#FatefulRebellion
Far from the shores of Metropolis, the super teens flew their ways over the ocean. Supergirl, Green Lantern, Bumblebee, and Zatanna using their own means of flying. Meanwhile, Batgirl sat atop Kara's back, laptop in hand, and Spider-Man hung by a webline that Supergirl held the other end of. Basically, Kara was giving them an easy lift. On the way to rescue their Amazon friend, they had been soaring over salty waters for a few minutes now.
"We almost there, Batgirl?! I feel like we've been flying forever already!" Zee said over the rushing wind.
"We should be catching up to them any second now! Just keep looking out for a big boat!" Babs replied, keeping a close eye on her laptop.
"And you're sure we're going the right way?!" Jessica asked.
"Positive!"
"They really got far fast!" Izuku pointed out.
"No kidding! If you stuck around earlier, you'd have saw how ripped those chicks were! So, rowing their boat at top speed probably isn't much of a struggle!" Kara said.
"Good point! Babs?!" Izuku looked up to Kara above.
"Yeah, bestie?!" Babs peeked over the blonde's side.
"I believe it's time you told us about this source you mentioned! First question, and this is the most obvious one! But, does this source know who we are?! Both with or without our masks?!"
"It's possible! Honestly, I'm not entirely sure! They're not giving me a chance to speak with them! All I know is that an unknown number has been messaging me updated coordinates marked Wonder Woman every few minutes for the last hour! Not saying much else! I've tried messaging back to ask who they were and all, but no dice!"
"And you're sure we can trust them?!" Karen exclaimed.
"Yeah, isn't it weird that they just contacted you out of the blue like that! They could be leading us into a trap for all we know!" Zee said.
"I'll admit, going off on their 'help' isn't my smartest move! But as far as I'm concerned, we need these coordinates to reach Diana! I never saw the direction their ship took off in, did you?!"
At that, no one said anything.
"That's what I thought! If by chance it is a trap, well, y'all better be ready to tussle!" Barbara smirked.
"I really hope we don't regret this!" Karen uttered anxiously.
"We're about to find out! Look ahead!" Jessica spotted the Amazon ship, pointing at it someways ahead of them.
"Huh, guess our mystery helper was right!" Izuku spoke. "All right! This is it, guys! Let's get down there, nice and slow! If we're lucky, we can get Diana without having to throw any punches!"
Nods all around, the teens steadily lowered to the boat, making a cautious and silent approach behind it.
With Diana, she wasn't in the brightest of moods. Unstandable considering the friends and destiny she was forced to abandon. She stood at one side of the ship, facing towards the ocean in misery, but looking to her hands. Tears dripping down her face, she delicately held the lion plushie Izuku gifted her, her thumbs brushing its belly as all she could think about is how she didn't deserve this adorable gift. Not after failing Izuku. She couldn't bring herself to release it, dropping it into the water and letting go of her short-lived mission. It'd be so easy. Yet, it wasn't.
"Diana? What is that you hold?" The voice of Diana's mother, Hippolyta, spoke behind her, her crazy tall height allowing her to spot the toy easily. Her presence did nothing to shake Diana, the three century old teen just glancing over her shoulder for a second.
"A gift from a good friend, mother. That is it.."
"You are much too old to accept a mere child's toy as a gift, are you not? Was it given by one of those girls you were with?" Hippolyta stepped up beside Diana.
"Not one of them, no.. You were too late to meet him. So, there is no point in telling you his identity since... we are never going to see him again.." Words had never felt so painful, Diana sadly thought.
"Him? So, it is a boy you speak of." Hippolyta caught on quickly.
Diana didn't respond, tensing as she said too much.
Normally, as any mother would, Hippolyta would pry into such matters. But, seeing as she put her daughter through enough for one night, she held off. There already being enough tension between them to last a century or two. "Oh, Diana.." Hippolyta sighed. "I know that you are not happy with what I had to do, but I am only doing it for your own good. I am aware that ever since you were a child, I have taught you all that I can when it comes to battle and strategy. When it comes to defending against the dangers of man's world however, that is another story entirely. You have witnessed how vastly different man's world is compared to our own. And if you believe that is all there is to it, then you are more foolish than I thought. What is important that you understand is that man's world is... unpredictable. It constantly evolves in ways that we Amazons struggle to keep up with, or even comprehend. That is what makes man's world a most dangerous threat. And that is why you still need more time to better prepare yourself for it. I may permit you to return in the future, but only until I deem you ready. So, if you ever want to see it again, I would not recommend attempting to run away again... for this is your second, and final chance." With a gentle touch to the shoulder, Hippolyta left Diana to her devices after their 'talk'.
"...I do not know if I am worthy to return... or if I want to.." Diana mumbled, shamefully accepting her fate as she squeezed her toy. Her breath trembled as she thought about the friends she had made, unable to bear the thought of not having them with her on her 'second' journey. Despite their failure, she still wanted them along for the ride. For they were still her friends.
"Now, is that any way for a hero to talk?"
Diana gasped at the sudden intrusion, eyes wide as she promptly looked over the rail where the voice came from. Upon seeing her... unexpected guest, a wide smile of glee instantly came to her. "Spider-Man?!" She hushly exclaimed, seeing Izuku stick to the ship beneath her. Her jubilance was short-lived as she quickly realized where exactly he was. "I-Izuku, what are you doing here?! Actually, how did you get here? I am certain that I have not seen you when we departed from Metropolis." Diana said in a baffled frenzy, making sure no eyes were watching.
"I'm just that good?" Izuku joked, causing Diana to glare as it wasn't the time, nor place, for jokes. "Sorry. Force of habit. Heheh.." He shrugged. "Anyway, I'm here because your time in man's world is not finished yet, Diana. You still have a destiny to fulfill. And no way am I gonna let your mother force you to let it go like this. I couldn't.. Not when we haven't even started yet. Our team still needs you. I... still need you. Without you, our team isn't whole. That we realized. So, how about it? Let's go back and do what we were born to do." Izuku extended a hand out towards Diana, using the other to slide up his mask enough to show his smile. "Whether they know it or not, the world needs Wonder Woman. So, come on. Let's make your dream a reality. Let's go be heroes... together."
Oh, how tempting it was for Diana to accept Izuku's hand, especially after his speech as it nearly had her in tears. Happy ones this time. She almost did take it as her own hand just about touched his, until her earlier insecurities resurfaced and she slowly pulled back, looking away in emotional turmoil. "I do not know if I can, Izuku.. What if I fail again? I failed you, and man's world, once already. And just the one time has pained me so much. I... I do not think I can bear it another time." Diana trembled, trying with all her might not to cry in front of him.
"Diana.." Izuku sighed. "It's not just you who failed. We all share that pain with you, believe me.. But, if we let this one failure bring us down. How can we ever hope to grow as heroes? As a team. Mistakes were made, and... that's to be expected in our line of work. Especially for those who just started out. Even with all our power, we're not perfect. I said earlier that I made my own mistakes when I first donned this costume, and I wasn't lying. Heck, I made more than I care to admit. But, you know what they say about mistakes; they're just lessons in disguise. Lessons that we need to learn in order to be better. If we chose to give up after just one screw up, then we were never meant to be heroes. And yet, here I am. Ready to bounce back, and making sure my friend does the same. Because she is a hero. Our friends haven't given up either. Like me, they haven't given up on themselves, or you." He pointed at Diana, crawling a bit closer to almost come face to face with her. Diana quivered as all this was too much for even her proud warrior heart to handle, something between a frown and a smile trying to force itself onto her. "Diana, only you can decide your destiny. Not your mother, not me, not anyone else. Just you. And you chose yours. So, what's it gonna be? Will you continue to follow your heart? Or give up and allow it to crumble? It's time to choose." With that, Izuku left Diana to think on her options, giving her personal space back.
After providing such a convincing argument... how in the underworld can Diana deny fate now? 'He is right. My path in life is mine, and mine alone, to choose. Not my mother, nor my bloodline. Oh, how weak I have been to allow one failure determine my fate. To break me down enough to give up on my dream.. Well, no more. I must follow the example of my friends, and keep my head, and heart, strong. It is the Amazon way, after all. As long as I have my friends fighting alongside me, the burden of failure is never mine to carry alone. I see that now. And if they believe that we can improve from this, then so can I.' Settling on a smile, Diana indeed chose as she released her worries right then and there, her determined expression making her decision all too clear.
"So, what'll it be... Wonder Woman?" Spider-Man grinned, wanting her to speak for herself.
"Let us get back to Metropolis." Diana said, wiping her tears.
"Atta woman." Izuku softly chuckled, putting his mask back down. "All right, our friends are waiting over at the back. So, I suggest you make your way as naturally as you can to avoid any suspicion." Izuku instructed, turning himself around to crawl back to their team.
"All of our friends are here?" Diana questioned.
"That's right. How else do you think I got here?" Izuku replied, answering her second question from earlier.
Just as Diana smiled at the fact that all her friends came for her, she was so rudely interrupted when Hippolyta cleared her throat.
"Do you mean these friends?"
Stunned by the interjection, Izuku and Diana gasped before turning around, Izuku needing to peek over the railing. They weren't prepared for the sight awaiting them.
'Oh, no!' They thought in shock, their team captured by the Queen's guard and being pinched harshly by the ears.
"Agh! Ow, ow, ow, ow! Do you have to grab so damn hard?!" Kara whined, trying not to pull away as to avoid anymore pain.
"This is soo uncivilized! Owww!" Zee winced, her, along with the others, following Kara's lead.
"Ah, crap.." Izuku muttered in frustration, flipping out into the open seeing as the jig's up.
"I-I'm so sorry, bestie! This is my fault!" Batgirl groaned. "I got curious and they spotted me when I took a peek." She admitted with guilt, praying that Izuku wasn't upset with her for this.
"It's okay, Babs. We'll settle this." Izuku assured, gesturing her to calm herself before she got too panicked. His words worked as Barbara settled her fear, but was still very much in pain.
"You children truly are fools!" Hippolyta huffed, glaring at her captives before shifting it over to Izuku and her daughter. "Did you honestly believe that you would succeed on sneaking aboard MY vessel, and take MY daughter away from her people?!"
"Honestly, for a good few minutes there, we... kinda did. Heh.." Izuku answered bashfully, hands raised in surrender. "Guess this just shows what happens when you don't plan carefully, huh?" He nervously chuckled, attempting to lighten the mood.
"Are you mocking me, boy?!" Hippolyta threatened, eyes dangerously narrowed at Spider-Man.
"No, ma'am! I-I mean, your majesty!" Izuku gulped, intimidated by the Queen's demeanor. "S-Sorry, it's just that whenever I'm in a tense or awkward situation, I tend to make stupid jokes. Hah... Again, I apologize. Wow, this isn't going at all how I imagined.. Er, Diana. Little help, please." He whispered to the Amazon beside him, not wanting to mess things up more just by speaking.
"Leave him alone, mother!" Diana intervened, stepping in front of Spider-Man to steal her mother's gaze. "If you are to hurt or yell at anyone, then it shall be me you face!" She said bravely, standing tall as she stared down Hippolyta.
Hippolyta and the others Amazons were shocked to say the least, bewildered on where this new bravado of Diana's came from. As for Izuku, he looked proudly at Diana for finally standing up for herself, and her friends. "Never have you spoken to me in such a manner. Is that what these friends of yours have been teaching you?! To rebel more against your mother!" Outraged, the Queen said.
"The fault is not theirs. This is simply me taking a stand for once! Taking real control of my life! My destiny! Now, guards!" Diana called to the warriors holding her friends, her firm voice making them stand in attention. "As your princess, I order you to release my comrades at once!"
"Yes, princess!" The guards complied without argument, letting the ears of their now former captives go.
"RUN!" Babs cried once they were free, the crew not needing to be told twice as they instantly booked it to Izuku and Diana, rubbing their sore ears once behind them.
"You girls okay?" Izuku asked.
"Yeah, we're cool, bestie." Babs smiled, giving a thumbs up.
"Ugh, you insolent child!" Hippolyta snapped after getting over the disbelief of Diana's order. "I thought I had raised you better than this, Diana! Do you intend to choose these mortals over your own people?!"
"It is not a matter of choosing them over my people, mother! It is a matter of me making a decision as my own woman! For Zeus' sake, can you not see what you are doing to me?! How much you are holding me back!" Diana shouted without hesitation, staying strong throughout this verbal showdown, saying what always needed to be said. Her last remark caught Hippolyta's attention as she was stunned once more, Diana taking the reaction as a sign to continue. "If you have not noticed, mother. I am no longer a child! I am at an age where I am allowed to make my own decisions, and take responsibility for my own actions! There is no need for you to hold my hand like I am still some naive little girl! That is not me anymore! I have grown! I took part in, and survived, the trials of Athena and Aphrodite because I knew this! They knew it! ...And I had hoped you would as well. I proved to the Gods that I am capable of protecting myself. That I am ready to face my mission head on. Whether you support it or not! Now, even though I do not wish to, I will fight if you insist on standing in my way. For you would be going against Amazon law! A law that you as Queen swore to uphold. And as Princess, I will not hesitate to do my part." With that, Diana prepped herself for combat, ready to faceoff against her mother and the guards if need be.
"And not alone, mind you." Izuku chimed in, him and the rest of the girls stepping up to fight alongside Diana.
"I'm really sorry, your majesty. But, one way or another. Diana is coming with us." Karen so boldy proclaimed, managing to smirk as she readied up for the potential brawl.
"I couldn't have said it better myself, Karen." Jessica smiled, powering up her ring as she got into a stance. Even if she didn't want to fight either, she'd do it just this once for Diana.
"Ha~ So much for not wanting to throw any punches." Zee scoffed as magic surrounded her hands, levitating herself slightly.
"Oh, this is gonna be fun.." Kara grinned, cracking her knuckles as she hoped things got out of control.
'Awesooome!' Barbara squealed in her head, briefly admiring their badass lineup before readying up herself.
Diana was initially surprised at the big risk her friends were taking, but didn't dare object as she smiled gratefully at their unity, trusting her allies as a leader should.
'I am blessed to have made such amazing friends.. Thank you all.'
"I am afraid the princess is correct, my Queen." One of the guards spoke, approaching their ruler before kneeling. "Once she had survived the 21 trials, she had earned the right to choose her own path. I am sorry, but she has made her choice, and it is our duty to respect it. It is, as she said, Amazon law."
"IT IS LAW!" The remaining guards chanted in unison, kneeling themselves as they had no intention of battling their princess. Despite what the wishes of their Queen may be.
As for Hippolyta, she had no idea what to feel. Sure, she was angry, frightened, and confused. However, she also found herself feeling... proud of Diana. Much to her surprise. Insanely proud as it kept up with all her negative emotions, overpowering them. How could she have been so blind? She thought as that's when it hit her. Standing before her was no longer the little girl she'd given so much to raise, but a beautiful and courageous young woman ready to fight for what she believes in. To follow her heart no matter the cost. Her anger subsided, her decision on what to do with this stubborn child of hers becoming all too clear.
So, with a heavy sigh of reluctance, Hippolyta made the one decision that every parent has to make at least once in their lifetime. "Very well then.. Your point has been made, Diana. There is no need for violence. You... may go." She said lowly, her lion's coat flipping up when she whipped around to walk away. Her guards followed her, pleased by the mature decision.
Obviously, the teens celebrated at winning her approval. A hesitant approval, but one nonetheless. However, one of them couldn't let things slide like this. Not on a somewhat sad note for the Queen.
"Your majesty?" Izuku called, causing the Queen to halt, but not look in his direction.
"What is it, boy?" Hippolyta responded without hostility.
"I understand this mustn't be easy for you.. But, if it's any consolation, I promise we will do everything in our power to ensure that Diana thrives in our world. That she never faces any troubles alone. She will become a great hero. One that you'll be very proud of. That I also solemnly swear to you. So, thank you. Thank you for trusting us to guide her from here... and for trusting her to succeed in her mission. None of us will let you down, you have my word. Our word." Spider-Man said with such promise, standing his ground as he continued staring at Hippolyta's back, waiting for a response.
A familiar warmth enveloped Diana's chest upon hearing the promise, her face flushed as she eyed Spider-Man in total... adoration. 'Izuku..' Her heart rate quickened, touching her breast to feel for herself. Yeah, sooner or later, she'll need to ask about this strange emotion.
As for the other girls, they said nothing to deny Izuku's statement, standing behind him as they supported it wholeheartedly.
Hippolyta smiled at the boy's sincerity, slowly looking over her shoulder at the young team. "I would hope so. Usually, it is not so easy for mortals to gain my trust. But, just for this occassion, I am willing to make an exception. Not like I have much of a choice.." She sighed. "So, I fully expect you to hold up your end of the bargain at all times. All of you. Diana will need all the help she can get to adapt, as I am certain she already demonstrated." She stifled, her assumption right on the nose judging by how the girls, excluding Diana, stiffened awkwardly. All the while, Izuku remained composed.
"Don't worry, she'll get there. You can count on it." Spider-Man reassured.
"..What is your name, young man?" The Queen asked, genuinely interested in his identity.
Owing her that much, Izuku took off his mask before answering the question, showing respect by kneeling before Hippolyta. "Under my mask, I am known as Izuku Midoriya, your majesty. With it, they call me Spider-Man." He revealed with little to no hesitation, bowing his head as he gently smiled.
'Hmm... I wonder..' Ever so curious now that she seen his face, Hippolyta examined Izuku's features for a moment before glancing at Diana, putting pieces together after witnessing how... passionately Diana observed the boy. Upon figuring things out, she smirked. 'Oh, I see. This must be the boy who gifted her the lion toy.. Her 'good friend'. Well, Diana surely knows how to pick her allies, I will give her that much.' Holding in a chuckle, she left the issue there as she faced forward. "Take good care of my daughter, Izuku Midoriya. For she is now your responsibility. Am I understood?"
"Yes, ma'am." Izuku nodded, putting his mask back on as he stood.
"Excellent." Hippolyta relaxed. "I wish you luck in carrying through with your promises, little spider, as I will not be forgetting them anytime soon." She playfully warned.
"Of course. I wouldn't have it any other way." The 'little spider' chuckled.
"Good man." Hippolyta scoffed, confident that she had absolutely nothing to worry about now. "With that, I bid you farewell... young heroes." When all was said and done, she and her guards resumed their stroll away from the teens, leaving them to depart back to Metropolis on their own.
'Goodbye, mother. Thank you... for seeing me.' Diana smiled as she watched her mother walk off, proud of her for coming through in the end.
Then, after a celebratory group hug that was initiated by one happy Batgirl, the reunited team commenced their journey back home. The night remained young, as their mystery villian's rampage was far from finished.
A/N: Alrighty! Next chapter is done! Now, let's finally get to the last poll's results!
Final Poll Results! ( 22 votes )
- Star Wars ( 11 votes ) ( WINNER! )
- Kuroinu: Kedakaki Seijo wa Hakudaku ni Somaru ( 11 votes ) ( WINNER! )
...Well, shit. Looks like I'm doing both of them. XD But whatever, I dig this too! Okay, just so y'all know, you don't have to worry about reading any of the real dark shit that goes on in Kuroinu. As I really don't have the heart to write the sort of... assault that occurs in the series. It'll be implied occasionally, but I won't be writing in any detail about such heinous events. The worst you'll get in detail is pretty much just violence, swearing, and gore. And of course, the ladies will have given consent when the sweet lemons happen. Cause I'm just a vanilla loving weirdo like that. Lol Besides, I'm going to be doing things way differently with my take on Kuroinu. And it'll be oh so much heroic fun. Obviously, since this is Deku were talking about. XD
That's all I gotta say for now, guys. Thank you very much to those who voted in the polls! And I hope y'all at least somewhat enjoyed this update!
Harem is still the same! See Chapter 13 (#BlastOfATime) for the list if you need a reminder!
Follow, Favorite and Review if you'd be so kind! It is always greatly appreciated to know what you guys think of the story so far!
Until next chapter, deuces!