128

Chapter 128: Desperate Steve No. 2

"So, we're going back? Will you help us?" Steve No. 2 asked eagerly upon learning of their imminent departure, accompanied by two formidable allies, notably Black Superman, whose presence excited him.

"Of course!" Diana affirmed. "This war must be Ares's doing. I will find him, defeat him, end this conflict, and save people from the agony of war."

Steve raised an eyebrow. "Does it really matter? Ares, the god of war? I'm not buying it." He couldn't help but view the Amazon princess with skepticism, considering her idealistic view.

Glancing at Peter, he reconsidered, "Or maybe there's more to it than meets the eye."

Peter, understanding both perspectives, saw Steve's point of view as strategic, though he knew the resolution of war didn't solely lie with Ares. Despite the deity's potential influence, human actions ultimately determined the outcome.

Whether Diana grasped this was uncertain. Her upbringing inclined her to attribute all strife to Ares, coupled with a deep-seated hope and affection for humanity.

With preparations complete, the trio returned to the shoreline, surrounded by curious Amazons.

Queen Hippolyta regarded Diana with mixed emotions. She had hoped to delay this moment indefinitely, but fate appeared predetermined. Like any devoted mother, she had equipped Diana with everything necessary, though these were far from ordinary gifts.

Addressing Black Superman, Hippolyta approached Peter, saying, "Traveler from another world, I sincerely appreciate your guidance and assistance to Diana."

Her concern was genuine, stemming from the limitations of living on Paradise Island. Once Peter departed, Diana's fate would no longer be within her control.

Peter reassured her, "I'll ensure her safety, at least for a time." In the realm of DC, this meant a commitment to safeguarding Diana amidst the chaos of war.

"Thank you," the queen replied, somewhat relieved but still cautious of Black Superman's true intentions.

"So, how do we leave?" Steve No. 2's excitement was palpable. "I can't wait to see the faces of those in charge when we return with reinforcements."

"I've prepared a boat for you," the Queen explained. "It's the only mortal means to leave Paradise Island, isolated as it is from the outside world."

Amazons brought forward a small boat, ready for departure.

"Very well."

Steve No. 2 wasted no time boarding. "We've gotten to know each other quite well during this journey."

Diana moved to follow, but Peter intervened, "No need for that."

All eyes turned to Peter as he continued, "I can transport us."

During his time on the island, Peter had explored its spatial dynamics. Though the barrier seemed easily penetrable, it served a crucial function: bridging the gap between three-dimensional and higher-dimensional realms unique to DC.

Unlike Marvel's extraterrestrial beings, DC's gods and demigods operated on a higher dimensional plane, where Paradise Island acted as a nexus.

Peter lifted Diana and Steve No. 2 effortlessly. "What are you doing?" they protested instinctively, but Peter paid them no mind.

"Goodbye."

With a sonic boom, Peter ascended, creating turbulent waves on the sea before disappearing from sight.

The queen's relief faltered briefly. She realized her trust in Peter was tested once more.

---

When Steve No. 2 regained his senses, he found himself above London.

"Are we... teleporting?" he gasped, eyes wide.

Diana, still in Peter's grasp, shook her head. "No, it was just our speed."

Her heightened senses adjusted to the exhilarating movement, a first-time experience that overwhelmed her.

Steve No. 2, less attuned, simply felt disoriented by the sudden change.

"Can we land?" he asked, unfazed by heights but unnerved by the unconventional transport.

"I need to debrief, gather intelligence, and make contact," Peter explained calmly. "But first..."

With superhuman perception, Peter located their destination swiftly amidst early 20th-century London.

Steve No. 2 felt a twinge of apprehension at Peter's words.

Boom!

A sudden descent jolted him, landing amidst a group of dignified, elderly men in suits, one of whom he recognized as his superior, discussing "peace" and "war's end."

Released from Peter's grip, Steve No. 2 wished otherwise as chaos ensued.

Someone cried, "Assassins!"

His boss scrutinized him. "Captain Trevor, thought you died on your last mission. Care to explain?"

Steve No. 2 recounted, "I retrieved Dr. Poison's notebook—chemical weapons data that could turn the tide of war."

But his boss was more perturbed by the intrusion and strange companions. "Who are these two?" he demanded.

"I am Diana," she asserted boldly. "An Amazon here to end Ares and this war."

"Please, hold on," Steve No. 2 interjected, frantic to maintain composure amidst the escalating confusion.

With no grand revelation or sudden deference, chaos persisted until his boss and Sir Morgan regained control, their expressions curious yet cautious.

"Captain Trevor, you were reported dead," his boss reiterated. "Explain."

Steve No. 2, desperate and overwhelmed, recounted his inexplicable journey from a paradise island to London, hoping to justify his abrupt return and unusual companions.

In his mind, he knew if this tale were fiction, it would be less believable than fiction itself.

But with events spiraling out of control, he had no choice but to stand firm and explain, "Everyone, please listen!"

Yet amidst the uproar, no one listened, leaving him stranded in a sea of disbelief and disorder.

However, the boss seemed more preoccupied with their abrupt intrusion and the damaged conference room ceiling. He exclaimed angrily, "Who are these two people behind you? You can't just barge in with two weirdos in strange clothes!"

"I am Diana," she interjected firmly, finally speaking up. "I am an Amazon. I came here to defeat Ares and end this war."

"Please hold on," Steve No. 2 interrupted anxiously, feeling like he was on hot coals. He wished he could disappear into the floor.

The interruption only fueled the chaos around them. His boss continued scolding, insisting they leave immediately. Amidst the panic, the elderly men in suits began discussing the situation.

Steve No. 2 reluctantly allowed Peter and the others to depart first. Diana complied, but Peter, as Black Superman, remained motionless.

Ignoring Steve No. 2's frantic pleas, Peter focused on Sir Morgan, also known as Ares in human form, the antagonist from "Wonder Woman."

Sir Morgan immediately recognized Diana. Despite never meeting her, he sensed a familiar divine power—she must be the demigod sibling created by their god-king father.

Ares, however, frowned in confusion, unable to grasp the situation fully. He observed Diana's power, unseen by ordinary bystanders, and noted her unconventional arrival.

Realizing the need to restore order, Ares sought to engage the newcomers calmly, hoping to understand their purpose.

Unexpectedly, Peter took a direct approach, catching Ares off guard. In the next moment, a beam of red light streaked towards him, narrowly missing his face.