Jane B. Mason - Attack of the Cheetah

Published by Stone Arch Books
A Capstone Imprint
1710 Roe Crest Drive
North Mankato, Minnesota 56003
www.capstonepub.com

Copyright 2013 DC Comics.
WONDER WOMAN and all related characters and
elements are trademarks of and DC Comics.
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STAR13061

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Mason, Jane B.

Attack of the cheetah / by Jane B. Mason ; illustrated by Dan Schoening.

p. cm. -- (DC super heroes. Wonder Woman)

ISBN 978-1-4342-1886-5 (library binding)

ISBN 978-1-4342-2254-1 (pbk.)

ISBN 978-1-4342-9868-3 (ebook)

[1. Superheroes--Fiction. 2. Cheetah--Fiction.] I. Schoening, Dan ill. II. Title.

PZ7.M4116At 2010

[Fic]--dc22 2009029328

Summary: When a cheetah exhibit opens at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., Princess Diana arrives to witness the event. At the grand opening, the rare cats suddenly escape, fleeing through a crowd of frightened zoogoers! Diana quickly transforms into her secret identity, Wonder Woman, captures the cats, and saves the day. But when the cheetahs continue their odd behavior, only one thing can explain it. The cat-like super-villain, Cheetah, is on the loose!

Art Director: Bob Lentz
Designer: Emily Harris

Princess Diana of Themyscira smiled. A crane was lowering a giant wooden crate into a grassy habitat. This was not your typical delivery.

For one thing, the words live animals were painted in large letters across the side of the crate. For another, low growls were coming from inside. The National Zoo had been waiting a long time for this package to arrive.

John Frank, Zoo Director, watched the crate get closer and closer to the ground.

I cant believe they are finally here! John said. The director stood inside a brand new exhibit called the Cheetah Hut. Judith Meyer, the head animal care specialist, stood next to him.

Princess Diana was there as well. She had been invited to attend the important event. Believe it, John. Theyre here at last! she said. She peered at the crate through the huts glass window.

Judith flipped a switch. They could now hear what was happening on the other side of the glass. A zookeeper stepped forward and carefully pried open the crate. Then he quickly ran into a small shed inside the habitat.

At first, nothing happened. Then, suddenly, a flash of tan fur and black spots sprang out.

The cheetah let loose a deep growl. Then the large, lanky cat arched her back and leaped onto a large boulder.

That must be Risa, the female, Judith said. And judging from her behavior, shes definitely upset.

An answering growl came from inside the crate. A moment later, a pair of cheetahs leaped from the crate in unison. They landed together in a patch of grass. They stood back-to-back, nervous about their new home.

The cheetahs were beautiful, tall, and lean. Their golden fur was spotted with black. They had been delivered to the zoo by the CSP Cheetah Survival Plan. The organization was helping to repopulate the species.

Diana watched the wild animals carefully. She admired their long, slender bodies. The three cats were siblings two males and a female. All three were less than a year old. The males were bigger. But Risa, the female, seemed to be the leader.

Risa slowly circled on the large rock. She was daring anyone to challenge her. Orion and Nash, her brothers, crouched in the grass and twitched their tails.

The drugs must have worn off already, Judith said, sounding a little alarmed. I had hoped they would still be a little groggy when they arrived.

Its all right, Diana said calmly. She reached for the handle of the door that led into the enclosure.

I dont think its safe Judith began.

Princess Diana ignored the warning and stepped into the sunshine. Risa instantly swung her head to look at her. She laid her ears back and made a nervous growl.

Diana stood perfectly still, feeling the sun warm her back. The sun must feel wonderful to you, she told the cat. Im sure your journey was long and difficult. But you are safe now. Everything is okay. We are going to take care of you.

Risa and Princess Diana locked eyes. Diana could tell that the cat was still afraid. Her tail darted back and forth with quick movements. On the other hand, her back was no longer arched. Her brothers were more relaxed, too. Orion and Nash were stretching in the tall grass.

Slowly, Diana moved closer. She kept eye contact with Risa.

Diana knew that the animal understood what she said. Diana had a special power when it came to communicating with animals. But there was only one way of knowing for sure if Risa trusted her.

Risa was crouching and ready to spring. If Princess Diana was going to retreat, now was her chance.

She didnt.

I just want to make sure youre all right, Diana whispered. Then, if you want me to, I will leave you alone.

Princess Diana slowly reached a hand out to Risa. The cat sniffed it for a minute. Then, Risa leaned in slowly, allowing Diana to scratch her ear.

Princess Diana beamed. Whos a beautiful girl? she said.

Orion lazily got to his feet. He made his way over, nuzzling Dianas hand. Nash, not wanting to be left out, curled around her legs like a house cat.

Judith came out of the hut. She walked slowly toward Diana and the cats. Thats incredible! Judith said. Its like theyve known you since they were cubs.

Princess Diana gazed into Risas eyes. Orion and Nash purred. Then they stretched out next to their sister in the sun. I guess you could say I have a way with animals, she replied.

The next day, Diana smiled at the crowds as she entered the zoo gates. For the first time in months, the park was crowded. The people were here to see the newest addition to the zoo the young cheetahs.

Princess Diana made her way through the crowds. Then she slipped inside the Cheetah Hut.

Good morning, Judith said. Youre just in time for lunch. She was holding a bucket of raw meat for the cats. Another bucket was on the floor next to her feet.

I was hoping I was on time, Princess Diana said. She loved to be there when the cats were fed. After eating, they would stretch out in the sun and groom each other. It was wonderful to see them happy in their new home.

Judith went outside to herd the cats into their indoor space. Since they were almost fully grown, it was safest to contain them while the food was being laid out. Wild cats often acted in unpredictable ways when they were around food.