22Chapter Two: Crossing the Threshold
In loving memory of Kevin Conroy.
The Oakhaven Museum of Witchcraft had been a popular attraction. Built to try and cash in on the history of supposed witchcraft mania of the early days of America, it helped boost the town's economy. Even serving as an inspiration for a local band that had beaten the odds and made it to international fame.
The mayor had been the driving force behind the construction of the museum and often worked there, even merging it with the city hall. Now it served as his tomb. The mayor had been found dead of strangulation in the morning. The centerpiece of the museum, a supposed actual spell book was missing. The only evidence to any kind of a culprit was in the mayor's hands. However they only confused authorities as what he held were chicken feathers.
As authenticated by a bespectacled coroner who had recently transferred confirmed.
In Louisiana, a popular voodoo shop had been robbed. The owner found clawed to death as if by a wild animal. A centerpiece of the store had been a statue depicting a cat-like deity supposedly worshiped by a cult of settlers who had been exterminated long ago by pirates.
From a hotel room overlooking said crime scene, a red head woman took pictures of the police taking the store owner out of her shop.
The news of the crime had been a surprise boon to museum patronage as Alexa saw. It was odd for men to be so enraptured in a thing when there was a history of violence attached to it. As if the purity of knowledge needed to be tainted with tragedy before it could be taken seriously.
Professor Wickels was still in the hospital, recovering from his wounds. To perhaps cheer the professor when he got out, Alexa decided to take it up to herself to straighten out his office for him. After finishing her time with the various tour groups, she went to said office and began her kind work. As she put the various books back on their shelves, her knuckle struck the wall behind the case.
The sound it made was strange. Removing the books she tapped again and found indeed that the wall sounded hollow. Looking at the wall she could find no hinges or obvious seems. Often Diana had told her of some of her 'superhero' allies who would feature hidden rooms in their lairs activated by a switch of some kind. Obviously it wouldn't be one of the books as she had just worked through. Given how much of the office had been ransacked by the hunchbacked men earlier they had failed to find the switch earlier.
Alexa looked at the walls of the office. Several pictures and diplomas had been knocked down but one object had held firm. A painting representing the Medieval figure of the Black Knight. Inspecting the picture Alexa noticed a coat of arms at the base of the frame. Putting her finger at the frame she pressed and it activated the wall. The surprise caused her to jolt a bit in surprise as the small portion of the wall opened up. Before doing anything else however, Alexa closed the door to the office.
She went over to the secret compartment and there in was a book, likely the one the two would-be thieves had been after. Taking it in hand, Alexa looked through the pages of the book. It appeared to be a journal of sorts, written by various hands. Hands across various stretches of time. She could make out ancient Greek, Latin, early Germanic, Middle-English, and others including fairly modern German.
"How strange," Alexa muttered.
Both in terms of the range of languages and entries and in the subject matter. A book about the unions of man and beast into a single form, specifically in the form of the werwolf. There were also reference to the Annunaki, just like in the slabs she and the professor had gone over the other day.
The book seemed to be detailing the anatomical designs about the infamous creature. As if it was a centuries long study on the biology of the specific. One spanning centuries and even cultures given the various languages she noticed whilst flipping through the pages.
"Why would anyone want this?" Alexa muttered.
While she always prized knowledge, she abhorred the idea that any knowledge was worth harming other people for. She also couldn't imagine the monetary or practical reasons someone would want such a book.
"Strange," she muttered.
Sounds outside the office drew Alexa's attention away from the book. She closed the hidden cabinet, still holding the book in hand. She briefly thought about what she should do with the book. It was no doubt the source of the crime and by right she should turn it into the authorities. But it was such a strange and tantalizing object.
'I'll just study it for a night or two and return it,' Alexa thought.
She quickly put the book in her bag and went to exit the office. She was in such a rush she once more found herself bumping into Matt Casey. She held onto her bag though, not wanting to risk it dropping open.
"Like, we have to stop meeting like this," said Matt.
"I'm sorry, I was distracted," Alexa said.
"Like it's no problem," said Matt. "Hey, how have you been doing since...like you know?"
"I'm fine," said Alexa. "I can't remember when I was struck unconscious though but I am glad you were there to help the professor and I. It was truly brave you."
"I...I wouldn't say that," Matt said.
Alexa saw a flash of sadness in his eyes when he heard her call him brave. Sadness and perhaps shame as well. Before she could say anything else she noticed the dog, Frankie, sniffing at her bag. Alexa hitched her breath, thinking the dog might be smelling the book.
"Heel boy," Matt said. "Sorry, Frankie probably smelled something good."
"Oh...oh yes I brought these," Alexa said, thinking quickly and reaching into her bag.
She pulled out a wrapped set of baked tarts.
"Spanakopita," she said.
"Greek spinach pie," Matt said off the top of his head.
"Do you mind?" Alexa asked, gesturing to the dog.
"Like sure," Matt said.
Alexa handed a piece to the dog who licked it out of her hand and ate it greedily, wagging his tail as he did. She also offered a piece to Matt who took it gratefully.
"Groovy," he said, earning a giggle from Alexa. "Ancient Greek recipe version."
"Essentially," Alexa said.
"Like have you tried any classic all American styles yet?" Matt asked.
"I'm afraid no," Alexa confessed. "My time is spent either here and the museum or at the Themyscira consulate."
"Then like how about tomorrow after work I give you a taste of America," said Matt. "I know this great place."
"I...I don't know," Alexa said.
"As a great philosopher once said: new friendships last longer with good food," Matt said.
"I've never heard that," said Alexa.
"Mom told me that when I started school when I was a kid," said Matt. "She was right too."
Alexa giggled and thought about it. It would be a chance to really see Man's World for herself.
"Very well," said Alexa. "I will see you tomorrow then."
"Groovy," said Matt.
The dog once more licked at Alexa's hand as if in approval. As the three exited for the day, Alexa kept a firm hold of her bag, and its precious cargo.
That night Alexa sat up with a small light next to her bed so she could examine the book. In addition to the older texts she noticed how some markings had been made by much later hand. Like a child writing in their textbook upon finding the information unsuitable. Someone had been studying this text and examining it. The more modern notes, at least modern by Alexa could understand it, was written in German.
Not the early German of some entries but a closer kind of modern German. Although the ink was fading as if it had been there for decades. Looking ahead the entire entries she saw written in the same hand. The last entries depicting a series of unique figures.
"Like all students I built off of the work of those who came before me," she read quietly, translating from the German. "The advancements of mankind's understanding of the body has for many disproved the research of this book. But for those who know the true sciences understand the true reality. My own research has proven fruitful. I have had several successful experiments in combining the biological nature of human and beast. But my true prize eludes me. While I have come to accept that there is indeed a force of power in the nature of animal beings, a connective force of some kind, I can tell that this is not what I seek. While that barbarian fool Hitler finds my work as is to be satisfactory, he is limited in his imagination. All he sees are potential beasts for his little war. Raving about a Master Race of blonde haired scions. He fails to understand that there already was a Master Race upon Earth. One far different than he imagines and far more powerful, our First Gods."
Alexa thought back to the time she spent with Wickels in studying the Sumerian tablets about the Annunaki. They had both agreed in referring to them as the first gods of Man's World.
The next day, Alexa attempted to focus on her work but what she had read the last night was still going through her mind. During a break she went to the back and looked over at the Sumerian slabs once again.
Taking the book in as well she noticed several shared references in both texts. Both in older entries in the book and in the later as well.
"Someone else has seen these tablets and studied from them," Alexa deduced.
Alexa recalled that Wickels had told her the slabs were from a collection confiscated after World War Two. There were indeed references to the insane instigator of that dreadful war in the book.
"They're connected I'm sure of it," Alexa supposed.
The closing time was announced over the speakers and Alexa put the book back in her bag. She recalled she had agreed to go out with Matt Casey tonight. While she was intrigued by the mystery of the book, she also wanted to take this venture into Man's World. With an actual man at that. Of course Etta had reminded her to keep her wits about her the previous night, Diana having been called again to work with the League. At least Artemis didn't know about this. She'd likely watch over Alexa with an arrow notched ready to kill Matt at the first sign of trouble.
Not that Alexa believed there would be any trouble.
In the Gotham Museum of Natural History, all started well. But with the night alarms echoed out into the darkness. On patrol near the institute was Gotham's ever vigil defender in the darkness.
The Batman peered over a neighboring building overlooking the museum as a dark shape burst forth from the building out it's glass dome top. A winged figure clutching an ancient scroll in its talons. The Batman's reflexes proved true as he drew forth a grapple and used it to gain speed and launch into the night after the creature. Gliding upon the night winds the Batman adjusted himself and dove towards the creature. His aim proved true and he landed atop the beast. He was surprised by the nature of the creature he now held onto at first. A bizarre mix of pterodactyl and man. But the Batman was not unused to strange sights and bizarre creatures invading his city. The wrestling of the two figures eventually led to the street, causing the creature to drop the scroll. The pterodactyl man threw Batman off. Before the Dark Knight could recover and before the beast could attack again, a new figure came onto the scene.
A figure on a motorcycle rode up and tossed a bola at the pterodactyl, extending and wrapping around the creature. The figure also swung around Batman, forcing the Dark Knight back, and in the same motion grabbed for the scroll. Batman was about to try and grapple the cyclist, but noticed that the pterodactyl was struggling against its bonds. If the creature got free it could do more damage to civilians. As such Batman launched a dart carrying a specialized knock-out drug into the skin of the creature. It continued to thrash for some time before finally falling asleep. Batman walked over to the unconscious creature and drew forth a DNA sample. He also took off the bola, replacing it with his own restraints.
Matt took Alexa to a retro themed American Diner styled in what was once called a Malt Shop. She was surprised by the volume of which Matt ordered, going over the history of each food item in terms of American culture. As well as eating such a volume with no difficulty.
"And finally, the milkshake," Matt said, bringing up said confection. "Chocolate of course."
Matt put it before Alexa. Noting the mischievous smile Matt had on his face, Alexa dared to take the challenge he was clearly offering. Taking straw into lips she sucked and a cold, delicious mix entered her. She became instantly enthralled by this sheer ambrosia of American creation. So enthralled she went too fast.
"Agh," she muttered, clutching her head.
"And that is what is called the Brain Freeze," said Matt. "Don't worry it'll pass."
"I...believe Diana has mentioned this whenever she would return to Theymiscira" Alexa said, recovering.
"But still there's like, nothing like getting to know firsthand right?" asked Matt.
"Yes," said Alexa. "It's truly been exciting, seeing how much Man's World has changed since we left."
"So like...you're around..."
"Despite what it appears I am...an older woman," Alexa said, slightly jokingly.
"So like now that you're off the island will you...you know?" Matt asked.
"It's not so much the geography of the island," said Alexa. "If it were Diana would never have been able to grow into a woman. Rather it is the blessings of the gods."
"Some would like, call it a curse," said Matt.
"In some cases I'm sure," said Alexa. "I know for many of my sisters, there is a desire for lifestyles that cannot be found on Theymiscira."
"But like they don't want to leave?" asked Matt.
"It's a difficult thing," said Alexa. "The Amazons are more than just a nation. We call ourselves sisters in the sense we are all a family. It's difficult to leave one's family, especially after so much has happened to us."
"Yeah," Matt said, a dark shadow crossing his face. "I...know what that's like."
Alexa saw sadness in Matt's eyes. She saw a flash of it when he uttered the word 'curse' as well.
"Have you worked at the museum long?" Alexa asked, hoping to change the subject.
"Like, not too long," said Matt. "Speaking of not long, like I should really get you back to the Themysciran Consulate. It's...getting pretty late."
Alexa noticed Matt's eyes drift towards the sky as the half-moon began to poke through the clouds. She saw sweat beginning to form on his brow. All the while he was focused on the moon. Even as they walked towards his motorcycle, she saw his eyes were often on the moon.
"So far interrogation of the creature has been fruitless," said Bruce Wayne, having long removed his cowl upon entering his cave. "The DNA sample I took before securing it in the GCPD isolation chamber isn't proving to fair any better."
"I should imagine so Master Bruce," said Alfred, setting down a cup of tea next to Bruce at the computer. "After all deciphering the genetic code of a long extinct creature would be naturally difficult. What of any potential human genetic components?"
"Also unknown," said Bruce.
"Could this perhaps be some of Dr. Langstrom's work?" asked Alfred. "A variation of his Man-Bat formula?"
"Perhaps," said Bruce. "But Langstrom's long out of the genetics game. But as for the other issue, that one has proven to be more fruitful."
Bruce stood and walked towards a table where the recovered bola that the other character used on the creature.
"It's a high quality tool," said Bruce. "Custom made, no prints, but I recognize the design. This was made...by Fredrick Jones Junior."
Walking back to the computer Bruce brought up the information on Fred Jones Jr.
"Age 25, born and raised in Crystal Cove, Massachusetts," said Bruce. "Son of the mayor Fred Jones Sr., captain of his high school football team, and president of a self-described Mystery Club with three other friends, including his eventual fiancee, Daphne Blake."
"I recall Miss Blake, you often did business with her parents as I recall," said Alfred. "I do believe Master Grayson was taken with her when they were young. But do you believe she would honestly involve herself with a potential thief? After all this young Mister Jones made off with the same artifact the creature attempted to rob did he not?"
"Jones has no criminal record," said Bruce. "At least Jones Jr., his father had been arrested in a corruption scandal. His son came under the custody of the Sheriff Sam Rogers until both he and Roger's own son Norville, both in the same club, graduated. Jones Jr. then spent a tour of duty in the armed forces, specializing in the disarmament of booby traps. He also developed his own traps and security systems, some designs I've even incorporated into recent gear of my own. He's good and after his tour of duty he established his own detective agency alongside the same group from high school."
Bruce brought up several other images.
"My word that young man could do with a barber," said Alfred, looking at the image of a young Norville Rogers.
"Daphne Blake, Velma Dinkley, and Norville Rogers," Bruce read. "Each one close friends with Jones. Blake and Dinkley even went onto college together, despite Dinkley being younger and offered the chance to advance beyond."
"Miskatonic University, how impressive," said Alfred.
"Rogers was also given a chance to go to Miskatonic University on a recommendation from his uncle Professor Albert Shagworth," said Bruce.
"The noted medical biologist?" asked Alfred.
"The same, though Shagworth has been more accurately described as a polymath who chose to specify in medical research," said Bruce.
"I do recall often he had been a guest in you father's house," said Alfred. "Even came to the funeral."
Bruce thought back and recalled the image of Shagworth, a kindly man with long grey hair pulled back and sad eyes. He then re-focused on the case at hand.
"In spite of Shagworth's offer young Rogers tried to enlist in the police academy," said Bruce. "Despite showing an aptitude for deduction, undercover worth, and investigation he ultimately washed out due to a panic disorder he had been diagnosed with since childhood. Supposedly so bad the family registered a dog given to him as a therapy pet. In spite of this he joined with Jones and the others. Forming the private investigation company known as Mystery Incorporated."
Bruce brought up information on Mystery Incorporated. Showing some impressive highlights of their exploits.
"A mobile operation they mainly operated in small towns and cities," said Bruce. "Investigating supposedly supernatural phenomena which were for the most part criminal activities using the supernatural as a means to exploit peoples superstition."
"So it isn't only criminals which tend to be a superstitious and cowardly lot," Alfred noted. "But how does one turn from detective to thief? Perhaps it has to do with item in question."
"An Egyptian scroll," said Bruce. "Detailing the life of a nameless Egyptian princess who once resided in the city of Tanis. Supposedly detailing how the princess held knowledge of how the gods could attain physical form via the possession of animals."
"Hard to imagine any monetary value from such an object," said Alfred.
Bruce hummed and recalled something Diana had told him when she last came over. He brought up the information on Gateway Museum robbery. As well as other robberies that had taken place recently involving obscure objects and strange deaths.
"Four robberies in the same week, only one effectively thwarted," said Bruce. "A pterodactyl-human hybrid and a group of detectives."
"It appears Master Bruce, you have quite the mystery on your hands," said Alfred.
Diana was still away on work for the League, as such Alexa still kept the book to herself. She didn't even tell Etta or Ferdinand. She was puzzled by the strange book and its contents. As well as the connection to the robbery. The final chapters puzzled her the most. The ones written in German which had made reference to the second World War that Man's World had been a part of.
After her work had been completed, Alexa went through the World War exhibits. It was a little hard for her as she couldn't help but look away at some of the images which showed the horrors of the Nazis.
"Like yeah, not really a pretty sight," Matt Casey said, walking up to Alexa.
"Oh, Matt," said Alexa. "Yes, it truly is awful that Man's World fell into this kind of madness."
"Then like why don't we go to a better period of history?" said Matt, gently taking Alexa by the hand.
"Well I was..."
The dog looked up to Alexa as if to plead, naturally with the large eyes and Alexa decided to go along. She could research more into the second world war another time. Matt led Alexa up a few decades to the 1960's.
"Like the 60's," said Matt. "Best decade there ever was last century. Men on the moon, rock and roll was taking off, and like everyone was dancing to a new groove."
Matt danced in front of an exhibit describing the Hippie movement of the 1960's.
"I've looked over this in some of the books Diana has given," said Alexa.
"Like it was a groovy time," said Matt. "Like at least that's what my mom and uncle Albert always said. Uncle Albert always said he got some of the best ideas while he was...partaking. And Mom...well she met Dad at a rally. Like actually, he arrested her at a rally."
"He did?" Alexa asked, jumping slightly.
"Like it's not like that," said Matt. "It was an anti-war rally. Dad was a young cop and Mom was protesting at the college. When things got violent Dad was able to get Mom to cover and while he had to arrest her she went to see him again. A straight laced cop and an anti-establishment flower girl."
"It sounds like they were complete opposites," said Alexa.
"Yeah, but like they made it work," said Matt. "And like I got a bit of both of them in me. I totally dug mom's hippie deal but...like Dad was my hero."
Alexa noticed a glint of sadness in Matt's eyes.
"When I was a kid all I wanted to be was just like him," said Matt. "He was like, the bravest man I ever knew. Tough but fair and like, no matter how many bad dudes he had to deal with he never brought it home to Mom, me, or my sister. Like sure my room was littered with superheroes and rock stars but...but like Dad was always the greatest to me. But I...I couldn't measure up. Too much of a chicken."
Alexa placed a hand on his shoulder, earning his attention. She could see that this was a deep issue for him, measuring himself to a father he had worshiped. Alexa could understand that, often feeling she fell short compared to her sisters.
"I don't entirely remember the night of the break in," she said. "But I recall that you came when I was being attacked by those men. That showed true courage."
"Or maybe just...animal instinct," said Matt. "So like...do you...remember anything else about that night?"
"Not much," said Alexa. "What ever did happen to them after you came?"
"Like..."
Frankie, the dog, whimpered gaining the attention of both humans.
"Like zo...I really should get Frankie outside for a walk," said Matt.
Matt began to walk out with the dog when he suddenly stopped.
"What..."
Matt brought up a hand silencing Alexa, Frankie growling deeply. The lights began to dim as footsteps began to echo. The tours had been done for the day, so Alexa doubted that those were innocent footsteps.
"Apologies again madam," a familiar voice said.
The hunchback from the previous night walked from the shadows of the dimming lights. Along with several other museum security guards, their eyes glazed over and armed heavily.
"It would appear once again you've found yourself with my company," the hunchback said. "But this time...you do have what I seek. The book my dear, please."
Matt and Frankie glanced over at Alexa, who tugged at her bag.
"Don't pretend my dear, with me or with them," said the hunchback. "At least I'm not operating under false pretenses."
"Alexa run," Matt said, his voice in a growl.
"Oh trying again to play the chivalrous knight," said the hunchback, his guards cocking their guns. "Silver, I assure you my friend. More than enough even if you 'bad moon' has yet to rise."
'Silver?' Alexa thought, puzzled, as well as confused by the hunchback's words about the moon.
With incredible speed Matt grabbed both his dog and Alexa as the men began to fire.
"Don't shoot, you might hit the girl and the book," yelled the hunchback.
Matt was able to dodge their bullets by leaping on the exhibits and then over the men. He then began to run with both the dog and the Amazon, making for the main exit. But apparently the hunchback had come back in full force. More armed soldiers blocking the exit. Matt ran, avoiding their fire, but there were more soldiers. They were attempting to corral the three, which was unfortunately working.
Eventually the three came to a chamber where once Matt was able to put down his burdens he closed the door. They were in the medieval room and Matt took a spear from an exhibit to brace the door.
"There's no other exit," said Alexa.
"Like, there's one," said Matt, pointing up towards a window.
"It's too far," Alexa said.
"Not for me," said Matt. "We're at Waxing Gibbous, close enough for me to...to let loose a bit."
Alexa began to work it all in her mind. His fixation with the moon the previous night, the mention of silver, the speed with which he moved, and her bits of memory from the night he saved her.
"You're a...werewolf," Alexa deduced.
Matt's eyes gave all the truth she would need, even without Diana's lasso.
"Alexa, I promise..."
Alexa walked back as he tried to come close to her. She noted how this seemed to legitimately hurt him. The tense scene was interrupted by a powerful knock at the door. The hunchback and his men were attempting to break in.
"Like, I can explain everything but we're like running out of time," said Matt. "Yes, I am like, a werewolf and...my name isn't Matt Casey. I'm like...Shaggy Rogers and this is Scooby-Doo. We're here undercover hoping to head off these guys going after specific artifacts. We're like...detectives of sort. And...and I'm...I'm hoping that that book can help me. Look I can explain it all it's just..."
The knocking got worse.
"Ruh-roh," a sound came from the dog, now called Scooby-Doo.
"I...I heard that," said Alexa.
"Oh, yeah Scooby can talk," said the man formerly known to Alexa as Matt Casey. "And like we've got to go."
Shaggy, as he was now known as, grabbed a shield and flung it at the window, shattering it.
"They're going out the window," yelled the voice of the hunchback from the other side of the door.
In spite of her earlier protest, Alexa realize there was no choice and allowed Matt, Shaggy she mentally corrected, to take her in his arms along with the dog. He leapt through the window as the lights began to explode and Alexa swore there was a hand forming in the sparks.
Landing in the street, Shaggy put Alexa and Scooby down and the three began to run for the streets. Once they hit the street though one of the street lights burst open and the electricity began to take shape.
"Zoinks," said Shaggy.
The electricity formed a spectral figure which shot out at the three. Shaggy pushed Alexa and Scooby aside. On the ground, Alexa noticed how Shaggy's hands began to get hairy.
"Scooby, cover Alexa," Shaggy said, in a slight growl.
The dog nodded and literally covered Alexa with his body to protect her while Shaggy leapt up. The electrical figure began shooting out bolts of electricity, like Alexa's own lord Zeus if he were a demon. But Shaggy proved to be faster than even electricity as he ran around the creature. Alexa watched as Shaggy drew the blasts close to a nearby fire extinguisher. She could then see what he was planning as Shaggy tore open the extinguisher with his bare hands and motioned the water to shoot out at the creature.
With an anguished cry the sparking specter dissipated. But there was little time for celebration as the armed soldiers burst forth from the museum. Shaggy rejoined with Alexa and Scooby and the three hopped onto Shaggy's motorcycle, thankfully parked out in front of the museum. They drove off into the night, the hunchback and his henchmen firing in their direction.
Diana had decided to layover in Gotham after finishing a mission. Of course Bruce was not surprised, a natural result of being involved with a master detective. It sometimes made what they had a little difficult. Other little annoyances included often being alone in bed in the morning. But at the least Alfred would have someone up at an appropriate hour for breakfast.
"Good morning Miss Prince," said Alfred, serving her morning tea as she tied her red robe.
"Good morning Alfred," said Diana. "I take it Bruce is hard at work."
"As perceptive as ever Ms. Prince," said Alfred. "In fact it may be prudent of you to check on his progress. I do believe Master Bruce has found to makings of a most mysterious conspiracy."
"Naturally," said Diana.
The faithful butler led the Amazon princess down to through the secret passage to the Batcave where the master of the manor sat before the might computational apparatus.
"Alfred says you may have stumbled onto something," said Diana.
"Several robberies and murders throughout the country involving various artifacts," said Bruce. "I recently dealt with one of such incidents not too long ago involving a human-pterodactyl hybrid. You got in late after that. But also this."
Bruce motioned toward the bola.
"Designed by a detective by the name of Fred Jones," said Bruce. "He not only captured the creature but also stole the artifact that the creature was trying to steal."
"For what purpose?" asked Diana.
"I'm still working on that," said Bruce. "I've been tracking his known associates, a group calling themselves Mystery Incorporated."
Bruce brought up the images of Mystery Incorporated. Including one whom Diana recognized.
"I've seen that one before," said Diana, pointing at the image of Shaggy Rogers. "He thwarted a robbery involving...Alexa."