Barrel

Fawcett City

The walls of the apartment felt like they were closing in on Mary. A scared and bewildered Billy watched everything she did, looking for some sign that she'd gone evil again. Mary could tell something else was troubling Billy. Several times she would catch him just staring at her, as if he still didn't believe the grown woman in his apartment was actually his sister. There was a definite unsettling feeling about the looks he gave her. Finally it grew to be too much and Mary grabbed her jacket and left.

She walked for almost an hour, her mind going over and over everything yet finding no answers. Finally, not wanting to return to the apartment, Mary made her way to the library. She received several looks from the men and a few from the women. It was something she still wasn't used to, but noticed it happening more and more. She selected a book from the stack and moved to the back of the library where there was a reading room. A few tables lined the center, with small art deco, green shaded table lamps for each chair. She picked one by the window, away from the two other people in the room and sat down. A storm was starting outside.

Tender Is The Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald was the book she'd chosen and soon she found herself engrossed in it. It was the story of Dick Diver, a young psychiatrist whose career was thwarted and his genius numbed through marriage to the exquisite and wealthy Nicole Warren. It was one of Fitzgerald's last novels and while the brilliance of his prose remained, there was a melancholy that seemed to haunt the work.

The storm worsened and dark ominous clouds turned the end of the day into night. The other two left after awhile, but Mary continued reading, even as the rumble of thunder could be heard. The lights flickered as thunder crashed overhead, rattling the building.

"Always alone, aren't you Mary?"

She gasped and looked up from her book, but didn't see anyone.

"Who's there?" She asked, feeling very vulnerable.

"A friend,' the voice said. "I know how it must hurt to be forgotten and dismissed. You do too, don't you, Mary?"

"I don't know what you're talking about,' Mary replied. "Who are you?"

A figure shifted among the shadows and Mary jumped with fright.

"I'm not here to hurt you, Mary,' the voice said. "You can pretend with everyone else, but I know. They took away your powers in mid-flight, didn't they? No explanation, nothing. It's a miracle you survived the fall, really. All that good work you did and for what? They all forgot you, didn't they? The months in the hospital and not one visitor, not one."

"Shut up,' Mary shouted. "How do you know about me? Who are you?"

"I told you, Mary, I'm a friend and I want to help you,' the voice replied. "They treated you like dirt, less than dirt. I'm the only one that cares what happens to you, Mary."

"Billy,' Mary started to say, but the voice cut her off.

"Billy's a child! All he thinks about is becoming Captain Marvel again,' the voice snapped. "If he got his powers back today he'd abandon you just like all the rest.'

"No, no that's not true,' Mary shouted. She was terrified now and the chair was knocked to the ground as she got up. Grabbing her things, Mary started to run, to get away from the voice. It followed her.

"You know it's true, Mary, they'd all forgotten you,' the voice whispered in her ear. "Poor, sweet, innocent Mary Marvel, whatever happened to her, they were saying until recently."

"Shut up!"

Mary hurried out of the library oblivious to the admiring looks she was receiving.

"Time to make them remember you, Mary,' the voice whispered. "This new you can make that possible."

"Leave me alone!"

She moved down the sidewalk, telling herself the voice wasn't real, that she was just imagining it, but she feared it was real.

"You've been given a gift, Mary, don't turn from it,' the voice whispered to her.

"Did-Did you do this to me?' Mary asked.

"No, not I, but I can help you,' the voice replied. "The others are afraid of you, yet you've done nothing wrong, have you?"

"No."

"That's right, you haven't." The voice said in agreement. "Still they won't listen, will they? You've told them, but they never listen. They still treat you like a child, the child they forgot until this happened."

"Eclipso?' Mary said with a shudder. "If that's you, I won't fall for your lies again!"

"I'm not, Eclipso, Mary, I'm a friend like I said,' the voice replied.

"Then what do you want?"

"Nothing but to help you, Mary,' the voice offered. "You've been playing the same role for so long, you've forgotten how to be anything else. You're not a child anymore Mary, you're a woman. Perhaps it's time you started acting like one."

"Please, just leave me alone! Leave me alone,' Mary sobbed, as she began to run towards home. The dark shadow seemed to linger for a moment, watching her race away and then slowly faded away.

Themyscira

Artemis and Donna groaned as the sunlight hit their eyes. The effects of the night before were still being felt. They made their way towards the military quarters, wanting to get Phillipus to help them tell Diana. They found her sitting out in front of her quarters; head down as if she were deep in thought.

"Phillipus,' Donna said. "We need to talk to you about something very important." The General looked up at the two of them and just nodded

"Come inside."

She opened her door and ushered the two in before closing it.

"Have a seat.'

Donna and Artemis sat down and the General sat across from them.

"So what is so important?"

"Hippolyta is sleeping with Superman,' Artemis immediately said. Donna looked at her in shock.

"I thought we agreed to ease into that?' She gasped.

"I got carried away,' Artemis lamely offered.

"How do you know this?' Phillipus asked.

"Donna saw them,' Artemis replied.

"I can answer for myself, you know,' Donna complained.

"You saw them?"

"Yes! Well, no, I didn't see them doing it,' Donna admitted. "But I saw them together on the beach holding each other."

"Holding each other,' Phillipus asked. "How?"

"Like this,' Donna said and the leaned over and wrapped her arms around Artemis to demonstrate.

"I told you not to paw me,' Artemis complained, wriggling away from the embrace.

"It was just an example, don't flatter yourself,' Donna replied.

"You could do a lot worse,' Artemis said in her defense.

"So you saw them embracing each other, so?" Phillipus asked, wanting to get back on track with the conversation.

"So they're lovers,' Donna said.

"Queen Diana has to know this,' Artemis added.

"Why?"

Both Artemis and Donna looked at the General in surprise. They weren't quite sure they heard her right.

"Wh-Wh-What do you mean?"

Phillipus took a breath, measuring her words. Her talk with Hippolyta was still weighting heavy on her mind. Her first responsibility was to her Queen and that was now Diana.

"If you tell Queen Diana, what do you imagine her reaction with be?' Phillipus finally asked.

"She'll kick some ass!' Artemis said with a grin.

"In front of the world media,' Phillipus offered. "The media you two invited, I might add. Would you have our problems played out for everyone to see? What if Hippolyta and Superman deny it? You have no real proof other than they embraced each other, do you?'

"But-But Diana should know,' Donna complained. "This explains why my mother called for a new tournament, doesn't it?"

"Perhaps, but what does it change?' Phillipus asked. "Hippolyta didn't cheat to win. She's leaving today for the Man's world and so are the media. If we are to bring this to Diana's attention, I think it should be in private.'

"Yes, the outside world need not know what happens between us,' Artemis reluctantly agreed. "I would imagine the media would have a field day with this. Those jackals love this sort of scandal."

"But it doesn't seem right,' Donna groaned. "Superman is supposed to be Diana's friend and his screwing our mother! It's disgusting just thinking about it!"

"Then don't think about it,' Phillipus offered. "Wait, for once you tell Diana you can't go back. She will make decisions and they will affect us all. Do you really want to have them based on what you think you know?"

Both Artemis and Donna had to think on this.

Gotham

Rie Saga might as well have been invisible as she quietly moved down the hotel hallway. The Guards were so used to seeing her, they treated her like part of the furniture. She said nothing to any of them as she made her way to her room. Kijuro had long since moved on to other, younger women for this pleasure, so this allowed her some privacy.

Sliding her key card into the door, she gently pushed down on the handle. She paused and glanced both ways before entering. The room was dark and the sound of rain could be heard from the open window. She closed the door and turned to face the room.

"You may come out now,' she quietly said. The curtains rustled slightly and then Masami stepped forward. She quickly bowed to the older woman.

"It is good to see you,' she said to Rie.

"And you, young one,' the older woman replied. "You have gotten their attention, but now must be more careful. They are going to be hunting you and will bring in specialists for the jobs."

"It doesn't matter,' Masami said.

"No, little one, it does," Rie countered. "Do not let your anger cause you to underestimate them. They are ruthless and will stop at nothing to catch you and kill you."

"Then they will die,' Masami said, her voice cold and without emotion. "I will not let anything stop me from my singular goal. Kijuro Makuda will watch as all those around him die, just as he made me watch my parents die all those years ago. Then I will finish it and cut off his head."

"See that you do,' Rie replied. "Let the long nightmare finally end."

"I live only for that,' Masami offered and then she was gone out the window. Rie slowly walked over and closed it, taking one last look at the rainy night.

Themyscira

There was only a brief ceremony planned for Hippolyta's departure. She would hold a news conference once she reached the Embassy. The media had lingered wanting an exclusive of this changing of the guard. Diana stood in the royal box as Hippolyta approached wearing the armor of the Amazon Champion. It was such a strange sight to see someone else wearing it. Diana noticed that Hippolyta had added a skirt to the outfit everyone knew as Wonder Woman's. So many emotions were rushing around inside of Diana, but she was mindful of the cameras.

The ceremony went on and Diana stood, a fake smile on her face, but her eyes never leaving her mother. Hippolyta didn't return her gaze, remaining bowed as if humbled by the moment. When it came time for Diana to rise and recite the words to send the Amazon Champion off to the outer world, she thought they would stick in her throat. Somehow she managed to get through them and all Amazons cheered as Hippolyta bowed and then started towards the portal to the outside world.

"I go to represent all Amazons,' she shouted and then disappeared. As the cheers rolled through the hall, Diana felt as if the world were slipping away from her. This isn't right, she couldn't help thinking, this isn't right.

Gotham

The airport was crowded, as passengers arrived from all over the globe. Five men, all dressed in black, silently made their way through customs and security. They were hard, rough looking men and people seemed to instinctively get out of their way. As they passed through security, there was a Japanese man waiting for them with a sign. It simply said The Blackpool Group on it. The men immediately walked over to him and he bowed. They whispered back and forth and then he extended his hand for them to follow him to the car. They nodded and started out of the airport.

Across the street on a rooftop, Batman watched them with binoculars. With the recent murders, he suspected the Yakuza would bring in specialists to clean up the matter. His jaw clinched a little tighter as he watched the five men walk out of the airport and climb into the waiting limo.

"So what are we looking at?' Selina asked next to him.

Batman sighed and turned towards her.

"What are you doing here, Selina?"

She was in her Catwoman costume and he couldn't help noticing how good she looked in it. She turned and smiled at him.

"Helping you catch the bad guys,' she said. "Not really my specialty, but hey, that crazy Dragon Lady attacked me first."

"I work alone, Selina,' he firmly said.

"I'm not signing up to be the next boy toy, Bruce, but this is personal,' she replied.

"No, no way,' he said with a shake of his head.

"So that's your final word on it, is it?' She asked.

"Yes."

"Well, than I guess it's a good thing I don't take orders or listen to you, isn't it?' She replied. "I'm in this, Bruce, whether you like it or not. It's my city too and I don't like outsiders crashing the party."

"No way, not going to happen."

"The limo's leaving, time to move, Bruce,' she said and then launched herself off the side of the building. As she twisted in midair, tossing out her whip, she smiled back at him. "Are you coming Batman?"

"Damn,' he grumbled and then fired his line.

Themysciran Embassy

The press conference was underway. Hippolyta stood in front of the Embassy and read a prepared statement, explaining how she would now be taking over the role of Amazon Champion, while Diana would now be Queen. She certainly understood the strangeness of it all. The public at large was so used to seeing her daughter dressed as Wonder Woman that seeing someone else was disconcerting. Hippolyta had added a skirt, sword and shield to the outfit, but still felt underdressed in front of all these people. She had of course done this before, but that was always as Queen. This time the questioning was more of a free for all, especially when she finished her statement and opened it up to all the media.

"Who are you wearing?"

"So tell us more about your new project."

"Does this mean you are Wonder Woman 2.0?"

"What was your reaction when you heard Charlie Callas was dead?"

"Will you be sleeping with Batman like we hear all the other female superheroes do?"

"Do you think Kim and Kanye will make it work?"

"Are you wearing the skirt because you have cellulite?"

"What's your reaction to being name the new, hottest M.I.L.F superhero?"

"Has Playboy contacted you about a pictorial? How about Maxim or FHM?"

"If you could be a piece of furniture, what would you be?"

"What will be your talent in the competition? Oh, sorry, that was a leftover question from the Miss Universe Pageant."

"Excuse me, Madame Ambassador,' a voice said from the back of the pack. "With this change, will Themyscira's primary mission change? Do you see yourself continuing the same work that Princess, now Queen Diana did?"

Hippolyta had been stumbling through most of the questions, half of which she didn't understand or know what the reporter was referring to. Finally someone asked something she could gave a real answer to.

"Thank you for the good question, Mr. um,' she started, trying to see who asked the question.

"Kent, Clark Kent from the Daily Planet,' the man said. The group around him moved to the side and looked at him. Hippolyta couldn't help smiling as she saw him.

"Yes, Mr. Kent, yes is the answer to your question,' she replied. "Our goals will always be the same, while our approaches might be different. I hope in some small way to continue to push forward the agenda my daughter so admirably fought for."

There was a brief moment as she finished that they just looked at each other. Where a moment ago, Hippolyta was feeling a little lost in the sea of unfamiliar faces, now she knew she had at least one person she knew with her. The isolation she'd been feelings seemed to slip back a bit and she turned to continue answering questions.

The Mystic Plain

Dr. Occult found himself falling and changing at an increasing rate. Rose Psychic would fade in and out as the two in one body tried to slow their descent. Colors rippled and flashed all around them, as scenes from alien worlds appeared and disappeared. Then the whole world changed and they landed in the snow.

The shift back and forth between Occult and Rose continued, even as they struggled to stand. Snow fell all around them, a cold, bitter wind howled, but there was another sound off to the horizon. Using their combined powers, they finally managed to hold to one form, Rose's. She was hardly dress from the climate, but she used the amulet to try and warm herself.

The sound great louder and nearer. It was the sound of battle. Trudging through the deep white, she managed to reach an outcropping of rock and pull herself up. She barely had time to get situated, when the world around exploded with movement and sound. Great, bizarre shaped beasts came plunging over the ridge on her left and were met by equally bizarre creatures on her right.

She felt dwarfed by the sheer size of them and in her haste her control slipped and once and she phased into Richard Occult. He tried to hold his form, yet couldn't help but be awed by the creatures before his eyes. The Symbol of Seven around their neck shimmered and started to glow, a sure sign that they were in the presence of magic. Occult tried to draw power from it to hold his form, but whatever force they had encountered was too powerful and the shifting continued, back and forth between Occult and Rose.

It was as Rose was transitioning in that they first saw it, the banner, three black circles on a field of red. It was the same one Mary had described in her dream. Shifting her gaze as she started to phase back into Occult, she saw the other banner, three yellow lines on a field of white. Two great armies were about to clash.

The noise was deafening, as the combatants engaged each other. Blood seemed to be everywhere as no mercy came from either side. Shifting their position, Occult got them a little higher, so they had a better very of the battle. The armies stretched as far as the eye could see. Back and forth they went, each side fighting with all they had. The outcome seemed in doubt, until something caught Rose's eye. Movement from the center started to push its way forward. An opening was created and with each passing moment it grew larger

The golden woman, she had entered the battle.

She mesmerized Rose and Occult. She was ferocious, elemental and savagely beautiful all at once. Unimaginable beasts and fighters fell before her blade, yet she never slowed and continued to press forward.

A second opening came, off to the right and somehow Occult managed to pull his eyes away from the golden woman. It took a moment but finally he saw what was created this new opening, a man. At least that was the impression Rose got as they gazed at the being. He was larger, more primitive and less evolved than the golden woman, but no less deadly.

The two seemed to instinctively know where the other was and inexorable moved towards each other. It seemed to take an eternity but finally they faced each other. As their swords met, a shockwave went out and Rose and Occult found themselves thrown out of time again.

A bright flash of light encompassed them and in the next moment Occult was face down on the street in Fawcett City. Struggling to breath, he looked around and saw his hat lying on the pavement.

The Watchtower

The news about Diana and Hippolyta was the buzz of the station. Everyone was still in shock that Wonder Woman would no longer be a member. All of them respected her and many looked up to her as a role model. What the change would mean, they didn't know.

Shayera and Zatanna walked into the cafeteria and headed over to the table Wally was sitting at. He seemed engrossed in a magazine and only looked up when they sat down.

"People?' Zee asked. "Doing some heavy reading, Wally?"

"Cute. I was just checking out this article on Hippolyta,' he replied.

"God, that is so strange,' Shayera commented. "I never imagined Diana not being part of the Justice League."

"Yeah, me too,' Wally said, but he'd already returned to looking at the magazine.

"I know, it's weird,' Zee admitted. "Diana was always a leader and now she's gone. It's even weirder that her mother is replacing her. It's like time is going backwards instead of forwards."

"With your power I'd think you'd like that,' Wally absently offered.

"I speak backwards, not live it," she replied.

"Am I the only one a little uncomfortable with the thought of Hippolyta being here?' Shayera said.

"What do you mean?' Zee asked.

"Well, I know what they say, but she's still the Queen to me,' Shayera explained. "I know Diana was a Princess, but you never really thought of her that way, you know?"

"Yeah," Zee agreed. 'She was like a sister, now we have a mother taking her place. Is she going to act like everyone's mother or like a Queen when she gets here?"

"I was always a little intimidated by Hippolyta when we went to Themyscira,' Shayera admitted. "She's an immoral and has that royal aura about her. It's going to be really uncomfortable being around her, don't you think, Wally?"

"Hmm? What?' He said, looking up from the magazine.

"Don't you think it's going to be uncomfortable with Hippolyta around?' Shayera repeated.

"I don't know, I'm just going to treat her like everyone else,' he said. "She does bring some pluses to the table, you know."

"Like what?' Zee asked.

Wally smiled and turned the magazine around so they could see the picture he was looking at. It was Hippolyta in the Wonder Woman outfit.

"Well, she's smoking hot, for one thing," replied Wally. "I mean I even voted for her as top M.I.L.F superhero!"

The two women just stared at him for a moment and then hit him.

"You are such a pervert,' Zee grumbled.

"Ow! What? Come on! Take a look at her in that picture! Wow!"