JLU 2001 Fanfiction - Wonder Woman #36

30 Minutes Ago

It was quiet and for a moment she thought nothing of it. But when that moment passed and she remembered exactly what had transpired minutes before, the silence began to frighten her. Eyes opening to greet unending darkness, Donna Troy felt her heart begin to beat quicker in her chest. She had been caught in an explosion and the ceiling had collapsed all around her. No, not all around her…on top of her.

Donna tried to move her body but found it pinned down. She had been on the bottom floor of the palace when it had come down meaning there were several tons of debris and cement resting on top of her. If she moved in the wrong direction, those tons would come down and crush her to death. Her invulnerability was about to be tested. “Help!” Donna cried out, knowing no one would hear her.

“…onn…”

She paused. Had she just heard that or was she losing her mind?

“…Do…”

Donna felt hope returning. It felt like a warm sensation spreading throughout her chest. She had definitely heard something that time.

“…nna…”

Someone was calling out to her. Donna was sure of it. If only she could let them know that she was here.

“Donna!”

The voice was right above her. It was now or never. “Help!” she exclaimed. “Help!”

The calling out from above had stopped and Donna feared that she had not been heard. Those fears were put to rest when the pile of debris shifted and little by little, streaks of light began to filter down to Donna’s eyes. She couldn’t help but smile, especially when a hand broke through the remains of the hallway and grabbed onto Donna’s wrist. The former Wonder Girl was hoisted out from the impromptu cement coffin and she breathed fresh oxygen for what seemed like the first time in hours.

Diana wrapped her hands around her sister. “Thank Hera that I found you. I hadn’t even realized that you were anywhere near the explosion. When everyone gathered and you weren’t there, I knew something must have happened.”

“I’m glad you found me,” Donna responded, wiping layers of dust off her uniform. “I don’t even know how long I was down there.” Her eyes widened. “What about the woman? She was setting another bomb when I found her and—”

Diana rested a hand on Donna’s shoulder. “Plastique and Deadshot have both been taken care of. Now all we have to be worried about is the United States government blowing the island to smithereens in their insane attempt to capture me.”

Looking out to the ocean, Donna spotted what Diana was speaking of. The naval fleet that had been resting off in the distance was now making its way toward Themyscira. Bad things would happen when they arrived. “What can I do to help?”

“Get yourself checked out by a healer,” Diana replied without hesitation, “and check on Helena while you are there. She was badly injured. I wish I could go myself but I must speak with Athena before it’s too late.”

“You’re really going to do it?”

“I’ve thought about it and I believe it’s for the best.”

Donna nodded in understanding, though deep inside she wasn’t sure she agreed with Diana’s plan.

23 Minutes Ago

Athena was waiting for Diana when she arrived at the remains of the goddess’ temple. “I knew it was only a matter of time before you came to see me.”

“I would expect no less from the Goddess of Wisdom,” Diana replied. Face solemn and voice steady, she got straight to the point. “You said during my battle with Circe that I could still depend on you. Does that offer still stand?”

“Of course.”

“Then I need your help badly,” Diana said. “I’ve made a grave mistake and I need your help in correcting it.”

15 Minutes Ago

“What do you mean leave?” Zatanna Zatara asked with a confused look on her face. “I’m the only thing keeping Circe from accessing her magicks. If I leave now, she’ll kill everyone.”

“The Gods have offered to take the witch off our hands,” Diana replied. She laid a hand on Zee’s shoulder. “You are a great friend, but you’re part in this is over. Thus far, Amanda Waller and the American government don’t know that you are involved. For your sake, keep it that way.”

“What about you?”

Diana looked away, out at the navy armada creeping ever closer to the shores of Themyscira. “I honestly don’t know yet, but I’m confident that when it comes time to make a decision, I’ll know what to do.”

“You’re absolutely sure about this, Diana?” Zatanna asked.

“Yes,” Diana replied with no hesitation.

Zatanna nodded. She took a few steps back from Diana and winked. “Good luck,” she said before speaking a backward spell that caused her to vanish before the eyes of the Themysciran monarch.

That piece of business complete, Diana moved to Circe’s cell. She looked in on the woman to make sure that Zatanna’s sleep spell was still in affect. It was, for the moment at least. Circe was strong, perhaps stronger than Zatanna, but the spell only needed to last for the next few minutes. Then Circe would have to answer to the Gods for her actions.

7 Minutes Ago

There’s so few of them left.

That was the thought going through Diana’s mind as she stepped out before the sea of Amazons. They were talking amongst themselves; the sea of voices sweeping over Diana like a tidal wave. She felt herself on the verge of tears as she watched those that had entrusted her with their respect and faith. Diana was supposed to be their leader; their Queen! And yet she had failed them all.

The Amazons, once taking notice of Diana, quieted down and turned their attention to their queen.

She stood before her sisters, bruised and battered after her battle with Deadshot, who along with Plastique, was unconscious and chained up in the Throne Room. Ironically, it was the same shackles that had held Donna and Phillipus that now held the pair of super-villains.

“I’m sorry,” Diana muttered, but her voice was so quiet nobody could hear. Seeing the confused looks from her sisters, Diana repeated herself, this time much louder. “I’m sorry.”

The confusion didn’t go away as the Amazons looked at each other, wondering just what it was that their queen was apologizing for. Behind Diana, Donna looked over at Phillipus. During their captivity, Phillipus had professed to being upset with Diana for her decision to modernize Themyscira. Now seeing the assembled Amazons, Donna wondered just how many agreed with the Archon.

“I made a mistake,” Diana said, interrupting Donna’s thoughts. “When my mother died, it fell to me to pick up Themyscira from the ashes and restore it to greatness. And while I tried my hardest, I overreached. I tried to introduce Themyscira into Man’s World and change the fundamental nature of our homeland. I thought that because I was a hero in Man’s World you would all be accepted as I have been.

“It turns out I was wrong. And now because of my error, all of you have suffered. As your queen, as your leader, as your friend, this breaks my heart. All of you stood by me through the tragedy of my mother’s death and through decisions that you secretly disagreed with.

“Now, it is time for me to do what is right; what I should have done in the first place. Themyscira will be leaving Man’s World to return to the realm of the Gods, isolated and protected from this world of hatred. It was this isolation that I sought to combat when I first made my decision, but I know now that Man’s World and this island are too different, too estranged to coexist. America wants its land back so I am going to give it to them.

“When I have finished speaking, the Gods will be accepting you all home and away from this world that has killed our sisters and persecuted us. This is the way things should be.”

The area was quiet for nearly a minute as the Amazons contemplated what they were told. Nearly all were excited to leave Man’s World, but there were a couple who still had worried expressions on their faces. One such woman, Penelope, stepped out from among the group of Amazons. “What about you, Diana? You said we were leaving Man’s World as if—”

“I won’t be going with you.”

The statement clung in the air above the women like a rain cloud. Diana said nothing for a few seconds allowing her sisters to regain their bearings. When that was achieved, Penelope said, “You’re leaving us? You are our Queen!”

“Someone has to be held responsible for the events that have transpired since our arrival in Man’s World,” Diana explained. “Thus far I have run from the law because I had to stay free to protect you all. But now that you will be gone, someone has to answer to the proper authorities. That person is me.”

“You’re leaving us without a leader!” Penelope exclaimed. “Now is when we need to pull together and you’re running away!”

Diana didn’t let the statement get to her. She remained stone-faced. “You will not be without a leader. Archon Phillipus will be your leader in my absence. I have faith that she will lead you all better than I ever could.” She looked around at the women who once more felt betrayed by her actions. “This really is for the best. You will all see that one day. Perhaps by then you will have forgiven me for my actions. But now you all must going before it’s too late.”

As Diana finished up her speech, Donna traveled to the Throne Room and dragged back the still unconscious Deadshot and Plastique. Hefting Deadshot over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes, Diana muttered one more word before flying away from her home:

“Goodbye.”

3 Minutes Ago

Diana flew higher and higher, Deadshot being held under her strength. Donna and Plastique flew alongside them. The two women kept their eyes glued to Themyscira as their distance from it grew greater and greater.

And then, just like that, Themyscira was gone as if it had never been there.

Diana felt herself tear up, but she held the emotion back. This horrible day was not over yet.

She spotted the naval armada below and flew in that direction, Donna following suit. They traveled toward the lead cruiser, on top of which an unforgettable black woman was standing.

Now

“It’s over. All of it.”

Waller was confused, something she didn’t like to be. “Nuh uh, ladies. This is over when I say it is. Now where the hell is your island?” she asked Wonder Woman.

Looking back at the Wall, Diana’s eyes betrayed the intense sadness she was feeling. Wonder Woman replied to the question after a moment of silence. “Where it belongs. In the realm of the Gods where my sisters will not face the persecution they have been witness to here. As I said before, it’s over. Themyscira is gone for good.”

The Amazon Queen.....

Wonder Woman

Aftershocks

Part Three: Unhappily Ever After

Wonder Woman #36 - November, Year Five

by Matt Hrubey

Amanda Waller stared at the woman across the table. “You have a lot to answer for, you know that?”

“So I’ve been told,” Diana replied with a slight shrug of her shoulders.

The room they were in was small and cramped. There was a solid metal table resting in the middle of the room with two chairs placed around it. Diana sat in one while Waller had chosen to avoid the second. She preferred to stand when she interrogated. The rest of the room was cold and dismal.

“You gave me quite a chase these past few weeks, Amazon. I thought I had you in Gateway but blondie decided to get in my way,” Waller stated. “Good move sending Harper to retrieve Sandsmark, by the way. Pissed me the hell off when I got back and found out Sergeant Steel had let your protégé go.”

“My name is Diana and you know that,” she replied. “Treat me with the respect I deserve. You may have been chasing after me for a few weeks, but I am here right now, voluntarily and under my own accord. My island, the source of the conflict between Themyscira and the United States, has been removed from play. As I said before, this is over.”

Waller chuckled. “It’s funny that you continue to think that.”

“I have done nothing wrong.”

“You dropped your goddamn island into the middle of American territory. That breaks laws. Your Amazons go on a murdering spree through Massachusetts. That breaks laws. Are you seeing a trend yet?”

“The territory dispute was an accident,” Diana replied. “I was intending to occupy international waters. My sisters were being manipulated by Circe, a sorceress. They did not know what they were doing.”

“You have an answer for everything, don’t you?”

“It’s the truth.”

“Given your reputation I would expect no less from you,” Waller responded. “Unfortunately, all of these things have happened and someone needs to be held accountable for them.”

Diana stood up from her chair. “That’s why I’m here. I plan to take full responsibility for everything resulting from Themyscira’s presence in this world.”

Considering this, Waller gave a nod. “Good,” she muttered before turning away.

Diana grasped the obese black woman by the shoulder and pulled her back until they were face to face. “There are some stipulations, however. You might want to sit down for this.”

Gateway City

Cassandra Sandsmark stepped into the kitchen of her childhood home. She could hear the sounds of a news report coming from the small, portable television that her mother used to watch while she was making Cassie breakfast before school. The kitchen tile was cold to the bare touch of her feet.

There was a man leaning over the countertop, sipping from a mug of coffee, watching said news report. Hearing the shuffle of Cassie’s feet, Mike Schorr looked over his shoulder. He flashed the younger girl a smile. “Good morning.”

“Morning,” Cassie replied. She eyed the detective as he went back to the television. “You didn’t have to stay here all night, you know? I’m fine.”

“It was no trouble at all.”

“I’m not a child!” Cassie shot back, suddenly angry. “I don’t need someone watching over everything I do!”

“You lost your mother,” Mike replied as calmly as before. He took a sip of his coffee. “No one should be alone after something like that.”

That sapped all the anger from Cassie. She stood there, feeling awkward after her outburst. “I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I didn’t mean to bite your head off. I really do appreciate you looking out for me and everything. It’s just—”

“You don’t have to explain,” Mike interrupted her.

“But I—”

“You don’t have to explain,” he repeated. “I’m here for your benefit, not to give you the third degree, Cassie. I understand anger. I understand pain. Probably a bit too well, in fact. I also have hard skin so fire away. Sticks and stones and all that stupid crap.”

Cassie looked away, continuing to feel awkward. She half-smiled. “Thank you.”

Mike gave a little nod and turned back to the television. When he saw what was being discussed, he straightened up. “Hey, Cassie, check this out,” he said while upping the television’s volume.

She closed the distance between herself and Mike. On the television, the female anchor was in the middle of a news story. Across the bottom flashed the words—

THEMYSCIRA GONE

“What?” Cassie asked, her eyebrows raised. “What happened?”

Mike shook his head. “I have no idea.”

“…again, Channel 8 has received reports that the island nation of Themyscira, the homeland of famed heroine, Wonder Woman, has vanished from its geographical location off the coast of New York state. Federal authorities have declined comment and White House officials have yet to be reached. Stay turned for more on this breaking story…”

Cassie’s jaw had dropped halfway through the news report. She turned from the television and walked a couple aimless steps, unsure of how to react. “I shouldn’t have left,” she finally said. “I never should have left Themyscira.”

“You don’t even know what happened, Cassie.”

“I have to find out,” she replied. “I have to go back.”

“But Themyscira isn’t there anymore.”

Cassie shook her head. “It doesn’t matter.” She looked Mike straight in the eyes. “I have to go.”

He nodded to her. “Go. If you need anything, let me know.”

Nodding her appreciation, Cassandra Sandsmark left the kitchen to prepare for her flight back to the east coast.

“Donna Troy and Cassandra Sandsmark will go free,” Diana stated. “They will not be prosecuted for their part in this. They will not be followed and watched by your department. They will go about their lives as if none of this has happened.”

“And why would I ever agree to something like that?” Amanda asked.

“Because you have me. As far as the public is aware, everything that transpired was because of me. Nobody knows about Donna or Cassie’s involvement and I would prefer it to stay that way. It’s my blood that’s being called for and I’m prepared to give you that.”

“And what if I say no?”

“I walk away from this and the chase begins again,” Diana responded confidently. “It’s up to you, Amanda.”

“You are in federal custody,” Waller replied. She motioned all around her. “There are countless federal agents on this naval cruiser who will be all over you with one word from me. Try again with your useless threats.”

Diana stood up and leaned over the metal table. Staring at the former princess turned queen Waller saw something in her body language, in her eyes, that she had never seen before. It was an anger that went so deep, Amanda wouldn’t have been surprised if Wonder Woman reached across the table and ripped her head from her shoulders. It caused the Wall a bit of discomfort but she didn’t show it.

“Do you honestly think that you can hold me if I wanted to leave?” Diana asked. “The only reason you have a chance of keeping me in prison is because I am voluntarily going. If you don’t adhere to my requests, the deal is over and I will be gone before you blink.”

The silence between them was deafening. Waller was not used to people speaking to her in such a manner. She found that she didn’t enjoy it.

“You may have fantastic powers,” the Wall finally said, “but I’m not afraid of you.”

“Test me,” Diana replied, her face emotionless. “I dare you.”

XXX

A month later, Diana found herself facing the judgment of the United Nations Security Council.

In the time that followed the disappearance of Themyscira, the decision was made that, due to her diplomatic immunity, the United States could not try Diana internally for her alleged crimes. Ambassador Trautman, at the behest of the President, had taken Diana to the United Nations, where they hoped the Security Council would vote to have Wonder Woman tried before the international criminal court.

The hearing of the case before the Security Council went much faster than expected, due in large part to Wonder Woman’s public image. Diana had sat quietly as the allegations against her were read by Ambassador Trautman, Amanda Waller, and the President of the United States. When it came time for her side of the story, Diana answered each question asked of her honestly. Within two weeks, a decision had been reached.

Diana, dressed in the full regalia of her homeland, stood from her seat and faced the Security General of the United Nations. She took a deep breath, but found it was unnecessary. She was not nervous of the outcome. One way or another, her life had changed. Her reputation was ruined and her status as a hero and protector of the people was in serious jeopardy.

“The voting members of the Security Council have reached a decision,” the Secretary General began. “The evidence against Diana and Themyscira is steep to be sure. However, after reviewing all the facts and testimony of the case, the council believes that the United States government is seeking to punish Diana for the actions of another, namely the terrorist Circe. With Circe having disappeared, the council has decided that the current case will not be heard by the international criminal court. In fact, the case against the sovereign nation of Themyscira and its monarch will be thrown out altogether.”

Diana said nothing. She did not smile either. She simply stood immobile as the cries of an angry U.S. president washed over the room.

XXX

“Wonder Woman, a moment?”

Diana halted. She recognized the voice and immediately knew this conversation was not going to end well. “What can I help you with, Mr. President?” she asked, turning to face the most powerful man in America.

“I just want to make one thing clear,” he replied. “This trial didn’t go my way. I won’t pretend this is the end I was looking for.”

“I never thought so.”

“Good,” the President shot back. It was obvious the man was angry. However, he spoke in barely a whisper as he did not want to risk another media spectacle. “The UN may have let you off, but America hasn’t. You are no longer welcome within American borders.”

Diana sighed. She had expected something like this to happen. “I’m sorry you feel that way,” she said.

POTUS leaned in and whispered in her ear. “You’re not wanted here anymore.”

EPILOGUE

Atop the Empire State Building, it was a different world. On the street, the air was unseasonably warm while above the clouds it was cool, bordering on chilly. Down below, the usual hustle and bustle of New York City continued uninterrupted. The streets were lined with people going about their lives. In the clouds, she sat in a peaceful silence uncommon for NYC.

A breeze blew her dark locks across her face, obscuring her sight. When she reached up and pushed her hair out of the way, she found that she was no longer alone. She flashed the young blonde a half-hearted smile and patted the roof at her side. “You found me.”

“Not easily, Diana, let me tell you,” Cassandra Sandsmark replied, flying down to the former queen’s side. “Donna and I have been looking for you for hours. We finally resorted to calling J’onn at the Watchtower to find you.”

“What’s the situation?”

“The situation is that we’re worried about you,” Cassie explained. She placed a hand on Diana’s shoulder. “As soon as you left the UN this morning, you disappeared without a word. I thought that you would be ready to celebrate this morning’s judgment. But seeing you now, it looks like someone ran over your dog. What’s wrong?”

Diana looked Cassie dead in the eyes. “That was an awful analogy.”

“I lack your verbal grace,” Cassie replied with a shrug. “Sue me.”

“I was informed today,” Diana said without emotion, “that I am no longer welcome in the United States. That announcement was subsequently followed by my being asked to leave the country.”

Cassie was outraged. “They can’t do that! You’re a hero!”

“I’m a hero that the people no longer trust.”

“They’ll trust you again once the fall out from Circe’s actions blows over.”

“And what do I do until then?” Diana asked. “Hide? It’s not going to happen, Cassie. I can still be a hero…just not here.”

“You’re…leaving?”

Diana nodded. “I came up here to think and that is the decision I came to. I don’t want to push what little luck I have. I’m not wanted here anymore so I won’t be here anymore.”

“You can’t just leave! What about Donna? What about the Justice League? What about me?!”

Diana placed her hand atop Cassie’s. “I’m not trying to abandon you, Cassie. You’re a grown woman now. You don’t need me anymore.”

“Like hell I don’t!” Cassie exclaimed, ripping her hand from Diana. “My mother is dead! I have no home! I have nowhere to go! Where the hell am I supposed to go, Diana? Where am I supposed to live?”

“With Donna,” Diana responded without missing a beat. “She already said it would be fine. She was excited even.”

Cassie was in disbelief. She liked Donna a lot. They had gotten extremely close over the past few months, but Cassie had never expected Donna to go out of her way in the manner that she had.

“Problem solved,” Diana said. “Now, it’s time to—”

An explosion on the street below drew both women’s attention. The screams that followed were faint at this altitude.

“We have to get down there!” Cassie exclaimed. “Someone could be hurt!”

“You have to go down there,” Diana replied. She grabbed the girl’s hands and pulled her into an embrace. “When I took you on as my protégé, my intention was never for you to be my sidekick. You were always meant to replace me one day. I’m finished in the states. For now, at least. It’s your time to the hero, Cassie. It’s your time to shine. You’re ready.”

Tears streamed down Cassie’s face. “No, Diana, I’m not ready. I still need you.”

Diana shook her head. “No, you don’t. You just have to be confident. You’re going to be a wonderful hero.” She kissed the girl lightly on the forehead. “I love you, Cassandra. Now, go! Before someone is hurt.”

Cassie was hesitant at first as she flew away, fearing that this would be the last time she would ever see Wonder Woman. However, once she spotted the fires below, she sped up in her flight and streaked toward the scene. It was then that Cassie made herself a promise: she would make Diana proud, no matter what.

When Wonder Girl would return to the Empire State Building rooftop later that night, she would find Diana gone.

xxx

THE END

xxx

Next Issue: There will be no next issue at this point, as this issue is Matt Hrubey's last, at least on Wonder Woman...

Matt will still be doing Task Force X, and he has expressed interest in another title here at JLU (thank God). Matt's been a fixture here at JLU: 2001 for many years now, through good times and bad, and I've seen him grow as a writer, and am damn glad to call him a friend. Thanks for the GREAT run on Wonder Woman, Matt, and looking forward to what you do next.

Curt F
EIC
JLU: 2001
1 -29 -08