Avenging Justice 2:
Caught Between an Ultron and a Doomsday
Part X
Earth, Hawaii, KauaŹ»i
Diana, walked across the beach, warm sand under her feet. The air was warm, the salt in the air brought back memories from before. A life of simple purpose, and full of beauty. Train hard, live well, and sisterhood, in its most basic form, this was the island of the Amazons. More precisely, an extension of the values they held.
In the time of great powered beings, that the people labeled as gods, the Amazons had been made. This was about the time Atlanteans, before their city fell beneath the waves. Thanks to Arthur, Diana knew they had not died, just adapted. They fought for this world, and had fended off many invaders from the worlds beyond. They had even allied with the Atlanteans and Nations of Men against a threat not seen since then.
That was till recently, and Diana went back to the Battle of New York. Just as quickly she shook the thought out of her head. Mostly this was due to her companion's concerned look. She smiled at the other woman, and put on her best face. There was no reason for Etta to be worried, but the woman was very quick and smart.
"You should be relaxing!" Etta reminded her. "I think the boys can handle a few days without you. If they can't, they need to really decide who Earth's greatest hero really is."
Diana chuckled, Etta was good people. She had brought her here for what was called a vacation. That hadn't stopped Diana from her exercises or training in quiet times, much to Etta's exasperation. What the other woman couldn't know was, this was relaxing. It reminded her of home, and this beautiful island brought it home even more.
"You've been very adamant that I relax," Diana said. "And you have done a wonderful job making that possible. You have my thanks."
The other woman sighed, "What's got you worried then?"
"My people tell of conquerors from the stars," Diana explained. "Three years ago, we had such beings return. I just can't shake the feeling that was just the start."
Etta turned, putting her hand on Diana's, "Listen, I can't pretend to understand what it's like to be you. You're the daughter of a mythological figure, you fight alongside larger than life beings, and I'm just a simple person. What I do know, is that you can't live your life always waiting for the next disaster."
"This is true," Diana agreed. "One must always be ready though. However, I will try to 'relax.'"
As if to accentuate that point, the loud squeal of a child made both turn suddenly. Only for it to be the cry of a very happy little girl, being thrown into the air and caught, by a smiling, loving father. Meanwhile her mother sat nearby caught between adoration for her husband, and seeing the horror, if he missed the catch. To the little girl, all was well in the world, and she could have been happier.
"Maybe we both need to relax," Etta laughed, obvious relief flooded her face.
They spent the rest of the day during the tourist thing, traveling the around, seeing the sights. There was a wonderful pit barbecue place near the beach, that some of the best food Etta had ever had. Several of the others recognized Diana, and there were several requests of photos. That, and a bump on the reservation list for a higher end restaurant.
Towards the evening, a cruise ship was seen off the coast, still miles away. The soon to be setting sun, bathed it in the dwindling light of the day. The golden rays reflected off the nearly white hull, making the ship seem more like another blazing star, than an aquatic vessel. The start to a beautiful night, marking the end of a gorgeous day.
That was until an explosion rocked the ocean liner. Black billowy smoke rose into the air, sending passengers fleeing from the inside. People hung off the rails, gasping in fresh air, as more screams came from inside. Those screams increased as a massive form exploded from below decks. The Juggernaut landed hard, and he headed for more victims.
Chaos soon spread to the shore, as islanders noticed the liner start to spew smoke. Murmurs became nearly shouts of horror, as another explosion rocked the ship. This one wasn't from the fuel, or gas lines, but rather large form of Juggernaut ripping into the ship. Besides, Diana, Etta let out a string of foul language.
"Stay here," Diana said as she reached into her backpack.
Soon her armored bracelets and her Wonder Woman gear replaced her relaxed attire. Sprinting forward, she planted her feet and jumped from the beach to the now smoking ocean liner. With practiced ease, she landed on the side rail of the top deck, and flipped herself over onto deck. Around her people, scared and without reason, ran looking for an escape.
Coming back around as she did was a man in red, with what looked like a dome on his head, riveted on. His eyes fixated on her, and in the hole where his mouth was, she saw a smile form. Thanks to growing up on a magical island, with magical artifacts, she recognized the power coming from this man as such.
"You're the Wonder Witch," the large man said. "I've always wanted to take you down a notch. Now I can, fortune smiles upon me."
"We shall see," Wonder Woman was on the man in the blink of an eye.
Her first attack was a quick jab to his knee, while she twirled around to bring a kick to the back of his head. Juggernaut took the hit, and moved his massive bulk around faster than he had any right to. He brought his gargantuan fist as if to squash her, but Wond Woman rolled. She came up with a haymaker, followed by a reverse elbow, both rolled off the Juggernaut's helmet.
"You're a quick one, maybe we should have some fun after I destroy you," Juggernaut sneered.
She didn't need to verbalize her response, the mule kick to his gut was response enough. As she came back up, his left fist back handed her, and Wonder Woman flew off the ship. A desperate grab caught the railing, and she flung herself back at the giant man. He put his hands out to catch her, but she changed course. Using her lasso, she pulled herself towards the stern. Landing gently, she jumped again as Juggernaut came smashing towards her.
"C'mon baby, I'm not so bad when you get to know me," Juggernaut laughed as he hurled a piece of the deck at Wonder Woman.
Dodging the projectile, Wonder Woman rolled into a sliding scissor take down, "Let's see if you're more than a mound of muscles."
Juggernaut stumbled, reached down and grabbed at the lithe figure. She came back up behind him, unleashing a dual leg kick, pushing his center of gravity past the edge of retention. Juggernaut crashed over, only to be up in a half of a second, but that was enough. Just as he turned to face Wonder Woman, he came face to face with a massive anchor.
The resounding ring of the anchor across his helmet was heard even by those on the shore, and nearly deafened those scrambling for safety. Bell rung, he pulled the chain, growling his wish to destroy the hero. Much to his surprise, she came willingly, but his surprise wasn't done yet.
Wonder Woman, pulled the anchor back, holding the angled part in her hand, and planted it directly into the mouth hole of Juggernaut's helmet. His view obstructed, he blindly flailed for her, and she used this expertly to land behind him. A well-placed snap kick to his left leg and the unstoppable Juggernaut found himself doing the splits.
Grabbing the anchor chain, she yanked hard and brought him down on his back, and just in reach for the next part. Grabbing the oversized man's helmet, she found a hand grip and yanked with all her might, rewarded with a series of loud pops. Ripping the helmet off, Wonder Woman found herself looking down at the now fearful eyes of Juggernaut.
"Idiot!" came a voice from behind Wonder Woman, and she brought the helm around, as an impromptu shield. "It's time to go," the voice said, grabbing the helm and touching Juggernaut with her foot.
Wonder Woman braced herself as fire and light flashed around her, brimstone filled her nostrils. Nothing came, in fact it was the absence of what should have been there that caused her concern. Gone was the woman, and so was Juggernaut. The damage, as they say, was done though. The cruise ship was dead in the water, with smoke billowing from its ruined interior.
Earth, New Jersey, Gotham
Dick Grayson sat on his bed, bags packed, but not feeling like moving. He felt empty, everything drained out of him. His knuckles hurt, even through the armor, he had been hitting Two-Face hard. This wasn't how it was supposed to be.
He wasn't sure what he expected, well yes he did. Dick had always dreamed of this, getting justice for his family, and seeing the man responsible destroyed. Part of that was done, Two-Face was in jail, again. That was something at least.
"Master Grayson, I believe it is time to get going," Alfred's soft voice said.
Dick smiled, a feeling flushed through him. The older man was right, he had a trip set up, well before the Two-Face chase. It seemed so distant now, because he still hadn't come to terms. Bruce had set it up for him, so he could get some distance from Gotham. A reward for doing well in school before graduation. He'd graduated with honors, and he had been proud.
An unexpected knock, brought Dick out of his trance, "Mind if I see you off?"
More feelings came rushing through Dick Grayson, Bruce had come to see him off. For those who weren't in the know, it would seem normal. For Dick, he knew what such a gesture meant. Despite himself, he found himself hugging Bruce hard.
"You enjoy yourself while you're out there," Bruce said softly. "We'll be waiting for you when you come back."
"Thank you," Dick wiped his eyes. "For everything."
Bruce gave him a quick squeeze, "You never have to thank me."
"I know, we're family," Dick said. "You and Alfed that is."
Two hours later, a very tired Bruce watch his private jet soar across the sky. Dick was on his way to a more normal adventure, like other kids his age. Pride swelled, just as much as suddenly his world felt a little emptier than before. Beside him, Alfred put a gentle hand on his shoulder. Just like always, Alfred was there for him. They stood there for several minutes, even after the jet was long past their sight.