..."
"Oh get in, before someone..."
"Rgoers," a woman's voice yelled.
Paula and Maggie gasped as Wonder Woman came down with Velma, soon also accompanied by a redheaded Amazon. Paula then noticed how hairy Shaggy was and how claws were on his fingers.
"Norville, what is going on? Why is Wonder Woman..."
"Like Mom it's alright but we need to get you and Maggie somewhere safe," said Shaggy. "I promise I'll explain later but for now we..."
The wall of the house gave as a lumbering man in an iron mask tore through. Wonder Woman dove to get Mrs. Rogers and her daughter to safety while Artemis pulled back Velma. Shaggy however was the direct target of the man. He drove Shaggy out into the yard and then flung him into a tree. Coughing up blood Shaggy looked up and through the slits in the iron mask's eyes he saw familiar eyes. Eyes which haunted Shaggy ever since he was a child. The terror of that night returning to him, Shaggy felt the man recede, while the wolf came out growling.
Alexa felt a chill in the air. She was in an open field, dressed in her Amazonian dress, sans her sandals, standing before a crossroads. She could tell this was a dream. Even more, this was no ordinary dream.
A god was coming to meet her.
"Bad Dreams sister," a thrice joined voice said.
Alexa turned to the crossroads and saw three women. Dressed in dark clothing and holding instruments in their hands.
"How's it going?" the main woman, a dark haired maiden with a guitar asked.
"Rough I'm guessing," said a blonde woman lightly tapping a drum.
"But hey, at least you're on an adventure," said a dark skinned woman with a frock of red hair with a keyboard slung around her.
"Who are you?" Alexa asked.
"Well on Earth we're Thorn, that's me, Dusk and Luna," said the dark haired woman with the guitar, gesturing to the women left and right of her. "We're the Hex Girls, we're really topping the charts right now. But hey that's just a day gig you might say."
"Rock and Roll might be called the Devil's Music but let's just say we got a better sponsor," said blonde, Dusk.
"You might know her," said Luna, the woman with the keyboard.
Torches suddenly lit up on the sides of their gathering and the moon hung full in the sky.
"You are representations of the three formed goddess," said Alexa. "Hecate, the Goddess of Magic and patron of witches."
"Bingo," said Thorn.
"Why are you here?" Alexa asked.
"Hey, we're just messengers," said Dusk. "And girlfriend the message ain't good."
"Trouble is on the rise," said Luna. "The forces your friends are against threaten to allow a terrible power to walk the Earth."
"Yes, we know," Alexa said, getting to her knees. "What does the goddess ask?"
While Hecate wasn't as often revered upon Theymiscira as Hera, Athena, or Aphrodite, she was still a divine being worth the respect of the Amazons. Even if she was also the patron of some of her people's terrible enemies such as Circe.
"On Earth we're actually old friends with Mystery Inc.," said Thorn. "We know of Shaggy and Scooby."
"They're the best hope you'll have if things really go south," said Dusk.
"But they're going to need your help," said Luna.
"My help?" Alexa asked. "But...what can I do?"
"Girl, you've got a majorly good head on your shoulders and all the knowledge the Amazons gathered," said Thorn.
"Including knowledge of magics most others wouldn't have access to or forgotten," said Dusk.
"And if we're honest our mistress really wants some positive representation there," said Luna. "Circe's not exactly endearing the goddess to anyone."
"So she has need of others to spread her glory," said Thorn.
"We do good work but hey rock and roll only goes so far," said Dusk.
Alexa began to realize what was being asked. She recalled other examples of what these women spoke of.
"Hecate wants a Champion," said Alexa.
"Bingo," said Thorn.
"And she's already found her," said Dusk.
"You should feel lucky," said Luna.
"But...why me?" Alexa asked. "I am not a warrior?"
"Now you will be a Champion," said Thorn.
"Besides, you've been imprinted on by the wolfman and his dog," said Dusk.
"And Hecate's animal is a dog after all," said Luna.
Alexa thought about what was happening. What she was being asked to become.
"They're in danger now you know," said Thorn.
"What?" Alexa asked.
"Shaggy and Scooby," said Dusk.
"Along with the maidens whom your enemy has captive," said Luna.
"Maidens?" Alexa asked.
"Rogers heard one, he knows of her plight," said Thorn.
"The werewolf who called him," Alexa recalled.
She recalled how Shaggy said the werewolf, young and female, sounded to him as if in distress. It put an anger in him she could see.
"The choice is yours," said Thorn.
"Which path to take?" Dusk laughed.
"As is is for all those who come to these, the crossroads of destiny," said Luna.
Indeed, the roads of destiny were splitting before Alexa. She could see a road returning to Theymiscira. Back to her sheltered life on the island with her books, always secretly wanting something more than what they could offer. She saw a road in which graves bearing the names of her friends and sisters stood, to her sadness and terror. She then saw an emerald light ahead and she could feel the power Hecate was offering to her.
Rising to her feet...Alexa chose her path.
"Jinkies," Velma said.
She watched as the iron faced hulk of a man fought with Shaggy, who had transformed fully into his werewolf form.
"How is he doing that when there's no full moon?" asked Artemis.
"Shaggy's likely experiencing a massive emotional charge that has superseded his usual..."
"Quick words," Artemis yelled.
"Old Iron Face there scared Shaggy so bad he transformed entirely even without the need of the Full Moon," said Velma. "He's not a normal werewolf."
Scooby-Doo got up, eyes glowing green, attempting to cloud Iron Face's mind. It seemed to work as Iron Face let his guard down enough for the werewolf to strike him into the house.
Diana and Artemis carried Paula, Maggie, and Velma out, knowing that there would be a struggle in the house.
"Oh god Norville," Paula gasped.
"Mrs. Rogers I swear we will help him," said Diana.
"That man, that man attacking my brother he's...he's the one from...from..."
"From the night he first transformed," said Diana. "But how..."
"We'll ask him once he's bound," said Artemis.
She leapt up with axe in hand into the house.
"Careful, Shaggy might not be able to recognize friend from foe," Velma yelled.
Scooby-Doo ran in alongside Wonder Woman, leaving Velma with Paula and Maggie.
The Black Knight ghost proved skilled enough to fight both Batman and Daphne. From where he stood Fred looked up as an airplane flew overhead. Shagworth sending Fred's package. Said package was deployed, descending via parachute.
"There you are baby," Fred said with a smirk.
As the package came down Daphne and Batman continued their assault. When once again they crossed swords, Daphne lashed out with her whip, grabbing the knight's leg.
This allowed Batman the means to disarm the ghost. But the Black Knight Ghost then punched Batman hard and sent him away, before pulling its leg back and grabbing Daphne by the throat.
From his position Fred leapt down, sending a line on a light, and swung over. From there he tossed what looked like a grenade which struck the Black Knight ghost in the back, seemingly harming it, and forcing it to release Daphne. Fred's package then finally made its way to the ground. Revealing a green military style vehicle of his own design. His one and only, Mystery Machine.
From a compartment on the top of the vehicle came a light which shone on the ghost, causing it agony. Daphne ran to the back of the vehicle and opened it up. She quickly got out two bottles and tossed them to Fred, who tossed one to a recovered Batman.
"Circle him," said Fred.
The two ran in a circle around the Black Knight Ghost, pouring the contents of the bottles onto the street he stood on.
"Salt," said Fred. "And special design UV lights. Good for containing ghosts and spirits. High and low, hit 'em from both ends."
"Clever," said Batman.
The Black Knight Ghost raged against his containment but could do nothing to escape it.
"Batman, we've got movement from the bots," said Nightwing. "They're heading your way and..."
Batman heard a light sonic boom overhead.
"They're about to be taken care of," said Batman.
A whoosh in the air was heard overhead. And the night was filled with the sounds of shattering steel. After a few minutes the cause of this came to meet the group.
"Decided not to wait," Superman said. "Mr. Jones and Ms. Blake I'm guessing."
"J'onn fill you in?" asked Batman.
"He did," said Superman. "Not sure what to make of it all but, maybe now we can get some real leads."
"Anything on the others?" asked Daphne.
"Diana hasn't reported yet but I'm sure she's got everything under control," said Superman.
Wonder Woman had caught Iron Face's right hand with her lasso. But the strength of the brute was commendable. Being able to pull her and attempt to whip her at the werewolf Shaggy. For his own part the wolfman had dodged. Scooby-Doo using his abilities to try and steady the wolf's mind, ensuring he didn't strike against Wonder Woman and Artemis.
Wonder Woman managed to land on her feet and tugged back, causing Iron Face to lumber. Artemis took this as a chance to strike with her axe Mistress. But Iron Face pulled up a chunk of floor and used it as a shield. Though the wolfman was not so deterred, charging Iron Face into the staircase. Unfortunately dragging Wonder Woman along as well. Iron Face then punched the werewolf up the stairs and then turned to the Amazons.
"By Hera this brute is fierce," said Diana.
"It is good then I ensured Alexa remain safe," said Artemis. "She would not have such luck as before."
When the two warrior women clashed with Iron Face, Scooby-Doo bounded up the walls and the stairs after his transformed master. Iron Face made to turn to follow the dog and the wolf, but Diana and Artemis sought to keep him in place. Artemis took out the legs with a sweeping kick while Diana delivered a punch to the face. The iron mask not denting and in fact scraping her knuckles. There was something unnatural about this fiend.
The Black Knight Ghost had been carefully moved to the Watchtower. Still in a circle and this time watched carefully by mystical allies of the League such as John Constantine and Dr. Fate. The former of whom was eager to get some payback for the pain of his lover Zatanna.
"Bet it was a rights issue eh? Black Knight wanting to tackle Dark Knight?" Constantine said with a laugh. "All joking aside, this is a right awful bit of magic. A soul bound and corrupted. Force to take a form it prided itself on seeing itself as in life. Now that's right dark, right dark powerful there."
"Think you can do anything?" asked Superman.
"I'm not saying it's going to be a walk in the bloody park, especially with what happened to Zee," said Constantine. "But I'm thinking we could try and reach the true soul underneath all that. Maybe dispell the pour bastard so he can get some bloody peace."
"Not before we get some information," said Batman.
"Has this man not suffered enough?" asked Daphne. "Professor Wickels was a good man. He didn't deserve to be murdered or have his soul turned into this thing."
"Which is why we need any information he can offer if we're to get him the justice he deserves," said Batman.
From where he stood Fred Jones glanced over the various heroes with a look of irritation. Not even the glorious view of the Earth from the Watchtower seemed to ease his mood. While the crisis in Gotham was taken care of, his own hometown was still an issue which he felt needed to be addressed. Most of all, he worried for his friend and the family that took him in.
Seeing the brooding blonde, Flash took to Daphne's side.
"So, hey, Flash, fastest man alive, nice to meet you," Flash said quickly. "Uh, what's up with him? Aside from the general creepy as hell mystery we're all wrapped up in? Also his friend being a werewolf? Really I guess I should ask what isn't up with him?"
Daphne chuckled a bit at that before her face fell slightly.
"Fred...doesn't care for people in masks," said Daphne.
"Yeah, I looked up a lot of reports on your cases," said Flash. "Idiots dressing up like horror movie rejects for some really out there crimes. Still it's not like..."
"His father was one of those idiots," said Daphne.
That caught Flash's tongue. He then recalled the various intelligence that Batman had gathered and the rest of the League had to catch up on.
"I thought his father was arrested on a corruption scandal," said Flash.
"That's what the town council said for the papers to put out," said Daphne. "Crystal Cove actually had its own urban legend. That in the crystal caves beneath our town were guarded by a deformed creature. A freak for all intents and purposes. Mayor Jones...thought it would be a good idea to make it a tourist attraction. It didn't get much attention at first. Starting out as blurry photos and supposed witness accounts. But then...then the murders began. Bodies found in the caves. Then Freak sightings began all over town. Robberies and other attacks and the like. Tourists came to soak up all the horror and gore of it all. Hoping to catch an image of the fearsome Freak of Crystal Cove. Some people began to buy up Freak insurance. Until one day, when his dad was out and Fred was alone at home. He and I got together and...well we thought we'd try and sneak some of his dad's wine, dumb teen crap. When Fred went to get a bottle he found an old bottle and pulled and..."
"And found a secret compartment," said Flash. "Yeah that happens."
"He found the Freak costume and...and called Shaggy's dad," said Daphne. "Mayor Jones later to confessed to having started with the initial murders and then arranged for other Freaks to take over. Committing various crimes around town he could use to entice the true crime and paranormal crowd. Since then Fred has a...dislike of those who wear masks."
"Guess that would include superheroes," said Flash.
"I'm sorry," said Daphne.
"No, I get it," said Flash. "Believe me I do."
"If anything I think it's Batman he's got the most against among you all," said Daphne. "The use of terror and superstition to spread fear to influence the population of Gotham."
"Only the criminals," said Flash. "And believe me Bats...well I don't want to say isn't as mean as some might think but...well. I really don't have anything."
Daphne chuckled at that.
"Still, you have to admit there's not much difference in the two," said Daphne. "You all wear masks to hide your activities which are beyond the law. Some of you even scare the people you claim to protect."
"Can't really argue that," said Flash. "But we don't mean to if it happens."
"Can we ever really be sure?" asked Daphne. "You guys aren't always such open books. I think sometimes it troubles Fred how much people trust you."
"I can see that," said Flash. "Sometimes I'm worried people trust us too much."
"Can't say I was even keen to try trusting you with Shaggy," said Daphne. "I knew it would be inevitable but...we were all scared what you'd do to him if any of you found him and found out what he was. Although I have to ask..."
"No silver bullets on the Watchtower I swear," said Flash. "And despite what you might think we don't just give up on people who transform into monsters. We've tried to help a lot of them in the past. It's just...they get so frustrated with how long it takes that...that they decide to just embrace it. Some do try to do some good with what happens to them. Sounds like your guy sure tried to before it got worse."
"Fred didn't push him," said Daphne. "I think...I think despite how it seemed like every case would make him terrified...Shaggy wanted to do it. Wanting to live up to the example his father gave him."
"Our dads can hold a lot of power over us," said Flash. "No matter how much else happens."
Scooby managed to find Shaggy, but to his surprise the werewolf was surprisingly still. He had been thrown into a closed off door which had once been the home office of Sam Rogers.
The late Sam Rogers as the man deep inside the werewolf Shaggy was now recalled. The damage had knocked down a picture of Sheriff Rogers and a young Shaggy, wearing his father's hat and coat. The werewolf Shaggy picked up the picture in his clawed hands. Seeing this image, remembering the loss of his father, reached into the man beneath the beast. While Scooby was glad his friend could calm, the dog did have to admit now was a bad time for it. Ironically the werewolf was most useful in this situation, considering the sounds of battle downstairs.
The grunts of Diana and Artemis drew the attention of the dog and the wolf. And from outside Shaggy could hear the frightened yelp of his sister Maggie. Bringing the night their babysitter died back into the forefront of his primitive mind. The wolf dropped the picture, leapt over Scooby, and back down the ruined stairs. Where beneath, Artemis and Wonder Woman were forced on the defensive by the sheer power of this Iron Face villain. Shaggy pounced on Iron Face's back. The villain charging out of the house while the wolf attempted to claw into Iron Face's throat. But his tearing flesh didn't seem to slow down this juggernaut. Velma ushered Paula and Maggie out of the way as the two were now taking the fight to the streets. With police sirens ringing throughout the night.
"Oh god they might shoot Norville," Paula cried.
"They...they wouldn't," Maggie cried. "Wonder Woman wouldn't let that happen right?"
Velma wanted to say something to reassure them but she couldn't really find the words. The werewolf that was once Shaggy howled out violently. Velma honestly doubted that even Scooby could keep Shaggy under control now.
Police cars pulled up and officers pulled their weapons on what they perceived as two rampaging monsters. The two Amazon heroines were about to attack when a ring of bright purple fire suddenly rose up, separating the monsters from the rest of the world. Above a figure floated in the air. Carrying two torches from which the purple flames shot out. She wore an outfit which bore some resemblance to the one Wonder Woman wore. But with silver accents instead of gold and styled with blues in lieu of red upon the breastplate with a flowing dark blue battle skirt. With blue elbow length sleeve wrappings and thigh dark boots with silver tips. Over over her shoulders she wore a fur tipped blue cape. She wore a silver mask in the style of Greek plays, but one which bore three faces. Most damning of all to her identity was her hair.
"Alexa?" Artemis said.
Author's Note: For a new better frame of reference, Alexa's outfit is now modeled after Diana's look from the new alternate Absolute Wonder Woman series but with blues replacing the reds using in that outfit and armed with torches rather than a buster sword. I decided to go back and alter it again using this as a model because of how Diana is now something of a witch in that series and that goes with what I'm doing for Alexa.