Diana entered the room that was currently occupied by the Saiyan. Since, she kept his presence on the island a secret, there was no one to go to for guidance on how to keep him hidden without making him feel like a prisoner.
"Good Morning, Diana."
"Good Morning, Goku. Thank you for waiting for me."
Goku stretched his arms, feeling soreness all over. "Not sure my body would get too far if I tried. Also, I don't think we were finished."
Diana sat on the side of the bed, "It's forbidden for you to be here. As a man on Themyscira, I should've taken you to my Queen for her to decide what to do with you."
"Why didn't you?"
"Because I would've lost the opportunity to get to know you. I told you I've never met a man, and you're more interesting than I imagined. Though it seems you're far from ordinary, I was hoping to learn about people from outside the island."
"I'm not an expert on every culture there is on earth," Goku began. "But I have met people all over the universe and we're a lot more alike than you'd think."
Diana was finally starting to get what she wanted, "How so?"
"Everyone wants a reason to be. To make an impact. We all have that motivation to get up in the morning. It keeps us moving. While all our needs are different, that need for something is in all of us. Even in those who are evil."
"Even someone like…Majin Buu," asked Diana.
"Yes. He has a need to destroy. The joy he gets from destroying homes and ruining lives is something I can't understand but it's obviously fulfilling to him."
"But when you have a craving to take life, that's when you must be stopped," said Diana strongly. "That's where culture comes in. All societies have a culture that dictates what's right and wrong."
Goku Shook his head, "Yep, People like Majin Buu who don't fit into any culture are at odds with the rest of humanity."
"But beings like that are rare, no?"
"I'm not sure. I'd like to say yes but there's no way of knowing what's in a person's heart. Majin Buu stands out because of his power. Give most people that kind of power and who knows what they'd do with it."
Goku noticed Diana looking down, "Sorry Diana, but there's a lot of ugliness out there.
"Yea, it seems my mother may have a point when she talks about the outside world and how man is not to be trusted."
"But people can be good. People do believe in Justice."
She gave a light smile, "I know. You're proof of that. Now how about we focus just on planet Earth."
Goku put a hand on his chin, "Hmm, it's been a while since I've been here. And when I was, I wasn't much of a city person. However, I can say it felt like most people I came across had hidden agendas. Like they were always looking to benefit themselves, and the next person was just a tool to reach their goals."
Diana broke his observation down to a single word, "Selfish."
"Very."
The Amazon wasn't surprised, "That's self-preservation, huh. Me first and me last. If you're going to be all about yourself, do so, but why keep others around as pawns? Be a true survivor."
"Maybe they fear being alone, forced to survive by themselves. People are more than objects towards personal success, but loneliness is a rational fear to have if you've never been trained on how to survive."
Diana laughed, "A rational fear? Fear is about the most irrational emotion there is."
"I would disagree," said Goku calmly. He knew it was time for a real lesson. "Fear represents a need for safety. It can cause you to think twice before making a stupid decision. Fear can also give you strength. You may not fear for your own life, but what about the lives of others? I fear failure, because I know how much losing can affect those who depend on me. It makes me fight that much harder."
Diana of course, made his words make since from a warrior's perspective, "Fear causes panic, which increases adrenaline, heightening your senses, making you fight better. I've felt that before, but I've always used it to my advantage."
"Yep, there are no useless emotions. Just don't let them work against you. Fear, sadness, anger, are all normal, but it's the choices we make because of these feelings that tell us who we really are."
"But even the purest of us have gotten lost in our emotions and done things we regret…Why don't we talk about redemption."
A simple topic for Goku, who was a big believer in second chances, "I'll give anyone who wants to change a chance."
"Anyone, no matter what they've done?"
"Sure, whatever they did is in the past. And I'd rather have more allies than enemies, wouldn't you?"
"…I…suppose so."
Diana showed her usual poise when approaching her mother in the royal palace. She heard the queen wanted to speak with her but chose to visit the Saiyan first. For his safety and her curiosity, she needed to check on him. However, there was the slightest regret as she reached the Queen of Amazons. Surely her mother couldn't have known?
"Good afternoon, Diana."
"Good afternoon, Mother."
"Diana, you've been rather distant lately. Is everything alright?"
"Yes mother, I just needed time to myself."
Like her daughter, Hippolyta was straightforward, "You're still angry at me, aren't you?"
Diana was caught off guard, but in a good way. She could handle this discussion, "No. Not anymore. You've given me permission to go to man's world. I just thought you'd be proud of me becoming Wonder Woman, not resent it."
"I don't resent it…You'll be leaving the safety of the island and…I just worry."
Diana saw the sadness in her eyes and held her hands in her own, "Mother, trust in the destiny the Gods have given me."
The reassured Hippolyta looked to her daughter, "I am. Now I want you to go Wonder Woman. I will not shield you from the world. I have faith in the Gods. I have faith in you."
Diana had gotten the approval she needed. Her mother's true blessing. She could've left the island the day she won the title of Wonder Woman, but she needed the person she respected the most to believe in her. The mental chains keeping her on the island disappeared.
While leaving the royal palace, Diana passed Artemis. The red headed Amazon wasn't pleased to see Diana, "The princess is still here? Too scared to venture off to man's world? Not surprising, we all know who should've been Wonder Woman."
Diana smirked, "You were given a chance in the contest. You lost to me…easily. And funny you should mention man's world, I was just leaving. I'm off on an adventure you could only dream of."
Artemis was seething with jealousy and rage but was called out by the Queen before she could respond.
"Artemis, I wish to speak to you." Hippolyta stood at the top of the stairs leading into the royal palace and watched the exchange. The faces of the two Amazons let her know things were close to getting out of control.
Artemis bowed, and continued up the stairs, "Yes, my queen."
Diana began her adventure into man's world with a smile, happy that that her journey no longer brought her mother distress. Wearing her red top and blue bikini bottoms, she was in full Wonder Woman attire.
She spent the day flying over the world, taking it all in. From east to west, she barely had time to conclude her thoughts on one culture before anxiously moving on to the next. She even found herself in Antarctica, which was mostly empty. The cold temperature wouldn't freeze her skin, but she could feel the breeze and loved the calmness of the continent. Things weren't busy here like the rest of the world. Diana reduced her speed when leaving, giving herself a chance to collect her thoughts while the world was still.
The world is so big. She looked into the sky, I can only imagine the rest of the universe.
She fantasized about traveling the universe, meeting all types of strange lifeforms. Her daydreams also included a companion, Goku. They would fight together, help those in need, and discover all life has to offer.
As she made her way back to a more populated area, she continued to think about the Saiyan. She made sure to bring him more than enough food, but she wondered what he thought about when she wasn't around. For someone who's bedridden, his spirits were high.
That's when heard the screams of civilians and could feel the devastation of combat. Flying past skyscrapers into the city, she saw people try to escape the carnage being created by a man in a red and blue costume, and a man over twice his size with yellow skin.
"Who knew this pathetic planet had a being that could actually amuse me," said the yellow skinned giant.
The man with the S on his chest wasn't amused, "Look around Mongul, what's satisfying in causing this chaos."
Mongul looked around, seeing the unconscious bodies, the buildings that had collapsed, and it put a smile on his face.
"I am Mongul the conqueror. I'm disposing of this planet's trash so it can be built in my image. But by all means, Superman, do try to stop me."
Superman charged Mongul, ramming him through the street with a shoulder.
While their battle continued, Superman's ally, Batman, was getting as many people to safety as possible. Being a human, he knew his limits, and trusted Superman to best the Alien. As he was helping an elderly woman to her feet, he saw something fly by him at superhuman speed. Whatever it was, he knew he'd need to prepare for the possibility that it was another enemy.
"AHHHHHHH." Superman went flying into a building after receiving a vicious headbutt. He immediately flew at Mongul, but a boot to the face put him down once again. Mongul begin charging the energy cannon in his chest, ready to end things.
"That's enough. You will leave this planet."
Mongul turned to the voice, "Sure I will, after I've enslaved its inhabitants."
He fired the energy wave at his new challenger, but she jumped over it and kicked him in the face. After he recovered his balance, he charged and ran into an uppercut. Enraged, he threw a barrage of punches with all his strength behind them.
Diana was blocking with her bracelets, but she could feel the heavy vibration of the blows. This intensity excited her. This is what she had trained for, and she finally got the chance to unleash her power. She saw her chance, and parried the next attack, springing her own barrage of punches.
They traded blows. Mongul felt himself wearing down much faster due to his battle with Superman, and the large release of energy he had meant to use to finish the hero. But he would not allow himself to be defeated this day.
In the midst of the battle, he begun charging his energy cannon in his chest. Wonder Woman reacted just in time to catch the brunt of the attack with her bracelets, but she was sent flying, nonetheless.
There were no timeouts in battle, and before Mongul could hoard his strength for the next attack it was already happening. He was sent into the air by Superman, who was back on the attack. Mongul's best bet was to charge his energy cannon, but he wouldn't get the chance. Superman was revitalized while Mongul didn't get any time to recover.
As Mongul floated, Superman flew past him high in the sky. He then came crashing down, delivering a headbutt to the back Mongul's head. A defenseless Mongul was headed to the ground where the Amazon waited. She delivered one final kick to the conqueror's chin, knocking him unconscious.
Superman landed in front of Diana, "Thanks for the help-."
"Who are you," asked Batman who seemed to appear out of nowhere.
"I am Wonder Woman."
"What are you? Where did you come from?"
Diana didn't like the aggression the man spoke with, "I am from earth. Are you two friends? I didn't see you fighting. Yet, you crawled from behind a rock, standing tall like you did something."
"Let's just calm down. She helped us," said Superman.
"I helped you. Your friend was nowhere to be seen."
Batman ignored the bait, "I am calm. She helped this time, but why? And what about the next time? There's things we need to know."
Batman grabbed the Amazon's arm, "You're coming with us."
"How dare you." Diana gave him a punch for his disrespect, knocking the caped crusader out and into a car.
Superman went to check on him, "Careful, he's human. He doesn't have superpowers."
Diana took to the sky, "He doesn't have manners either."
The Justice League headquarters was in New York City. Led by its founding members, Batman and Superman, the two heroes were looking to increase the leagues members. Superman wanted people around that he could relate to. Or were at least more friendly than Batman. In Batman's case, he wanted to keep an eye on any and all superhumans. Leading to the two in front of them. At a table sat Green Arrow and Wonder Woman.
Being human, the expert archer was the least of their worries. The Amazonian, however, kept them on edge. This past week, Diana continued her exploration of the world, helping those in need along the way. She trusted her instincts and decided to act on the feeling of being followed, which led to her crossing paths with Batman.
She'd have no problem knocking him out again but decided to take Goku's advice. While back in Themyscira, Diana told Goku of her encounters with man, and he told her that people can't earn your trust if you never give them the chance. Diana would accept the invite to their headquarters and hear them out.
"We've filled you in on all you need to know," said Batman.
Green Arrow wanted to know more, "That's it? You're not keeping secrets from us, are you? You seem the type to keep secrets."
"What do you expect? We take down bad guys," responded Batman.
Diana knew there was more to it than that, "You're forgetting the part where you watch our every move. Easier to do when we're working together, right?
Superman cut in, "We all want to do what's best for the world. That gives us something in common. Of course, we don't trust each other, we just met. Batman may not be the easiest to get along with, but you would not be here if he didn't see good in you."
He wanted to keep things positive, and he couldn't trust Batman to do that. Especially, after their first meeting. Was Batman the type to hold a grudge, who knows, but he didn't want to find out now. This was their moment to build a team.
Diana got up and started walking towards the door to the entrance, "Bringing me here shows me you mean well. This is your headquarters you've invited me to, so you obviously see more potential for me to be a friend than enemy. I won't be a stranger."
Superman breathed a sigh of relief. He was able to get some form of commitment out of Wonder Woman, which was more than enough for the moment. It was clear during the battle with Mongul that she was a powerhouse, that would greatly benefit the league.
Shortly after Wonder Woman left, Green Arrow joined the league. With additional members in the Justice League, one could say the meeting was a success. Superman was satisfied and he knew Batman was as well. After all, it was his idea.
Diana watched Goku do pushups in worry. She saw his health grow these past two months and knew he'd be leaving soon. As her first friend not from the island, she didn't want to lose him. She's learned so much from him. When it came to the world, he was an experienced outsider. He was a man of the people but could speak about them without bias.
According to him, he felt like an ordinary human male who hadn't even begun to reach the full depths of his power. Even so, he's come a long way these past two months. One day he may just decide to fly away.
"Goku, want to go for a walk?"
He stopped his exercise, "But Diana, couldn't you get in trouble if we get caught."
"All this time you've been trapped in here and you're thinking about me. I'll risk it. You need to work your muscles."
Goku was too busy imagining the fresh air on his face to ponder her motivations for letting him out.
The sun greeted them as they walked out. Diana immediately noticed the smile that appeared on his face. His relief was her own. She knew under that positive attitude, there had to be sadness or at least extreme boredom of waking up in a home not your own with nothing to do.
They walked through the fields, "So, this is your home. Thanks for letting me see it."
"It was time. You've been in that room far too long. I knew once you began to walk you would've left sooner or later. If I start letting you out, at least I can keep an eye on you."
"Nope, not until you let me, honest."
"I hope that's the first lie you've told me." They both laughed.
"How are things going with the Justice League?"
"Better. I've seen them in action, and they've earned my respect."
"Even Batman?" Diana seemed to never have anything positive to say about him. This would be the first.
"Yes. I can't deny that he'd put his life on the line if necessary. I've seen him do so many times."
Goku went a little further, "Would you say you two are friends?"
"No…but we don't have to be as long as we share the same goals. Come to think of it, I'm not particularly close with any members of the Justice League…You should join when you reach full strength. Keep me company."
Goku put a hand on his chin, "It could be a good way to keep me busy until Thaysei finds me. My power's so low he probably can't sense me. Then again, I can't sense him either. How far away could he be?"
If Goku was half as strong as Diana imagined, his strength would be welcomed in the league. However, he had a mission of his own to tend to, so whatever he planned to do while on earth would be temporary. When the time came, maybe she'd leave with him. Her attachment to the league was but so strong after all.
"Obviously you won't be living in that room forever but let me know when you plan to leave…please." It was a plea for consideration. After all their time spent together, did he see her as a companion worth keeping? Worth visiting? Or was she just someone to talk to, being the only person available.
"Of course. I'll even come back to visit if that's alright with you."
"It's not alright. I'd even say you've overstayed your welcome."
They were caught. Artemis had been watching them for an unknown amount of time.
Diana was rattled by her presence, "Artemis, what are you doing way out here?"
Artemis put a hand on her hip, "Watching you flaunt your ability to fly, I noticed you seemed to avoid the main city whenever you returned to the island. I wondered what could be so important for you to come here and see, that didn't include visiting us…I see now."
Diana needed to know what this meant, "You got your answer, and?"
Artemis smirked, "What do you think? You know the rules. I'll execute your boyfriend and bring you to your mother to continue your punishment once I'm through with you."
This is not the predicament Diana wanted to find herself in. She'd have no problem defeating Artemis, but she couldn't stop her from going back to the royal palace and telling the queen. She'd have to think of an explanation for her mother later. Now she had to protect her friend. She leapt from the ground and engaged the Amazon in combat.
Diana made Artemis stagger with a kick to the shin. Trying to attack without fully regaining her balance, caused Artemis to take an uppercut to the chin. She was able to dodge the next attack by doing a front flip over Diana and giving her a kick to the back of the head. Trying to repeat this method was a mistake, as Diana parried and landed another uppercut.
The battle excited Goku. Even if he wasn't fighting himself, just watching got his blood flowing. They were both skilled warriors and if he could, he'd challenge them both this very moment. Studying their duel, he noticed Diana was getting the advantage.
She noticed as well, and Artemis was being reminded why she was #2 and Diana was #1. That wouldn't change today. An angry Artemis through a punch with all her might, but her arm was caught. Diana kicked her in the side of the knee and in the ribs.
The kick to the knee seemed to be the most debilitating, as Artemis was having a hard time moving. The fight quickly become a beating. With the loss of her mobility, Artemis couldn't get out the way of the attacks anymore.
Diana delivered a kick to her face, and with superhuman speed, rotated around the barely conscious Artemis, giving her another kick from the other side, knocking her out.
The battle was over but now was no time to gloat. Diana quickly grabbed Goku and took to the sky.
"Goku, you can't stay here now that the other Amazons know about you."
"Figured as much." Goku was going to tell Diana to drop him off at one of his friend's house, but he didn't sense them. Not when he first arrived on earth. Not now. At first, he thought he just needed to recover, but that wasn't the case. He could sense everything else, but it was like the people he knew didn't exist. What could this mean?
"This is not a homeless shelter or a hospital. He can't stay here," said Batman.
Superman agreed, "Sorry Diana, but this place is meant for league members only."
Thinking of where she could take him, Diana brought Goku to the Justice League Headquarters and put him in a room. However, there would be no hiding this time. She would be honest with her fellow league members. Unfortunately, they weren't taking to the idea. She had to come up with something…
"I've recruited him…He can be a member of the Justice League. I brought him here to earn his trust like what you did with me."
"That's a decision we make together." Batman wanted a say in who the Justice League recruited. He wanted a say in everything.
Superman was more concerned about the usefulness of the potential new member, "Didn't you say he's sick or something? Do you even know when he'd be up and running?"
"I'd imagine soon. I've watched him get better day by day."
"What kind of powers does he have anyway," asked Batman.
Diana didn't know, but based on what they've discussed, he was a great warrior.
"You wanted heroes, he's a hero. You're both overthinking."
"And that's how I keep us safe. Making rash decisions is what children do," said Batman.
Diana held her tongue from saying something reckless. She didn't need his anger right now. "I'm a member of the Justice League just like you two. I should be allowed to make choices I believe benefit us as well. If that's reserved for you, why I am I here? If all I am is extra muscle, I can serve myself."
The intensity in the conference room continued to grow. Ideas about leadership and authority were being spread among the three league members. Eventually, they all began to lose their appetite to argue before Superman had the final say and allowed Goku to stay. A grateful Wonder Woman left and went to check on her Saiyan friend.
"Bruce, it was your idea to expand the league, I'm not sure why you suddenly changed your mind."
"Not one person gets to make that choice. It's a discussion we have together."
"And we just had that discussion. So, everything's cool now right?"
"No, everything's not cool. I didn't scout this man myself."
"So, the only person whose judgement you trust is your own?"
"Absolutely."
"Everything's fine, but I did tell them you'd be joining the Justice League. They wouldn't have let you stay If I told them you were just a friend who'd eat everything in arms reach."
"Thanks Diana. You've done a lot for me."
They both sat on the bed in the new room he'd be staying in. That problem was taken care of, but there was something else Diana knew she'd have to address.
"I'm sure Artemis has told my mother about you. Things could be bad for me when I return."
Goku was concerned for his friend, "How bad could it be?"
"Well, I'm definitely not bringing you back with me because that would mean the worst for you. As for me, who knows. I've broken a sacred law and lifted a hand against a fellow Amazon to protect a man."
Try as she might, she couldn't purge her mind of what awaited her when she returned to the island. Her loyalty would be questioned, and her punishment severe.
