21JL/MI: New World of Dogs and Monsters; a Justice League/Scooby-Doo fan-fiction.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Justice League or Scooby-Doo. All rights go to Warner Bros. and DC Comics.
Chapter One: The Ordinary World.
The light of Helios shone down on the sparkling spires and glass towers of Gateway City. Such a sight was all but blinding to one who had lived several lifetimes without such views. Alexa of Themyscira was just such a person.
"It's all so...wonderful," she said.
At her side was her Amazon sister Diana, whom those in Man's World knew as the Wonder Woman. A champion of justice and a symbol of peace for this world just as much as she was a princess on their home island. An ambassador of their nation to the rest of the world, Diana had in turn brought much of Man's World back to her mothers and sisters. Fulfilling a lifelong desire for Alexa to get new additions to their library. For a natural scholar such as she it was wonderful but yet soon enough she began to feel a yearning for something more.
While never the warrior like her sister Artemis, Alexa did find in herself a desire for some adventure. To visit new places, a world that had changed so much since she originally came to the island. Eventually it got to be too much for Alexa to contain. Especially when Artemis herself went to Man's World as well. She petitioned the Queen Hippolyta and was granted her request to go on a scholarly leave to Man's World. Under Diana's watch of course.
"It truly is beautiful at times," said Diana. "But we should hurry, we don't want to leave the professor waiting."
Diana led Alexa through the streets. Seeing the sights of Man's vehicles and the manner of dress and custom was all still so new to her. She even felt somewhat naked in the clothes Diana had gotten her. But she had been told by her sister that such dress would be more appropriate for the position Diana had secured for her. To help Alexa gain an understanding of Man's World in a way that felt comfortable for her sister, Diana contacted the Gateway City Museum of Natural History. The new curator, Dr. Jonathan Wickels, was quite eager to be given the chance to hosting a member of an actual ancient civilization such as the Amazons. Alexa would act as a lecturer and archivist, pertaining to the Greek exhibits. Naturally Alexa was excited for the position. As minor as it was and as mundane as it seemed, to her it was an adventure, even if she never had to enjoy the glories Diana and Artemis.
When Alexa crossed the threshold to the museum she looked all over. She saw children for the first time since Diana was growing on the island. Couples together, young and old, and exhibits of various cultures which had sprouted and died over the years since the Amazons retreat from the world.
"Ah, Diana my dear," said a short stocky bald man waddling up to the two women. "So nice to see you. And this young lady must be the ravishing Alexa."
"Hello sir," Alexa said. "Thank you again for your generosity. I promise to honor your kindness and your trust."
"Oh my dear the honor is all mine," said Wickels. "An actual Amazon, a living witness to history giving a true education on the actual events. Why my dear you alone will bring in a crowd."
"Truly?" asked Alexa, sounding a bit nervous.
"Don't be intimidated Alexa," said Diana. "You're the finest scholar on Themyscira and now you have a chance to share that knowledge with new students."
"On the subject, and I do apologize for this sheer disrespectful request, but in our children's reading section our usual storyteller is absent today," said Wickels. "May I ask..."
"I'd love to," said Alexa.
"Excellent," said Wickels. "I'll show you the way."
From Diana's pocket her Justice League communicator rang.
"I have to go," said Diana. "I'll let Etta know that she can bring you back to the Consulate when you're done if I'm not back by then."
"Do not worry Diana, I'll be more than content here," said Alexa.
With a hug the sisters parted ways.
"And they all lived happily ever after, the end," Alexa read.
The children seated before her clapped lightly at how well Alexa had read the story to them, warming her heart. There was a time long ago when Alexa though she could be a mother herself. But then the betrayal of Ares caused all hope of families and children to fade.
As she became lost in thought while picking up the books she had read, she found herself accidentially bumping into someone, causing her to spill.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," she said.
"Like, no I'm sorry," a man's voice said, Alexa looking down at the books.
She knelt down and as did the man she bumped into. He helped her pick up the books and as they finished she rose and saw his face. A handsome male face with a beard along the jaw, no mustache, and with long brown hair reaching down to his shoulders.
At his side was a Great Dane wearing a vest and leash, trailing up behind its owner.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"Oh, yes," said Alexa.
"Sorry again," said the man, a security guard given his dress Alexa saw. "I was a little distracted."
"As was I," said Alexa.
"I heard you read to those kids," said the man. "Like you're a natural."
"Thank you," said Alexa. "It's been some time since I've read to children. Even then some of the books from my home weren't quite like these."
"Really?" asked the man, handing some of the books to her.
"My sisters wouldn't care for the 'damsel in distress'," said Alexa. "Although this one story I found interesting. A woman who finds love in the arms of a monster."
"Like yeah, that's a classic," said the man.
"Oh, forgive me I haven't introduced myself," said Alexa, offering a hand as she was told the custom was. "My name is Alexa."
Alexa recalled that it was traditional to have a 'surname' as well in Man's World and recalled the name her blood sister Artemis used.
"Alexa Grace," she said.
The man took her hand, feeling the warmth of her flesh as he stared into her green eyes and she into his brown.
"Matt Casey," the man said. "And like this is Frankie"
The dog sniffed Alexa and seemed to almost smile in approval. She petted the dog in kind response.
"So is this like, you're official job or..."
"Professor Wickels needed someone to fill in for the children," said Alexa. "I was more than happy too. I'll actually be coordinating with the Greek and Roman exhibits. As well as lecturing on Amazon culture."
"Like yeah, I saw you with Wonder Woman coming in earlier," Matt said. "So like you're an Amazon. Groovy."
Alexa raised an eyebrow in confusion of the word. But from his tone she assumed it to be a word of positive adulation.
"So are you like a superhero too?" Matt asked.
"Oh, no," said Alexa. "I'm in Man's World to learn and perhaps teach. As strange as it is I have never been as much of a warrior as my other sisters."
Images of known Amazon heroines such as Wonder Woman and Artemis ran through Matt's mind and he recalled their height. Noting Alexa to be shorter than them by comparison.
"Like hey, I'm not like some of my relatives either," said Matt. "And...oh, sorry Frankie and I should really get back to our rounds."
"Yes, and I should go and see Professor Wickels," said Alexa. "I do hope I will see you again though. That would be...groovy yes?"
"Totally," said Matt.
As the man and his dog walked away Alexa looked back again. It had been centuries since she interacted with a man in such a manner. She wondered if this was typical of modern interactions between men and women. Whenever Diana returned home she often spoke how man was a thing of contradiction. Much good and much bad. Of both lofty ideals and base desires. The memories of her enslavement along with her sisters still lingered on in her mind. But often she had argued with her sisters that the Amazons needed to reconcile with Man's World. Now was a time for her to really test her ideals by interacting with men.
At least so far said interactions had been pleasant. And of course she liked his dog as well.
Alexa continued the day by speaking through various tour groups through the Greek and Roman exhibits. She enjoyed herself immensely and often from time to time she would see Matt Casey and his dog making their rounds through the museum.
Enjoying her work so much it almost seemed like time flew as fast as Hermes himself as soon enough it was the closing time. Diana's mission had apparently taken long so Etta Candy, Diana's closest friend in Man's World came to escort Alexa back to the Theymsciran Consulate. On her way out Alexa noticed Matt Casey and his dog leaving as well.
"So how was day one in the real world?" Etta asked.
"It was wonderful," said Alexa. "So many eager to learn and professor Wickels was quite kind."
"Guessing he wasn't the only one who made an impression," said Etta.
"I don't understand," said Alexa.
"Oh come on, that tall glass of milk with the pooch was definitely giving that old cowboy 'ma'am' nod when he saw you," said Etta.
Alexa still didn't understand but that only seemed to entertain Etta. Alexa recalled how often Diana said Etta found her own occasional confusion to the subtleties and customs of Man World both entertaining and endearing. Now it appeared to be Alexa's turn.
"I will admit he does appear fair," said Alexa.
"So no lady back home waiting in the wings?" asked Etta.
"Not a true courtship no," said Alexa.
"Well hey, if you ever feel like going for something with a modern guy just keep your wits," said Etta.
"While I admit I am not as skilled a warrior as my sisters I am not entirely without defenses should I need them," said Alexa.
"Oh I'm sure," said Etta. "And it doesn't hurt that you got a few sisters who can lay any chump out who hurts you. And I'm one of 'em."
Alexa giggled, both at Etta's tone and her genuine sincerity.
The next day was just as pleasant for Alexa as the first. After all the tours had gone she had been asked by Professor Wickels to help go over various artifacts that had been delivered. Sets of slabs descending from Ancient Sumeria.
"I realize that this may be out of your area my dear but can you make out any of these scriptures?" asked Wickels.
"Of course, on Theymiscria we had quite the section pertaining to the various Sumerian cultures," said Alexa. "Not too much but enough that I have a decent working understanding of the written language."
Alexa went over the ancient scripts upon the slabs.
"All in reference to the Annunaki," said Alexa.
"Ah among the first gods of humankind as some scholars believe," said Wickels.
"Even among my people the Annunaki recognize that the Annunaki interacted with mortals even before our blessed Olympians," said Alexa.
She looked through the images of the Annunaki deities, all shown to be half parts beast and man. She also noted how well the artifacts had been maintained.
"Were these recently dug?" she asked.
"No, in fact this is part of a rather strange collection," said Wickels. "One that's been split up over some decades now since...oh since the second World War."
"Yes, Diana has given us reference to that," said Alexa, sadness in her voice. "It was a most damning point against the Amazons opening up to Man's World."
"Well on behalf of Man's World I am glad it did not succeed to sway your people to isolation," said Wickels. "It is a sad fact however that we likely owe these remarkable glimpses into our ancient pasts to those madmen. Hitler sending out to dig for artifacts he used to try and claim divine backing for his insanity."
"As I understand some of the artifacts he collected truly were powerful," said Alexa.
"And now can do no harm to man," said Wickels. "Or woman, and now these artifacts shall only help further the spread of knowledge and not madness."
Alexa looked over the texts again, and in addition to the Annunaki there was reference to the great warrior-king Gilgamesh and his trusted ally Enkidu, the beastly wild man.
Once all the artifacts were cataloged and stored, it was time to depart. Professor Wickels had gone back to his office to finish up something while Alexa was allowed to leave. But as she was making her way to the door she heard a crash. Startled she went back to investigate. As she did she began to hear other sounds. Fists against flesh and shouting.
"Where is the book old man?" an unfamiliar voice asked.
Unintelligible garble spoke out as well. She also heard the anguished cries of Professor Wickels. Alexa followed the voices, noticing in the skylight above a broken pane of window. She then came up to the door of Wickels's office and saw the old man being brutally beaten by two hideously deformed hunched over men. Alexa let out an audible gasp, which the one beating Wickels responded to, leaping out of the room. Alexa ran with the hunchback in pursuit. She ran up to the medieval wing where she grabbed a spear from one of the armor sets and attempted to throw it. But Alexa was never much of a warrior. The hunchback caught the clumsily thrown spear and with its back and slammed Alexa into a column.
While she was down the foul creature grabbed her by her hair and began to drag her along. Alexa thrashed in resistance as it did but to no avail.
"No, leave her be," Wickels begged as he too was dragged out of his office by the other hunchback.
"Why I do believe this lovely young lady would be more than welcome to our little get together wouldn't you, Crunch?" the talkative hunchback, with black hair and a monocle, asked to his compatriot.
The other grumbled as if in agreement, eager to torture the young Amazon.
"Of course you could make it easy for both you and her old man," said the talker. "The book, my lord and lady are insistent upon it. You see that book is stolen and we must endeavor to return to its rightful owners."
The other grumbled.
"Oh yes, the tablets as well," said the talking hunchback. "So I would suggest you adhere to our request less the young lady suffer any misfortune."
A whistle echoed through the dark and the grumbling hunchback was struck with a vase. The blow disoriented the creature, causing him to release his hold on Alexa's hair. As she quickly crawled away from the creature she saw a man rush up and deliver a blow to the talking hunchback, sending him into the wall and forcing him to release Wickels.
Alexa quickly went to recover the poor old man as the two hunchbacks began to recover and attack their would be savior. Alexa looked back as she carried Wickels and saw that it was Matt Casey. Although he appeared to be even harrier in the face than she had recalled from before. Ignoring that she tried to prioritize getting the kind old professor to safety. When she turned though she found the dog Matt had with him. The dog's eyes glowed and eerie green and Alexa felt her eyelids grow heavy and she soon fell unconscious.
"Alexa," a familiar voice called out. "Alexa.
Stirring, Alexa opened her eyes and saw Diana's beautiful face filled with concern.
"Thank Hera," Diana said, embracing her sister.
"Diana," Alexa said, sleepily as her senses came back to her. "What are you...Professor Wickels!"
"He's already on his way to the hospital," said Diana. "He was quite beaten by the time the authorities came. Praise be to the gods that you are unharmed."
"And Matt?" Alexa asked.
"The security guard?" Diana asked. "He called for the police after he apparently fought off the thieves. Unfortunately they escaped but with no prize. I swear to you I will find them sister."
Diana helped Alexa to her feet and she saw Matt talking with the police. The dog however had been standing close to her and Diana.
"This one watched over you when you were struck by the thieves," said Diana, offering a hand to the dog.
The dog licked the princess's hand as she petted him lovingly. Alexa did so as well, grateful to have had help last night, but thinking something was off. Something else had happened the previous night. Something about the dog and about Matt.
Diana helped Alexa give a report to the authorities and the two returned to the consulate. There Ferdinand the Minotaur had prepared dinner for the two of them and Etta.
"Damn, and on your second day too," Etta said after hearing the recap of events.
"I understood that coming into Man's World would carry some risk," said Alexa.
"Yeah, but who were these clowns?" Etta asked.
"Alexa described them as hunched back creatures," said Diana. "I'll be conferring with a colleague who may be able to give insight."
"I'll bet," Etta said with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.
"What?" asked Alexa.
"She means Lady Diana will be having relations with this ally," said Ferdinand, pouring wine into a goblet for Alexa. "The Batman I believe he is called."
"She is also attempting to embarrass me in front of you sister," said Diana. "As if we find relations something to be embarrassed of. A type of polite fun women in Man's World like to have with one another."
Alexa chuckled along with Diana, Etta joining in as well.
"But seriously, you gonna be alright going back there?" Etta asked when the laughter died down. "I mean those chumps didn't seem to get what they wanted did they?"
"I don't believe so," said Alexa. "They were torturing Professor Wickels over a book. As well as the Sumerian slabs we had just received."
"Okay I could maybe get the slabs," said Etta. "But what the hell is this book?"
"I don't know," said Alexa. "There were many in his office but the Professor wouldn't say anything about it."
"Once he is well enough for visitors I will ask him myself," said Diana. "Till then perhaps..."
"Diana, I did not come all the way to Man's World simply to flee at the first show of some trouble," said Alexa. "It will be fine, I'm sure. And if you are still concerned I swear I will not be out late."
"Thank you sister," said Diana. "I just hope that this will be the only trouble you face here."
Despite being alive well before Diana had been born, even acting as her tutor, it often felt as if Diana were an elder sister for Alexa. Much like Artemis in that regard. Although Artemis tended to show a kind of 'tough love' as she had heard it be called in Man's World. Artemis often trying to make a warrior out of Alexa, who always stressed she belonged in a library and not on a battlefield. As evident by her failure to fight back the other night.
Thinking back to the other night she got faint memories of Matt Casey and his dog. And the dog's strange eyes which sent her to sleep. Something was strange about it all. It was such a...mystery.
In a small apartment elsewhere in Gateway City, Matt Casey removed his uniform. Donning a comfortable green shirt and red pants, he sat on the bed where the dog handed him a laptop like device.
The owner opened it and activated it, ensuring the secure communication line was set up.
"Like, made contact with two totally creepy looking dudes," he muttered as he typed. "Had partial incident no one saw. Goons got away, but empty handed. Objective still not found."
As he typed he ended with an (S) at the end of the sentence. He waited for a response with the dog at his side.
No contact as my location. Objective found and observed but cannot retrieve: a response came, ending in a (V).
No contact at my location either. Objective found, just working on securing: another sentence came, ending with a (D).
Possible contact at my location. Objective found but have to work fast. My find complication given where I am. Same for you (S), you and (SD) lay low, risk higher at your location. Locate and secure objective then head to rendezvous point: yet another sentence came, ending with an (F).
Author's Note: To any who had read the previous incarnation of this story simply titled Dogs and Monsters, I'm sorry for cutting that one down. But I went over how I wanted the story to go and Jessica Cruz didn't quite fit into what I wanted. So I decided to do a massive overhaul and once I included a different character the plotting of the story became much more organic. I already have a lot laid out so I should be updating fairly quickly, especially since I'm on the Easter break. For those who might not know though, Alexa is a character from the 2009 Wonder Woman animated film. I liked her look and character, how she was more bookish and perhaps a little more timid than her fellow Amazons, especially Artemis and Diana. A while back I imagined her interacting with Scooby and the Gang just out of the blue and I thought I'd work with that here. Also because she was such a minor character and didn't have much about her I figured she'd make a nice blank slate to work around. She's wet clay in that sense and this can act as her Hero's Journey in a way, as evident by the title of the first chapter . I'm also changing certain elements from what I originally planned. That'll go more in where I show what Shaggy is and I'll just say it now he's not quite a werewolf. And just to ensure there's no confusion that is Shaggy and Scooby, just under false identities for now.