WASHINGTON D.C.
THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS ROOM

“Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States.”

The crowd of reporters rose to their feet in unison, a sign of respect to the leader of the free world.  A melee of flash bulbs went off as photographers tried to get an award winning shot for the front page of their respective newspapers.  There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that this story would be the headline of every major news outlet the next morning.

The President moved into the room, flanked by his Secretary of State.  They both smiled politely for the cameras.  In their wake, a true beauty stepped.  Decorated in the royal robes of her homeland, Diana of Themyscira moved to the podium, standing side by side with the President.  The magnitude of flash bulbs increased. 

Unlike the President and his advisors, who had done these kinds of press conferences before, Diana had not.  Of course, she had given speeches to large groups, but never had they impacted her as dramatically as this announcement would.  For one of the first time that she could remember, Diana was actually nervous.

The deliberation between the United States and Themyscira had taken nearly a week.  There were all kinds of formalities to go through before a decision could be made.  America had been put out by Themyscira’s sudden infringement of territory.  History told Diana that the United States would go to war over circumstances like that.  However, due the President’s hasty military action and the fact that the Amazons meant no harm to America, the President had seriously considered the situation before making a decision, something he should have done in the first place.  In the political world, negative press for an already bruised administration was much worse than giving up a small portion of the land that America possessed.

“Good evening, everyone,” the President began.  “I’m sure that you’ve all seen the news reports recently about Wonder Woman and her island nation.  In the interest of time, I’m not going to recap all of that information.  Instead, I’m going to say that the future of Themyscira has been decided.  Though, the relocation of Diana’s home to the outskirts of New York is illegal due to land ownership by these United States, I have decided to stay any legal charges and invite Themyscira to stay exactly where it is.”

A murmur went through the crowd at this announcement.  Diana scanned the crowd.  Most seemed surprised but a few actually appeared upset.  Why would these people be against a peaceful resolution?

The President stepped aside and motioned for Diana to take the podium.  She cleared her throat, looking out over the Press Room.  The murmur died away.  All eyes and ears were on the words that she was about to say.  “My sisters and I would like to thank the President and America for their hospitality.  Our transition to a new way of life will be greatly helped by the aid that this government has afforded Themyscira.  Thank you.”

She received a nod from the President, who quickly reclaimed the podium.  “I’m looking forward to the fruits that will be borne out of this new relationship between the United States and Themyscira.

“Now, does anyone have any questions?”

Every hand in the Press Room shot straight up.

 

The Amazon Queen.....

Wonder Woman

Hell Hath No Fury...
Wonder Woman #26 - January, Year Five
by Matt Hrubey

LATER
THEMYSCIRA

Donna sat down on the bed in Diana’s chambers.  “What did the President really say to you?”

“He said that a lot of people would be unhappy with this decision.  He said he could only hold off the wolves for so long.”

“What then?”

“We need to get a United Nations charter.  Once Themyscira is recognized as a part of the UN, the President could easily and legally get the area Themyscira is occupying turned over to us.”

“Why not now?” Donna asked.

A shrug.  “Formality, I suppose.”

The former Titan could see that something was bugging the new monarch of Themyscira.  She was detached, keeping most of her thoughts to herself, something that was unusual for Wonder Woman.  “You did well with the questions after the President’s announcement.”

Diana shook her head, angrily.  “It was a paparazzi frenzy.  The only reason I had to go through an ordeal like that was because the President was looking to bring up his approval ratings.”

Donna Troy laid back on the bed and chuckled a bit.  “You did fine, Diana.  The President did us a big favor by taking the risk that he did.  The least we can do in return is sit through a little media torture.  We both know there are worse things in life.”

Diana stripped off her robes and shucked them upon a chair.  She stood garbed in her Wonder Woman uniform.  “You take the media torture.  I’d rather face off against Doctor Psycho any day.”

“It couldn’t possibly have been that bad.”

“Some of the questions that I was asked had nothing to do with Themyscira at all!  There was one man who asked whether or not I dressed this way all the time.  I couldn’t help but feel that was an insult.”

“Yeah, I saw that.  You handled it well, though.”  Donna sat up, a sharp pain flashing through her body.  She took in a sharp breath through gritted teeth.  “Ow.”

Diana kneeled at Donna’s side, placing a hand on the woman’s knee.  “You shouldn’t be up and around.  How do you feel?”

“I’m fine, I swear.  Once I was given the antidote to Cheshire’s poison, I was out of the woods.  I’m just sore from all the battle now.  I’ll be back on my feet completely in a couple of days.”

Though, she didn’t seem happy with the response, Diana rose to her feet and moved to the lone window in the Royal Chamber.  She looked out past the horizon.  “I don’t see what the big deal is with these territory debates.  You can hardly see Manhattan from here.  As if America didn’t have enough land.”  The comment was barely a whisper.

Donna rose to her feet and wrapped an arm around Diana’s shoulders.  “Don’t let all of this get to you.”

“Donna, a man asked me if I had anyone in mind as King of Themyscira.  He even suggested Superman.”

“He was just jealous.  Look at you, Diana.  You’re hot, you have superpowers, you’re a queen, and a part of the Justice League.”

“Not anymore I’m not.”

“What?”  The breath caught in Donna’s throat.  “Which part?”

“My new responsibilities to Themyscira take up most of my time now.  And even though I love being in the League, it’s not something that needs my attention.”

“Wow,” Donna replied, falling back onto the bed.  “I don’t know if I can imagine a Justice League without Wonder Woman.  You are still Wonder Woman, right?”

Diana nodded her head.  “If only for the sake of public image, yes.  Wonder Woman is how people know me.  Changing that up on them at this junction would not be wise.”

Donna snapped her fingers, smiling.  “Good.  I don’t know if I could have handled that.”


ELSEWHERE

She stared at the television screen, dumbstruck.  It wasn’t possible…

Tucking tufts of blonde hair behind her ears, the woman bent down and placed a hand on each side of the television set.  The single word was burning into her retinas, causing her anger to increase by bounds.

The television showed a picture of Diana standing before the gathered general assembly of the United Nations.  She was preaching about something, but then the woman always was.  However, that wasn’t what was causing this poor woman the anguish.

It was a single word—

Queen!

If what the television said was right and Diana was the Queen of Themyscira, then that meant that Hippolyta was injured.  Or worse. 

Wait!  Maybe there was simply some mistake in—

No!

There was no mistake.  It had to be true.  Hippolyta was dead.  Why hadn’t anyone told her?  Had they forgotten about her so quickly?

The woman grasped the television and swung it over her shoulders.  The set exploded in a maelstrom of sparks and broken technology.

“Hippolyta,” she muttered.

There was a reason the woman had named her daughter what she had.  She had always felt a close connection with the former Queen of Themyscira.  Or current?  Who knew?!

The Amazons did!  Themyscira had been in the news recently so she knew where to find her former home.  Someone was going to pay for leaving her in the dark.

There was some explaining to be done.


THE UNITED NATIONS

Stepping down from the podium, Diana was glad to hear applause in response to her speech.

After the last time she had been in the General Assembly chamber, the Amazon Queen hadn’t been sure the delegates would listen to her again.  Diana had made her way up to the podium and laid down her plea for Themyscira’s induction into the United Nations organization.  It had been impromptu and Wonder Woman had angered many with her actions.  Even though Diana had been forced to return to Themyscira before a decision could be made, she was sure that the delegates would have turned down her request*.

(*A recap of events from WONDER WOMAN #24.)

Now that the situation with the United States had been solved, Diana had felt it was time to try her plea again.  This time, however, she had followed protocol.  The General Assembly had welcomed her back, though there had been an air of hesitation.  After an exuberant introduction from the Secretary-General, Diana had spoken, this time prepared for the questions that she would inevitably receive.

Guided by a page, Diana was led to a back room where she could rest while the General Assembly deliberated.  The door closed for privacy, Diana took a deep breath.  Had her prior appearance in the United Nations building hurt the future of Themyscira?  There was truly no way she could know until the decision was made.  It was times like this that Diana wished she possessed J’onn’s telepathy.

There was a knock on the door and Diana rose to her feet.  The door opened, revealing the Secretary-General and the current President of the United Nations.  They regarded her with smiles.

“That was a quick deliberation,” Diana mentioned.  “I barely had time to sit down.”

The Secretary-General looked at his watch.  “We were in debate for nearly an hour, Madame.  It may not seem like much, but that’s quite lengthy.”

“Oh,” Diana responded, as if she had missed the punch line of a joke.  “I must have dozed off.”

“We have come to a decision,” the President said.  “I’ll get straight to the point.  You have a good amount of delegates on your side, but not enough to gain Themyscira acceptance into the UN.  The thing is, hardly anyone truly knows about Themyscira except for what we’ve seen in the news.  That is what is staying the hands of most from granting your nation admission.”

“You sound like you have a plan, Mr. Secretary-General.  What did you have in mind?”

“I would like to send a small team of delegates, the most influential in our assembly, to visit Themyscira and report back to the general assembly what they have seen.  Based on the personal suggestions of that team, the entire assembly will vote once more.”  He rested a hand on Diana’s shoulder.  “I am on your side, Diana.  I am on the side of Themyscira.  I’m hoping that this last ditch effort will reward you and your sisters in the end.”

“When did you plan on having this group come to Themyscira?” Diana asked.  She wanted this matter expedited as quick as humanly possible.

“As soon as possible,” the Secretary-General responded.  “Do you have any suggestions?”

“How about tonight?”


GATEWAY CITY

There were occasions that Helena Sandsmark simply hated her job.  Being that the Museum of Cultural Antiquities was a public establishment, that assessment wasn’t wholly unfounded.  There existed people who were around solely to be loud and obnoxious, causing problems for any and everyone caught in their sights.  The worst were the younger kids—the ones that felt mature enough to call themselves teenagers—that wore their pants beneath their ankles and felt they were the most important things on Earth.  An entire day of dealing with these kids would make anyone cranky.

And now Helena got to go home to her own teenager.  Thank god Cassandra wasn’t like the rest of her peers.

Helena stepped through the door into the kitchen of her home, throwing the keys on the countertop where they would most likely be forgotten the next morning.  The small bag of groceries in Helena’s hand joined the key ring on the counter.  She took a moment to take a cleansing breath, letting the familiar quiet of her home wash over her.

“Cassie!” Helena called out, knowing that it was useless.  Ever since her training with Diana had begun, Cassie spent what seemed like every waking moment scouring Gateway searching for ‘evil that needed to be righted.’  Helena constantly explained to her daughter that one person alone couldn’t stop all the crimes in a single city so she didn’t need to waste all her time flying around in the night.  Cassandra ignored her mother every time.

Once again, Helena returned home to find the house empty.

Her thoughts turned to her daughter once more as she went about the task of making her dinner.  The problems that Cassie had been facing at Gateway High had calmed down.  Cassie didn’t say anything, but the principal had called one night and explained that most of the other students simply ignored the younger Sandsmark, pretending she wasn’t there.  The revelation had broken Helena’s heart, but there was nothing she could do to change things in the schools.  Cassie continued to exude happiness, most likely stemming from her late night crime fighting.  It was one of the only reasons that Helena had not stopped her daughter from using her newfound Amazonian abilities.

The sound of a creaking floorboard reverberated throughout the kitchen.

Helena put down her spatula and wiped off her hands.  “Hello?  Cassie, is that you?”

When there was no response, she moved into the conjoining hallway.  She futilely called out her daughter’s name once more.  There was a second old floorboard creaking somewhere in another room.  Helena silently thanked her house for being old; she wouldn’t have known that someone was in her house otherwise!  Helena reached into the coat closet and pulled out an umbrella that she had given to Cassie a few years back.  It wasn’t the best of weapons, but it would have to do in this circumstance.

She moved into the family room and found it empty.  “Cassie?” she asked, hoping that her daughter was playing a cruel joke on her.  “This isn’t funny, sweetheart.”

“Who’s laughing?”

Helena screamed and turned at the sound of the voice.  It was deep yet strangely feminine.  She swung the umbrella with all her strength but found only open air.

“I am not to blame for this,” the voice said.

And then, for Helena Sandsmark, pain overtook her and everything went black.


THEMYSCIRA

“When I say this, I mean it in all seriousness…we have got to hire someone to help us out with this stuff.”

Diana pulled up in her flight path, coming to a halt in mid-air.  “What are you talking about?”

At her side, Donna motioned to the interior of Themyscira.  Everywhere, the Amazons could be seen moving about in a frenzied state.  “Paradise Island playing host to a group of United Nations’ delegates?  Besides you and myself, none of the other Amazons have even had contact with the outside world.  We are not equipped to deal with this situation.”

“And you suggest acquiring help?”

“Public relations help,” Donna clarified.

“I see,” Diana responded with a singular nod.  “I had a public relations agent when I first came to Man’s World.  Before her death, she gained me the trust of the general public.”  Diana scratched her chin.  “That’s not a bad idea, Donna, but one for another time.”

The Amazons down below continued in their work, preparing Themyscira for the arrival of the foreign dignitaries.  One of the first lessons Diana had learned upon her arrival in Man’s World was that first impressions were the most important factor in any relationship.  Themyscira was paradise; Diana would make sure that that was how the outside world perceived it.

“What is that sound?”

Diana turned at Donna’s question, forgetting her own thoughts, and looked out over the darkening horizon of the Atlantic Ocean.  She heard nothing at first and was about to say as much when she heard the scream.  Whatever was responsible was still in the distance, but was gaining on Themyscira quickly.

“What is that sound?” Diana asked, repeating the question.  She could sense that there was something— someone— out there hiding in the clouds, just beyond her ability to see.

“Hippolyta!”

Donna watched as the Queen visibly started to shake as they floated in the open air.  Diana wrapped her arms around herself.  “Mother?” she asked.  “What is going on here?”

“Hippolyta!” the cry repeated.

And then Wonder Woman and Troia saw the figure.  It was black as night, fading in to such a degree that it was nearly invisible.  The figure streaked through the sky closing the distance between itself and the two Amazonian women.

“Brace yourself!” Wonder Woman exclaimed, putting up her bracelets when the figure refused to slow.  The monstrosity, for that was what it was, speared into her stomach, nearly knocking the Queen out of the sky.  Diana screamed and hammered the winged monster in the back of the head with both of her fists.

The creature attempted to retreat but Troy took advantage of its weakened state.  She linked her arms within those of the ebony creature, putting it into a full nelson.  The warm black skin was pulled taunt.  “Calm down!” Donna demanded, putting pressure on the monster’s joints.  “Stop!”

“You will pay for the death of the Amazon Queen,” the creature threatened through gritted teeth.  “You will all pay!”

Recognition hit Wonder Woman like a runaway freight train.  “Helena Kosmatos?  What are you doing here?”

“Bringing about your death, traitor,” the crazed monster that had been Helena Kosmatos replied.  “You couldn’t hope to be as good a queen as your mother was.  She saved me and you let her die!”

Helena threw back her head, cracking Donna across the jaw.  The former Titan released her hold and Helena flew backward, staying a safe distance from the Amazons.

“Helena, you—”

“I am FURY!”

And without another word, the Fury attacked.  The speed of the attack overpowered the reflexes of the Amazon Queen.  Diana fell backward, bringing up her bracelets, but Fury was too fast.  Her hand brushed across Diana’s cheek, leaving a pair of bloody indentations.

Fury laughed.  “Why do you bother?  I’m too fast for you, wannabe queen.  Why don’t you just stop and accept your fate?”

“I am tired of megalomaniacs invading this island!” Wonder Woman responded, cracking her fist across Fury’s jaw.  “If you want me on the battlefield, all you have to do is ask.  Bringing the battle to Themyscira makes it personal!”

Watching the battle, waiting for an opening, Donna Troy was shocked at the ferocity with which Diana attacked the disgruntled Helena Kosmatos.  The woman had appeared out of nowhere, hardly giving an explanation before attacking.  Helena had shouted something about the death of Hippolyta, the former queen, but the words were lost by the impending battle.

Donna ducked, her head nearly taken off her shoulders by the flying form of Diana.  The queen streaked through the air, not of her accord, and it was several seconds before she righted herself.

In that time, Donna blocked Fury’s path as she sought to follow up her attack on Diana.  The former Titan crossed her arms and shook her head.  “What is going on with you?”

“Don’t talk to me like you know who I am!” Fury exclaimed.  “You’re just another person keeping me from the truth.  And you’re in my way!”  Fury swiped but Donna was quick to evade.

“Are you insane?  Themyscira is a peaceful place!”

“Themyscira is a mockery without Hippolyta at its helm,” Fury responded, trying unsuccessfully to swipe through Donna Troy’s neck.  “You will all pay for your betrayal.”

“It’s true,” Donna replied.  “Hippolyta is dead.  But we didn’t kill her.  In fact, none of the Amazons living on this island are responsible.  You’re causing needless destruction.”

But Helena Kosmatos wasn’t paying attention.  She reared back to continue her attack.  A shadow overtook her, darkening her already black as night flesh.

No one noticed Wonder Woman until she flew between the two women and speared into Fury.


Twirling in the mirror, the dark skinned woman could not keep the smile from her face.  The red fabric flowed over her musculature like fluid, a wave of intoxication.  She was infatuated at the way her back looked in the drooping cut of the dress, exposing her back to anyone who cared to take a peek.  There had been occasions that called for dressing up before, but never before had Phillipus worn anything like this.  It was called Versaci or something along those lines.  Diana had brought it back with her from the American mainland.  The Queen believed that the Amazons should look their best for their first contact with Man’s World.

“Archon!”

The plea was followed closely by the battering of fists on the door of Phillipus’ quarters.  The archon ran to the door, nearly falling due to the constricting nature of the dress.  She shuffled along and yanked the door open.  “What is it, Penelope?”

The Amazon’s face was frantic.  “A fight has broken out overhead.  Donna and the Queen have engaged a demon.”

“And you’ve seen this personally?”

“Look outside, archon,” Penelope responded.  “I’m sure that you’ll be able to see all!”

Phillipus took the suggestion and moved to the window.  Sure enough, upon looking up, the archon saw Diana trading punches with a black skinned, winged monster.  However, it wasn’t a monster.  Whatever it was, it looked very familiar, as if it… Fury!  The history of Helena Kosmatos and Themyscira returned to Phillipus in a moment.  The woman had been obsessed with Hippolyta.  More than likely, that was why Helena had returned.  Hippolyta’s death must have struck her hard, upsetting the already fragile stability of her mind.

“Something has to be done, Phillipus,” Penelope said.

“Gather the Amazons,” Phillipus responded.  “Today is not the day for battle to rage on Paradise Isla…”

That’s when she saw it.  Off in the distance, coming into view, there was a trio of boats, no doubt carrying the representation of the United Nations.  This was not going to end well.  If the delegates saw the supposedly peaceful Amazons battling once again, especially so soon after the battle with the United States Marine Corps, they weren’t going to admit Themyscira into their ranks and the past few weeks will have been for nothing.

“Go, Penelope, quickly!  Gather the Amazons!” Phillipus shouted.  She grabbed the bottom of the Versaci and ripped, lengthening the slit and allowing room for her legs to move.  “Time is running out!”


The ships’ arrival didn’t go unnoticed by the participants of the battle in the sky.

Donna Troy looked down, the clouds parting.  The trio of ships was chugging along in a v-formation.  Themyscira had been preparing all day for the arrival of the UN delegates, a great feast being prepared in the Royal Palace.  The delegates had been vague about when they would arrive, but it was truly a trick of the Gods that they would decide to turn up at the same time that Fury appeared.  Maybe they were still pissed that Diana had turned away from them, burning century old bridges.

“Diana!” Donna exclaimed.  She turned back to the fight as Fury’s claws scraped off of the Amazonian bracelets adorning Wonder Woman’s wrists.  “They’re here!”

Those words were enough to draw Diana’s eyes from Fury.  They moved downward and spotted the ships.  She gritted her teeth.  “It’s all falling apart.”

“We’ll be fine, Diana.”

A scream ripped through the air.  The Amazon Queen and the former Titan turned back and found Fury grabbing her head and sputtering throughout the air.

“Helena,” Wonder Woman said, grabbing the woman by the wrists.  “What’s wrong?  Stop this battle and I can help you.”

“You all keeping ignoring me like I’m not here.  Hippolyta never did that.”

“I’m sorry, but the fact remains my mother is dead.  This is a new Themyscira.”

Fury’s eyes ripped open.  “You’ve forgotten about the most generous woman in the world.  You are a horrible daughter!”

The comment caught Wonder Woman by surprise.  She was unable to protect herself as Fury punched her beneath the chin, directly in the throat.  Diana lost her air way and began to fall.  She spun over and over, inhaling but receiving no oxygen.  Her vision was beginning to blacken already.

Maybe, Diana thought, she would be meeting her mother sooner than she expected.


On the boat, the awe was tangible.

It had taken all five delegates by surprise when the heavy clouding had suddenly parted, revealing the lush green of Themyscira.  Even from a distance, the ancient architecture could be seen, standing out against the background of foliage.  The signs of recent battle were noticeable though obvious measures had been taken for reconstruction.  Themyscira was a scarred nation.

“Oh!  It’s beautiful,” the delegate from China said.  He had risen to his feet and moved to the end of the boat.  “I had no idea that a place like this even existed.”

“Don’t let it go to your head,” the American delegate responded harshly.  “Regardless of what Wonder Woman said, the fact that this island is here breaks laws.  The President of my country may be willing to overlook that fact but I’m not.  Wonder Woman is not going to have this handed to her.  If she wants us to accept her monarchy into the United Nations, she goes to have to show that she deserves it.  Looks are not everything.”

The other delegates silently shared a look, all taken aback by the sudden hostility.  They said nothing, fearful of the response.

“What is that?”

Everyone turned to the German ambassador who was looking straight up into the sky.  All eyes followed the path.

It was a body.  A limp body.

And it was falling.

Fast!

“Is that—?”

“Move!”

The body plummeted into the boat, nearly causing it to capsize.  The water poured in immediately.  The delegates moved to the side of the immobile body, each shaken by the occurrence.  There was a collective gasp.

“Wonder Woman,” the French delegate said, identifying the body.

“What happened?”  The remaining delegate from England asked the question, but no one answered.  No one could.

“Uh,” the man from America broke in.  “I think we’re sinking.”

And, sure enough, all around them the water level was rising.


Donna had a hard decision to make.  Diana had dropped from the sky like a stone and she was going to hit the water hard if the former Titan didn’t save her.  However, if Donna left the fight then Fury would get away and it would serve no good to have a psychopath loose on Themyscira with the United Nations delegation almost upon the shore. 

The decision had been made for her.  Diana had disappeared from sight and Helena Kosmatos had attacked her.

“You have no idea what your presence here is going to cost the Amazons!” Donna exclaimed, batting away Fury’s arm.  She followed through, punching Fury in the throat.

Helena recoiled, gagging.  “B…bi…bitch…”

“Sticks and stones,” Donna responded before head butting Helena Kosmatos.  The black monstrosity buckled in the air, her wings barely keeping her afloat.

Glaring, Donna reared back in preparation.  This battle was going to end here and now…

“Donna!”

It was Diana.  Looking from Fury toward the direction of the voice, she knew the fight was over.  There was a chance that Helena Kosmatos would be stunned long enough for Donna to aid Wonder Woman and return, but the odds weren’t great.  With a self-loathing shake of the head, Donna Troy dropped from the sky.

Upon seeing the boat, she knew immediately why Diana had called for her.  The boat carrying the United Nations delegates was sinking into the ocean.  By now, a majority of the boat had disappeared beneath the surface.

Diana grabbed the collars of the delegates from America and France.  Along with the German holding onto Diana’s neck, they flew toward Themyscira and dry land.

“Save them!” Diana cried as she streaked past the immobile Donna.  The exclamation was unnecessary.

Donna Troy arrived at the boat.  As the Fates would have it, there were three men left—two delegates and the captain of the boat.  The former Titan landed in the boat, the water up to her knees.  “Someone climb onto my back!”

The order was heeded quickly.  Donna grabbed the other two men by the arms and lifted off as the boat fell beneath the waves.

“You’re an angel,” the man on Donna’s back whispered into her ear.

Donna frowned.  “Thanks, but we’re not out of the woods yet.”


Wonder Woman flew to the shore of Themyscira as fast as the Speed of Hermes would carry her.  The delegates were safe; she had complete faith in Donna.  However, Helena Kosmatos remained at large somewhere in the area.  It was foolhardy to believe that Fury was still floating overhead so the new objective was to track down the mentally unstable woman.

Waiting on the shore, Archon Phillipus stood with a group of Amazons, all garbed in battle armor.  Wonder Woman touched down and fell to her knees, a sudden exhaustion overtaking her.  The delegates lay in the sand at her side, all three breathing heavily.

Phillipus knelt beside Diana.  “Are you alright?  Who was that in the sky?”

“It was Helena, sister.  She has gone insane from news of my mother’s death.”

“Helena?” Phillipus asked, memories fluttering back.  “Is she defeated?”

Diana rose to her feet, aided by the archon.  “Not yet, but the matter is in hand.”

“Be careful.”

“Always, old friend,” Wonder Woman replied, floating upward.  “Protect our guests.”

“You don’t even need to ask.”

Diana nodded and flew off.

Phillipus turned to the rising delegates, smiling awkwardly.  “Welcome to Themyscira.”


The search took some time, but in the end, Diana found Fury inside the Royal Throne Room.  Helena Kosmatos had reverted to her human form and was kneeling before the throne.  She appeared to be praying, her body immobile as Wonder Woman looked on.  Diana moved in quietly, refusing to disturb the scene.  At this angle, Diana would have the element of surprise, the ability to end this quickly in her hands. 

But as Diana moved closer, she found that Helena had tears in her eyes.  The woman had laid her hands on the seat of the throne and was caressing it lovingly.  It was obvious that Helena was still mourning the passing of Hippolyta, the former Queen of the Amazons. 

“I know you’re there,” Helena Kosmatos muttered, the statement followed closely by a sniffle.  “This is all your fault.”

“I had nothing to do with my mother’s passing,” Diana replied.  She stood behind Helena, her arms clasped behind her back.  “It was as much a surprise to me as I’m sure it was to you.”

“It doesn’t seem that way.”

Diana shrugged her shoulders, her eyes resting on the throne.  “I mourn in my own way.  I have to be strong for Themyscira, especially now that I’m the queen.  Ever since my mother’s death, my home has been victimized more times than I care to admit.  My sisters need me to be sturdy and deliberate.”

“You let Hippolyta die,” Helena whispered.  She hadn’t heard a word Diana said.

“I was not even in this dimension when Darkseid attacked Themyscira…and it kills me everyday.”

It was that confession that finally seemed to snap Helena out of her stupor.  Tears rolled down her face as she looked up into Diana’s eyes.  “How could this happen?”

“It was a madman…”

Helena moved to stand but a hand on her shoulder kept her down.  Before she could look back at Wonder Woman, she felt something slip over her body.  Helena scanned herself and discovered a glowing cord surrounding her body.  It was Diana’s Golden Lasso, a tool of truth forged and reformed by the Gods of Olympus.

Struggling, Helena couldn’t shake the lasso loose.  “Get this thing off of me!”

“No,” Diana replied, palming the lasso and holding it tight.  “You attacked this place without a single word of explanation.  I’m going to get it now.  Why have you returned to Themyscira?”

The effects of the lasso were almost visible.  Helena seemed as if she was attempting to silence herself, but inevitably, the words flowed forth like a river.

“Hippolyta was the only person that ever made me feel like an equal.  The time I spent on Themyscira was some of the best times of my life.  I cherish those memories as I’m assaulted by the monotony of what my life has become.”  Helena went silent for a moment, her mind recollecting her thoughts.  “When I saw you on the news, it said that you were the queen and I assumed the worst.  But now, I realize the worst part is that I assumed correctly.”

“My mother is gone.”

Helena nodded her head, solemnly.  “I know…and I hate it.  It’s not fair that this should happen to her.”

Kneeling down beside the shell-shocked woman, Diana wrapped her arms around Helena Kosmatos and held her tightly.

“I know.”


LATER

Stepping out onto the balcony, Donna Troy discovered the object of her search.  Diana was leaning over the railing, her eyes settled on something in the distance.  Stepping beside her, Donna spotted that something as well.  Phillipus and a few other Amazon women were leading around the delegates that had arrived earlier in the day.  The delegates themselves were still anxious after their near death experience and it was obvious in their body language.

Donna laid a hand on the Queen’s shoulder.  “Diana?”

“Hello, Donna.”

“How’s Helena?”

“She’s resting for the time being,” Wonder Woman said, sighing deeply.  The day’s events were beginning to take their toll on her.  “Her madness wore off once I put her in the lasso.”

“Thank the Gods for small favors.”

Wonder Woman watched the tour group and shook her head.  “They’re going to turn down our bid for the United Nations,” Diana believed.  “I can feel it.”

“Don’t talk like that.”

“This is the Gods’ attempt at getting back at me.  They’re upset that I took the Amazons away from them.  They sent Helena here to get back at me.”

“The Olympians are not that vindictive.”

Diana cocked an eyebrow.  “Aren’t they?”  She turned around, settling her back against the railing.  “You don’t know them the way that I do.  They have used me as their plaything too many times.  I won’t manipulate my life to their will.”

“I didn’t mean anything by—”

“No, of course not,” Diana responded.  “I apologize, Donna, I’m simply weary.  After all that you have done for me these past weeks, the last thing you deserve is me being snide.”

Donna wrapped her arms around Diana and pulled her close.  The two melded in a single moment, two sisters so close becoming a solitary woman.  They separated, each with a smile on her face.

“I love you, sister,” the former Titan said.

“And I you,” Wonder Woman responded without skipping a beat.  She turned back, watching as the delegates moved closer to the Royal Palace.  Phillipus waved in the distance, an action that Diana reciprocated. 

Her feet leaving the ground, Diana rose up into the air, getting higher and higher.  “I need to see to our guests.  There’s a lot of work to be done.  I’m going to save Themyscira if it’s the last thing I do.”


Phillipus stopped in front of the Royal Palace and turned to the delegates, smiling warmly.  “The duration of your tour has been completed.  There is one place of importance remaining but the Queen wishes to show you this particular spot herself.”  Looking up, Phillipus gave a quick nod.  “And here she comes.”

Those present all looked up, the jaws of the delegates dropping as Wonder Woman, floating on the wind currents, lowered herself to solid ground.  She extended her arms outward.  “Welcome all!  If you’ll follow me, I want to take you into the throne room.”

Diana turned and began to walk, confident that she would be followed.

She strode inside, never once looking back.


The giant doors parted and gave way to the throne room that Diana had found herself spending more and more time in.

The Queen stood by, motioning for the delegates to enter.  “Come inside, all of you.  This is a special place that you all should see.”

The wide-eyed stares that Diana saw on the faces of her guests made her smile.  They spread throughout the room, silently adoring the details of the room—the pillars, the throne, and the draperies.

“As I’m sure you all know, the woman that preceded me as queen was my mother.  She was a lovely woman who considered the sanctity of life sacred among all other things.  Her death is not only a loss to me, but to the entirety of this planet for none of you will ever get to experience the woman that she was.”  Diana lowered her head sadly.  “My mother loved Themyscira.  She gave her life to protect it.  In her memory, I cannot let you five leave this place until you accept Themyscira into your global community…for the betterment of my sisters.”

 “I’ll admit that Themyscira is absolutely beautiful,” the French delegate replied, “but—”

“This has nothing to do with appearances, but with ideals.  The Amazons are peaceful.”

“Peaceful?” the American delegate asked with a sarcastic chuckle.  “We come here and the first thing we see if you battling and fighting.  We nearly die and yet you still can stand there before us and tell us that you’re a peaceful people?  I thought that you couldn’t tell a lie?”

“I’m a vessel for the truth.  I cannot tell a lie nor do I have a desire to.”

“And the fight?  What could you possibly say about that?”

“Do not judge my sisters by my conduct.  I have been bred by the outside world to fight in protection of that which I love.  I’m sorry that you were all caught in the middle but the woman that attacked Themyscira was mentally ill.  Her threat has ended and she is in the process of recuperating.”  Diana looked down at the ground and wrapped her arms around her body.  “I hate begging, but if that’s what I must do…”

“No one is asking you to beg,” the German ambassador said.

“The five of you hold the keys to that which I seek,” Wonder Woman acknowledged.  “I hope that with all that you’ve have seen today on Themyscira, you will take your decision seriously.  I plead with you to take that seriously.”

The American delegate cleared his throat.  “And with that, we’ll take our leave of you, your royal highness.  You can expect our decision in the morning.”  Without another word, he turned and headed outside.

The other delegates began to follow in the first’s wake, though the German delegate stayed back.  “Wonder Woman, I just want to thank you for your hospitality.  And, you know, on the down low, I can guarantee a United Nations invitation for initiation in the morning.”

“You’re saying…?”

“You got what you wanted, Wonder Woman.  Smile.”

The German delegate to the United Nations walked out then, leaving Diana alone in a room full of memories.


“She failed,” the first woman stated.

“I have eyes.”

“What do you plan to do about this?”

“Plan?” the second woman asked.  With a chuckle, she replied, “Darling, this is only the beginning of Wonder Woman’s troubles.”


Author’s Notes

This issue was originally intended to be broken into two parts.  However, some plot threads that I had intended to start fell through due to miscommunication.  Thus, this double issue extravaganza has been brought to you in one serving.

Hope you enjoyed.  Comments are welcome.

Matt
10.30.06


Story © 2006 Matt Hrubey and may not be reproduced without permission.