Chapter 7: All the World is Waiting for You

At 11:40, Diana watched Sandra leave the hotel room as Phantom Lady. Before then, Sandra was spending as much time getting dressed as she was arguing with Diana. Diana was trying to convince Sandra that she was feeling better and that she could be useful. Sandra would hear nothing of it. Eventually, Diana relented.

Still, the Amazon was not satisfied with the situation. Oh, Sandra. I know you're looking out for me, but I can't let you do everything while I sit here, she thought. I hid from my mother and snuck away from my home so that I can right the wrongs inflicted on us! Plus, you hid the truth about Dalma from me – you and my mother! I can't be left in the dark again!

Diana then went to the desk, which had a map of Venice on it with Matteo's shop highlighted. And Matteo... I don't know. There's something I don't trust about him.

With a new resolve, Diana quickly turned around and went to her suitcase. Alright, I know what I'll do. I'm going to follow her, without her seeing me. If all goes well, I'll sneak back and just consider this a good practice run. And if not... well, Sandra will learn that it's a not bad thing I don't always do what I'm told.

The mob of German spies carried Phantom Lady down the stairs and to the alleyway where a car was waiting for them. Several men got in the car with her, and it drove off. The group quickly zoomed through the various alleys, before making a sudden stop.

"Jeez," said Phantom Lady, "I know you guys are excited about this, but you need to treat your date more gently". The men grabbed Phantom Lady and roughly pulled her through a back door. The group went down a dingy hallway before entering a dark room. One of the men turned on a light in the middle of the room, illuminating a single stool. Phantom Lady couldn't see what type of room it was, or what else was in there, but she could tell that the room went on farther beyond the reach of the light.

The men sat Phantom Lady down on the stool. One man approached Phantom Lady's face.

"Well, Miss Phantom Lady," he said in an Italian accent, "you have given the Axis powers more than a few headaches. But now that you are in the grasp of the Kingdom of Italy – with a little help from your "friend" – we can rest easily".

"Well, another way to stop worrying about me is to just stop being fascistic pieces of shit," replied Phantom Lady. "Have you tried that?"

The interrogator chuckled. "You do live up to your reputation. But enough of that. Let me put it to you plainly. Most of my compatriots think this is a waste of time. They think you are too stubborn to deal with, too irrational to make a good decision. But I would be remiss if I just treated someone so beautiful as you so cruelly as to not give them a chance to save themselves. So, I will let you go, if you tell me everything you know about the other Freedom Fighters, their capabilities, their assets, and their operations".

Phantom Lady leaned forward. "You know... I've been in a lot of interrogation situations, and I must say, this is definitely the most amateurish I have ever been subjected too. I mean, one lousy stool? A random room in some building? No other restraints aside from all your burly guards? Was this put together at last minute? C'mon, where's the torture chamber? Where are the chains? Where's the entire psychological factor?"

"It's not the most sophisticated, I'll admit, but I promise you, if you turn down this deal, you will sorely miss this nice little arraignment you are currently in".

"Sorry, amico, but you'll never get anything out of me".

The interrogator sighed. "Well, at least I won't go to bed with a guilty conscience," he said, before signaling to some other men. The lights went on in the entire room, revealing shelves with plates, cups, and even a few pieces of fine art. At the back of the room, Phantom Lady saw a thick steel door with some buttons and dials on a pad next to it. "Remember when we said we'd turn up the heat on you?" the interrogator said as Phantom Lady was dragged to the door. At this moment Phantom Lady realized what was in front of her. She was at a ceramics factory, and the men were about to throw her into a kiln.

Wait, 'turn up the heat on me?' she thought. Jeez, I love a bad pun as much as anyone, but that was really lame!

The men opened the door and threw Phantom Lady inside. Phantom Lady stood up, but by the time she turned around, it was too late. The door was slammed shut, and her captors soon began working on the panel. In a second, red lights turned on in the kiln, and Phantom Lady felt hot air flowing through the chamber. Phantom Lady walked to the door to see if there was anything she could do. The door was flush with the wall, and the crack where the door met the frame was insulated. If only I had my gear, she thought, then maybe I'd have a chance.

Phantom Lady looked out the window to see several men looking at her. Out of anger, Phantom Lady hit the window, hoping it would break. The interrogator laughed. "The only way you're are getting out of this is by telling us what we want to know," he yelled. Phantom Lady hit the window again and yelled. Seeing how that was useless, the heroine started looking around the room. She saw several racks where the ceramics would be, now empty. Phantom Lady walked to them and moved them with her shoulder. There was nothing back there but the wall with some holes where the hot air would come in. Phantom Lady then walked to the back of the kiln: still, there was nothing.

The room was continuing to get hotter. Phantom Lady was sweating profusely, and it was getting harder to breathe. Phantom Lady went to the other wall. Turning around, she tried to use her hands to get into the hole and possibly pry it open. The flame was too close to her hands, and even with her gloves still on, it was too hot for her to handle. Phantom Lady pulled her hands away. Goddamnit! she thought. In a fit of desperation, Phantom Lady charged into the door with her shoulder. The door didn't budge, while Phantom Lady collapsed in a heap. She moaned loudly as she laid on the ground, her shoulder hurting from the impact, her head hurting from the heat.

The agents laughed at the woman's pain. "Easy boys," said the interrogator. "Let's make sure it's not too hot. I do not want this dish to get overdone".

Just then, the men heard a loud CRASH! Standing in the broken doorway was a tall woman with muscles like an Olympic athlete. It was Diana, wearing what looked like a new costume. She wore what looked like a red corset adorned with a golden eagle which connected to a band around her waist. Below that was a pair of blue briefs with little white stars. She wore red boots and silver bracelets, and had a lasso hanging off of her hip. And on top of her head of curly black hair was a golden tiara.

"Halt, you fiends!" she yelled. The men looked on stunned. "I order to you release my sister, lest you desire to incur my wrath!"

The men laughed. "I was not aware Phantom Lady had a fan club. And somehow, the poor girl's even more delusional than her! Gentlemen, please escort this lady here. I would very much like to see what makes her tick". Two men approached Diana from opposite sides. Diana eyed them nervously as they came closer. She was trained in all the ways of battle that the Amazons could show her, yet it still could not compare to a real fight for her life. As the men came to grab her, Diana sprang into action. She grabbed the outstretched hand of one man and roughly twisted it. As he yelled in pain, Diana kicked the other man in the stomach, sending him flying. Diana went back to the first man and punched him in the face, knocking him out.

The men rushed to subdue Diana, who ran to the right through the shelves. The men followed her, but she was too quick. Several other men tried to cut her off from the other side, but when the first one ran to Diana, she tripped him. The next one swung at her several time, but Diana dodged his attacks. She replied with several of her own, incapacitating him. Coming up to the next man, Diana grabbed him by his collar and belt. In a feat no normal human could achieve, Diana lifted him several feet above her head and threw her into the men following her.

With the mob chasing her momentarily blocked, Diana ran back to middle of the room, where the kiln's door was. The interrogator was there, brandishing a gun. "Alright, you've had your fun. But that's it! One more step, and I'll shoot". Diana saw the handgun and knew what would happen next. With a look of determination, Diana raised her fists and walked forward. The interrogator fired his weapon, and Diana – with extraordinary coordination – deflected the bullet off one of her bracelets. The interrogator fired again, and Diana deflected it again. Diana continued walking forward as he continued firing. The bullets flew in all directions through the room, causing the other people in it to duck.

The ricocheting bullets were heard in the kiln. Phantom Lady, now drenched in sweat, tried to peer through the window. The pain in her head had only grown. She was now weak and nauseous. When looking through the door, she could only see the back of people's heads. They were all moving and some were even running. Something was definitely happening. This may be what I need to get out of here, she thought. She began banging on the door, hoping that the commotion outside was the act of an ally.

As men continued to assault her, Diana continued to fend them off. The men tried every attack they could, but the Amazonian princess dodged all of them and subdued them one by one. She was faster, stronger, and smarter than any one of them could ever be. Eventually, they all just tried encircling her and rushing her at the same time. This seemed to work: the sheer weight of the men on her was enough to take her to the ground. However, when the men started moving, trying to get her up, Diana slipped through and threw a couple of them up in the air. Diana attacked more and more of them, until only a few remained. These men ran out of the room into the hallway, afraid of the super-woman.

Wow, that was actually rather fun, thought Diana. As she stood there, she heard faint banging on the door of the kiln. What is that? Is that... Sandra?! In a flash, Diana ran to the kiln door. Not knowing how to work the panel on the side, Diana took off her tiara and cut through the large latch on the door. As the door swung open, Phantom Lady's limp body fell out. Diana knelt down to hold her. "Sandra!" she yelled.

Phantom Lady's eyes fluttered open. "Di... Diana?" she mumbled as her heroine came into focus.

"Yes, Sandra," Diana replied as she caressed her comrade. "I'm here to rescue you".

"Oh God..." Phantom Lady mumbled. "Just... we just need to get out of here..."

"Right," Diana said. She lifted Phantom Lady up – still in handcuffs – and draped her slick body over her shoulders. Diana headed for the door.

"Wait!" said Phantom Lady, "I need my... projectors and belt".

Diana looked around. "Are they here? I don't see them".

"Keep looking..."

Diana walked around the room. Eventually, she came upon a table with Phantom Lady's missing tools. "Okay, here you go," Diana said, passing them to her friend.

As they turned to leave, Diana saw men entering the room. This time, they clearly were carrying machine guns. Diana didn't want to drop Sandra and fight more, but she couldn't leave the way she came. She looked around and found a window on the other side of the room. As the opened fire, Diana made a break for it. As she ran, most of the bullets whizzed behind her. One, however, hit Phantom Lady in the side, who yelled in pain when it happened. With a final, dazzling leap, Diana broke through the window to the outside.

Diana looked around to see she was in a dark alleyway. She knew she and Phantom Lady weren't safe, but going to the street was not the right move – not when there were potentially more agents swarming the area. Well, I think I can go another way, she thought. Diana looked up, and decided to jump into the air. While carrying the other superheroine, Diana zoomed up three stories and landed on the roof of the building next door. Phantom Lady gasped when they landed, while Diana ran across the roof and leaped to another neighboring building.

Diana ran for several minutes until she was practically across town. Once she knew she wasn't being followed, she set Phantom Lady down on the ground. "I think we're safe now," she said. Seeing as how Phantom Lady was still in handcuffs, Diana snapped the chain connecting the two.

Phantom Lady stretched her arms. Noticing the cuffs were still on her wrists, she said, "You know, I could have just picked the lock".

"From behind your back?" Diana replied.

"Yes, actually. Though, this is easier". Phantom Lady got to work taking her cuffs off and putting her belt and projectors back on. She winced in pain as she stood up, grabbing her side.

"Sandra, are you ok?" Diana asked.

Phantom Lady let her hand drop, revealing a smashed bullet on the side of her suit. Phantom Lady grabbed the bullet and then examined the flesh underneath. There was a bruise, but the bullet didn't pierce the skin.

"I think so," Phantom Lady said. "Your bulletproof fabric really helped me out back there. But let's talk about you". Phantom Lady eyed the Amazon. "First... that outfit!"

"Hm? What of it?" Diana asked.

"Well, for starters, I would've never expected you to wear something so... ostentatious. Tell me, do all the women on your island wear something like that?"

"Uh, sort of? I derived it from some old armor sets we would wear. The colors though are of America. I was designing it ever since Steve came to our island". Diana stretched her back and legs. "I just tailored it a bit to give me more room in the legs and chest".

"Well, it worked," Phantom Lady replied. "Can't believe someone made an outfit more revealing than mine, is all".

"I could add some more fabric somewhere, I guess. Or I could change the colors if you think that would be better. We can coordinate our outfits so that-"

"Wait, stop," Phantom Lady interjected. "We're not coordinating anything. You weren't even supposed to leave the hotel!"

"I know," Diana replied. "But if I did as you asked, you would've died".

"No, I would have escaped!" Phantom Lady snapped back. Diana didn't believe her, and even Phantom Lady doubted what she just said. Among all of the deathtraps she faced, that one was definitely among the worst.

"Look, I left my island so I could right the wrongs that were inflicted upon my people. And as part of that, I swore to protect you. I couldn't do that if I was away from you. I followed you, I rescued you, and I beat up all of the men who were guarding you barehanded".

"Really?" Phantom Lady looked at the woman again. Aside from that little rope, she could see no other weapons on her. "You beat up over a dozen in that room by yourself?" Diana nodded. That would explain all the commotion, she thought. "Well, I owe you my thanks for rescuing me, Diana," Phantom Lady said. "And from now on, you'll be with me every step of the way. And you don't have to change your costume".

Diana giggled. "I had a feeling you'd like it".

"And by the way, I'm sorry for not telling you about Dalma."

Diana's mood darkened. "Oh, right, yeah".

"Yeah, I didn't know what you knew, or that the knowledge would hurt you so. Your whole world is so new to me. I didn't know what I was supposed to do. I'm sorry for not trusting you with that".

Diana sighed. "I understand. But I want you to know you can trust me. I want to stop her as badly as you do. And I feel that the only way we can do that is if we are completely in sync. I promise to give this my all if you will too".

Phantom Lady grabbed Diana's hand. "Thank you, Diana. I will".

"So, what now?" asked Diana.

"Well, my greatest desire right now is to go to the hotel room and have a nice, long bath. Hell, I'll even take a dip in the canal right now. But I came out tonight to get some information from a former friend, and I'll be damned if I go back without getting it".

"I see," said Diana. "And you know, I think I have something that can make us getting it a little bit easier..."

Matteo unlocked the door to his shop. In this cramped area, dozens of odd items and antiquities lined the wall and cluttered the walkways. Everything looked interesting, but most of the items on display were over-valued knick-knacks or outright fakes. The real valuable pieces were kept in the many lockers and safes in the back. Matteo was feeling very pleased with himself. The deal he had struck with the Axis powers was incredibly lucrative, and now that he delivered a key enemy to them, he felt safe that they wouldn't turn their back on him. It was true that Matteo liked the Freedom Fighters – especially that Phantom Lady – but he didn't have any issue tossing people aside when it was necessary for his own interests. Never had, and never would.

Matteo flicked on the light switch for his shop. The lights didn't come on. Matteo walked further in. He didn't think there was a blackout in the town. Perhaps it's just a blown fuse, he thought. Matteo walked, trying a different light in the back. That one, too, didn't work. Matteo turned to go to the back until he heard a voice.

"Hello, Matteo," it said. Suddenly, darkness enveloped Matteo. He knew exactly what was going on. Out of instinct, Matteo ran backwards to the door, knocking into the various treasures about. He was about to make it, when a large figure dropped down in front of him. Matteo recognized it as the woman with Phantom Lady from earlier. This time, she was wearing a very revealing outfit. Normally, Matteo would make a remark to endear himself to the beautiful woman, but he had no time for that now.

"Alright, move!" he yelled, pulling out a gun. But before he could realize it, Diana ripped the gun from his hand and smashed it on his head. Matteo stumbled backwards as Phantom Lady emerged from the other side. "Bitch!" Matteo said.

Phantom Lady sighed. "Is this how you really think of me, Matteo? It just goes to show you how a person reveals their true character under adversity".

"Goddamnit! Everything's ruined!" Matteo continued to yell.

"Well, what did you expect? I always find a way to escape," Phantom Lady replied.

"Yeah, but now they're going to blame me for helping you somehow. It's not fair!"

"Oh, it seems very fair to me, Matteo. But don't worry: if it ever comes to it, I'll put in a good word with the Nazis and tell them you're no friend of ours," Phantom Lady said.

Diana moved in closer. "Wh- what is this?" Matteo said.

"Oh, this is my friend," Phantom Lady replied. "You haven't personally betrayed her, so unlike me, she doesn't want to break every single bone in your body. Instead, she's going to show you a magic trick. She's going to make you reveal all of your dirty little secrets".

Diana took her golden lasso and wrapped it around Matteo. "Now: Brünnhilde. Talk!" Phantom Lady said.

"Talk about what-?" asked Matteo.

"You said you had more information on her. Spill".

"Well, I..." Matteo felt a painful sensation from the lasso. "She... has a close relationship with Colonel Dotsch".

"Wait, do you mean a... romantic relationship?" asked Diana.

"I... don't think so. But I do know she does virtually everything she says," replied Matteo.

Diana had a small sign of relief creep up onto her face. "That's not very useful," said Phantom Lady. "What else?"

Matteo tried to think up of something else. However, the pain he had felt before had come back. The lasso was doing its magic. Finally, he blurted out, "That's all! I don't know anything else!"

Phantom Lady's face dropped immediately. "Wait, seriously? You have no further information?"

"No, I'm serious!" Matteo cried. Why can't I make something up? he wondered.

"Is this working?" Phantom Lady asked Diana.

"I assure you, it works," Diana replied. "It seems we know all he knows".

"So, you're of no further use?" Phantom Lady said. "Then how about I hog tie you and leave you for the Nazis?"

"No, please, don't!"

"Tell me what I want to know!" Phantom Lady yelled. Even Diana was a little bit scared by her tone.

Matteo fumbled for information. He couldn't lie; whatever that rope was doing to him made it so. But he needed something. Suddenly, he remembered something. "Wait! I know it! I... okay... so..." Phantom Lady continued to grimace at him. "You know how I said Hitler was looking for artifacts? Well, they might have found another one".

Phantom Lady backed off. "Go on".

"It's called the Serpent's Tooth. It came from the serpent Jormungandr, a creature from Norse mythology that encircles the world under the sea. The creature had venom that could kill gods. Allegedly, centuries ago, there was a cult that worshiped it. And not only that, but they found a part of its body. It was fashioned into a weapon for them to use".

"And you're saying the Nazis have it?" Phantom Lady asked.

"Not yet, but they think they know where it is," Matteo replied.

"Where?" she asked.

"Up in Norway. I can tell you the exact coordinates".

"Hold it. Are you sure this will stop Brünnhilde?" asked Phantom Lady.

"No. But the Nazis sure think it's powerful. That's got to be worth something, right?"

Phantom Lady paused and looked over to Diana. Diana shrugged. "Alright, this is what you're going to do," Phantom Lady said. "You'll hand over the coordinates to me. After that, you'll pack your things and leave town immediately. And if you tell anyone about what you said to us, we will find you and kill you. Do you understand?" Matteo nodded. "Good, let's get to work".

Phantom Lady and Diana escorted Matteo back to his office. There, he wrote the coordinates down for the Nazis alleged discovery – while still tied in the lasso. Once they had their information, he was let go. Matteo went up to his apartment above and packed his necessary things. He rang up a taxi, which came within minutes. Matteo tried to make small talk to the two women – a last chance at appearing charming – but was met with silence. Dejected, Matteo got into the cab and left.

"So, that man was your ally in all of this?" asked Diana. "I must admit I am disappointed".

"Yeah, I am too," Phantom Lady replied.

"Do you really think he won't betray us again?" Diana said.

"I can't be sure. But I do know the Axis don't like failures. And because of what happened tonight, Matteo definitely can't be found".

"And if they do find him?"

"Well, let's just hope we find what we need from Norway before he tells them".

The pair walked back inside and up to the roof. They were about to travel back to their hotel along the rooftops when Diana noticed something. "Wait," she told Phantom Lady. Diana pulled out her lasso and threw the loop into the air. Phantom Lady saw the glowing rope wrap around a bird barely silhouetted in the darkness. Diana pulled the rope and the loop closed around the large bird. Diana reeled the bird in until Phantom Lady could see it.

"What are you doing?" she asked the Amazon. The bird was a brown owl.

"This is my mother," Diana said bitterly.

"...What?"

"The queen uses owls to learn about the world. What they see, she sees. What they hear, she hears".

"Oh, crap!" Phantom Lady exclaimed. "Does that mean she knows where we are now?"

"I'm afraid so, Sandra," Diana replied.

"Oh, God! I'm so screwed! They're coming for us, Diana!"

"No, they will not," Diana said firmly. Phantom Lady looked on, puzzled, as Diana approached the trapped bird. "Mother, you now know of my deception. But it pales in comparison to yours. I have learned all about what really happened to the company of troops. How they were betrayed by one of our own. By Dalma. You carry the weight of their deaths. But then, in your cowardice, you hid the truth from us. You even hid it from me! Though you did make sure to explain everything to a woman you just met". Phantom Lady raised an eyebrow. "Far more revered leaders were felled by mistakes far less damaging that yours. If the rest of the Amazons knew, they would send you to the deepest bowels of Hades. But I am loyal to you, mother. I love you, mother. So, I will avenge my sisters. I will return Dalma to Themyscira and rectify your mistakes. And you will do nothing to stop me!"

Diana released the bird, which flew off at a speed greater than any normal bird could achieve. Phantom Lady stayed silent and Diana turned towards her. "We shouldn't be bothered anymore," Diana said.

"Thanks, princess," Phantom Lady replied. "I still feel bad about putting you through this, especially with your mother".

"Nonsense, I have chosen to fight". Diana put her fist across her chest. "And we will fight together, until we win!"

Phantom Lady decided to mimic Diana's movement. As she did it, she began to giggle. "Sorry," Phantom Lady said. "I've never done anything like this before". Diana smiled a bit at the awkwardness. Phantom Lady regained her composure. "Yes, united, we will win!"