Chapter 56 - Unyielding General Kneels to None -Part 5

The Justice League, now in full motion, branched off towards their respective assignments, all the while maintaining constant communication.

Team Alpha, comprised of Superman, Batman, and Flash, headed towards Metropolis. Simultaneously, Team Beta, consisting of Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, and Green Lantern, set their course for Themyscira. Among the sites the Kryptonian ships were heading towards, was actually Wonder Woman's homeland, which made Diana the best candidate to lead the charge to defend the nation of Amazons. Diana was set to land on the island and coordinate with the Amazons, whilst Hawkgirl and Green Lantern, or Hal Jordan, were assigned to intercept the enemy ship at the island's perimeter.

As each team monitored the enemy ships' trajectory, it became apparent that the enemy ship had a significant head start and was rapidly closing in on Themyscira. Under their current speed, it was clear they wouldn't reach in time to intercept. Recognizing the urgency, Diana made a swift decision. She grabbed the arms of both Hawkgirl and Green Lantern, and without giving them any time to react, she blasted off mid-air, activating her newly attained Pseudo Super Saiyan Rosé form. Pale pink sparks of electricity surrounded her, and her black hair started lifting. What would have been hours-long journey was reduced to a mere 30-minute trip thanks to Diana's incredible speed.

Soon, they broke their speed, hovering over Themyscira's perimeter. Diana released her comrades and her Pseudo Super Saiyan Rosé form. Both Hawkgirl and Green Lantern, disoriented from the sudden acceleration, took a moment to steady themselves. They were both surprised and a touch annoyed at Diana's impromptu action.

"Listen, Wonder Woman," Green Lantern began, still shaking off the dizziness. "I understand the urgency, but you can't just whisk us off without warning. You should have asked our permission or given us a heads up before grabbing both of us suddenly and flying at that ridiculous speed. It was anything but pleasant. And this is coming from a pilot famous for his crazy piloting records!"

"I second the objection," Hawkgirl chimed in, her feathers ruffled, figuratively and literally. "Diana, that was rough. Don't DO THAT AGAIN. At least not without asking."

Despite their complaints, both couldn't suppress the awe and curiosity about Diana's new form. The power she had displayed was something they hadn't expected and it left them wondering what else Diana could do now. Diana, acknowledging their objections, promised to be more considerate in the future.

"Just occurred to me, if you had that speed, why can't we intercept the ship midway instead of facing them here?" asked Green Lantern.

"Like I said during the meeting, I am still learning about my new power. I can't maintain the transformation for long, so I'd rather use this only in advantageous or crucial situations for now. Seeing how fast their ships are, I knew we wouldn't have arrived in time. So, I decided to transform and bring us here," answered Diana.

"...Understood. Going by the plan, Hawkgirl and I will take a defensive stance. But Diana, is there really an island here? I remember you told us on the way about the veil that hides your island, but this is...unbelievable," said Green Lantern.

Hawkgirl nodded as well, also interested in understanding how the veil worked.

Diana smiled and said, "The veil is a gift from our gods. That's all I can say." Then she descended on the island and disappeared, leaving her comrades a little annoyed.

Themyscira-Palace

Upon Diana's sudden return to Themyscira, her mother, Queen Hippolyta, was initially taken aback. Her surprise quickly gave way to concern, her eyes scanning her daughter for any signs of injury. "Diana, my child," she began, her voice filled with worry, "why have you returned so soon? Do you need reinforcements?"

With a soft smile, Diana reassured her mother, shaking her head slightly. However, the seriousness in her next words gave light to the current situation. "Mother, the enemy has launched three ships. One is heading directly towards Themyscira. I have returned with two of my comrades to defend our home."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of Queen Hippolyta and her sister Antiope darkened. The threat of invasion was something they took very seriously. As they were about to discuss their defensive strategies, three figures materialized in the throne room. They were Hera, Athena, and Artemis, the patron goddesses of Themyscira.

"I sensed your return, Diana," Hera began, her voice clear and commanding. "We heard your discussion. The enemies are Kryptonians, correct? We have some experience in dealing with them. Long ago, a time now forgotten by mortals, these Kryptonians attempted to conquer all. They were thwarted by a joint force which included us. I have brought Athena and Artemis to assist as well."

Diana was taken aback by Hera's revelation about an ancient war with the Kryptonians. This was a piece of history she was not aware of. However, she quickly pushed her surprise aside and expressed her gratitude towards the goddesses. "Thank you, Hera, Athena, and Artemis, for your support in this difficult time," Diana thanked the goddesses in a respectful tone.

Hera acknowledged her thanks with a wave of her hand, "We are your gods, Diana. While some of us have sadly forgotten, there are some like us who still remember that it is our duty to protect mortals. The fact that we were not there to fight alongside you against the return of that MAD God's army still leaves a bitter taste. So, I did not want to miss this opportunity to show that we still remember our duty."

Diana nodded firmly, turning her gaze to Athena. "Athena," she started, "Could you work with my Mother and Aunt to devise a strategic plan? I've brought two champions from outside, Hawkgirl and Green Lantern. They are currently standing guard at the perimeter. Hawkgirl is a warrior, fierce, strong, and driven, much like an Amazon. As for Green Lantern…"

Before Diana could continue, Athena interjected, "Yes, Child. We are familiar with the Green Lanterns. The ancient war my queen spoke about included their involvement as well. I am fully aware of their corps's capabilities. Rest assured, I'll assist Queen Hippolyta, the Amazons and work collaboratively to formulate a comprehensive plan."

Athena's words, gentle yet firm, reassured Diana. She simply nodded in acknowledgement, her trust in the goddess evident.

In the following hours, Athena, Queen Hippolyta, and the Amazons collaborated on a strategic deployment plan. This plan was communicated to Hawkgirl and Green Lantern, who took their respective positions after attentively receiving the information through Diana. From their perspective, the entire island appeared seemingly out of nowhere. In reality, Hera had used her power to conceal them both by expanding the island's veil. Once they understood what had happened, they were astounded by Hera's powers, and appreciated the plan's element of surprise against the incoming enemy.

As the war horn resonated across the island, the warrior women were filled with a sense of purpose. Despite the looming threat, the presence of their goddesses and princess instilled a comforting confidence within them.

United, they stood ready to confront the imminent threat. They were prepared to defend their home at any cost, prepared to show the Kryptonians that Themyscira was not a land to be taken lightly.