Author's Note: I'm not too proud of this chapter, but I needed a bridging point for the next one. I also intend to release a brief synopsis of this universe's history, to give context. It won't be an epitaph or anything, but it should provide background on these established characters.

He never worked pro-bono.

That's what Clark Kent AKA Ultraman thought to himself as the ocean blazed past the submarine window.

If you were good at something, never do it for free.

When he started the whole villain gig, he took that to heart like a personal oath.

But when you had everything, what did it mean? When you were the best at what you did, could you really say you were good at it, or was it just natural instinct?

Owlman was right, as manipulative as he obviously was. Money wasn't a commodity for them, it was a daily grind. Money was to them what breathing was to...well...he supposed, everything?

But the feeling you get when people shit themselves at your very presence; showing devastating strength. Practically playing football with the damn moon. Feeling like a Super. THOSE were the kind of things Ultraman lived for. The thrill of being. Sure,you could take it all over and lord over people. But the world would just become another item in your collection.

And once people were a part of your collection, well...You couldn't really show it off, could you?

"Another hour and we'll arrive." Says Owlman from the scope. "You remember the game plan, yes?"

"Blackmail goons with the bomb to talk to the head bitch; get head bitch to agree through diplomacy, nuke the place if she insists otherwise." Ultraman replies in monotone.

"Very good." Says Owlman. "The bomb has been primed through remote-control, but no doubt that her soldiers will attempt to tamper with it; provided they haven't already. If it detonates pre-maturely, I can count on your freezing breath, correct?"

"Still don't see why I can't watch the bomb." Asks Ultraman "Diplomacy ain't my thing."

"A good opportunist will use any means to get his way." Replies his ally. "Destruction only gets half of it done."

"Says the weaker guy." Jokes Ultraman.

"This 'weaker guy' almost killed you without raising so much as a finger." Says Owlman with a chuckle. "Think about that."

The two share a brief laugh as the submarine continues on it's way.


Parking the submarine wasn't an issue once Owlman activated the cloaking device. Any marine life that came into contact with it would be fried by electromagnetic shocks. Well, that's what Owlman said, anyway.

Ultraman didn't really get the egghead stuff of it all. Granted, he had Bachelors in a few subjects back in college, but he retained little of it.

He preferred to let his fists do the talking.

Heh, that probably made him come off as a dumb musclehead.

But he knew people.

You didn't need to know the molecular mass of an atom to know that a guy's afraid of dogs. Y'know? (Of course, he had a Kryptonian wolf, but that was a story for another day.)

Questions. And a bit of intimidation. That's all it took.

Owlman knew that. That's one of the things Kent respected this..."rival" for.

The island looked like something out of a nature documentary.

Trees covered the landscape, while roman-styled bridges made up what seemed like an entryway.

"Very Greece-like, isn't it?" Asks Owlman.

"Awful pretty-fied compared to what I expected." Says Ultraman.

"My source said they fancy this a utopia. Paradise always shows the illusion of beauty." Replies Wayne. "Shame it never actually is."

No sooner had they stepped onto the marble bridgeway did armored women greet them with pointed weapons.

The armor resembled that of ancient Rome, with more stylized earpieces and helmets.

Swords, spears, and shields were brandished by every woman there.

"Invaders!" Shouts one. "Foreigners, much less men, are not wanted here!"

"Your lives are forfeit!" Says another.

"Relax." Says Ultraman. "Wer're emissaries. We seek to speak with one Diana."

"You believe lies such as that will work!?" Asks one of the Amazon soldiers. "No man gets in or out."

"Where's your diplomacy now, Einstein?" Asks Ultraman to Owlman.

"Fine, you caught us. However, you are not in the position to bargain. There is a bomb underneath this landmass." Says Owlman. His tone was much more threatening than it was before. "One push of a button will detonate it, turning Themiscyria into the next Atlantis. We demand to speak with Diana."

"And man shows it's true colors." Says what appears to be the lead soldier. "Kill these fools."

"You bitches suicidal or somethin'?" Asks Ultraman.

"If you had a bomb, you wouldn't do something so stupid as announce it on an enemy's home turf!"

So much for diplomacy, then. The bluff failed. They had no intentions on blowing this place up until they had at least made contact with Diana.

"Guess we'll move to Plan B." Says Owlman. "Ultraman, if you would?"

"Now you're talkin' my language!" Shouts Ultraman.

Ultraman aims his gaze upon one of the soldiers, as orange beams reduce the target to ashes.

"Sorcery!" Shouts one. "Death to the wizards!"

The area becomes packed with soldiers as they reveal themselves from trees and underground passages.

Four women stand out in particular as they seemingly man the bridge connecting Themiscrya to the shore.

Owlman and Ultraman smile at each other as they leap into the fray.

Ultraman finds himself surrounded by four soldiers as they futilely stab him. However, the weapons bend upon contact with his skin, as though they were wet Ramen noodles. The soldiers steel themselves to mask their fear, as one tries to punch him. Ultraman grabs the woman, pinning both of her arms with his hands, before pulling violently. As the mess falls unto the floor, Ultraman throws the now-separated arms at the group, the force of which knocks them to the ground. Before they can retaliate, the villain freezes them in place with his mighty ice breath. With a giddy smile, Ultraman snaps his fingers against the ice scupltures as his strength causes them to calmly shatter to pieces.

Owlman meanwhile trades blows with five of the soldiers, who think they have him pinned down. One tries a punch, as her hand is twisted in response.

Another tries a kick, only for Owl to dodge, quickly breaking ground to catch her in a headlock. One snapped neck later, Owlman throws down a smoke pellet.

The soldiers move their weapons to their faces, as if to block any incoming attacks. Owlman opens his utility belt. With a Grappling-hook device, he aims it at the branch of a nearby tree. Using the aerial momentum gained from the hook's pulley mechanism, he throws down three Owl-rangs into the smoke, which explode with force upon touching the ground. The force trips up the enemies, (while the smoke rapidly fades away) as he uses a quickly-grabbed fourth Rang to stab an enemy's exposed jugular upon landing back down. The other two back-flip back into combat stance. They were experienced, but not enough.

Owlman aims his left fist towards them, as darts find their way into the exposed necks of the other two. The darts were filled with a non-lethal substance that induced paralysis in the body. Unlike Ultraman, who reveled in the destruction of his foes, Owlman couldn't care less if they lived or died, as long as his purpose was fulfilled.

After another minute of fighting, the majority of the welcoming squad was incapacitated, dead or otherwise.

The Four Generals begin walking towards the two villains as the rest of the squad enters into a Phalanx formation.

"Lets turn these bitches into a finely red carpet, huh?" Says Ultraman, a devilish smirk on his face.


Same old trees, same old island.

She's seen it a thousand times before.

Damn her bitch of a mother.

Naming her queen long before her time.

Diana had always shown curiosity towards the outside world, even after all of the covert Soviet/French incursion attempts.

It was her mother's way of keeping her chained to this prison.

In theory, she could leave at any time.

But why wouldn't she?

It wasn't her fellow Amazons. They were as rigidly disciplined as an erect member. Automatons from the day of creation.

She despised how easily they bent over backwards in compliancy.

Fear?

No. No way. She'd eviscerated dozens of male invaders before. The outside world sounded like a weak place. Easy to conquer.

But she had heard stories. Myths of people larger than life. Super-powered beings that fought to protect or destroy. Blessed with gifts like those she possessed.

She had no fear. She had interest.

Then what kept her tethered here...?

She tried to claw her mind for an answer, but resounding footsteps abruptly ended her mental sojourn.

"Milady, invaders!" Says a female voice behind Diana.

"How many?" She asks the soldier.

"Only two men." Says the goon. "They demand to speak with you. They threaten Armageddon otherwise."

"They're men." Says Diana. "Cattle. Kill them."

"They have bested three of the Four Generals, and have taken the Fourth as a hostage." Says the soldier. "One flys! Another is a walking armory!"

Very few things scared the disciplined Amazons.

FBI, European Agencies, Swords-for-hire from Man's World. This was nothing to the hardened women of Themiscyra.

But two men managed to take down a small army in little over an hour? With barely any resources?

Maybe this WAS serious.

"Fine. Take me there."


The sight impressed Diana more than anything.

Dead soldiers everywhere. Some crawling away in tactical retreat, entrails everywhere. The heads of Three of the Generals on the ground like stray coconuts. Arms and legs litter the rest of the way as blood from the giblets tainted the beauty of the marble walkway.

Diana looked on as the visage of the two invaders of Themiscyra comes into view. One in a blue/red ensemble, the other wearing sliver-lined armor; mettalic feather-blades adorning the backside. The blue-suited one had in a headlock the Fourth General, who continuously struggled to get free. Punches and kicks did nothing, apparently.

"Queen Diana of Themiscyra." Said the owl-armored one, bowing in menacingly fake courtesy. "Charmed. I am Owlman. My rambunctious partner is Ultraman."

"I don't give a shit who you are." Says Diana, a smirk on her face. "You two have brass balls to single-handedly invade my island. And slaughter my Generals no less."

"And if you don't talk to us, well kill this fourth little gem." Says Ultraman, putting force on his hostage's neck for emphasis.

"Go ahead." Says Diana. "They mean nothing to me."

"Bluffing ain't gonna work." Says Ultraman.

"I'm not bluffing." Replies Diana. "I really couldn't care less about her. Soldiers are designed to be cannon fodder. If they die, so what? Less mouths to feed."

Ultraman abruptly snaps the neck of his hostage, throwing the body into the giblet-lined floor.

Diana shows literally no interest in the fate of her ally. The soldier next to her is accordingly stunned, but doesn't seem completely surprised.

Ultraman hides an internal smile which Owlman notices.

"Now that that's out of the way, what the fuck are you trying to accomplish here?" Asks Diana, crossing her arms.

"We've come to you with a business proposition." Asks Owlman. "Though I must note that if you don't at least hear us out, I have a bomb set up underneath the island that will slam this island into the sea. So, food for thought."

"Alright." Says Diana. "But we're talking privately. Not in front of the help. Ladies, leave us."

"But Milady...?" Asks the soldier next to her.

"Did I fucking stutter?!" Asks Diana angrily, staring her assistant down.

"V-Very well, My queen." Says the assistant. "I shall return to the square."

The soldier runs away down the bridgeway as Diana ushers the two men further down the shore.

The beach hamlet had a private, isolated feeling to it.

The two male villains exchange a glance.

"Me and my partner here are forming a team of super-powered individuals." Says Owlman.

"And let me guess, you want me to join?" Asks Diana.

"We're gonna take what one Super can't on their own." Says Ultraman.

"Why?" Asks Diana. She wasn't belittling them. Testing them more like. "What is there to take I would want?"

"Your freedom, for one." Says Ultraman.

Now THAT got her attention. She's only known these bozos for five minutes and they're already proposing the one thing she wanted.

"Word is that you ain't ever left this place, right?"Asks Ultraman. "What if we freed you from here?"

"Trading one master for another? No thanks." Says Diana. "I will not be lorded over by two men for any reason. Freedom is unconditional. No strings attached. You two seem like puppeteers."

"There is no 'I' in team, Queen Diana." Says Owlman. "Me and Ultraman do not control one another. We instead use our talents to aid one another. Friendly competition aside. The team's only goal is to pursue it's own whims."

"You're obviously choosing your words, little man." Asks Diana. "Have you been spying on me?"

"In a sense." Says Ultraman. "One of Owlman's flunkies told us about you. Well, before she got a face-full of spear."

"Freedom to do whatever you wish. Take some food, kill a pervert. Buy some ice cream, make someone eat their own excrement." Says Owlman. "That is what the Crime Syndicate will be centered around. Taking what we want. Because we can."

Without warning, Diana hefts a punch at Owlman, sending him careening into the nearest tree.

The lashing-out came literally out of nowhere.

"Fucking man-snakes!" Shouts Diana. "If I want my freedom, I'll take it myself. You two spy on me, come onto my island, play with MY pawns, and then have the gall to trick me into joining your little gang!?"

"If you can take your freedom, why haven't you yet?" Asks Owlman, taking the opportunity to egg her on. "You've had ample opportunity. All that time trapped here by obligation. How quaint."

Diana rushes at Owlman again, only this time intercepted by Ultraman, who elbows her back.

"We think you're scared." Says Ultraman. "Ooh! The big bad world is new to me, so it must be dangerous! Pussy. Expand you're vag!"

That did it. Diana digs into her belt and takes out a glowing, yellow whip.

"I will BREAK you, man-thing!" Says Diana.

"You think that piece of shit's gonna stop me?!" Shouts Ultraman.

The lasso wraps around Ultraman. He tries to move, only for it to constrict as it forces him to an abrupt stop.

The weapon ushers the Lord of Steel to his knees, as he adopts a hypnotized, almost stoic glance.

"It's pointless." Says Ultraman. "All of it is..."

"This lasso, forged by Hades himself, will drown you of all emotion!" Shouts Diana. "You'll be a vegetable!"

A brief flicker of emotion stirs from Ultra's face as his mind struggles to resists the whip's influence.

"Ugh...Owlman...Use your...things!" Shouts Ultraman as he struggles to move.

Owlman flings a sharpened Owl-Rang at the device, only for it to bounce harmlessly off onto the ground.

"Artifacts of the Gods are indestructible!" Shouts Diana, as she swings her lasso (complete with captive) at Owlman. "As am I!"

The caped villain dodges the swing, as Ultraman's impact with the ground causes a tree nearby to fall.

"You people think you can control me?!" Shouts Diana. "I will take my place among the outside world of my own accord! And then...I'll demolish it!"

Years of repressed anger had unleashed itself upon the invaders. Her mother's protectiveness, the Amazons' simple submission, the lack of purpose in such an isolated existence. It all came out in a massive torrent.

Diana's strategy reduced itself to 'repeatedly bash at invader until dead.' Clearly, she wasn't "there" at the moment.

Ultraman meanwhile aimed his gaze at Diana, as a Heat-Vision beam released itself from his eyes.

While it didn't do damage, it did blind Diana briefly. But that was all they needed.

The distraction causes Diana to drop Ultraman (By extension, her lasso as well) onto the ground, causing a tremor.

As soon as Ultraman frees himself, he clutches his head in exaustion.

"Damn." Says Ultraman. "That thing reduced my motivation. It messes with your head. Imposes some kinda guilt-trip dealy on ya. Stay away from it."

"You don't say?" Says Owlman sarcastically. "Distract her. I have a plan."

"Got ya." Says Ultraman. "Payback, bitch!"

Ultraman goes all-out, flying towards Diana as the two enter into an aerial fist-fight.

Owlman meanwhile digs through his Utility Belt for a certain gadget. One thing nothing can withstand? Noise!

Ultraman lands blow after blow as Diana dodges and counters.

"If you want life, you gotta grab it by the balls and squeeze till blood comes out!" Shouts Ultraman. "You can't just wish for it to change, ya self-entitled shit!"

Owlman at last finds what he's looking for. An odd remote-like gadget. Aiming the remote at Diana, he shouts "Kent! Cover your ears!"

As he does so, Owlman presses the button.

Diana stops her latest attack charge, and begins clutching her head in agony.

"AAAAHHHHH!"

Diana's onsluaght was brought to an abrupt hold, as her loss of physical control sends her crashing to the ground. Blood appeared to be coming from her ears.

After a half-minute, Owlman releases the button.

Clawing her way back to something resembling a fighting stance, Diana's expression softens.

"She seems like herself again." Says Owlman. "For now."

"The hell you use on 'er?" Asks Ultraman.

"Supersonic Accelerator." Says Owlman. "White noise, to keep it simple."

"Gonna try talkin' now, sweet-cheeks? Or we gonna do this again?" Asks Ultraman to Diana. His tone is somewhat more relaxed.

"Sorry. That happens now and again." Says Diana as she struggles to her feet. "And if you don't want to be castrated, keep your hands to yourself."

Ultraman smirks at the comment, but ignores it.

"So, what was that shit all about?" He asks.

"You try staying on an island, barred from any other life on the planet for thirty years then come tell me it doesn't bother you." Sarcastically remarks Diana.

"Point taken." Says Ultraman.

"Enough banter." Says Owlman, who quickly puts away the device he had used on Diana prior. "What is your answer?"

"Heh." Smirks the woman. "Blowing this place up only gives me prerogative to explore the world anyway, whether I join you or not. Didn't think your plan through, did ya?"

"Quite the opposite." Says Owlman. "You carry an obvious attachment to this place, otherwise you'd have left long ago. Destroying it would be the equivalent of killing someone you love. We'd rather have you as a benefactor than a business rival."

"You don't have to like something to cherish it." Ultraman says. "Friends close, enemies closer and all that jazz."

Diana remains silent for a moment while Ultraman looks at Owlman.

"Her motivations are all over the fucking place." Says Ultraman. "This is why I don't deal in diplomacy."

"A lunatic on our side is someone on our side. Regardless of method." Replies Owlman. "You can stop noting her obvious deficiencies."

"I'm right here, idiots." Replies Diana.

"I'm in."

"Good." Says Owlman.

"On one condition." Says Diana.

"A caveat. Naturally." Says Owlman. "Your terms?"

"Did you mean what you said about demolishing this place?" She asks.

"Yep." Replies Ultraman. "I guess you want us to off the bomb, huh?"

"Good." Says Diana. "The moment we leave, do it."

"Of course." Says Owlman. "Time is of the essence."

Ultraman does a double-take, but the other two have already began walking to the embarkment point.

"This chick's fucked up." Ultraman thinks to himself. "I'm not exactly Father Napoleon, but damn..."

To Ultraman, there were pussy heroes, badass villains, and batshit crazy lunatics who couldn't exactly be labelled. This chick definitely fit in the third category. And that criticism coming from the guy that not a half-hour ago murdered Amazons for kicks was certainly something, which he acknowledged. Seemed more trouble than she was worth. But still, having some extra muscle didn't sound too bad. It was weird though...When they first encountered Diana, her bloodlust was agreeable to Ultra. Seemed like a cool woman. Why was he suddenly uninterested?

The walk to the submarine was mostly silent. Owlman scanned the area ahead with a focused gaze as Ultraman tried to keep his distance from Diana, whose eyes were fiery with an excitement she hadn't felt in many, many years.

After a time, they made it to the point where Owlman and Ultraman had entered the island. To find a battalion of Amazon soldiers waiting for them. What made this encounter different was the woman at the spearhead of the group. Like Diana, she was dressed in the pure basics. Hell, resembled her even. Had an air of authority around her. The three stop as Diana clenches her left hand into a fist.

"What are YOU doing here?!" Asks Diana.

"When I caught wind of the deaths of the Four Generals, I knew something was up when you sent Artemis away." Says the woman. "I know my foolish daughter. You're seriously thinking of eloping with these...men?"

"I'm not eloping." Says Diana. "I'm using them. I'll use them to take me to the outside world."

"And what, dear Hera, will you do when you arrive?" Asks the woman.

Diana remains silent as Owl and Ultra watch on. They could intervene, but why ruin the chance to gain knowledge of their potential ally?

"As for you men..." Says the woman. "I commend you're battle prowess. None have defeated the Four Generals before the two of you. But power is meaningless without purpose."

"And purpose is useless without power." Counters Owlman. "That's why we're here. Your daughter's...talents...are exactly what we need back home."

"So, she's just a pawn to you?" Asks the woman.

"We are here for entirely selfish reasons." Says Ultraman. "Playin' the guilt trip card ain't getting' ya nowhere."

"Good." Says the woman as she cracks her knuckles. "Then I can play this straight."

"You always do this." Says Diana. "You assume I'm a baby deer that needs constant protection, even after i've turned foreign armies into guacamole dishes. Even after I talked down Circe into killing herself. After the Arena becomes my damn playground. Ever occur to you that I can think for myself? Make my own decisions? No. I'll always be a fucking baby, huh?"

"Your honor, not your age, is my concern." Says the woman, apparently her mother. "You always were a moral question mark. I listen to how you belittle your opponents, care not for life and your fellow sisters. I cannot by all rights let you devastate that world. Release a feral dog like you? No. Your'e staying here until I can instill some right and wrong into you."

"You have no choice." Says Owlman. "We could blow your whole island sky-high in an instant if we wanted to."

"Oh, I dismantled you're bomb ages ago." Says the woman. "It's a harmless decoration now."

"Clever." Replies Owlman, as he and Ultraman enter fighting stances. "But futile."

"No more." Says Diana, her breathing increasing rapidly, her fury rising. "At this moment, I'm shedding my Amazon name. Diana is dead. Queen Hippolyta, Superwoman is going to smear you across your precious island! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Yep, thought Ultraman. 'Lunatic' was an accurate description of Diana- now Superwoman.

"May Hera have mercy on your soul, Diana." Says Hippolyta as she points at the trio, signalling her Amazons to attack. "I want the men alive! Diana is mine! Charge!"

The miniature army rushes at the trio. Superwoman ignores them all and heads straight for Hippolyta. Owlman and Ultraman look at each other.

"I'm in no mood for a gang-bang. Ultraman? Blow some sense into them, if you would."

"I got somethin' even better." Says the Kryptonian as he flies high into the air. Spreading his arms wide, he slams his hands together as hard as he could. The force creates a shock-wave that knocks almost all twenty of the women into the sea next to the combat zone. The three that manage to withstand the blast end up with knock-out darts embedded in their arms courtesy of Owlman.

"Mop up any stragglers. I'm going to re-wire the bomb." Says Owlman.

With that, Owlman descends deeper into the brush.

Ultraman sighs, shaking his head.

"When did this job devolve into a smash-and-grab? Irony..."

While this happened, Diana and Hippolyta enter into a martial artist fist exchange.

Both trained in the Amazonian styles of fighting, they were evenly matched in terms of skill. Amazonian styles were derived from fighting maneuvers and tactics gained from the Amazons' knowledge of the outside world and it's invader's skills and mannerisms.

As such, an astute fighter would see elements of Krav Maga, Kung-Fu, Tae-Kwon-Do, and just about every fighting style known by man instilled into naturally-honed tactics developed to cope with the harsh jungles of Themiscyra and it's animal denizens.

The stalemate goes on for about a minute until Diana attempts to flip over Hippolyta to get behind her. Mid-flip, Hippolyta issues a quick punch to Diana's gut, which causes her to fall to the ground, coughing up blood.

"Being an Amazon requires honor, kindness, and discipline. You have none of these." Says Hippolyta. "You revel in your strength. You use it to demean and dominate others. You value nothing. And that is why I am the superior warrior."

"You *cough* think I wanted to be an Amazon!" Replies Diana, as she attempts a punch, which is abruptly blocked. "You force your system on me without asking what I want! You assume everybody thinks like you! We have power! We should use it!"

"Power is a responsibility, not a privilege." Replies Hippolyta.


Owlman eventually locates the bomb. A short ways from the battle site was the Amazons' armory. No wonder they were finicky when they arrived. They had landed right next to the Amazons' weapons cache. If only Owlman's contact had mapped the island for him. Oh, well.

No matter.

Getting in wasn't particularly difficult. There weren't any guards outside; perhaps to not broadcast the Armory as important.

The armory wasn't much to speak of. An isolated building full of weapons taken from invaders and the like. Nothing there was particularly impressive. This WAS Earth. The most impressive mobile weapon (Outside of a nuke, which nobody wants to flaunt around) was a tank, which, if the Armory was any indicator, never made it to shore to be seized.

The room itself followed a three-floor plan. The first floor was filled with Amazonian weapons. Your stock swords and spears. The second floor had guns and rifles, no doubt stolen from the corpses of Soviet or French invaders.

The third floor was something to behold. A crystal ball, an odd decorative mirror, a glowing Spear of some type, and the husk that was once Owlman's bomb being carried by two Amazons.

Luckily, the Armory was just as decorative as the path to the city, as Owlman had found a convenient deity statue from which to perch. The top of the statue revealed to him the patrol positions for all three floors. (There weren't any walls to speak of. It was akin to a hospital parking lot section)

Not too many guards. Six in all, two per floor. The bomb was too heavy to retrieve, so he'd have to arm it there. That meant clearing the armory. Owlman had the advantage. It was cramped, dark, and the guards were already on edge due to the state of emergency.

Owlman begins with the first floor. The guards operated in groups of two. One headed for each side of the corridor. Owlman lands behind a single group, smacking their heads together with force. The resounding CRACK from the impacting helmet armor alerts the other groups that something was amiss. With speed, Owlman throws two Owl-rangs at the other group of two, which explode upon impact.

A getaway with the Owl-Zip would take too long to set up, as he could hear resounding footsteps coming down the stairs. Owlman jumps off of the open wall, clinging to the edge balcony. No time wasted, either...As the last two Amazons there converge on the bodies of the defeated.

"We have an invader." Says one.

"Clearly." Sarcastically says another.

"What should we do?" Asks the second.

"Stick together." Says one. "Even if one of us is taken out, the other has a chance."

"Shouldn't we find Hippolyta?" Asks the other.

"No time."

They thought they were being clever. They were just fueling their paranoia.

Owlman climbs back up, and crouches near the bodies. As expected, they didn't bother checking the rest of the area.

"Wish I could get creative, but there isn't time.." Thinks the invader, his right hand longingly tugging on the section of his utility belt containing Snap-Flashes. (A distance-detonated mini-flash) They were fun to watch pop, but were also hell in a hand-basket to prepare, especially against the ones who already sort of know you're there. With a resigning whisper, Owlman takes out a Claw-gun. "If I can't get creative, then let's get direct."

Owlman aims the gun at one of the walking Amazons, and fires. The claw jerks her backwards, as she lands a step away from Owlman.

"Care to dance?" He asks evilly.

The victim wastes no time in flipping forward, her weapon at the ready.

"A spear, how simple." Replies Owlman, as the Amazon tries to stab him with the weapon.

Owlman lifts his left arm as the weapon passes through the air. Quickly, he ensnares the weapon under his armpit, using his left hand to pull the weapon further, as the Amazon travels with it. Just before she bumps directly into Owlman, a right hook greets her, sending her (As well as the weapon) unconscious unto the floor.

By now the other is already rushing towards the villain, a sword brandished. Owlman replies with a punch to the stomach, using his other hand to disarm her of her sword. A stab to the gut after, and the enemy is now a corpse on the ground.

Owlman walks the now unpopulated halls. The Amazons obviously weren't the most technological race. Judging by how little there actually was here pushed the conclusion that they were trying to research how to harness this technology. It seemed clearly alien to them. It was almost a shame they had to be destroyed. The Amazons, with time, could've been formidable enemies. A distraction. Oh, well. Business before pleasure.

Eventually, Owlman came upon the silent bomb. It was just a simple spherical design. However, the chemicals Owlman added to it gave it about half the power of a nuke. It wasn't about the power though, it was about the force it would produce onto the island's structure. It would unbalance the island, sinking it into the sea with force that would produce a vent of water pressure. The pressure should just about everyone still on it when the bomb detonates. Of course, Hippolyta, being a superhuman, might be a concern later. Owlman made a mental note to add her file to the Owl-Comp later on.

The wires were practically kaput. Hippolyta's handiwork made re-connecting them impossible. So much for re-arming it. Instead, he'd have to release the force somehow. Perhaps the force from a few snap-flashes would undo the entire thing? It was his only choice, as he didn't bring any mesh with him.

There. The bomb was ready. Now to get out of this jungle.


Diana and Hippolyta were getting more and more aggressive by the minute.

Ultraman could only watch as trees fell down and the ground shook.

He's tried to help, but Diana just keeps knocking him back.

Hippolyta meanwhile was giving her all, blinded by the fury she felt towards her daughter. It would be piss-easy to double-team her.

Wherever this fight was headed, it was getting there.

A part of Ultraman's ear vibrates, as he puts his finger to a communicating device perched there.

"U, it's O." Says Owlman's voice over the device. "The bomb is in place. Are the two of you ready?"

"The whores are still swinging'." Replies Ultraman. "I'm tryin' to help, but Diana's bein' a bitch about it. 'Only I can defeat her' and such shit."

"We don't have time for this." Says Owlman. "I intend on being out of here in ten minutes. If the fight isn't resolved in five, extract her. By force, if needed."

"Gotcha." Says Ultraman, as Owlman links out.

Another stalemate takes place for a while, until Hippolyta finally falters as a punch to the jaw by Diana stuns her long enough for a barrage. Superwoman crashes her mother to the ground with impressive force, as she begins wailing on her.

"I. Control. My. Own. LIFE!" Shouts Diana after each punch. Blood and the like begins spilling onto the sandy beach.

The only sound that consumes the otherwise serene shore is the fanatical laughing of Superwoman, which only intensifies per punch she throws.

With an irritated sigh from Ultraman, he flies over to Diana, grabbing her fist as she preps yet another punch.

"We gotta go now." He says matter-of-factly. "I think ya made your point."

The two look upon the now swollen face of Hippolyta, who still struggles to get up. Black eyes, cuts, bruises, and a tattered royal suit are all that's left of Diana's mother. Ultraman's seen this many times over. A defeated hero. The first few times, it was empowering. Now he almost felt sorry. Almost.

"Not yet I haven't." Says Superwoman.

Releasing her fist from Ultra's grasp, she delivers a striking blow to her mother's chest.

The blow seems to have induced Cardiac arrest, as Hippolyta's body spasms for a bit before becoming eerily still, as breathing leaves it.

"Ok. We done now? Owlman's readyin' our get-away. C'mon."

Superwoman calmly stands upright, before following Ultraman.

"The hell was that back there?" He asks. "You hate her that much? Or you just batshit insane?"

"Yes and no." Replies Diana, or rather, Superwoman. "Yeah, I couldn't stand her. But the Amazon way demands honorable death. For us, honorable means complete and absolute. Generally, the more punishment we receive, the more honorable it's looked on. I hate our traditions, but I couldn't help but deliver. And yes, I know that's screwed up."

"Hate to see how y'all'd react to Earth blowin' up..." Says Ultraman. "But seriously, I've seen worse. Krypton wasn't no group therapy session, either. Conquer a people, you massacre every rebel, dissident or even failure soldiers and put their entrails on display as warnin'. That's how I learned not to hold back. Least you guys honor your dead."

Ultraman wasn't quite ready to say he was used to her yet, but this was her first taste of freedom in a while. Maybe she'd mellow down with time? Besides, like Owlman said before, they didn't have to like each other. It was only sheer coincidence that he and Owlman respected one another.

A little while later, the three had boarded the getaway submarine.

Superwoman just stared at the view-screen, transfixed in awe as Paradise Island sank into the underwater depths.

Owlman meanwhile, seemed to be taking notes on a notepad of some type.

Ultraman just sat, reclining on a chair.

"Triton's gonna be pissed, ain't he?" Asks Ultraman.

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it." Replies Owlman. "Anyway, for now, I propose a brief respite before we go recruiting again. I have to debunk some odd rumor of a government counter-android. What about the two of you?"

"I'm taking a tour of Man's World, obviously." Says Superwoman. Maybe carve a territory of my own. Get my toes warm."

"A tip then, avoid Bludhaven at the moment." Replies Owlman.

"Why?" Asks Superwoman.

"A surge of insurgent activity there." Says Owlman. "There are super-humans there that have become a psuedo-police force. I'd wait until you've settled into a groove here before taking on that place."

"Then I'll start there. I won't be bored, certainly." Replies Superwoman.

"Your'e funeral." Says Owlman. "You, Ultraman?"

"Think I'll just chill for a week in my civies." Says Ultraman. "Nothin' else to do."

"Speaking of which, Superwoman needs a civilian identity, too. Remind me when we disembark." Says Owlman.

So far, things were going swimmingly, despite how botched the job ended up becoming. Still, Ultraman couldn't help but wonder where this organization Owlman's planning will go. And what do they all have to gain, Owlman in particular? Owlman meant what he said about Money being useless, but what overlying plan does he have? The thought consumed Ultraman for the remainder of the ride...