Land of Heroes: DC Style comes from Harbinger of Kaos. I just write the reactions, and I still down own any of the characters.
Chapter 13: Paradise Lost part 1
Everyone waited for the new episode to start. They were suprirsed to see Batman return and take a seat.
"So what did you go off to do?" Flash asked, as he laid down the batarang launcher he left in the room.
Batman didn't acknowledge the object and answered, "Business."
Metropolis…
Things were rather intense in the city of tomorrow as gale force winds, cracks of thunder and lightning as well as heavy rain battered it as a passing tropical storm upgraded itself into a hurricane, much to the discomfort of its citizens.
Snapper Carr was on the television reporting the news as the weather grew fierce.
-As feared, tropical storm Gardner has been upgraded to hurricane Gardner, Metropolis residents are warned to take immediate shelter. Roads are open to emergency services only. —
"I remember that storm," Arrow said, "It got really tricky using arrows in that wind."
Diana, however, felt her eyes widen at the mention fo the storm. It was something she remembered from some time ago, and she knew what was going to be coming. The other members, aside from Arrow, recognized it as well.
Said services were indeed doing their duty as a fire truck drove quickly through the rain with the sirens going full blast. Both men were calm despite the tense atmosphere outside the vehicle; the silence was soon broken as they received an immediate call from dispatch.
-Ladder unit 79, respond to overturned vehicle on 5th and Briant.
*SIGH*
"It never rains but it pours huh partner?"
"You said it."
The truck drove a little faster as they headed for the scene, however fate had other plans as a stop sign was ripped from its post and was sent hurtling towards without them knowing until…
*CRASH!*
"Shit!" The driver yelled as he ducked down.
"Ugh!" his passenger let out.
The truck dangerously swerved to the left striking the guard rail and crashing through the opposite one…
*CRUNCH!*
…leaving the truck and its occupants to dangle perilously over the edge as they found themselves looking down from several stories above the ground.
"Go out the back! Hurry!" man still at the wheel cried out to his fellow fire fighter, who quickly undid his seat belt, unfortunately this warning came too late as the vehicle began to fall.
Both men felt this was the end until a red and blue blur passed them
Arrow said, "And Superman comes in to save the day. He's like the postal service, neither rain, sleet, snow, nor hurricane shall stop him."
Superman said, "The weather is the least of my problems."
The Man of Steel soon came to the rescue as he caught the vehicle's front end, unfortunately for the man who had gotten himself loose, he was forced out by the momentum with which they were stopped and hurled out of the shattered window. Clark caught him, but this hindered him as despite his great strength he did not have the leverage or maneuverability to hold the heavy vehicle and the man at the same time.
Thankfully back up promptly arrived…
"Hang on!" the unmistakable voice of Wonder Woman called as she used her magic lasso to tie off the middle section of the truck and help ease it down with Superman.
"Man ,that was close." Spoke with relief the taller of the two men.
"Are you two all right?" Superman kindly asked.
"A little worse for wear but all things considered we're okay thanks to both of you."
The alien hero nodded in satisfaction before looking to his teammate who was also glad things did not that a terrible turn for both of the men. However., a hero's work is never done as she soon heard another cry for help. And this time around it was a young girl and her situation was anything but nice.
"MOMMY!" cried out a little hanging onto a tree branch for dear life. "MOMMY! HELP!"
Some of the heroes felt their hearts go out a bit to the scared child, having known what it felt like to have something terrible happen and not have anyone around to help.
She cried out once more as the tree was beginning to give way under the force of the winds. Diana sprang into action as it began to topple, and the child's screams grew, just as the tree was too make contact with ground and crush the little one Wonder Woman swopped in and caught thus averting a terrible tragedy.
"I got you little sister." The Amazon spoke gently to calm the child.
"You aren't my sister."
Diana sighed as she remembered her early days in man's world.
Arrow asked, "Calling girls sister was a part of your culture, right?"
Diana nodded, "It is a sign of respect amongst the Amazons. Besides, we might as well be sisters for being around each other for so long."
The small girl replies as she fails to understand the reference by which she was addressed.
Diana ignored this as she knew her ways were often misunderstood by other women, save Miranda and Cortana who took it as a sign of familiarity with the Princess. She soon spotted a blonde-haired woman signal her, leading her to believe she was the little girl's mother. That made her happy though it also made her feel something in her heart and she knew already what it was.
"Cassie!" the woman cried out happily as her child was set down and ran to her.
"Mommy!" Cassie reciprocated the feeling as her mother picked her up and held her tight.
"Oh Cassie, how could you run off like that! You nearly scared me to death."
"I'm sorry."
"I don't know what'd do if something was to happen to you, you're my whole world."
"I love you mommy."
"I love you too Cassie…"
Superman, Lantern, Flash, and Arrow all made mental notes to call their families today. Others who didn't have family made notes to visit their graves, at some point.
Diana, however, felt her heart ache as she thought of her sister and mother. She wondered how they were doing on her home island, as she hadn't been there since her banishment.
She easily replied to her daughter gently before she turned to Diana with a grateful smile before getting inside her home.
Diana was happy the child was safe; though seeing the mother and daughter interact also brought a pang of guilt and sadness in her heart.
*SIGH*
*Mother…Donna…oh how I miss you…*
Were her thoughts as she remembered how she left against her mother's wishes and without telling her sister. This was something that had been on the back of her mind for a while now while in man's world. Unfortunately, this was not the time and place for such thoughts as a traffic lamp began to topple towards her.
Superman however was not as distracted and dashed in before a tragedy occurred…
"UGH!" Wonder Woman cried out as she was pushed aside just as the object crashed.
They landed safely a few feet away and thankfully with no damage to her person. Superman however was concerned about Diana's lapse of focus since this did not happen often since Diana took her warrior training rather seriously. That was why when he recovered; he spoke to the princess of the Amazons.
"You're usually more careful than that."
"I'm sorry I was just…" she looks away as she can't seem to find the words "…I don't know."
Arrow said, "Looks like the princes is homesick."
Lantern said, "I've been there. It gets lonely in space."
Ever concerned for his allies Superman presses on slowly to get her to open up.
"What's wrong? You know that you can tell us if anything troubles you."
"Among the things my mother use to call me besides her little wonder, was that the planets revolved around me, she called me her little sun and stars as well and now I feel a bit guilty for leaving Themyscira against her wishes. And no doubt my sister is less than pleased to know that I left our island without telling her of anything as well."
*I can see how that could shake her up….*
Flash said, "That would shake anyone up."
He thought before giving her some advice that may help her out.
"Maybe you should go back and set things right between them and your people?"
*Hmm, it is a valid idea but…*
"What would I say to her or my sister? I don't think they would be so willing to listen to anything I would say just yet."
"Try the truth; it would be better than giving an excuse that will be seen through easily if they set their minds to it."
Superman said, "What would you have said to them?"
Diana said, "I debated that, and I decided that the truth would have been much better."
"If only it was that easy…but you're right, I can't put it off any longer." She replied calmly as she turned to head towards the Javelin.
"When will you be back?"
"…I don't know honestly." Was all she replied before flying away.
Superman asked, "You think your mother would have force you to stay?"
Diana answered, "It was possible."
Superman stared after her for a bit before he went his way, hoping it wouldn't be the last time he saw his friend.
Diana hoped the same yet thought she should say good bye to someone else who deserved to know her plans. She had grown to trust John a good deal so it was best that she spoke to him when she had the chance.
In another area of Metropolis…
Currently the Spartan and Flash were in a relief center set up for these cases of storm weather distributing supplies to the people who needed it. Normally this was outside his normal mission parameters, but John didn't mind doing this as it was just another way to help the people.
He made sure to ferry the supplies in a Pelican and then, due to the restless weather, the Warthog APC to their appropriate locations safely; naturally there was some inherent risk involved but he ignored it in favor of the needs of others and as a means to help out Superman and his team.
"How are you doing over there, Flash?" He asked through the communication line as he helped move some crates of food and medical supplies to the storage area outside, ignoring the heavy rain and winds as this was not the first time he was in this type of weather, though thankfully it was not in combat as in the past this time around. Usually if it was, Covenant or Insurrectionist forces would be around to make things really bad.
Lantern said, "Inclement weather, does tend to make good cover."
-Fine on my end Chief, got some nervous families here but I got a handle of that situation.—
"Keep me posted of any changes."
-Will do.—
"Cortana, status report on your end."
He spoke to his long time friend who was located at a nearby hospital as she acted as security to some since they had brought some extra help from New York, the former villain Cheetah and the Metal men who had volunteered to help out in the current mess that they were dealing with.
-Everything is fine on my end Chief, no sign of trouble here or anyone looking more than they should at Tina, myself or the doctor.—
"How is Dr. Minerva handling herself so far?"
Asking in genuine curiosity as this would be the first time since they helped her adapt to her new powers and body, as well being on board the Forward Unto Dawn for some time now after she had undergone physical therapy to get used to all her new organs and limbs that were given to her via Flash Cloning.
She was astonished that such a sophisticated vessel was orbiting the planet, and no one was the wiser. Not to mention the sheer scale of the ship itself and also the other things that could be there. She also took an interest in the Huragok that moved around doing their duties; she was still amazed that they were machines as they were so life like.
-Like a fish in the water, she may have a PHD in genetics but she can definitely hold her own in a hospital, and Tina is a natural nurse and the kids we have here like her a great deal so that's good news.—
Diana smiled and said, "I'm glad to see that she is getting her life back."
Flash said, "Yeah, she needs it, especially if everyone in the underground started coming after her for helping one of the heroes."
The UNSC A.I replied in a tone that spoke how glad she was that everything was going smoothly for them given the circumstances.
"Good to hear, keep me posted if anything happens there."
-Roger Chief, I'll say hi to your girlfriend for you. — She replied with some humor and mischief as she knew the reforming scientist had developed something of a crush on her Spartan despite her intents to show otherwise. Cortana was enjoying this a great deal though she had a feeling a certain raven haired someone who was more…use to being around John might object.
John sighed in slight exasperation at his artificial friend's antics.
Diana didn't know why, but the word girlfriend seeming to make her upset for some reason.
*I do not understand why she insists on calling her that, we merely work together in a way no different than I do with Diana at the agency.*
He inwardly spoke to himself as he only saw the woman's attitude towards him as someone who was grateful to their rescuer. He was not aware that it was not just gratitude that made Minerva work with him, but then again, Spartans were so used to warfare and battle that anything outside of it was alien to them.
Ignoring the comment for later he continued with checking the status of the other teams and then get a much needed weather update from the Watchtower and Dawn.
"Gold, this is the Master Chief, what is your status?"
-Hello Chief… I, Lead and Tin are currently with Steel helping out in an overturned bus, some passengers were hurt but thankfully no casualties as far as I and the others have seen. — The leader of the sentient machines spoke calmly and with pleased tone at that last part.
"Man, we've already started expanding our group here, aren't we?" Flash asked, "It makes me wonder if any of your other Lantern buddies will show up again."
Lantern answered, "Only when necessary, hot shot."
"Any sign of trouble?" He asked knowing that the underlying message would be received.
-No one here is looking at us suspiciously Chief, but I'll keep my eyes open just in case. How are Iron and his team by the way? —
"I'm about to check, stay alert and keep us posted for anything out of the ordinary."
-Gotcha Chief. —
"Iron, this is the Master Chief, how is your team faring?"
-All's good on our end Chief, We're repairing some substations that got busted up with the winds, Supergirl is here helping us and Mercury is needling her a bit but me and Copper are handling him. Last thing we want is for either of them to start fighting. —
"Just keep him from getting in too much trouble Iron; I don't think he was made to handle angry Kryptonians and keep sharp."
-Roger. — And with that said the conversation ended.
"Commander, what is the status of the storm?"
-Hate to say it Chief but you are now officially in a hurricane, J'onn is updating the teams to be extra cautious and Redeeming will keep track of it on board the Dawn. Be careful out there Chief we don't to lose you to some bad weather now. That would be just plain insulting to humanities hero. —
Lantern said, "True. I've seen it. A man survives war and winds up dying just a few miles from his house over a stupid argument."
Diana says, "That sounds horrible."
"Duly noted Commander Keyes, 117 out."
John returned to his previous actions of loading the supplies while keeping his senses open for any environmental hazards along the way. After a few minutes he finished his task not a moment too soon as the weather did indeed grow more intense.
He parked his Warthog in the underground parking lot that was nearby and made his way towards the Javelin to check if it was left undisturbed, though before entering Diana had arrived.
"Spartan, I was hoping to find you here." She spoke, though she had to brush her wet hair out of her eyes.
"Good to see you too Wonder Woman, are you all right?" He asked as he took notice of her waterlogged state.
"A bit soaked but by and by I am fine, thank you for asking."
He nodded before both enter the transport; he passed her a towel to dry off while moved to the front and took the pilot seat to run some system diagnostics removing his helmet as he did so. She soon joined him as she finished drying off; giving silent thanks that she could not get sick by conventional means.
"How are things John?"
She asks him using his name now that they are away from prying eyes. And of course no one to take pictures of him and her together. John valued his privacy after all and also did not want his identity to be slapped on the news.
"The Spartan without his helmet and speaking with Diana," Flash said, "The gossip tabloids would go absolutely mad if they saw this."
Superman said, "I know the feeling. Jimmy, the boy from the Daily Planet, would probably wet himself if he saw these two in the same room."
"Looks like everything are within normal parameters and all teams are reporting no further casualties aside from some structural damages."
"That's a relief; I was worried more people would be harmed by the storm."
"It is good they are prepared for this eventuality as well as have Superman and his team ready to render aid along with the rest of us."
She nodded in agreement before taking the seat next to his; both sat in silence as they waited out the storm, Diana chose now to speak to him about her plans of seeing her homeland.
"John…I will be leaving the League for a time."
Flash teased, "Oh, don't want your boyfriend to miss you?"
He was then smack at super speed before he could block it. He glanced back to see Superman and Diana both twiddling their thumbs innocently.
"Oh? Is there something the matter?" He asked neutrally.
"I never told anyone this but…" she began to say feeling the guilt and sadness well up again
"…but when we first came together to stop the invasion, I came against the wishes of my mother, Queen Hippolyta."
John quickly got the idea on why this was an issue. Diana was by rights a Princess and if what he had understood of Amazon culture was right or at least what little she told him, her action would be seen as treasonous. Even if she was her daughter, Queen Hippolyta would no doubt want to know just where she had gone and why was she gone for so long.
"I see and do you regret coming to 'Man's world'?"
"No despite some of the darker aspects of the world, I have found many wondrous things here that I could have never seen on Themyscira and I have also made just as many wondrous friendships too."
Flash asked, "Would one of those things be ice mochas?"
Diana said, "Unless you want me to unleash some Amazonian justice on you, Flash, please stop."
She said with a warm and caring smile towards him.
John couldn't help but smile, albeit a small one, as well as he had found himself enjoying the company he kept with her and the others. Till he came here his only real friends were the other Spartans, Cortana, Dr Halsey, Chief Mendez, and Avery Johnson.
"I am glad you feel that way Diana, I have enjoyed your company as well as the others."
She smiled at his reply though it dimmed as she thought back on the topic at hand.
*SIGH*
"I just hope I can explain myself to her, I did not wish to go against her wishes but I felt deep down that I was doing the right thing as she taught me to."
The proud woman's shoulder slumped in lieu of the circumstances.
John was out of his element here yet he felt compelled to offer her some form of comfort…so he calmly raised his hand and placed it on her shoulder, this made her look up into his eye, surprising her as in all their time together he never seemed to display much emotion do to his upbringing.
This did not mean he wasn't capable of showing feelings, but rather he had a difficult time how and when to express them except with Cortana who knew him so well and enjoyed that part of him.
"I believe she will understand if you explain it to her, she is your mother after all and even though my own experiences are somewhat rather limited in this area I do believe she cares about your wellbeing and your safety."
John spoke to her as honestly as he could.
Wonder Woman placed her own hand onto his armored one and nodded in thanks.
*He's right, I shouldn't worry about what if's, I need to see this through confidently.*
Flash said, "Seriously, if this guy ever retires, put him in the military as a drill sergeant. Imagine how he'd do speaking to the men to increase morale."
Lantern said, "Now that I'd like to see."
"Thank you John, you are right, I shouldn't allow unfounded fears to cloud my judgment."
"You are welcomed Diana, I do hope everything works out with your mother and you return safely…or else Cortana will chew my ear off with worry. In fact I can hear her doing that right now"
"Did…did he just make a joke?" Flash asked.
J'onn said, "Time with us has apparently returned the humanity he may not have developed during his training years."
He joked in a lightly humorous tone earning a bit of laughter from her.
"Heh heh heh, I shall endeavor to make a hasty return before that can occur." She replied with a smile gracing her features "…now we just have to wait for this storm to pass."
"It may take a while."
He replied as they both sat as comfortably as they could in the Javelin's pilot seats after a while the Amazon turned to him.
"John would you like to hear about her… and my sister?" she asked suddenly.
"I'm not too sure about that. Don't get me wrong, I just wouldn't want to pry in something so personal."
"I don't mind, you shared your life with us and I feel I should do the same."
"All right if you don't mind doing so then I am all right with that."
He replied as he found himself curious, something that rarely happened to him.
They spent the rest of the time talking about her homeland, fellow amazons and family with him telling her some about his "family" and the worlds he visited before the Covenant came.
He chose not to say what he was sent to do as he feels they don't need to know some of the darker aspects of his life, he and the others were a black ops team after all and had been involved in less than noble missions when HIGHCOM required them.
It was not something John spoke of for two facts; the first was obviously his loyalty to the UNSC and the fact that he felt guilty about taking human lives. He might have fought Insurrectionists to be sure and they were hardly saints with their use of terror tactics and the blood on their hands, but they were still human.
One memory he did enjoy talking about was one training mission on Coral, a UNSC Colony where they were trained in underwater operations. Chief Mendez had sabotaged their tanks in that situation, but they got even and took his and left him for a while.
They had no doubt that while he would have to work to find them he would get to them eventually, so they might as well make the most of it. He smiled a bit more and Diana could not help but smile and laugh gently as she was told about how he and the others spent the last week of their evasion of their father figure by making bonfires to roast clams as well as fish, surfing, and enjoying the sun sets.
Diana could not help but picture such a memory, it was possibly some of the memories that showed that despite their brutal lives after being…taken away from their families, there was some happiness for them.
Finally, once the Hurricane dissipates, and they made sure the people were safe Diana explained to the other members of the League her plans. Flash, Cortana and Miranda both made her promise to come back as soon as she could, as they did not want to lose their friend while J'onn wished her safe travels and returns.
Diana said she would do everything she could to return as she too wanted to return to her friends despite not knowing how her mother may react to her unexpected departure.
With that said she soon took off in the Javelin and hope her reunion ended on a high note.
Somewhere over the Atlantic…
Javelin 7 flew calmly through the clear skies at night while its sole passenger tried to think of a proper way to explain her actions to her ruler/mother…it was not going so well.
"Mother, you look as radiant as ever…no."
"Gone mother? I didn't go anywhere; I was in my room…alone…for eight months, definitely not."
"The world was in peril! Would you have me stand by and do nothing!?"
*SIGH*
"Hera give me strength." She finally prayed with some frustration as she left any further answers for later. She soon spotted her homeland on the horizon and was glad for that at least.
Flash said, "Man, you really did debate as what to say to her didn't you?"
Diana said, "How would you react if your mother questioned your to where you were for several months?"
Flash said, "Good point."
"Home at last." She spoke with a deep sense of calm, unfortunately upon closer inspection that calm was soon shattered "…what!?"
Fires raged unchecked, buildings lay broken and ships were shattered against the rocks. As she landed and surveyed the damaged area her feelings were a mixture of fear, anger and worry for her people.
Arrow said, "Holy shit. What the hell happened?"
Diana clenched her fist and answered, "You will see soon enough."
*What has happened!? Where are my sisters!?*
She soon spotted some silhouettes in the distance…
"Sisters!" she cried as she ran towards them crying out there names "…Phillipus! Antiope!"
But what she found as she entered the city center chilled her to the core, for her friends were nothing more than lifeless stone.
Stepping further in she saw more of her fellow Amazon's in the same state.
"By the Goddess…"
Flash said, "Well that is not a good sign."
Arrow said, "You think?"
Worry soon grew into fear as she saw the temple where her mother oversaw the day to day affairs.
"Mother…"
Swiftly she flew through the battered building, seeing the petrified forms of her mother's bodyguards chilled her…
"MOTHER!" She cried out in alarm as she flew further in, not noticing she was not alone as a figure watched her go. She soon reached the great wall where they worshipped Athena; there she saw the stone form of her mother.
*By Goddess no!*
"Mother no!" she cried out as her hands grasped the cold lifeless visage of her mother "…forgive me, I should have been here to protect you, I should have…"
Tears flowed freely as she kneeled before the form of her mother.
*This is my entire fault! If hadn't…*
Superman said, "Hey, you couldn't have known. Themyscira has been off the map for centuries. Not everyone has a way of knowing where it is, let alone how to get there."
Diana said, "I know. Still…"
Flash said, "Besides, if you had been there, it is likely that you would have become a statue yourself."
However, any further thoughts of recrimination were cut off as she spied a robed figure approaching her from behind through a nearby shield, the same shield she quickly grasped and hurled at her mysterious visitor.
"Agh!" the man cried out as he slammed against a fallen column.
"Who are you!?"
"Luminous Daktorb." Was all he said as he fired of a ball of violet energy at her.
The Amazon princess blocked to the best of her ability with her bracers, though she was being pushed back by the bolts of magical energy. She used the momentum to back flip away and keep moving to get some breathing room from her nameless foe who kept the pressure on her, she however made sure not to be anywhere near her sisters or her mother for fear of accidentally destroying them in such vulnerable states.
"Oh man," Arrow said, "Talk about a rock and a hard place."
Flash whispered to Lantern, "And they say my jokes are bad."
Lantern whispered bac, "They are."
She proceeded to leapt to a column on her right that still stood near the alter and jumped off it, landing near another broken column and used her great strength to hurl it at the magic user who wisely ducked under the massive missile…however Diana was hardly idle as she rushed him and delivered a powerful right hook to his face.
"Ugh!"
And that blow made him hit the very same column he had evaded that only added to his pain. Wonder Woman wasted no time and grabbed the man by his robes to get some answers.
"How dare you defile this sacred ground cretin!" the furious woman yelled as she prepared to mesh out more punishment at this intruder. Unfortunately ,her plans were cut short as the man spoke.
"Wait! Harm me and the others remain as they are…"
"So he's the guy whose behind all this?" Arrow asked, "To bring down an island of Amazons, I thought he'd be a bit more…intimidating."
J'onn said, "You don't need to be scary to be a monster. A few of our villains have taught us that."
He spoke quickly though his next words were voiced in a smug and careless tone as he knew that this would stop the irate Amazon cold in her tracks.
"…Cold, hard, lifeless stone."
*Impudent man…* she mentally growled as anger at his words surged through, she reminded him of his precarious position by shoving him roughly against his pillar. The man groaned but still smirked which angered her a great deal.
"Who are you!? Talk!"
She demanded as worry and anger flowed through her.
"My name is Faust, Felix Faust; I am a humble student of the mystic arts." The man now known as Faust stated proudly. Though to Diana ear's all she heard was anything but humility. The man spoke as if he could tame the world of the supernatural and mystical forces. Diana knew better having been among them for much longer. And one thing she did know was that magical forces can be fickle, allies one second, backstabbers the next if one was not careful.
*Loudmouth braggart, I will see him suffer for this atrocity.*
"Something tells me he did," Arrow said.
Everyone, except for Batman and J'onn said, "Oh yeah."
"Why did you attack my sisters and my family?"
She asks through narrowed eyes as if she was thinking of doing something unpleasant to him should his answer not satisfy her. Yet that was reigned in as she knew that if he was a magic user, he would be able to carry out a response. It was not the least bit easy though as her temper was very high.
"They left me no choice, they attacked and I had to defend myself."
He replied innocently and with no sign of remorse. Of course, Diana was not pleased with this and stood up with him still in her grasp before dangling him before her. Her fists were eager to rearrange his face, but right now she needed answers.
"By turning them to stone!?"
"I came here in pursuit of ultimate knowledge, to gain this I must find the fragments of an ancient sacred relic the first piece was here on this island."
Arrow said, "Okay, little red flag going up. If a relic was on their island, I doubt that it wasn't put there for a reason."
Diana said, "The relic was there for a reason. However, as you told Flash, no spoilers."
Diana's eyes narrowed at this but decided to get whatever information she could now.
"Go on."
"I'll make you deal; I'll restore your sisters and your mother if you help me get the other fragments."
*Though it's not like you have much choice in the matter do you?* He thought to himself with untold certainty.
"Why should I believe you?" his actions clearly left him in a poor bargaining position as she had no doubt that he would rather prefer to keep her people in stone to prevent them from attacking.
Arrow said, "Yeah, I can smell the bullshit coming off this guy like cheap cologne."
Flash asked, "Is that what that smell is? I thought Grundy came back."
To answer her question Faust summoned a strange medallion with the visage of the gorgon on it.
"I believe a small act of good faith is in order to prove my words are not false in this matter…" he spoke as he aimed the medallion towards the Queen "…Revis Vitae."
As he spoke the incantation the eyes of the gorgon glow with an eerie yellow light while the stone serpents hissed and writhed.
Flash said, "Well that's not the least bit creepy."
The Queen's formed soon did the same and as if made of water the lights moved downwards, restoring her form as she did. The woman would be best described as breathtakingly beautiful, flawless skin, raven locks, blues eyes and generous curves showed where her daughters obtained their looks from.
"Uhh!"
The process that freed her from the imprisonment of stone had left her somewhat disoriented and made her drop the sword she carried. The moment she fell to her knees Diana released the warlock and rushed to her side.
"Mother!"
"Diana…"
Hippolyta's voice tired from disuse spoke with relief and love as she gazed into her eldest daughter's eyes
"…praise Athena for hearing my prayers and sending you towards home."
Arrow thought, 'Would Diana kill me if I said her mom was beautiful? Better not risk it.'
"Mother I…I am so sorry for not being here."
"Touching my dears but I believe we have business to discuss don't we Princess?"
That did not sit well with Hippolyta as she recognized the man who had attacked their home.
"You! I shall have your head!"
Hippolyta cried out as she went after the man who had attacked her people.
"Petroba Kisstes!" Faust quickly intones as he holds up the medallion and once more curses the monarch.
"Argh!"
"Mother! No!"
Diana cries out as she cannot help but watch as her mother falls while enveloped in the same yellow glow as before and turned to stone once more. She turned at Faust and her temper was growing even more, now fully aware of just how Faust had done this travesty on her people.
"Monster! Give me that!"
Faust naturally sends the mystical object away as insurance.
"Do we have a deal…your highness?" He openly mocks.
"Oh, that guy is so getting punched," Arrow said.
The others remembered the massive load of karma that would come to Faust at the end of this little adventure. It was not going to be pretty.
Diana grabs his robes and prepares to cave his skull in but one look at her petrified mother stays her hand.
"What kind of man are you?" she asks with great disdain as she releases him in acknowledgement of the deal. She knew of the men she dealt with in Man's world who were similar to this cretin and now wanted answers.
"A practical one my dear…" he spoke as he conjured an hourglass lets the sand filled end on top to commence the countdown
"…you have 24 hours to bring me the rest of the fragments; otherwise your mother and the rest of your people will remain this way forever."
"And how do I find your accursed relics Faust?"
Arrow asked, "Good question. Those things aren't going to be easy to find."
"The mystical gems are attuned to the vibrations of each fragment; they will lead you to them."
He replied as he handed the three gemstones to her.
Diana took them before stepping towards him to deliver a very clear ultimatum.
"Know this Faust, go back on your word and there will be no amount of magic in the universe that will stop me and nowhere you can hide that I will not find you."
*How quaint.* he thought to himself in amusement and not in the least bit concerned.
'He should have been,' the princess thought, 'Then again…he had other, more powerful creatures to worry about.'
"I'd hurry if I were you, the clock is ticking." He openly mocked once more, savoring this moment of power he had over the Amazon princess. Faust was no fool as he knew that only the threat of her family being rendered utterly into stone prevented Diana from killing him. That did not mean that he was not going to enjoy it of course.
Soon after Faust watched as the Javelin flew away with his unwilling retriever, stepping back inside the temple he chose to speak to his benefactor. Creating a mystical circle and energizing it with ethereal flames the link was soon established.
"That can't be good," Arrow said, seeing the flaming abyss.
-FAUST! WHY DO YOU LINGER THERE!?—A booming and powerful voice broke through the flaming circle.
"Okay, definitely not good," Arrow said.
"A change in plans my lord."
-WHAT!?—
"The relics are guarded by powerful forces…" he spoke as calmly as he could as he knew full well his employer's temper was fragile and his wrath swift
"…why should I risk my neck when I can have someone else do it for me?"
-IF YOU FAIL ME FAUST, YOUR NECK WILL BE THE LEAST OF YOUR CONCERNS.—
Faust resisted the urge to swallow in fear as he held his neck.
"The prize will soon be ours, with the help of the Amazon Queen's own eldest daughter no less."
-DAUGHTER? AH YES…HER. — A dark chuckle that soon became a sinister laughter that sent chills down Faust's spine.
*Get a hold of yourself, everything is going according to plan and soon…soon knowledge the likes of which you can only dream off will be yours.* The sorcerer mind whispered while a satisfied smile overcame his fears.
"…This guy is so freaking screwed," Arrow said.
On board the Javelin…
Diana was in a state of worry as she constantly split her attention from the controls to the crystals which would lead her to the relics, and thought of the man who had laid siege to her homeland. She was at war on how to deal with him, going back to bash him to submission was viable, but at the risk of losing any hope of freeing her sisters and mother. But the other was what she would do to beat someone gifted in the mystic arts like this.
*What must I do?I know nothing of this Faust or his need for these relics yet I blindly trust him to keep his word?*
It was then that she recalled a passage from the Art of War John had told her about once during her time with him in the Javelin as he explained the one of the lessons he had received as a child.
"And again," Diana said, "The Spartan's influence shows to us."
"So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will find victory at every turn. If you only know yourself, but not your opponent, you may find victory or you may find defeat. If you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will always suffer defeat."
*If I recall correctly, John said that in order to truly win one must first ascertain all variables. I know that I Faust is a great sorcerer to be able to lay siege to Themyscira alone, but what else is there? There is only one way to know…but dare I risk it?*
She thought as she went over the pros and cons of her next course of action. All she knew was that the fate of her family and home lay with her next decision and those to follow.
"Batman its Diana…" she spoke as calmly as she could as she knew the man would be suspicious enough with what she was about to request.
-Batman here.—
"I need you to do a background check on a man named Faust. Felix Faust, he's some kind of sorcerer."
-Care to tell me what's going on? —
*This is what I am afraid of…* any further thought was taken away as one of the gems began to glow intermittently "…I'm sorry I have to go." She finished quickly as she headed in the direction she needed to go to.
However…
In the Bat cave…
*Something is wrong…* the Dark Knight thought to himself as he pressed some commands into the computer. He became the world's greatest detective by being aware of the hints that people gave off unconsciously. And right now Diana was releasing a good deal of hints to tell him that something was off with her. And he had a very good feeling in his gut that this Felix Faust was the cause of Diana's odd behavior
"Leave it to the bat to immediately realize that something is wrong," Flash said.
Batman said, "I'm a detective. It is what I do."
"Computer, track coordinates on Javelin 7."
A map soon showed the location of the League's primary mode of transportation as it flew over a series of islands.
Batman's eyes narrowed as he tried to decipher his teammate's odd request and her need for secrecy.
*Better bring the others in on this, I get the feeling we are about to get involved in something serious.*
"Batman to Watchtower."
-Redeeming Bias here Batman, how may I be of service? — The Forerunner A.I asked pleasantly.
"Where are the others Redeeming?"
-Superman is currently in Metropolis, Green Lantern and Hawkgirl are currently on assignment outside the Solar System, Flash is in the cafeteria replenishing himself, J'onn J'onzz is currently meditating, the Commander is on board the ship while the Reclaimer, Cortana and Doctor Minerva are currently in New York.—
Batman thought up the next course of action and chose to take advantage that their synthetic ally was there as he could retrieve information much more easily than he could…and time may be of the essence if his hunch was correct. And it usually was in something like this.
"Very well, send me all relevant and current information on a man by the name of Felix Faust, look for keywords regarding mysticism, sorcery and magic. Track Javelin 7 and as soon as it lands send the coordinates to Superman, tell him Wonder Woman may be involved in something that could require the League to get involved."
-Understood Batman, shall I inform the others of this?—
"Yes, tell them to be ready for anything."
-Understood, one moment please… —
His computer soon received a large info packet courtesy of the monitor.
-Download complete, I shall inform Superman as soon as the transport is located, will there be anything else Batman?—
"That will be all, keep us posted for anything out of the ordinary."
-Understood.—
Flash said, "Does anyone else think that we should get an AI for the Watchtower?"
Superman said, "I'm a little paranoid about AIs ever since Brainiac. You think that we can shelve that for later?"
Batman said, "The batcomputer has some of the most advanced security and can stop hacking even from Brainiac. We can use that as part of the security system in case of such an attack."
Superman said, "That's a good idea. Though, maybe someone who is good with technology?"
J'onn said, "I heard of a human named Mr. Terrific, who is a prodigy with technology and computers."
Flash said, "I remember him. I think he's friends with Firestorm."
Arrow said, "Shhh. I'm watching this."
With that done the link closed and Batman soon began to pour over the information and tried to solve this new puzzle brought to him by the Amazon.
With John and the others…
The Spartan, currently in his civilian disguise was in his office at the agency, Miranda was currently on board the Dawn during her turn to patrol the system for any anomalies. It was decided by both of them that they needed to be ready in case another incursion were to occur such as the Man hunters hence they alternated turns on board and monitor the system.
He was going over there current cases, both solved and ongoing, as a means to pass the time while he waited for Cortana and Barbara to arrive as they left to get some dinner for him and the reforming scientist.
Batman thought, 'It looks like we have a similar pastime.'
Pausing for a moment he thought his current situation with Barbara, despite the others slight discomfort in helping fake her death and to allow her free, he felt she was doing quite well for herself now that she had a means to not only control her powers but also become human in form and appearance again.
The A.I easily forged an electronic trail for a Barbara Felicity, as the woman now went by according to Cortana who picked out her last name, from their came a paper trail and no one was the wiser when this virtually unknown woman came into existence.
Batman said, "They really know how to make a mysterious woman appear out of nowhere."
Flash said, "It's like witness protection, but without the unfortunate leaks."
As per his agreement with the others he kept a close eye on her for any type of foul play under his watch. Cheetah had been told this and agreed as she really wanted to prove herself worthy of this second chance she had been given by the dimensionally displaced soldier. And she wanted to prove to be a woman of her word to him for all he had done.
He also gave her purpose by serving as the Dawn's and Watchtowers medical officer and got her a job at a clinic as a personal favor from one of his clients he had helped out a while back. Though a geneticist by trade she was very quick to adapt to her new career as she had explained to him that sometimes she had to tend to her own wounds to help her healing factor along.
That made good sense to John as well.
"At least she got a good chance at her new life," Diana said, "It means one less person off the streets."
Superman said, "I really think this means we should start paying more attention to the reasons that our villains become villains. Find a way to help them may help keep them off the streets for good."
Criminals couldn't just go to any doctor or medical facility and most off the books kind made deals were they were used came later to haunt them or for favors with less than noble intentions and no reason to say no.
He and the others also made sure to get her adapted to her new shape changing abilities less some unforeseen side effects occur. He was mostly there by her request since she still was a bit traumatized by Grundy's assault on her, and he wasn't about to say no as he felt he was responsible for her being left at death's door when he was not there for her.
J'onn said, "He is right to be nervous for her health. Being attacked by a monster like Solomon Grundy will leave some sort of trauma."
All in all she was doing well for herself and he was glad that he could keep his promise, he wouldn't say they were friends yet given that he had yet to fully share the nature of who and what he was to her but the trust was there and growing.
His attention was diverted to the front door he heard opening and closing and the light footsteps of two individuals.
"We're back!" Cortana spoke up as they entered his office, her still using her 'civilian form'.
"And we come bearing gifts..."
Barbara spoke up as she carried two bags of food, one with one carton of Chinese cuisine and a soup container and the other two with one soup
"…though I can't believe you eat this much and keep such a muscular figure, seems rather unfair to me."
She mock pouted as she set down the containers.
"I have a high metabolism that requires me to eat more than a regular person and I train regularly every chance I get. Not to mention I've been on a very strict diet regime."
Lantern said, "They kept us on a strict diet in the military. It helped keep me where I am today. What about you bats? You keep track of what you eat?"
Batman simply looked at Lantern and answered, "I'm not afraid to go for the occasional cheeseburger, but yes, I do."
He relied calmly though he gave her a small smile.
"Some people get all the luck."
She replied in kind as she enjoy what little conversations she had with him, from what she had been told about the futuristic soldier he was rather quiet and reserved but did know what to say when it counted.
After a while they began to eat while Cortana downloaded herself out of her body and give them some alone time, she told them this and got a sigh from the Chief and Cheetah to blush as the synthetic being was aware of her feelings. John decided to have some chat time with Barbara to see how she was doing right now.
"I hear you did well at the hospital."
"It wasn't easy but I rather enjoyed helping the people there, it's been so long I thought I had forgotten why I wanted to improve the quality of life and bring about new medical innovations. Working at the clinic and over there really brought it all back for me."
"I am glad that you feel that way Barbara, how are things with Dr. Levinson?"
He asks as he recalls the doctor of the clinic as a rather amicable person.
"Oh he is very patient and understanding with me given the lack of understanding in some areas, thank you again by the away for helping get that job." She replied with a warm smile directed at him.
*He has been very generous with me, despite everything I have done he has given me a second chance and yet for no reward…still, I want to know more about him.*
The former villainess thought to herself as she felt warmth in her heart as she looked at him. Of course she had an understanding on WHY she felt that way but right now she was going to enjoy it for all it was worth.
However any further thoughts were interrupted as Redeeming Bias voice spoke through the computer.
Flash said, "That AI really knows how to ruin a moment."
-Reclaimers are you there?—
"I am here Redeeming, is there a situation?"
-Possibly, I was contacted by Batman earlier to both track Wonder Woman who shows odd behavior and search for information on a Felix Faust who she seems interested in.—
John and Cheetah shared a look of confusion at this.
"Who is this Faust?"
-According to the information I have gathered he was once a well-known scholar in the field of archeology, however he later showed a vaunted interest in the supernatural and mysticism, his peers did not take his radical theories well and was band from the university he worked at…he did not react well.—
"I bet he didn't."
Flash asked, "Name one scientist who was discredited who reacted well to it? Anyone?"
Nobody answered.
Barbara muttered as she knew quite intimately what that kind of hate and ridicule could due to a person.
-They were later reported missing and he shortly disappeared without a trace.—
Arrow said, "That's not suspicious at all."
The others winced as they remembered how they missing men were found.
"Until now..." Cortana's voice sprung as she came to join the two, though she was also up to speed on the situation "…what's Diana's connection to Faust?"
-Unknown at this time, only she can tell us Cortana, I have triangulated her position shall I transmit the coordinates to you?—
"Do it, get my armor and a Pelican to us as well, inform the Commander of the situation."
-I shall do as you ask Reclaimer.—
"Does this Faust have any abilities on file we should know about?" Cortana asked.
-Only that he is a full fledge sorcerer Cortana.—
"Sorcerer? As in magic? As in hocus pocus, I pull a rabbit out of my hat?"
Cortana ask with clear doubts, and who wouldn't as they had yet to ascertain the nature of the supernatural of this world.
"You do know that Grundy is a zombie right?" Barbara points out.
"Yeah but he could be reanimated through science not 'magic', I mean we have yet to see anything remotely magical in this world anyway." The A.I points out.
Flash said, "Computer lady has a point. Science could easily bring people back from the dead."
"We can discuss that later; right now we need to get to Wonder Woman ASAP…"
John spoke up as he stood from his place and headed to the armory they had placed
"…Barbara, head over to the Commander and get the medical equipment prepped in case it is needed, Cortana go over the files with Redeeming about Faust we may need to know more about him before we engage him."
"Right John."
"You got it Chief."
Both of them replied and acted as soon as he stepped out of the office. It took him a few shorts steps to reach the room they used as a make shift armory; the vault was hidden behind a fake wall and secured by a palm and retinal scanner keyed to the UNSC crew as well as password encryption.
John scanned his hand and eye getting a green light from both and soon typed in "SAMUEL" in the keyboard. Inside were rifles, pistols and grenades of UNSC make as well TACPAD's and other assorted technologies from the reality minus Covenant or Forerunner tech.
Arrow said, "Nice security for that hardware he's packing."
Flash said, "Well, the guy has advanced weapons in his house. I don't think that Bats would want anyone trying on his suit and taking it for a joyride, same with his gadgets."
Superman thought, 'I wonder how Steel keeps his suit on lockdown?'
As he loaded up he felt a bit of unease, not of the physical kind but more in lines of a feeling, he had only felt this way in rare occasions such as when the Invaders came to take over this Earth or the fall of Reach.
He didn't know or understand why he was feeling this way but something told him that whatever this Faust was up to was trouble…big trouble. And if there was one thing Mendez stressed.
'Go with your gut when all else fails, it's surprising how right it turns out to be.'
*Get it together soldier, whatever it is you can deal with it once the team is gathered and you have a better idea of what it is.* He told himself before sensing the signal that meant his armor was ready for him.
He pushed the feeling aside for the moment and focused on the present, his teammate was obviously in some kind of trouble and he wasn't about to let her walk into the unknown by herself. He had lost too many good people like that and no way was he going to let that happen again.
At the Museum of Natural History…
The Javelin soon landed quietly on the roof of the museum; from there Diana carefully made her way to the skylight, she made sure to check for alarms as John had shown her before gently lifting the glass and dropping down with little noise.
She gave a quick look around for any guards.
*All right, no one is around for the moment so I should be quick about this. I can only hope that none of the others get caught up here. I don't want to them to be dragged into this…especially John, Cortana, and Miranda.*
"Too late," Arrow said, "He's already involved."
She made her way towards the ancient Greece exhibit, taking out a crystal as she went along to show her where the relic lay. As she passed ancient artwork she spotted something that brought a bit of nostalgia to her.
An ancient amphora with the plaque describing the artwork yet not the name of the artist who made such an exquisite design and thus the only things mentioned was the age and where it was found. Apparently no one had been able to find the name of the maker and as such left it as is. Though in Diana's case she knew the person who made this relic quite well, after all, the maker was an Amazon just like her.
"Menalippe! Good for you, I always said your work was museum quality."
Arrow said, "She knows the woman who made that? Small world."
Flash said, "To be honest, some of the statues from mythology, I wouldn't be surprised if most of them were made by the amazons, or if some of them modelled for them."
She spoke kindly as she recalled her friend's great works of art she so diligently made.
*Just one more reason I must succeed and rescue them all…and stop Faust.*
She soon saw the gem pulse and further into the exhibit the same red pulse could be seen inside another amphora next to a giant bronze statue, she gave it a look but remained focused on her target, so focused she never saw the red beam she crossed.
*RRIIININGG!*
The shrill alarm was soon followed by the heavy clang of metal shutter falling into place and sealing her in.
*Blast it all! Diana you fool! No matter…*
Flash asked, "Well, that's going to cause some unnecessary attention."
"First things first…"
She spoke firmly as she chopped off a section of the artifact to see a stone cylinder of some sort inside. She wondered just what sort of thing was this as she had never seen anything like this before. And coming from someone of her background and age, that was something.
"…why would Faust want this?"
"Just an old piece of rock," Arrow stated, "How is that supposed to lead to ultimate knowledge?"
Diana answered, "I actually had bigger concerns at the time."
She thought out loud, not noticing that all was not well.
For the relic was not just guarded by machinery and science, but sorcery as well as the statue was soon animated and turned to look at the would be thief. With a thunderous boom it broke free from its base and approaches his quarry.
Diana heard and felt the booming footsteps and saw that looming shadow, turning around she was in shock as the giant stood before her and pull out his massive sword against her.
"Great Gaea!" she cried just before quickly flying off to avoid the massive blade.
"Holy hell!" Arrow said, "You fought that thing? And if that is guarding the stone, it must be a lot more than just a hunk of rock."
'You have no idea,' everyone thought.
*CRASH!*
*What foul magic is this!?* She thought furiously as she landed some distance away for the apparent guardian of the relic. Upon landing she quickly grabbed her golden lasso and spun it through the air before launching it towards the sword wielding hand.
Unfortunately though she succeed it trapping it, the giant was not very forthcoming in relinquishing his weapon and pulled at the rope to draw her towards his awaiting fist…which soon connected to her body.
*WHAM!*
"UGH!"
She flew back and struck the wall before falling to the floor, the blow rattled her senses but not by much since her awareness was still good enough to warn her of the guardians fast approach, thus she avoided another fatal blow that could have claimed her life.
Diana felt a flow of phantom pain as she saw the battle
However her momentary reprieve had not come without a cost as the kneeling giant rose and turned to face her, all the while looking at his hand…and the relic it held.
"No!" she cried out as her hands flew to her waist and found the object missing, regardless of the danger she rushed to the offending appendage to pry it out of the moving statue's hand "…give that back! I must have it!"
The guardian was not in a charitable mood as he took the opportunity to rid himself of the Amazon princess. He swung his sword wildly to strike down the woman, but she nimbly avoided his blade; however he did managed to finally land a blow when she came in close for a blow of her own.
*WHAM!*
"Ugh!" she landed heavily in the ruined columns where the relic was hidden causing them to topple on top of her. The statue moved over the ruins and shifted the rubble with his blade to confirm his victory.
Satisfied the thief was dealt with he began to turn away, but he did not even move a few feet when the rubble began to shift. Diana was not dead and she was most certainly not happy as she lifted a broken column over her head and glared furiously at the Guardian.
"I am Diana! Princess of the Amazons! I WON'T BE DENIED!" and with that resounding proclamation she hurled the makeshift weapon at her hateful foe with all her might.
"Dang," he said, "No wonder the people think you're the strongest woman in the world."
Diana smiled and said, "A title that I would hold with a great deal of pride."
The giant turned to face her but could not prevent the column from smashing into his right leg, both the column and the leg shattered under the strain. The Guardian looked to his wounded appendage with an expression that clearly spoke volumes of how wrong things were about to go for him.
Which they soon promptly did, as a rather irate Wonder Woman charged at him with a very angry look in her eyes that promised swift and painful retribution. She nailed him with a vicious right hook that sent him tumbling back followed by an uppercut to the chin the another that finally decapitated the statue and did not stop her from raining blow after blow until on broken fragments remained of her foe. She soon spotted the relic among the debris and picked it up with some relief it was finally over and she could continue her search…
"Diana!"
Or so she thought as the unmistakable voice of the Man of Steel rung as he flew towards her from the shattered ceiling.
*Damn it all! This is the last thing I wanted to happen!*
Superman said, "To be honest, if you hadn't gotten our help, you might not have gotten all of the relics in time."
Grimly she thought as she turned to face him with a neutral expression on her face. Which naturally made Superman all the more concerned why Diana would be doing this.
"What's going on?"
"This is not your concern." She replied in all seriousness.
Superman for his part looked around all the devastation and thought otherwise.
"It is when my friends start tearing up museums, now I've already alerted the others…" Clark spoke firmly as he could tell form her mood that something had her tense "…when they get here they'll want an explanation."
Diana simply sighed in frustration at another delay of her mission.
Later…
True to Superman's words, Flash, J'onn, the Spartan and Cortana arrived on the scene and upon seeing the destruction immediately turned to the Amazon for answers. Answer she gave reluctantly but realized that the cat was out of the bag and now was not the time to be confrontational. They deserved to know the truth, even more so when John was with them along with Cortana.
She explained her encounter with Faust, how she was able to track the relic, and her battle with the suddenly animated statue. The heroes and the UNSC crew were silent through it all and when it ended they all wore expressions of worry for their friend.
John was the first to speak.
"Diana, you can't trust the word of a man willing to harm others so callously for a mere trinket no matter how…magical, it may seem."
He said to her neutrally though he was still wrapping his head around the concept of magic being real just as much as Cortana was. John was from a world where magic was usually reserved for movies, books, games, and the occasional story for fun or literature. So the idea of REAL magic was a bit too much for him to swallow.
"Of course I don't trust Faust…"
She replied with frustration but at the same time filled with worry
"…but what else can I do? He literally holds the lives of my people in his hands. If I do not…then my people will be rendered fully into stone and I know of no magic to free them. Only…only he has the item and the knowledge to use it."
"I say we go back and kick that would be sorcerer's butt!" Flash spoke up as he dashed to her side in a show of support.
"Although not in those words, I agree with Flash that we need to deal with this man. Taking him out first could help us free your people and your family after all."
The Chief replied with a nod of acceptance.
"No, men are forbidden from ever setting foot on Themyscira."
"Somebody should have told him that before then." The crimson clad speedster quipped.
"Besides…" she spoke next with bitterness at the thought of accepting the malicious individual's demands.
"I gave my word that I would find the other relics. If I do not then he will know that I did not live up to my promise."
"I'm afraid that leaves us with but one course of action." The Martian said in all seriousness as the others looked with equal sentiment.
"We will have to help you." He ended with a reassuring smile at her while John nodded in agreement as he gave her shoulder a gently squeeze. That made her feel assured that they were truly with her on this matter.
*I should have not tried to hide this from them, they are truly good friends.* Wonder Woman said to herself as she smiled at each of them and held John's hand in acceptance.
Diana mentally sighed as she remembered just how her stubborn belief that she could do this on her own, could have possibly resulted in failure.
"Besides, I doubt I would get in trouble since I am technically a woman." Cortana added with a shrug.
"Yeah, that's debatable." Flash muttered, though Cortana heard him of course due to her body's abilities.
"What's was that Flash?" she spoke up casually as her hands morphed into blades.
*SNIKT!*
"…you want a vasectomy? Well why didn't you say so?"
A few people winced, though they couldn't help but snicker.
Flash rubbed his forehead and said, "Damn it, Wally. Stop pissing off the woman who can crush you like a bug if she gets her hands on them."
She finished as made to approach him, making him hide behind the Chief.
"Children behave, right now." Chief said with a weary tone as he often had to break the antics of the two.
"He started it." Cortana replied as she pouted while Flash released a breath he was holding.
"Now then…" Superman spoke as he looked towards Diana "…how do we go about this?"
"I suggest we split up into teams, that way we can cover more ground with little time in between." The Master Chief said out loud getting all to agree to the plan.
"Right then, Wonder Woman, Superman and the Spartan will go in one direction while Flash, I and Cortana head in another, agreed?" J'onn suggested as a plan of action, the others seeing the wisdom of it.
"Here is the tracking crystal J'onn, when it pulses it means you are close to relic." The Amazon noble handed the gem to her teammate who took it gladly while memorizing the instruction she gave him.
"Then let's move out, we are working against time and a madman's whims."
John's voice sounded with all seriousness as he took to the air, soon followed by Superman and Wonder Woman, the last receiving a telepathic message from J'onn as he and the others began to board the Javelin while the Pelican flew to the Dawn.
*We will succeed Diana, we promise you that.*
*Thank you.*
She replied with gratitude for the words and sentiment behind them.
Now it was a race against time, only this time she would not be alone in this debacle.
Arrow said, "This is going to be crazy isn't it."
Flash said, "You have no idea."
Diana said, "I wonder how it will change with the Spartan among us?"
Nobody could answer as they watched and waited.
Cut! Sorry for the wait, and the fact that I accidently put Paradise Lost part 2 over part 1, by accident. Here it is back and fixed up.