Chapter 27: Home Again
Life on the hidden island of Themyscira was relatively peaceful. The Amazons that occupied it went about their lives, including Alexa, an Amazon who preferred the comfort of a good book over the action of the battlefield. She walked down a long, cobblestone path that lead down towards a secluded area of the island. She had several books under her arm and a guard helmet balanced on her head as she approached a thick metal door embedded in the side of a hill. She pushed open the door, revealing a darkened chamber with yet another door. Leaning against the wall next to this door was a blonde amazon with a large scar covering the left side of her face.
"Alexa." the blonde Amazon greeted.
"Hello, Persephone." Alexa greeted. "I hope you don't mind that I brought something to read during my shift."
"Not at all." Persephone assured. "Anything in particular?"
"Oh, just this and that." Alexa replied, grabbing one of the books and opening it. "Unfortunately, I think I've read nearly every book on the island."
"One of the downsides to our centuries long exile from the world of men." Persephone lamented. "I can barely even remember the last time we stepped foot outside our enchanted shore."
"I believe it was when Princess Diana left to fight the war to end all wars." Alexa recalled. "Do you think she still fights it to this day?"
"It has been over a century since she left." Persephone replied. "I highly doubt even the cruelest of men can fight for that long. No doubt the Princess has found some excuse to remain in man's world."
"I must admit, there is a part of me that envies her." Alexa shared. "The books I've read have shown me so many wonders of man's world, wonders we have been robbed of for centuries. Perhaps one day, I will be able to follow in Diana's footsteps and leave our sheltered shores.
"That would be quite the journey." Persephone commented. "Assuming the queen doesn't throw you in the dungeon first."
"Come now, Persephone." Alexa insisted. "Only one person has ever been thrown in the dungeons, and by Hippolyta's decree, the dungeon door shall never be opened."
"Believe me, I know." Persephone replied. "You forget I was there when the decree was made."
"As was I." Alexa reminded. "Nevertheless, is it truly wrong to hope for a life beyond our shores? Surely you have had similar dreams."
"Not as such." Persephone replied. "For all we know, reuniting with Man's world will only bring dark times back to the Amazons."
"That is fear talking, sister." Alexa insisted. "There is a quote I know that gives me the courage to face that fear. 'As a rock on the seashore, he standeth firm. And the dashing of the waves disturbeth him not. In the instant'-"
Alexa's words were suddenly cut off as Persephone's blade pierced her stomach. Blood began to dripple down her chin as Persephone pushed the blade in further.
"Yes, I know the quote well." Persephone told her. "It has aided me much in recent days. Shall I finish it? 'In the instant of danger, the courage of his heart sustaineth him and the steadiness of his mind beareth him out'."
Persephone slowly lowered Alexa to the ground as she withdrew her blade. Barely clinging to life, Alexa watched as Persephone opened the dungeon door.
"Forgive me sister." Persephone told her. "Another quote comes to mind in this instance. 'The heart wants what the heart wants, even what is worst for it'."
Out of the dungeon emerged a man, his skin pale white from centuries of imprisonment. He wore only a tattered, dirty robe with thick manacles on his wrists. Long white hair cascaded down his back, and when he opened his eyes, they were as red as blood.
"A-... Ares..." Alexa choked.
Ares let out a breath, taking in freedom for the first time in centuries. Persephone came up to him and kissed him lovingly.
"A centuries long courtship sealed with a kiss." Ares remarked.
"Much has happened since you've been locked away." Persephone warned. "Hippolyta's daughter Diana now resides in the world of man."
"It matters little." Ares assured her. "Soon, I will destroy Hippolyta's daughter, as she destroyed my son."
"No-" Alexa coughed, reaching out weakly for the two.
Ares glanced down at Alexa.
"Apologies, little one." He told her. "I'd forgotten you were there."
He bent down, covering Alexa's nose and mouth with his hand, smothering her
"Now… to show the world the true power of war." Ares declared as the Amazon beneath him ceased her struggles.
…
In the heart of Venice Italy, a speed boat clipped through the waters of the rio del Palazzo. It came to a stop in front of St. Mark's Basilica, allowing a man in a black suit and a fedora to climb out. He held a black briefcase in one hand and a pistol in the other. As he walked up to the Basilica, more men dressed like him climbed out of the boat and joined him. Once they reached the doors, one of the men kicked it open as the others began shooting down the Basilica guards. This caused the civilians inside to scream in panic as the leader just kept walking nonchalantly through the building.
"Line them up along the wall!" He barked. "And keep 'em quiet."
…
Outside, the speed boat decided to take off. As the driver took off through the canals, he didn't notice the torpedo like figure moving through the waters after him. All of a sudden, a trident stabbed through the boat's engine, killing it instantly. As the boat came to a stop, the figure, now revealed to be Aquaman, leapt out of the water and onto the boat.
"Having some engine trouble?" Aquaman asked.
In response, the driver grabbed his gun and opened fire. Before Aquaman could make a move, Superman suddenly flew in front of him and allowed the bullets to bounce off his body, much to Aquaman's annoyance.
"You know, I'm bulletproof too." Aquaman reminded.
"I know." Superman replied. "Force of habit."
He then used heat vision to melt the driver's gun, causing him to drop it in pain. He tried punching them, but Aquaman just stepped forward and caught the fist.
"Now if the bullets didn't work, why try punching?" Aquaman asked. "Never understood that."
"Desperate actions of desperate men." Superman rationalized before turning on his JL communicator. "This is Superman, we got the getaway driver."
"Good." Wonder Woman replied. "Cyborg is booming us inside the Basilica."
"Be careful." Superman cautioned. "No doubt they'll have hostages."
"Understood." Wonder Woman assured.
…
Inside, the goons were patrolling the halls, looking for the slightest sign of trouble. As they continued walking, a dark shadow dropped down and snatched one off the ground, carrying him away. His buddy looked around, but saw nothing. He just continued walking as he approached a corner, unaware that a shadow lurked there. A pair of arms grabbed him, a hand slapping over his mouth to prevent him from screaming as he was taken down. After a few seconds of struggling, he went limp and fell into unconsciousness. A third goon moved through the halls, feeling more than a little uneasy about the lack of response from anyone. Suddenly, the shadowy figure, revealing itself to be Batman, landed behind him and wrapped his arms around his throat. The goon tried to get free, but that only used up his oxygen as he fell unconscious. Batman let him drop to the ground as one final goon rounded the corner. The second he spotted him though, a yellow lasso wrapped around him and pulled him up, right into view of Wonder Woman.
"Who are you?" She asked as the lasso began to glow.
"We're a small group of reactionary terrorists," he explained. "We're trying to bring down the local government through destruction of important and historic landmarks."
"And the hostages?" Batman questioned, landing next to her.
""So the Venician Government will know we are not to be trifled with." the terrorist answered. "There can't be a war without casualties."
"There's about to be." Wonder Woman told him.
…
Meanwhile, the leader placed his briefcase on a table, opening it up to reveal a bomb inside. The sight of this caused much panic and screaming from the hostages.
"Shut up!" a goon threatened, aiming his gun at them.
The hostages, many families, a few older couples, and a group of young girls in matching uniforms, all cowarded at the guns and the bomb in the leader's case.
"This is man's best hope." the leader mused. "The first step in bringing down the modern world, and bringing us back into the dark ages, and the safety of holy fear."
The leader then activated the bomb, a 20 second timer counting down. Three of those seconds ticked by before the door was suddenly blasted open. The terrorists turned to see Green Lantern and Cyborg standing in the doorway, the latter with his cannon arm at the ready.
"Step away from the bomb, asshat." Cyborg warned.
"You're too late." the leader warned. "In less then fifteen seconds, this building and everyone in it will-"
He was suddenly cut off by an energy blast from GL, who then encompassed the bomb in a green energy bubble.
"Thanks blabbermouth," GL remarked. "Now I know how much time I have left. Keep our friends busy till I get back!"
"No problem!" Cyborg replied as GL flew off.
Cyborg immediately opened fire on several of the terrorists, knocking them down one by one as GL continued flying. Once he got high enough, he tossed the bomb into the air, letting it explode as he returned to the battle. Cyborg had just tossed one goon aside before blasting at another. Once GL returned, he formed a massive boxing glove that he used to punch out a terrorist upon landing.
As they were dispatching goons, the leader grabbed a fallen gun and aimed it at the hostages, about to open fire. As he pulled the trigger though, Wonder Woman zoomed in and used her bracelets to deflect every shot that was dealt out. By the time the terrorist emptied the clip, not a single hostage had been hit. His gun was suddenly knocked out of his hands by a batarang, causing him to turn and see Batman entering the room. He turned to run the other way, but was cut off by a green wall blocking the exit.
"Just a suggestion," GL proposed. "But you might wanna give up now."
The leader looked around and saw heroes opposing him on all sides, finally raising his hands in defeat.
…
Later on, the authorities took the terrorists into custody as EMTs tended to the hostages. The girls from the schools were all united with their families, tearful hugs visible all throughout the chaos. Off to the side, the League was discussing their latest victory.
"So, we stopped the bad guys, saved dozens of lives, and kept a famous historical landmark from getting blown up." GL listed off. "I call that a good days work."
"Even so, you gotta admit this is getting repetitive." Aquaman commented. "This is the third obscure terrorist attack this week."
"Aquaman has a point." Superman agreed. "These attacks are growing in consistency. Almost as if they're connected."
"Not from what I've been able to find." Batman chimed in. "None of these terrorist groups have any connecting motives, members, or agendas."
"So, what's our next step?" Cyborg wondered. "We can't just wait for the next attack. We need to get ahead of whatever this is."
"What do you think, Wonder Woman?" Superman asked, only to see her standing off to the side.
She was watching some of the school girls reunite with their respective mothers. A warm smile gracing her face as Superman walked up.
"Diana?" Superman asked, snapping her out of it.
"Apologies." She told him. "I was… lost in thought."
"About your mother?" Superman guessed.
"Is it that obvious?" She asked with a small sad smile.
"Eyes do more than shoot lasers." Superman remarked.
"I will admit, seeing these children with their families, it has reminded me of my own." Diana said quietly. "My mother used to say the planets revolved around me. She called me 'her little sun and stars'."
"Didn't you say it's been over a century since you've left Themyscira?" Aquaman recalled.
"I did." Diana lamented. "There was just always more evil to fight. More work to be done."
"Well, the world doesn't seem to be in danger right now." Superman noted. "Maybe it's finally time to go back."
"I've been gone so long." Diana realized. "What would I even say to her?"
"Try the truth." Superman suggested.
Diana looked more than a little nervous at the prospect. At the same time though, she did long for home, and after taking a deep breath, she took to the sky.
"Perhaps you're right." Diana admitted. "It is time I returned to Themyscira, if only for a short time."
"You can count on us to keep the peace until you get back." Superman promised.
"Thank you." Diana replied before flying off.
"In the meantime," Batman spoke up. "I'm going to follow up on a few leads."
"Need any help?" Cyborg offered.
"If I do, I'll call." Batman replied before firing a grapple and zipping off.
"FYI, he's not gonna call." GL whispered.
"Yeah, I figured." Cyborg responded.
…
Miles away, the Javelin soared through the sky, enroute to Themyscira. In the cockpit, Diana was trying to figure out what to say to her mother when she finally arrived.
"You look more radiant than ever." She tried before shaking her head. "No… I didn't mean to be gone so long, I just lost track of time... For more than a century...
She shook her head.
"Definitely not." She decided, coming up with another idea. "The world's perils would not stop at one war! Someone had to do something!"
She just sighed as she leaned back in her seat.
"Hera, give me strength." She let out under her breath.
She continued flying the Javelin across the sky, eventually catching sight of Themyscira.
"Home at last." She regaled, only to see flames emanating from various parts of the island. "What?!"
As she flew in closer, she saw that Themyscira was in decimation and ruin. She instantly landed the Javelin on the shoreline before exiting and running out. She made her way towards the largest fire first, seeing several amazons throwing buckets of water onto the blaze, trying to quench it before it spread. Thinking fast, she grabbed a bucket and flew towards a water trough, filling it up before flying over the fire and dousing it. The Amazons were in shock to see Diana back on the island, though still remembering the task at hand. They moved onto the next fire as Diana flew after, intent on saving her home.
…
Sometime later, the fires were quelled and the island was returned to a semblance of peace. As some of the Amazons got to work rebuilding the damaged buildings, others came up to Diana in surprise and confusion.
"Princess?"
"You're back."
"Why have you been gone so long?"
"It is good to be back, sisters," Diana told them. "But right now, there are more pressing matters. Tell me, where is my mother?"
"She is doing a count of all the amazons." Artemis answered. "You'll find her in the palace."
"Thank you." Diana replied, flying towards the palace.
…
In the palace of Hippolyta, the queen was meeting with Menolippee and Aresia as they reported their collected consensus of Themyscira
"Nearly the entire island has been accounted for, my Queen." Aresia reported. "Except for those guarding the dungeons."
"Then we shall go there, and-" Hippolyta started to respond.
She was suddenly cut off at the sight of Diana walking into the palace. She stepped off her throne and walked past the two Amazons, moving towards her daughter.
"Diana…" She let out.
"Mother..." Diana said softly.
Hippolyta rushed forward, pulling Diana into her arms. Diana wasted little time returning the hug in kind. The two just held each other for a few moments before finally pulling apart.
"How I have missed you." Hippolyta told her, brushing a bit of her hair.
"It is good to be home." Diana replied, her smile fading as she remembered the situation. "But what happened here?"
"We're not sure." Hippolyta admitted. "Someone set up a complex web of greek fire bombs across the island. We've been battling the flames for days. Each time we thought we'd found the last trap, a new one appeared."
"This was well planned." Diana observed. "A means to keep the Amazons occupied. But for what purpose?"
"My Queen!" An Amazon suddenly shouted, running into the throne room. "Alexa is dead!"
"What?!" all four of them let out.
…
They journeyed to the dungeons and saw Alexa's lifeless body on the ground. Diana immediately ran over to her and knelt down beside her, taking her hand and closing her eyes. A shadow then fell over the doorway as Artemis entered the dungeon. Upon seeing Alexa's body, she gasped in horror, tears in her eyes.
"No..." she choked.
"I am sorry." Aresia concoled, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Take some comfort knowing whoever did this will pay with their life."
"What of Persephone?" Menolipe questioned. "She was on guard duty with Alexa."
"There has been no sign of her." Aresia reported.
"You think she did this?" Diana asked. "Why?"
Hippolyta looked up towards the now empty cell, all the color washing out of her face. Diana noticed this and saw the same thing, but with her face showing determination.
"Ares." She let out.
"He has returned." Hippolyta dreaded.
"Then we must work to find him," Diana decided, standing up. "Lest mans world fall victim to his evil."
Hippolyta paused for a moment, before turning back to Diana.
"No." She told her.
"What?" Diana asked, genuinely surprised.
"I just got you back, Diana." Hippolyta told her. "I will not lose you to that monster."
"Mother, Ares is a threat to all mankind." Diana insisted. "If we want to stop him, we will need everyone working together. Besides, you don't know man's world like I do."
"I know enough." Hippolyta informed her. "I know of its saviors, of its 'Justice League'. Man's world can protect itself. It does not need us, and it does not need you."
"How can you say that?!" Diana snapped. "It is the duty of the Amazons to protect the world! Ares is our responsibility. We must take action."
"Diana-"
"We were raised to believe the way of the Amazons was that of compassion and love." Diana cut off. "That we were warriors destined to save the world. Now I see the true way of the Amazons is cowardice."
"How dare you!" Aresia snapped. "You are not even a true Amazon! You are a clay doll and you dare to insult-!"
"How dare I?!" Diana cut off. "How many atrocities have befallen mankind while we hid away on our island paradise, training in vain for conflicts that pass us by. Well right now, man's world needs us. If none of you will take action, then I will!"
She pushed past them, walking out of the dungeon. Aresia moved to intercept her, but Menolipe stopped her, crushing her arm in her grasp.
"We will discuss your 'clay doll' comment later." she warned before turning to Hippolyta. "What should we do about Diana?"
Hippolyta said nothing, still reeling from everything Diana had said.
…
Meanwhile, Diana made her way to the armory, throwing the doors open as she made her way through the halls. She then rounded the corner and saw a lone sword sitting in a strange golden sphere. She approached the sword, recognizing it from a story from her childhood. Wasting no time, she approached the sphere and took it.
"The god killer." Diana marveled as she got a good look at the sword.
She gave the blade a test swing, marveling at how well crafted it was before sliding it onto her belt. With the god killer in her arsenal, she took off towards the beach. As she approached the Javelin, she was surprised to see Artemis on the beach, seemingly waiting for her. She landed in front of her, unsure how the confrontation would go.
"I assume mother sent you here to stop me." Diana surmised.
"Yes." Artemis nodded. "She doesn't want you, or any Amazon to leave the island."
"You know I will not be stopped so easily." Diana told her, taking a fighting stance.
"I know." Artemis replied as she then held out her hand. "That's why I'm getting you back to your vessel."
Diana raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"Are you certain about this?" Diana asked.
"More than." Artemis promised. "Just promise me that Ares and Persephone will pay for what they did to Alexa."
"You have my word." Diana promised, taking the outstretched hand.
Hand in hand, the two Amazons began heading towards the Javelin. As they approached the ship, they saw that it was being guarded by Aresia.
"Damn..." Diana cursed. "Of course Mother would guard the Javelin."
"Hopefully Aresia will have the sense to stand down." Artemis mused.
"I highly doubt that." Diana replied. "She's never been shy about expressing her utter disdain for me. She will keep me from the Javelin out of pure spite."
"Then I will only feel sorry for her when we defeat her." Artemis remarked, walking towards her.
Diana followed close behind as they walked towards the ship. Aresia meanwhile, leaned against one of the landing wheels of the Javelin, polishing her sword as the two approached. She glared at Diana, adjusting the sleeve of her tunic to hide a hand shaped bruise on her arm.
"I don't wish to fight you, Aresia." Diana insisted. "Just step aside and let me pass."
"Can't do that, Diana." Aresia told her. "The Queen's orders. That, and frankly I don't want to."
"Whatever grievances you have with me don't matter compared to the threat of Ares." Diana told her. "He seeks to engulf the world in endless bloodshed."
"Man's world seems to do pretty well at destroying itself," Aresia mused. "Ares' involvement will simply ensure that the plague of mankind is wiped out."
"You called me a clay doll," Diana recalled. "Yet I am still more of an Amazon than you."
Something in Aresia snapped and she charged at Diana with a war cry. Diana drew her sword and blocked Aresia attack at breakneck speed. The two traded blows back and forth, with neither one gaining any ground on the other. Diana then ducked under one of Aresia's attacks before bringing her sword down on her, forcing Aresia to block it.
"I always was the better fighter, Aresia." Diana told her. "You're only making this more challenging for yourself."
Aresia screamed, shoving Diana off before charging once again. She swung her sword wildly at Diana, barely giving her a second to recover. Eventually, Diana's sword was knocked out of her hands, landing near the water. Diana moved to recover it, but Aresia just grabbed her by the hair and threw her back, causing her to hit the ground hard. Aresai tried bringing her sword down on her, but Diana quickly brought up her bracelets to block it. The second Aresia's sword made contact, a burst of energy shot her back, causing her to land hard. As she slowly picked herself up, Artemis charged forward and rammed right into her, knocking her aside.
"Go! I'll hold her off!" Artemis called out, rushing back into battle.
Diana nodded as she moved towards the god killer sword, reclaiming it before taking off to the Javelin. Aresia charged right at Artemis, swinging her sword in a violent arc. Artemis drew her own sword and blocked the attack before shoving her off.
"Queen Hippolyta will have your head for this, Artemis!" Aresia swore.
"At least I can assure Alexa she is being avenged." Artemis replied.
The Javelin powered up as Diana slammed the thrusters into overdrive, taking off towards the sky. Aresia saw this and turned back to Artemis in disdain.
"You are a fool, Artemis." Aresia told her.
"Maybe so," Artemis admitted, dropping her sword. "But Diana may be the world's only hope in stopping Ares."
At that moment, several more Amazons, led by Hippolyta, arrived on the beach. Upon seeing the Javelin flying off, Hippolyta became both scared and enraged.
"What have you done?" She demanded.
"I have sent the god killer to fulfill its purpose." Artemis answered.
"And my daughter to her death…" Hippolyta dreaded.
"If I may, your highness," Menolippe spoke. "Did you believe you could keep Diana from her destiny forever?"
Hippolyta paused for a moment, almost unsure how to respond.
"I had hoped…" She admitted. "But now, I have only sent her towards it."
…
On the Javelin, Diana let out several heavy breaths, still fuming from how poorly her reunion had gone. She wiped her eyes, angry tears on her face as she struggled to contain her rage. Outside, dark clouds gathered and thunder rolled, only adding to her growing mood. She just gripped the controls and continued flying, determined to make Ares pay for his crimes before the world suffered.
"Wonder Woman to Watchtower." she called over her comms. "Come in Watchtower."
"Go ahead, Diana." Batman responded.
"I know what is responsible for the rash of terrorist attacks." she informed him. "Ares has escaped."
"Ares?" Batman repeated. "As in the greek god of war?"
"The very same." she answered. "He was imprisoned on Themyscira, but was freed by one of my sisters. That is all I know, I am afraid."
"What are the Amazons doing about this?" Batman questioned. "Perhaps we could coordinated efforts to-"
"They're doing nothing." Diana snapped, the angry tears returning. "My mother has forbidden any amazon to leave Themyscira. We are on our own."
"We'll manage." Batman replied. "So, the terrorist attacks are Ares inciting conflict, right?"
"Yes." Diana confirmed. "Proximity to Ares brings about man's darker impulses and causes them to act on it. He brings about feelings of war, and they act on them, in turn, giving him more power."
"We'll need to know more." Batman insisted. "Return to the Watchtower as soon as you can. We'll gather the league and you can tell us everything we need to know."
"I'm already on my way." she informed him.
"Good." Batman replied, then there was a moment of silence. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry your reunion didn't go as planned."
"Me too." Diana told him as she pierced the stratosphere.