Chapter 29: God Killer
Diana was still in shock over what she was seeing. Steve Trevor, the man who brought her beyond Themyscira, the first man she ever loved, and who sacrificed himself to save the world, was standing before her. He was exactly the way she remembered him, though he was wearing a Flying Ace outfit rather than the German clothes she had last seen him in. he seemed to be confused himself, but seeing Diana in front of him guided his focus.
"Diana?" He let out.
"Steve..." Diana whispered, covering her mouth in shock. "By the Gods… is it really you?"
"It's me, Angel." He confirmed. "The one and only."
That pet name instantly got Diana moving, reaching out for Steve. However, before she could get close, Ares grabbed him, pulling him back as Persephone put her blade at Steve's throat.
"Stop!" Diana screamed.
"Using Diana's old flame?" GL commented, aiming his ring at Ares. "That's pretty low."
"It's simple common sense." Ares replied. "I have something Diana wants, and she can do something I want. It's a simple trade. Steve Trevor's freedom in exchange for mine."
"Don't do it, Diana!" Steve insisted. "My life's not worth it!"
Diana looked at Steve, then at Ares, tears in her eyes. Above her, the storm began to rage, rain falling in buckets. It barely hid the tears as they fell.
"I'm sorry Steve." she said softly. "As much as I want you back… I cannot let the world fall."
"Then he is of no use to me." Ares declared, about to bring his fists down on him.
Time seemed to slow down. Lightning cracked across the sky with a deafening boom as Diana screamed, rushing to stop the blow. She caught Ares by his wrists, keeping him from hurting Steve. Unfortunately, this also meant her hands caught him by the bands, power coursing through them. With twin metallic snaps, the bands broke, clattering to the ground.
"No!" Superman shouted.
"Yes." Ares let out, feeling his powers return.
He shoves Diana into Steve, both of them falling off the monument as he began to rise into the air. The lightning took on a reddish tinge as his eyes became solid red. Suddenly, random pieces of metal began flying from various sources. The guns of the cultists, various street signs, and pieces of cars began swirling around him, bending, melting, and morphing onto him. Finally, the metal formed a black suit armor with shoulder spikes and a helmet with horns on it. Ares took two finders and brought them down the front of the helmet, melting away two slits for him to see out of.
"You had your chance, 'heroes'." Ares taunted. "Now, a new age of war and death will sweep over this world, burning it to its core!"
Instantly, Superman charged at Ares, trying to knock him down. However, the god was barely moved an inch. Ares retaliated and hit Superman so hard, he went flying through the air, crashing into the reflecting pool. GL flew up next, forming an airplane that shot out green energy bullets at Ares. These did nothing as Ares just blasted at GL, knocking him out of the sky. Ares got only a short distance before the Javelin opened fire on him, blasting with everything it had.
As this was going on, Steve and Diana sat up, the latter still in shock from what happened. Steve grasped her arms, trying to pull her back to her senses.
"Diana." He hissed, shaking her. "Diana!"
"This is all my fault..." she whispered. "I unleashed Ares..."
"Hey, hey, this is not on you." He reassured. "Ares played you."
"Why..." she let out. "Why did he have to drag you into this..."
"I dunno, Angel." Steve told her. "You want to know what I do know? I know we're going to find a way to get through this. We're going to beat Ares, together."
"How are you so sure?" Diana asked.
"Because I believe in you, Angel." Steve reassured, cupping her face in his hands. "I always have."
Diana smiled, grasping his hands in hers. She got to her feet, pulling him up as well. She then turned towards Ares and drew her usual blade, adjusting it in her grasp. She charged at Ares, bringing her blade down on him. He saw this coming before before he could react, the strike hit, knocking him back as the Javelin poured on the blaster fire. Ares then blasted at the Javelin, prompting the plane to swerve out of the way before Cyborg decided to land. Once the Javelin was on the ground, J'onn phased out of the ship and flew towards Ares. As he did so, he transformed into a massive serpent, wrapping himself around Ares and constricting him. Ares just flexed his arms against the confines of J'onn's snake body before he was free enough to grab him by the tail, slamming him onto the ground, causing him to revert back to his original form. Ares then summoned more metal to form a sword that he brought down on J'onn. Fortunately, J'onn went intangible before that happened and sprang up to strike Ares across the face. As he stumbled back, Aquaman and Cyborg both opened fire on him, blasting him with everything they had. Ares easily blasted back, knocking them to the ground. Ares then turned and saw Wonder Woman charging at him again, prompting him to clash blades with her. The two traded blows back and forth against each other as Steve grabbed the gun of a fallen cultist, opening fire on the war god. Ares just looked at him in annoyance before blasting at him. Before he could react, Flash quickly sped by and carried him away.
"Can't have you dying again." Flash remarked as he ran towards Ares.
Ares blasted at Flash repeatedly, but the scarlet speedster was able to evade them all. Finally, Ares plunged his sword into the ground, sending a massive shockwave that knocked the Flash off his feet, prompting Superman to catch him.
"You alright?" Superman asked.
"Yeah, I'm okay." Flash replied. "Put me down."
Superman obliged as he set Flash on the ground.
"You put forth quite the effort, heroes." Ares commended as the League and Steve regrouped. "But I'm afraid it is for nothing."
"We're not out yet." Batman reassured.
"It matters little." Ares dismissed. "Soon my armies and I will lay waste to your world and pave the way for my war against Zeus and Olympus."
"With these schmucks?" GL remarked, gesturing to the cultists. "Good luck with that."
"You truly are fools if you think these puppets are the extent of my army." Ares remarked. "Like my uncle, I wield dominion over centuries of fallen warriors! Through them I will unleash my greatest curse upon your world!"
His hands then began glowing as he raised them up. Suddenly, several decayed arms started springing up out of the ground, much to the shock of the League. All around them dead soldiers from various eras of history came crawling out of the ground. From the Civil War to World War I, even several dead Amazons stood by Ares' side. Diana was beyond horrified to see her dead sisters, including a resurrected Alexa.
"By the gods." She let out. "Alexa…"
"Ok, that's just messed up." Aquaman commented.
"Go forth, my undead warriors!" Ares commended. "Lay waste to this world and its heroes! Let nothing stand in your way!"
The soldiers all charged, wielding everything from clubs to swords to modern day pistols. Wonder Woman quickly used her bracelets to deflect the bullets, sending them back at the undead soldiers. Unfortunately, they didn't seem to do much, their undead nature making them tough to kill. Aquaman leapt towards the undead soldiers and stabbed one with his trident, swinging him around and tossing him into several others. They slowly got back up and started moving towards the League again. Steve unloaded several bullets on the undead soldiers as Batman moved back to back with him, kicking one soldier aside.
"You seem to be adapting well." Batman noted.
"Gotta admit, I am seriously over my head." Steve told him. "In my day, the worst we had to deal with was poisonous gas and an immortal german general"
"Just wait until you've seen Gotham." Batman replied.
"If you say so." Steve remarked. "If you want, I think I can snag a pistol from one of these undead freaks."
"Not my style." Batman replied, pulling out two explosive batarangs and throwing them at two undead soldiers, blowing them away.
Cyborg used his arm cannon to blast down several undead soldiers, each blast leaving gaping holes in their bodies. Unfortunately, this did little more than slow them down as they still pulled themselves back up.
"Geez!" Cyborg let out. "What does it take to take these things out?!"
"I don't know!" Diana admitted, swinging her sword at one.
She was then struck on the back by one soldier, knocking her to the ground. Several undead Amazons grabbed her as Ares approached.
"Hold her still." He ordered. "I wish to show Hippolyta's daughter the same mercy she showed my son."
He then raised his sword, preparing to bring it down. However, another blade stopped it before it landed. Everyone turned, shocked to see Hippolyta in full armor standing between Ares and Diana.
"Not this time, Ares." she swore.
"Mother." Diana let out in shock.
"Hippolyta," Ares greeted, withdrawing his sword. "I'm so glad you could make it. Now I will have the pleasure of striking you down myself."
"You fell to my blade once before." Hippolyta reminded him. "What makes you think this time will be any different?"
"This time, my armies included countless damned souls, including several of your own fallen Amazons." Ares boasted.
"You are not the only one with an army." Hippolyta replied.
Just then, the armies of Themyscira came marching into DC, all of them armed in greek armor with bows, swords, spears, and other weapons. There were so many that they almost matched the number of the undead.
"Unexpected," GL admitted. "But welcome."
"You came..." Diana marveled. "You all came."
"I wouldn't have missed this for anything." Artemis told her.
"Well…" Ares observed. "This makes things all the more interesting. Tear them apart!"
"Amazons, attack!" Hippolyta ordered.
The two armies then charged at each other, clashing violently. It was like a scene from a gladiator movie, the Amazons tearing the undead apart and vice versa. With each living Amazon falling however, it added to the number of Ares' undead warriors. Ares delighted in this as he mowed down several Amazons at a time. Both Hippolyta and Diana charged at him, clashing their blades against his. They both swung their blades at him in a mad frenzy, Ares barely able to keep up. Finally, Diana used her lasso to snag the blade out of Ares' grip, allowing Hippolyta to swing her sword up, knocking Ares' helm off.
"It's over, Ares." Hippolyta told him.
"I haven't even started." Ares remarked, backhanding Hippolyta aside. "And soon, my full power will be reached."
"What are you talking about?" Diana asked, helping her mother.
"Since the time of my imprisonment, man's propensity towards war has escalated." Ares elaborated. "Even as we speak, they are in the midst of launching a weapon so devastating that it's very use fills me with the strength of a thousand wars!"
"What are you-" Diana started before she realized what he meant. "Oh no…"
Batman saw her face and became concerned as well.
"Cyborg!" He called out. "Scan government communications and find anything about missile launches in the past hour!"
"On it." Cyborg replied, accessing several government databases. "Oh shit… we've got a nuclear missile being launched as we speak!"
"Where?!" Batman demanded.
"My instruments say somewhere on the Atlantic ocean, but there's nothing but ocean!" Cyborg answered.
"What are the exact coordinates?" Steve suddenly questioned.
Cyborg brought up a holographic map, pinpointing the location. Steve went pale.
"That's Themyscira." he declared. "It's being launched at Themyscira!"
"No!" Diana let out.
"We've got to stop it!" Superman declared.
Before he could even take off, he was hit by a blast from Ares.
"No one is going anywhere." He promised. "Once that missile destroys Themyscira, I will have enough power to obliterate all of mankind. Then my conquest of Olympus can begin."
Steve clenched his fists.
"Do any of you have a plane I can use?"
"There's the Javelin," Cyborg informed. "Though it might be a little high tech for you."
"I'll figure it out." he replied.
"Steve, wait." Diana let out.
"Diana, I'm the only one who knows how to get to Themyscira, and I'm the only one with the skills to shoot down a missile." He rationalized. "I have to go."
"I just got you back…" She told him. "I don't want to lose you again."
Steve smiled at her, then pulled her in close and kissed her. She was shocked for a moment, then melted into the kiss. Steve released her not long after that.
"I am coming back this time." he promised.
Diana nodded as he took off towards the Javelin. She then turned back to Ares, ready to finish this fight. She leapt right at Ares and brought her sword down at him.
…
Inside the Javelin, Steve sat in the pilots seat, looking over the control panel.
"Ok, this might take a little longer than I thought." He admitted.
He scanned over the numerous buttons on the console and took a chance on one of the buttons. Thankfully, it was the right one as the ship began to rise off the ground.
"Alright." He let out, taking the controls.
He then darted upwards into the air, giving chase to the deadly missile.
…
Back on the ground, Aquaman continued taking down one undead soldier after another. As he blasted one away, he saw Persephone clashing with several Amazons, cutting them down mercilessly. As she was about to cut one more down, Aquaman ran up and blocked the sword with his trident.
"I don't think so, lady." Aquaman remarked, kicking her aside.
"Out of my way, Atlantean." Persephone told him. "I will strike you down."
"You're not the first to say that." Aquaman told her. "And I guarantee you won't be the last."
The two charged at each other, clashing weapons constantly. Aquaman aimed high, but Persephone blocked easily. She tried cutting him at the side, but he quickly blocked in turn. He then shoved off and spun around, trying to bring his weapon down on her, but she leapt over it and kicked him in the face.
"Before I kick your ass, I gotta know, why?" Aquaman inquired. "Why sell out your own people to help Ares?"
"Why does anyone do anything?" Persephone countered. "For love."
"Love? With that guy?" Aquaman reacted. "I'm telling you right now, it's a one sided deal. He's been using you."
"When one loves a God, one does not expect the God to return the affection." she countered.
"Your loss." Aquaman told her, charging again.
The two resumed battle, trying to gain ground over the other. Finally, Aquaman brought his trident down on her sword, shattering it, before uppercutting her and knocking her to the ground. As she tried to get back up, she was stopped by Aquaman's trident in her face.
"Go ahead." Persephone told him. "End it."
"Yeah… no." Aquaman replied. "Not my style."
Persephone then kicked the trident away before grabbing the remains of her sword and leaping back up. He backed away from her rapid swings before a new blade came out of nowhere, slicing at Persephone's hand. The blade fell from her grasp, as well as a few fingers. Persephone looked up, clutching her bleeding hand just in time to see a pissed Artemis.
"This is for Alexa!" she declared, plunging her sword into Persephone's chest.
Seconds after pulling the blade out, Persephone dropped to her knees before falling completely to the ground, letting out one final moan of death.
"Thanks." Aquaman told her, reclaiming his trident.
"As I said, I did that for Alexa." Artemis replied coolly.
"Speaking of, duck!"
He pushed Artemis behind him, just barely blocking a swing from an undead Alexa. The zombie amazon kicked him aside before focusing her attention of her living sister. Artemis was barely able to keep up with her undead sisters constant attacks. She remained on the defensive, unwilling to bring harm to her sister.
"Alexa, I do not wish to fight you!" Artemis insisted.
"Nego arch corpus." She let out.
"What?" Artemis replied.
"Nego arch corpus." Alexa repeated, swinging her blade.
"You're trying to tell me something." Artemis realized.
This momentary distraction allowed Alexa to knock Artemis to the ground, her blade ready to strike. In a moment of panic, Artemis tried something.
"Nego arch corpus!" She shouted.
The blade stopped inches from her face, Alexa stepping back in seeming relief. All around them, the undead soldiers ceased their fighting as if regaining their free will. The Leaguers all looked around, more than a bit confused.
"Not that I'm ungrateful, but what the heck just happened?" Flash questioned.
"An ancient incantation to release one from another's unnatural control." Alexa explained.
"Let me guess, you read it in a book once?" Artemis assumed.
"I told you the words of 'long dead philosophers' would benefit us one day." Alexa replied, offering her sister a hand.
"I just never assumed it would be on the field of battle." Artemis admitted, taking the hand and letting Alexa pull her up.
"Neither did I, having once feared the trials of war." Alexa admitted. "But now in death, I fear nothing, and can fight as a proud Amazon."
Alexa then let out a war cry as she and the undead soldiers charged at Ares. Ares just cracked a smile as he held up his hand with orange energy glowing from it. One by one, the undead soldiers began collapsing, including Alexa. Artemis quickly caught her in her arms as her essense slowly began fading away.
"May we meet again in a better place, sister." Artemis concoled as Alexa faded away.
With the undead soldiers gone, Hippolyta and Diana turned to Ares.
"Your army is gone, Ares." Hippolyta told him.
"So it seems." Ares admitted. "But as of now, I don't need an army."
He then raised his hands up as lightning cracked throughout the sky. He then sent down a massive bolt of lightning at the group, knocking Hippolyta back.
"Mother!" Diana let out.
She then snapped back at Ares sent down another lightning bolt, prompting her to bring up her bracelets to block it, sending him skidding back.
…
Meanwhile, back on Themyscira, Aresia sat on a step, sharpening her blade in mild irritation. As she casually looked up, she saw a massive missile soaring through the air, heading straight for the island. Other Amazons quickly took note as well and began to panic.
Up in the air, Steve continued flying the Javelin, trying to lock onto the missile.
"Alright, let's see what this future stuff can do." Steve let out, lining up his shot.
As the missile was finally locked on, Steve squeezed the trigger, firing a missile of his own at the target.
"Come on. Come on…" Steve let out.
Finally, the tiny missile made contact with the larger one, causing it to explode. Steve breathed a sigh of relief, slumping onto the wheel.
"Over a century in the grave and I still got it."
As he flew back to D.C., the Amazons cheered in relief. Except for Aresia, who just scowled at the skies in fury.
…
Back in D.C., Diana continued her battle with Ares. He formed two more metal swords which he tried to use against her, but she easily used her bracelets to blocks the swipes and strikes. She was then kicked back by Ares, but she quickly responded by lassoing one of the swords out of his hands and swinging it right back at him, causing it to embed into his shoulder. He pulled it out just as Diana ran up and used both legs to kick him back. He didn't falter though, he just grabbed Diana by the throat and tossed her aside. As he walked towards her, he batted away GL and J'onn as they flew towards him. Superman flew right up to him and uppercutted him, but Ares just blasted him in the chest, sending him flying back.
"Did your mother not tell you this would happen?" Ares taunted. "That you would either strike me down or die trying?"
"I have no plans to die this night." Diana spat.
"Your dedication would be admirable if it wasn't misplaced." Ares remarked. "You really believe you can save humanity, or that they can be saved? They serve no more purpose than to be crushed under my heel!"
He then blasted at her again, prompting her to block the blast. This time however, she shoved her arms forward, sending the lightning right back at Ares, shooting him into the air and causing him to land hard. As Diana straightened up, she looked at her wrists and saw electricity sparking on them, causing her to smile as she walked towards him.
"You are wrong about them." Diana told him. "They are everything I've been taught… but so much more."
Ares just blasted at her again, but she batted away the lightning like it was nothing, much to the astonishment of everyone.
"Whoa." Aquaman let out.
"I have spent the last hundred years fighting against humanity's worst," She continued. "But I have also been privileged to see them at their best. I have witnessed their capacity for courage, honor, compassion… and love. And it is for all of that, that I stand in defiance against you, and declare your wrath upon this world over."
Ares blasted at her once more, but she quickly flew over it and slammed her bracelets together, sending out a blast of lightning of her own that shot right at Ares. The energy coursed through Ares, causing him to cry out in pain.
"NOO!" he cried out in agony before the energy finally became too much.
A massive explosion suddenly rang out, prompting everyone to shield themselves. As the smoke cleared, Diana landed, and Ares was nowhere to be seen. Only charred pieces of his armor remained. She was panting hard as the massive storm overhead slowly calmed down, only the light grey clouds remaining in their wake. The Amazons all cheered in response as Diana smiled, looking towards Hippolyta as several Amazons helped her to her feet. Diana went over to her mother and pulled her into a hug.
"It's over." She told her mother. "We won."
Hippolyta just smiled as she returned the hug in kind. Just then, the sound of the Javelin's jets rang out, drawing her attention. The plane landed and Steve emerged, a smile on his face.
"Your home's safe, Angel." He told her. "Just like I promised."
With tears of relief, Diana rushed over to Steve, pulling him into a hug. They held each other for a moment, then Batman noticed Steve's hands beginning to dissolve into green smoke.
"Trevor." He let out.
Diana and Steve pulled away, seeing what Batman was referring to.
He looked at his hands, letting out a small laugh.
"Well, look at that." He said softly. "Guess I'm breaking my promise after all."
"No..." Diana gasped. "No I- I just got you back. You can't leave me again, Steve."
"Diana, my time here is long over." He told her. "As grateful as I am to see you and fight beside you again, I don't belong here, not in the land of the living."
Diana gripped Steve's shoulders, watching as the green smoke began to emanate from all across his body. Tears were flowing freely, the rain starting up once again.
"No..." she sobbed. "Please… no..."
"Angel, do you remember what I told you before I left?" He asked.
She shook her head.
"I never heard you." she choked. "My ears were ringing. I never..."
"I said that it had to be me that night." He elaborated. "I could save today, but you could save the world. And it looks like I was right."
That made Diana smile as tears still flowed down her face.
"I love you." She told him.
"I love you too." He replied as they kissed once more.
They held each other in that kiss as Steve's entire body became green smoke, dissipating in Diana's arms. She stood there with her arms still held out, then fell to her knees and cried, the pouring rain just barely drowning out her anguished screams.
…
Ares was made to kneel at the feet of Hades' throne in the Underworld palace, a far cry from the fire and brimstone of Tartarus. Outside massive windows, Ares could see the endless Fields of Apostles, as well as the distant shores of Elysium. As he struggled in the thick red chains that bound him to the ground, Hades entered the throne room, clapping slowly as he did.
"Congratulations, dear nephew." He declared, finishing his sarcastic applause before taking his seat on his throne. "You succeeded in freeing yourself from your binds for a grand total of 52 minutes."
"This is nothing but a momentary setback." Ares swore. "Next time, I-"
"Next time?" Hades interjected. "Oh no, there will not be a next time. As you agreed, the god killer performed its intended purpose, and as such, you must now face the punishment for your crimes."
"And what punishment does my 'dear uncle' have planned for me?" Ares inquired sarcastically.
"Oh, nothing." Hades replied. "In this instance… I defer to someone more deserving of that honor."
Green smoke swirled through the window, coalescing into the form of Steve Trevor. This time, he was wearing a white button down and slacks, his arms crossed and a cocky grin on his face. Ares went wide-eyed at the sight, pulling at his chains.
"You!" He shouted.
"Me." Steve nodded.
"So, Captain Trevor," Hades spoke. "What punishment would best fit my mischievous nephew?"
"Let him serve beside his son." Steve answered. "After all, you shouldn't tear families apart."
"Indeed." Hades agreed. "So be it, then."
Fire erupted underneath Ares as his chains began dragging him down.
"No!" Ares cried out as he was dragged away. "NO!"
Steve gave him a small, cheeky wave as he disappeared into the flames. Once Ares was gone, Steve turned to Hades.
"Thank you for this opportunity." He told him, bowing respectfully. "You have no idea how much seeing her again meant to me."
"While I am never one to play favorites, Diana is the most likable of my brother's children." Hades told him. "She deserved to see you again, even if for only a moment. I now return you to your eternal rest in Elysium."
"Thank you." Steve replied as he faded into green smoke that sailed towards Elysium.
…
At the Themysciran Embassy, the Amazons and the Justice League gathered to pay respects to those fallen in battle.
"This day has extracted a heavy toll, for both Amazons and mankind alike." Hippolyta lamented. "But it is due to today's sacrifices, that we have a tomorrow to look forward to. I also feel that great thanks should also go to the Justice League."
The League all perked up at this.
"In no small part to your heroism, Ares was defeated and the world was saved." Hippolyta declared. "And for that, we owe you our eternal gratitude."
"It's what we do, your Highness." Superman insisted.
"Then it seems my daughter has found good people to stand by." Hippolyta noted.
Diana turned to her mother, surprised by the admission.
"You were right about us, Diana." Hippolyta admitted. "I thought cutting ourselves off from man's world was for our protection, but you, all on your own, have done more for this world than I ever thought possible. This very building, the least of it."
"I had it built in the hopes of Themyscira finally rejoining the outside world." Diana replied, brushing some hair behind her ear.
"Then perhaps it is time." Hippolyta decided.
Diana smiled as the mother and daughter hugged.
"I am so proud of you," Hippolyta shared. "My little sun and stars."
…
Much later, Diana visited Steve's grave. She replaced the flowers with fresh ones, kneeling down and placing a hand on the tombstone.
"For over a century, I regretted never being able to hear your last words, or tell you how I truly felt." she admitted. "It haunted me ever since, like a weight I could never remove. But now? Now I think I'm finally ready to move on."
She stood up kissing the tips of her fingers and placing them on the stone.
"Part of my heart will always be with you, Steve." She promised. "Always, and forever."
She turned to leave, only to see Batman standing behind her.
"Sorry." he apologized. "Didn't want to interrupt."
"You're fine." Diana reassured. "I was just paying my respects."
"How are you holding up, by the way?" Batman asked.
"Better now." She admitted. "I know that I will never truly stop missing him, but I'm okay with that."
"At least you got to say goodbye." Batman added. "Most people don't get that chance."
Diana sighed, then took hold of his shoulder.
"I will admit, I do not want to be alone right now." She told him. "Perhaps you and I can get some coffee?"
Batman was about to respond when three cop cars came driving down the street, sirens blazing.
"Duty calls." Batman replied about to take off, but stopping to turn back to her. "Care to join me?"
Diana smiled, twirling in place before revealing her Wonder Woman outfit.
"Gladly."
The two then take off, ready to take on whatever evil awaited them next.
