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Chapter 29: Aurora I: Velocity

December 7th

Age 762 (2012), Themsycira, Doom's Doorway

Ages.

It felt like ages as Donna's sword slowly edged towards Diana's face. The battle against her mother's clone had been a brutal one. Wonder Woman had been in complete and total shock when her half-sister had abruptly fallen out of the sky a month ago. So many questions had raced through her mind. Had Donna entered doom's doorway to finally kill her? Had something gone terribly wrong on Themyscira?

Though Diana never received a formal answer, the fact that her half-sister had been unconscious following her arrival spoke volumes. Something had occurred. Though they had once been mortal enemies Diana had helped her upon seeing the battered shape Donna had been in. From her wounds and bruises, she had been attacked and possibly poisoned. It was nearly a week before Donna was conscious once more.

Immediately, without hesitation, the clone had attacked her. Who said a good deed didn't go unpunished? Fortunately, at the time, Donna had still been somewhat weakened and had been easily disposed of. Once again her older sister had bested her, much to her ire. Diana had been forced to restrain her by way of ropes and chains.

Though Donna had caused her unimaginable pain and sorrow, Wonder Woman could not find the emotions to hate the teenager in her heart. She had been manipulated by Derinoe from her very conception. With a monster like her for a mother figure, how else was Donna expected to turn out? There was goodness inside her half-sister's heart and Diana was determined to find it.

That was much easier than said though. Every attempt to extend a symbolic olive branch was met with acrid anger and wickedness. Donna's programming ran deep. It would take gradual time for mother's clone to open up. Doom's doorway, however, did not provide the ideal situation for bonds of kinship to form. It was a literal everlasting hell.

Almost every moment of every day was spent was spent battling some kind of malevolent creature. Though Donna and Diana didn't see eye to eye, they both greatly valued their lives. In order to survive in a demonic world such as this, they would need each other. Donna despised such notions but reluctantly conceded to it. She had to survive in order to enact her revenge against the Amazons who had betrayed her.

Day after day the sisters fought against a seemingly endless stream of monsters. Mythological monsters who were branded as fictional all resided in the dark depths of this abode. Though the duo possessed immense strength, it was not unlimited. Not only physically, but mentally, the sisters began to be worn down. The strength to preserve withered bit by bit. There was no way of keeping track of time either, at best all they could do was make rough estimations.

Things had reached a boiling point earlier in the day following a battle with a herd of hydra. Donna's blood boiled as she was forced to once again eat hydra meat. Day after day it was the same food with the same rations. Diana had long since adapted to the porous living conditions but Donna was unwilling to live like this. Derinoe had created and raised her to be the future queen of the Amazons!

A queen was not supposed to live in squalor like some mere peasant, she was meant to rule. But she had never received the opportunity to do so because of Alkyone. Though the former guardsmen had betrayed her, all of her troubles could be traced back to one person - Diana. Wonder Woman was the source of all her problems. Her failure to retrieve the Dragonballs had created this domino effect.

When the Amazons had thrown Diana into doom's doorway she had assumed Zeus' bastard would die. But here she was happily munching away at hydra meat. All it would take was one quick blow to the head and Wonder Woman would be dead. Circumstances be damned! Donna would have rather taken her chances alone than continue working with her arch-nemesis.

Diana had been caught off guard, in between bites of her meat when Donna had struck. With cat like agility, her half-sister had lunged with sword in tow. Her bracers deflected the brunt of the strike as a fight quickly ensued. Diana had managed to defeat Donna in their previous scuffle due to the weariness of her body. But now fully rested, Donna held the advantage due to a lack of fatigue. Diana had endured months of endless battle without rest, it was bound to catch up sometime.

And now as Donna's sword dangled over her face, Wonder Woman was left in a precarious situation, awaiting her final judgment.

"What are you waiting for? Just do it already!"

December 7th

Age 762 (2012), Caribbean Sea

Harsh waves crashed against both sides of the massive cargo ship forcing its occupants to slide across the deck. Gritting his teeth Bane grabbed hold of a nearby railing doing his best to support himself against the turbulence. These waves had risen from out of nowhere. Just minutes ago the waters had been calm and settled, it was an almost picturesque day. He knew the seas could be highly volatile but nothing like this had ever occurred to him.

It was imperative that the cargo of the ship reached its destination unscathed. The chemicals they were carrying were absolutely toxic if spilled. His employer had paid him greatly to ensure their safety. His employer's former workers had previously failed to do so, resulting in a hazardous spill in which had contaminated a significant portion of the sea. The Santa Prisca hitman could not afford another scenario such as that.

"Ay dios mío! Get this ship under control immediately if you want to stay alive!" Bane howled at the top of his lungs as waves continued to barrel into the ship.

The crewmen on the ship began scrambling to their posts. Bane was a true man of his words. Just earlier in the day one of the engineer's had been tossed into the sea for failing to obey a direct order. They refused to be next.

"We might have to turn back if this continues," Bird, one of Bane's closest associates, shouted from across the deck as he struggled to maintain his footing. "The cost might be too great if we try to ride this out."

Water, from all angles of the ship, was engulfing it. Gigantic thirty-foot waves were crashing against the hull. With that amount of force and continuous pressure, it was possible for the ship to tip over. The payment for this job was incredible, easily larger than any sum their team had previously received. But even the mighty Bane had to concede to mother nature's fury eventually.

"I concur with Bird's assessment Bane, we must turn back." Trogg was one of Bane's most trusted confidants. He had been by his side from the very beginning during those torturous days at Santa Prisca's prison. When he talked, Bane listened.

The man who broke the bat remained silent as he contemplated things momentarily. This was a big amount of money they were potentially losing out on. His employer had set a strict schedule for the delivery of this shipment. Turning back here would mean it was all for naught.

"Give it five more minutes. If the waves haven't calmed down at all, we will return home."

His associates both nodded to one another. Bane was a man of reason, he had taken both of their concerns to heart. The only problem now though was surviving for the next few moments. With venom pumping through his veins, Bane's grasp on the ship railings was ironclad. Unfortunately for the remaining members of his team, they were not so fortunate.

Trained and skilled they may have been, but they were still only mortal men. There were no metahuman enhancements to keep them from sliding and slipping off the deck. In fact, as they spoke another member of the crew was flung off board due to the impact of a large wave. It was only a matter of time before Bane's associates, as well as himself, were tossed from the ship. But then suddenly, almost as quickly as it had begun, the waves calmed to a silent stir.

"It's over?" Loosening his grip on the metal railing Bird apprehensively looked around. He could no longer feel the hard thrusts of the sea but would take no chances.

Trogg joined his comrade, taking a peek over the metal railing. It truly did appear that the storm was over. Bane's walkie talkie buzzed with life as the captain of the ship radioed him from the steering wheel. It was much needed good news. Things were once again under control.

With a relieved breath, Bane walked to the center of the deck. Though the waves had receded, gallons of water still drenched the ship. He would need to call the cleaning crew to take care of this mess. Convening with his closest friends they huddled together to discuss what course of action to take next.

"It will take us nearly two days to get to the port excluding any potential stop." Trogg commented as he rubbed his chin.

"And that's without the added calculation on the time we wasted because of that small storm," Bird added with a scowl. "We'll have to increase our speed if we hope to make it there on time."

"One problem after another," Bane frowned as his jaw clenched. This was supposed to be an easy job too. That storm had presented unnecessary problems. "Do we have enough fuel for that?"

"That's something I'm not sure of." Trogg mused as he eyed the ship. Battling through that storm could have already burnt a tremendous amount of fuel.

"Do either one of you have any suggestions? You keep telling me problems without any kind of solution!" Bane was beginning to grow frustrated. He trusted both of these men with his life but at a moment like this, they were only adding to his stress.

"Well, we could possibly..."

"You will do nothing land dweller."

Trogg's words were cut off by a new, distant voice, that appeared to be drawing closer.

"Who said that?" Immediately Bane was on edge. This far out at sea, no one should have been able to locate this ship.

The Santa Prisca hitman received his answer in the form of a tidal wave. Before Bane could blink he was flung back by a torrent that flooded the entire deck of the ship, only managing to stop as he slammed into a light pole.

"I thought the storm I brewed up earlier would be enough to detour you from this course of action, but I was wrong." Still rattled Bane slowly shook his head, looking up to discover a man rising from the sea. His blue eyes narrowed angrily as they set their gaze upon Bane. "You would poison the seas and expect me to do nothing in return."

Bane's shock quickly changed to confusion. Who was this man? How did he know about the chemicals they were carrying? And just how did he manage to control the water? But those questions could be answered later, after they had resolved this newfound threat.

Glancing to his associates Bane gave them a silent signal and without saying a single word, they struck into action. Drawing their weapons they set aim and relentlessly fired. Bullet and bullet whizzed through the air as the man remained still letting them pelt his skin. As the final bullet bounced off his forehead Bane's men lowered their guns.

"H-He's completely unharmed!"

No one could believe what they had just witnessed. The sandy haired man had to be a metahuman. If so, they were in a world of trouble considering his display of power over the seas. Bane, however, would not go down so easily. Rising to his feet the assassin pumped more venom into his body.

Let's see how you handle this!

With a raucous roar, the Santa Prisca hitman charged forward with both arms outstretched. Much to his surprise the unknown assailant simply stood there. As he finally arrived Bane wrapped both massive arms around the blonde man completely constricting his movements.

"I've got you now!" Or so he thought.

Any mere man would have snapped in half underneath the crushing weight of Bane's full power. This was what he had used to break Batman's back. But the man from the sea showed no strain or anguish, his face remained as impassive as ever. Bane continued squeezing with all his might, the veins in his neck bulging to cartoonish proportions as he doubled his efforts. But all the energy in the world provided no results.

"Are you done?" His tone was calm but there was a hint of arrogance behind them. Before Bane could react the man burst free of his grasp, uppercutting him. Throbbing pain echoed throughout Bane's jaw as the man followed up with a jab to the face. Underneath his mask blood was flowing from a possibly broken nose. Stunned and dazed he was forced to retreat several steps back as he gathered himself.

"Who are you?"

"My name is Aquaman, king of Atlantis as well as the seven seas," Over the years Arthur Curry had made sparse appearances across the globe but this was his first official introduction to humankind. "I've been watching you and the ships with your mark travel across my oceans. Your ill advised spills have contaminated parts of these waters and caused the deaths of numerous creatures."

Ships with my mark? Bane's face scrunched. This ship was owned by his employer. Whatever he had done had nothing to do with him. "Amigo you are clearly mistaken. I do not own this ship, I am merely watching over it."

"Then tell me who does." It was a demand more than a request.

"I cannot do that. I have sworn an oath not to reveal my employer, it was part of the business deal." Even if he wanted to Bane could not disclose such information because he truly did not know who his employer was. When he had attempted to do a background check on him the assassin had found nothing. He was using an alias.

"Fine. We can do things your way then, I preferred talking with my fists anyway."

Nearly blurring out of sight Aquaman appeared behind Bird. The king had not forgotten about his comrades earlier assault. With a quick chop to the neck Bane's lieutenant was rendered unconscious. As Aquaman's eyes fell upon Throgg, Bane's second in command began firing once more. This time, however, the bullets didn't even reach their destination.

In the flash of an eye, the king of Atlantis materialized in front of Throgg. His mouth was still hung open as Arthur crushed his gun, reforming it into a metal ball. Before Throgg could get a word out he was promptly head butted by Aquaman. The resulting thud caused Bane to cringe as his friend slumped to the floor.

Now there was only one person left.

But as Aquaman turned to face Bane a squadron of armed soldiers raced to surround him on the deck.

"Amigo, did you really think it would be that simple?" Bane grinned as his men raised their weapons towards the Atlantean.

"Of course not, I expected it to be even easier!" As he shouted at the top of his lungs Arthur's fist slammed into the floor. A small explosion followed as everyone was flung back. Unfortunate soldiers who were too close to the ship's railings were tossed into the sea. Terrified screams were heard as Aquaman quickly took care of the remaining threats, once again leaving him alone with Bane.

Still reeling from the aftershock of Aquaman's strike to the deck, Bane attempted to stand but was shoved back down as a hand wrapped around his throat. As Arthur's grip got tighter he felt himself being lifted into the air. Bane attempted to fight back, throwing blow after aggravated blow but they simply bounced off his face. As he now dangled over the edge of one of the railings, directly above the sea, one question was asked.

"Who is your employer?"

December 7th

Age 762 (2012), Themsycira, Doom's Doorway

Diana's words lingered in Donna's mind as her sword swayed in her hand. This was her moment to finally end their conflict. She was the rightful heir to the throne. She was the one who had been created for the sole purpose of ruling over the Amazons. She was the one who was supposed to correct all of Hippolyta's mistakes. She was the one who was supposed to replace Diana.

So why was she hesitating at such a crucial moment?

As Donna's sword continued to dangle, Diana could sense an internal struggle going on. Rage was evident on her half-sister's face, but her body language sent mixed signals. If she was truly going to kill her she would have done it by now. In truth, even if Donna had attempted to strike her she would have parried it. Unbeknownst to her mother's clone, her bracers could create a protective aegis around her.

Her blow would have been deflected anyways. But this moment had allowed her to see where her half-sister's heart lay. Maybe she wasn't as brainwashed as she previously thought.

"I hate you, I hate you, I hate you so much!" Donna screamed as she tossed her sword to the wayside. "You are everything I am supposed to be!"

Diana's eyes rose at this revelation. This was something she had never even thought of before. Part of Donna's hatred was out of envy. Donna never had a loving family like she did. She never had a caring mother.

"Everywhere I go on this island I am reminded of you. I tore down all of your statues and even desecrated your pictures but your spirit still remains on Themyscira. I was even forced to sleep in your bedchambers!" Donna's veins bulged as she pointed an accusing finger at Diana. It was like she would never be good enough. "Even Derinoe used to compare me to you constantly."

"Sister I didn't…"

"I am not your sister!" Donna quickly corrected her. Though they may have shared the same DNA, they were anything but family. "It's like the gods have been playing a cruel game with me my whole life. Not only was I betrayed, but I was thrown into this hell hole with you." The disgust was evident on her face as her lips puckered.

"It doesn't have to be this way though Donna. We don't have to hate each other. I don't want to have to hate the only remaining piece of my mother that I have left." Wonder Woman was nearly on the verge of tears as she gazed into her half-sister's eyes. She was the spitting image of her mother down to the strands of her hair.

"It's too late for that Diana. Life has given us roles to play and this is mine," Derinoe had given her a reason for existing and she had to fulfill it no matter the cost. "I won't kill you in such a pathetic state though. As much as I hate to admit it, I will need you if I am going to escape doom's doorway. For the time being, we have a truce."

Diana was stunned. Her mouth fluttered open to speak but was never given the chance to do so as Donna promptly walked away. Hippolyta's clone would need time to strategize if her words were going to hold true.

December 7th

Age 762 (2012), Central City

As Barry Allen circled the block for the tenth time he let out a long sigh. He couldn't believe he had let Captain Cold get away. Leonard Snart aka Captain Cold had just finished robbing a bank. That was par for the course concerning the ice villain. Leonard was a man all about his money.

He was the first foe Barry had encountered since becoming the Flash. Though the two stood on opposite ends of the law they had a good rapport with one another. Captain Cold's primary focus was monetary gains and he did his best to eliminate civilian casualties and never ever took a life. But that had all changed today. For the first time since becoming a hero, Barry had to deal with a death caused by Captain Cold.

According to the reports from the police, Leonard had even gone out of his way to kill someone. He had already received the money he came for when he uncharacteristically murdered a man on his way out of the bank. Witnesses said he fired off multiple rounds making sure the poor victim was dead. Barry arrived mere seconds after that and had attempted to chase him on foot, to no avail.

It made no sense. First Captain Cold's actions, now his sudden disappearance. There was no way Leonard should have been able to evade the fastest man alive while on foot. Something was definitely awry here. As Barry slowed to enter a nearby alley his attention was drawn to the clanging of metal.

"Cold? Is that you? Just surrender already and make it easy on yourself. You don't want to go down this path."

Barry's words were seemingly ignored as no response was given. As he walked further down the alley he noticed Leonard's gun sprawled across the ground. He was definitely on the right path.

"Just give it up Cold, I don't want to have to fight you," As he neared a dumpster the Flash slowed the pace of his walk. Based on the shadow behind it there was definitely someone there. "Alright Cold, I tried to make this easy on you but…."

Barry's words trailed off as Leonard jumped from behind the dumpster. Barry had seen a lot of strange things in his life, but never once had he been prepared for the monstrosity that covered Captain Cold's face. It was some kind of giant….starfish?

"You cannot stop it Flash, you will become one of us. It is inevitable."

A big thank you to everyone who reviewed chapter 28!

Q/A:

Jackalope89: Thanks for the criticism. I went back and edited the chapter. I haven't kept up with Super Sons or Red Hood.

NirvanaFrk97: I intend on going as far as SSG in this story. I might include SSJ4, but nothing beyond that though. I'm not sure which SSG version I'll go with yet.

JOEL: In canon, the PTO never had organized ranks, I'm just someone who likes order and decided to give it some structure. Yes, Frieza has more destructive power due to his ability to use Ki.

dark flacon: 3. A Kryptonian/Saiyan hybrid will occur eventually in this story. 4. I'll check it out. 5. Thanks.

jplaya2023: I can't spoil that.

DRAGONDAVE45: The Green Lantern Corps are in a cold war of sorts with the PTO. I've thought of the Android/Cell saga and have a good portion of it mapped out now.

Kabuto S. Inferno: As always, thanks for the criticism. I went back and edited some of the things you mentioned. I've never read the Watchmen series so I'm totally clueless on that end.

CRUDEN: Diana and Goku will have more kids and Fury will appear later on too.

DIOS de la Nada: Chronoa will probably not appear in this story.

Chris: 1. Frieza doesn't know about Darkseid. 3. Majin Buu is older than the gods on Earth.

Guest: The only god form I will use is SSG, nothing else. Superman will not have his own god form.

Sailor Dragonball 87: More crossover pairings will occur. In fact, most of the pairings in this story will probably be crossover ones. Kaiyo didn't take Vegeta to Apokolips because she has her own plans for him.

Guest: If you're referring to the cast of this story, a hypothetical SSG Goku might not even be a top 5 strongest character once we get to that point.

Xample: Thanks for the kind words. This story was inspired by a story called Marvel: Cross Epoch.I prefer Goku to Gohan as well, though I did love Gohan more when he was a teen.