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The Coming Threat

Washington D.C.

A once calm, sunny and cheery day in the Washington National Mall was quickly interrupted with the sudden attack brought about by three dangerous super-villains. The attack came swift and without warning, even to the response by the nearby authorities not being effective enough to even slow them down. But Washington had seen the likes of these mad creatures before. They were known as “Villainy Inc.”

The trio of criminals that composed this group included the titanic, ground shaking woman Giganta. Every step she took made the ground tremble as she stomped and smashed police and bystander alike. There was the paranormal powers cast by villainous sorceress Jinx, her very powers able to manipulate the elements around her and even the probability of “luck” that caused misfires and fatal accidents on those around her. And finally, the apparent leader of the three, was the animalistic Cheetah. Her magically gifted strength, agility and her namesake natural powers made her as deadly as she was fast.

In less than ten minutes of their attack the trio of Villainy Inc. had torn through the Mall from the National Museum of the American Indian to the Washington Monument. The police did their best to stall while clearing as many civilians as possible. While hope seemed at a loss everyone knew there would be an answer to the havoc caused by these three villains, and sure enough the answer came swooping in to deliver a hard crack against the jaws of the mighty Giganta.

WONDER WOMAN!

As the Amazonian warrior began to battle the three Cheetah, upon seeing her foe, hissed “Finally! I was wondering how many more pigs I’d have to gut to get your attention.”

Wonder Woman had managed to deliver another shattering punch to Giganta, sending her toppling into the National Air and Space Museum. The victory was short-lived when the Cheetah pounced on her, Wonder Woman managing to block her piercing claws with her magically forged bracelets.

“This senseless bloodshed ends now, Minerva!” Wonder Woman threatened while she struggled with the beastly villain.

Cheetah laughed before managing to kick her back, boasting “I’ve barley even started, Diana. WE have barley even started.”

That seemed to be enough of a signal for Jinx to make her move. She threw one small magical bolt after another, Wonder Woman bouncing them off with her bracelets or dodging them altogether. The evil witch’s magical manipulation didn’t end there as she bent the very ground around Wonder Woman’s feet to create a hole to bury her alive.

Cheetah tried to take the chance to slice as the trapped Amazon’s throat but the two underestimated her strength as Wonder Woman burst from the ground. The debris distracted both villains long enough for Wonder Woman to leap in and knock back the Cheetah before using her lasso to rope Jinx, swinging her around and launching her away from the scene.

“Now surrender, Cheetah.” The heroine warned. “I don’t want to hurt you or the others but I won’t let you continue to terrorize these people!”

Cheetah smiled “Oh how sweet, caring about the little people. That’s what I love about you, babe.”

“Babe?” she questioned her choice of words before her train of thought was interrupted by a sudden crash and boom.

She looked to see the recovered Giganta hauling one of the display plane exhibits of a B52 over her head. She tossed it and Wonder Woman braced herself to catch it, the entire metal shape pushing her against the ground as she dug her heels into the dirt and concrete. Once it stopped Wonder Woman recovered and flew up, intent to put an end to this mayhem once and for all.

Flying fast towards Giganta Wonder Woman was suddenly caught in her massive hands, the giant woman laughing “I’ve always wanted to hold you as close as this! Don’t worry, darling. I’ll be gentle!”

As she struggled Wonder Woman commented “I think…I know that voice…” she finally managed to break free before knocking Giganta square on the nose. As she tumbled back she gave a few more punches to the face, toppling the titanic criminal to the ground. “Where are you?” she asked herself as she took a chance to scan the area.

Wonder Woman suddenly felt her ankles grabbed from mid-air, seeing Cheetah smiling up at her “Right here!” before throwing her to the ground.

After plummeting and hitting the ground hard enough to leave an impression Wonder Woman felt a hard foot on her back pin her to the ground. One hand grabbed her hair to hold her head up while another with claws extended out gripped around her neck.

While struggling against Cheetah’s grip Wonder Woman said “I know your tricks…Doctor Psycho! Let them go and face me yourself!”

“Would that I could, Diana.” Cheetah, or rather Doctor Psycho speaking through her, “But you know me. I’m the more bashful type. I’d prefer not to get my hands dirty.” As Jinx walked up to both of them, a sadistic grin and a handful of magic, Psycho said “That’s what I have these lovely ladies for.”

As he had spoken through his puppets Doctor Psycho, the diminutive yet criminally master of mental manipulation, watched the scene from barley far away. He peaked from the bushes near the reflection pool of the Lincoln Monument, a pair of binoculars in-hand to see every aspect of the fight he controlled through his pawns.

As Wonder Woman formed a plan she had to stall, coaxing Psycho to speak by saying “Why are you doing this, Edgar? You quarrel isn’t with innocent people, nor Minerva or these others.”

Cheetah, clearly acting as the main mouthpiece for the villain, answered “To hurt you, Diana, why else? And to prove to these little people that they’re not so safe anymore. Not without their big red, white and blue Boy Scout around anymore. In case you haven’t noticed the whole world is starting to feel it. No more Superman. No more real threats. No more hope.”

Hearing enough she replied “Superman may be dead, but that won’t stop people like me from standing in the way or people like you!”

During Psycho’s little speech Diana had taken advantage of the distraction and reached for her Lasso of Truth. Once she was ready she reared her head back, bashing Cheetah’s nose and knocking her off. As she stood Jinx moved in to attack but the Amazon was quick to respond, using the lasso to bind her hands together before pulling her forward to take a hard crack to the face to knock her out.

Psycho spoke through Cheetah again, saying “Clever little Amazonian. But not clever enough. You might beat my toys but you won’t catch me today. Maybe next time I see you I’ll bring some bigger playmates!”

“You’re not going anywhere, Edgar. Except back to your cell where you belong.”

She charged and the two locked claws and bracelets, Psycho teased “Oh? Did you suddenly develop supervision or something? Some super tracking senses like a dog to sniff me out a hundred miles away?”

With a coy smirk she replied “No. I’ve just been keeping you talking long enough for my friends to track your location.”

The confused yet angered look on Psycho’s face reflected on Cheetah’s before Wonder Woman managed to push her back, using her lasso in a quick movement to entrap the Cheetah’s limbs at her side. A brief moment of struggling, both psychically and mentally, before the magic of the Lasso of Truth forced whatever compulsion Doctor Psycho had over her mind to fade away. The Cheetah dropped to the ground, freed but still weak from her fight with the Amazonian.

Fearing what she said was true Doctor Psycho tried to run only to find Wonder Woman’s words weren’t just hollow threats. He had barley turned a corner before being met by Agent Steve Trevor of the C.I.A. and over a dozen armed forces, all with loaded firearms aimed at the 3 foot fiend.

A neutralizer head-band in hand and Steve Trevor smiled “Hope you weren’t thinking of leaving the Mall just yet. We’ve still got to show you a tour of the state’s best meta-human prison. You’ll like it so much I doubt you’ll want to leave.”

An hour later…

The combined efforts of the State Police, fire crews and A.R.G.U.S. sponsored clean-up crews were able to deal with most of the damages caused by the battle. Both Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor watched as Cheetah and Jinx were stored inside a heavily guarded van to take them away to a secured holding facility. In the distance they could see several large helicopters hoisting the still unconscious Giganta via pulleys and straps around her limbs and torso to be taken to the same facility.

Steve finally spoke to Diana, saying “Well the good news is we managed to imprison not one but four of some of the most wanted meta-human criminals on the F.B.I and A.R.G.U.S. listings. But the bad news, and I know you’re going to want to hear it no matter how much I say otherwise-”

“23 dead. Mostly officers.” Diana finished.

Seeing the look on her face indicated to Steve she was upset, he putting a hand on her shoulder while assuring “They would’ve been worse, Diana. You’ve got to keep telling yourself that.”

“I know, Steve. I know…”

After that he began to realizing “That’s not the only thing bothering you, is it?” She didn’t respond. “Is it what Psycho said about Superman?”

A deep sigh finally escaped her lips as she said “It’s only been six months but it feels like it only happened yesterday.” The two had finally found a bench to sit on as she continued “Doctor Psycho wasn’t wrong, Steve. The villain community is becoming bolder these days. My friends and I are doing what we can…but is it enough?”

“It’s more than enough, Diana. You know that.” He placed his hand over hers, she accepting it and looking at him. “Don’t let a shrimp like Mr. Psycho spoil a good thing like this for you. You saved people like you always do. With or without Superman around that’s still something you manage. Don’t ever take that for granted, Angel.”

She suppressed a laugh while commenting “I hate it when you call me that.”

“I know. And I love that you do.” He leaned in and the two shared a kiss, something that seemed to cheer Diana up a little. After they broke away he said “But that’s something I’ll never get tired of.”

She smiled before they stood, Diana telling him “As charming as this always is, Steve, I can’t stay around too much longer. I promised my mother I would return to Themyscira by tomorrow. In fact I’m looking forward to some time away. Some time for…reflection.”

“I hear you.” He nodded. “Don’t worry. Man’s world isn’t going anywhere. Just when you do visit tell your old lady I said ‘hi’.”

Diana chuckled again and replied “I’m sure she’ll appreciate it, Steve.” They both looked to the horizon as they could still make out the form of Giganta being carried away by helicopters. “Almost as much as I will.”

Themyscira, the Next Day….

As she approached the airspace above her native island Diana finally dropped the cloaking device of her personal jet; provided by A.R.G.U.S. so she wouldn’t be tracked on “personal missions”. Decending from the clouds further and further Diana could see her home, the Amazonian secluded paradise island of Themyscira. Like a great jewel hidden in the vast seas of the Earth it always warmed her heart to see it whenever she visited.

A landing pad near the shores and outskirts of the Grecian city on the island itself awaited Diana’s arrival, her jet landing gently to the surface before she departed. Even as she began to land she could already see the welcoming party of a royal Amazon entourage being led by her mother, Queen Hippolyta.

As the two approached Diana bowed, her mother smiling “Welcome home, my daughter.”

After the formalities Diana embraced her mother, saying “It’s good to be home, mother.”

Both queen and princess began to walk through the Amazonian sanctuary discussing the recent events that troubled Diana; especially her fight with Doctor Psycho and Villainy Inc. There talk had taken them through most of the city where they passed other Amazons performing their daily routines of training, horseback riding, reading and/or teaching, or simply lounging about and enjoying their private paradise untouched by the outside world.

By the time they had reached one of the main courtyards outside the royal palace Diana had finished her long story with “I fear what comes next, mother. For Man’s World. For my friends. And even here in Themyscira. Superman was a beacon of both hope and a figure of fear to those who strived for evil. I fear they will grow bolder in his absence.”

Hippolyta was silent for a moment as she contemplated Diana’s words, finally coming to a decision that lead to “Come, Diana. There is something you should hear.”

The queen lead her daughter further into Themyscira’s interior towards one of the larger mountains where a lone temple stood. While all the other temples and buildings of the island were inviting and almost heartwarming in their design and presence this temple, while built with the same grand design as befitting the temple of the ancient Grecian times, had a foreboding sense to it. Diana knew all too well what this place was: the Temple of the Oracle.

“Why here?” Diana asked, a little cautious with her approach towards such an unsettling place.

Hippolyta stopped ahead of her and calmly insisted “It is best for you to hear yourself.”

As the queen entered the temple Diana looked back as the royal entourage stayed back. They knew whatever business Diana and her mother had with the Oracle was for them and them alone. Despite the tense knot growing in her stomach Diana pressed forward and followed her mother in.

Even as a child Diana had never liked the Temple of the Oracle. It was one thing to hear all the foreboding tales and prophecies the Oracle would give to heroes and gods alike but seeing this temple, this house of dark and terrible power, it always shook her to the core.

After reaching the other end of the interior both Hippolyta and Diana could see the Oracle herself sitting a few feet away from them. The temple was so dark and barley lit by the torches hanging from the pillars that held the great construct up the only other source of light was the large, fiery brazier that separated where Oracle sat and the two royals stood.

The Oracle herself was cloaked in a dark hood and robe. Most of her face was hidden except for her mouth and chin. Some strands of her long, dark hair hung out from the sides but did not lessen the overall spectral look she had.

Not looking up at them the Oracle spoke “Your majesties. Your presence was expected.”

Hippolyta soon bent a knee before the Oracle, Diana following, and addressed “Blessed Oracle, I beseech your sight yet again. As you foretold of my daughter’s journey to Man’s World I ask for your guidance in these trouble times.”

“You come to hear a prophecy already told, Queen of the Amazons.” The Oracle pointed out, her voice never rising or falling from a calm but cold-like tone. “Why seek what it already known?”

“It is not for me to know. But for my daughter to be enlightened by.” She answered, indicating Diana herself when mentioning her.

The Oracle raised her head a little as if to see the princess before gesturing “Come closer, child of clay and divinity.”

Diana cautiously stood while her mother remained kneeling. She took a few steps towards the Oracle before coming closer into the light of the brazier. From this distance Diana could now make out more details on the Oracle’s features, noticing wrinkles around the chin and mouth and a few grey strands in her raven colored hair.

With her closer the Oracle now said to Diana “It does not take the foresight of the gods to see your heart is troubled, princess. What words I will share will only darken it further. Are you sure that is something you wish to bare?”

Despite her past fears of the Oracle the words she said almost seemed to challenge Diana’s will. She faced monsters, madmen and invaders from the stars. Whatever this aging seer had to say would not break her solid mind and body.

“Tell me!” she answered, her voice resounding as she accepted whatever dark future would be foretold.

The Oracle’s head lifted further and now Diana could see her clearly. Unlike the other Amazons who were forever young and beautiful the Oracle was old and withered with age. While unsure of her history Diana would often suspect she was already this old when the gods blessed the Amazons with immortal life. What stood out however was that the Oracle’s eyes were pale and milky, staring off into nothing as Diana felt like they could see even more than she could.

“Very well.” The Oracle replied as she took a deep breath, the fires of the brazier rising on their own and the air growing colder around Diana and her mother. “An angel’s light gone from the Earth, man and god will prove his worth. From beyond shall darkness fall to end the light and ancient evils rise to subjugate all. Prepare thyself for the warring sound of drums! Steele yourself…..for the thunder comes!”

The Oracle calmed and went silent. The air seemed to settle back to as it was and Hippolyta, after hearing the prophecy yet again, stood and indicated for her and Diana to leave. She obeyed but not before giving the Oracle a quick and suspicious look. It may not have been her that bothered the princess but her words, as she had feared.

Once outside Diana asked “What do you think it means, mother? She spoke of darkness and the coming of war.”

“The Oracle’s gift goes hand-in-hand with her nebulous nature.” She replied. “Whatever she said is all she will tell. Only we can determine the rest. But I believe whatever is coming will be as you have said, a threat to Themyscira and the rest of the world. And we must be ready for it.”

Even after that Diana contemplated the Oracle’s divination, repeating “‘An angel’s light gone from the Earth’.” It began to dawn on her. “Superman…”

Hippolyta nodded “I had the same suspicions.”

Diana thought more before asking “When did she tell this to you?”

“Not long after you had sent word of your arrival. It is why I wanted you to be here to hear it for yourself. I think… I believe…that it was meant for you, Diana. Whatever evil is to come you must be present to answer it.”

Diana gave a slight nod before repeating aloud “‘The thunder comes…’” She looked to her mother and asked “Was she speaking of Zeus? Or perhaps something-?”

A sudden rumble from above caught their attention. Dark clouds were form above Themyscira but oddly they were only forming in one certain spot, the large open fields outside the city. The dark, foreboding formation and swirling masses of blackness were soon accompanied by the growing roar of thunder.

“I think we are about to find out for ourselves.” Hippolyta answered to Diana’s unfinished question.

“Prepare the defenses, mother!” Diana said as she took flight. “I will meet this threat myself!”

Taking to the skies Wonder Woman flew over the city and out towards the open plains where whatever summoned forth the odd storm would soon make its appearance. As she landed the formation became more solidified, a single circular opening in the center as some sort of indication as to where whatever was to come would make its entrance.

Finally whatever had summoned this oddity came through the opening in a near blinding cylindrical light. What had paused Wonder Woman in that moment was how the light was not one but several colors that made a dazzling rainbow spectrum. A sudden boom and a snake of the ground before it all subsided, a figure now standing in front of Wonder Woman’s view.

It was a man. Tall, long blonde haired with a matching bushy beard and a muscular form to indicate he was a fighter. He wore armor of a make Wonder Woman was unfamiliar, an odd breastplate that covered his torso but left his arms exposed. A long red caped flowed behind him. A golden belt around his waist. And in his hand was his weapon, a hammer that while with a small handle had a head that seemed solid and durable enough to crack stone; possibly more.

Once their eyes met Wonder Woman addressed the man “You stand upon the island home of the Amazons, trespasser. I am Diana, princess of the Themyscira and daughter of its queen, Hippolyta. Speak your intent. Are you friend or foe?”

The unknown man raised his hammer and replied “Foe!”

He threw his hammer and Wonder Woman raised her arms to defend herself. The metal of the hammer made contact with her bracelets, the impact so hard it vibrated her limbs violently. Even that didn’t stop it as the hammer knocked Wonder Woman off her feet, sending her flying nearly a yard away before landing against the ground.

As she recovered Wonder Woman saw the hammer return to the man’s hand with by some unknown magic. When it did both it and his hands sparked with electricity that was soon followed by a true surprise for the Amazonian. He began to lift from the ground, rising higher and higher while the thunder and clouds above roared violently. Rain began to fall as a storm was summoned by this very stranger himself.

“Hear me, Amazon!” he called to her. “Your prowess may be great but it is nothing compared to THOR! Son of Odin! And the God of Thunder!”