144

Chapter 144: Gotham

Peter's words brought a sense of calm to Diana. She no longer felt as unsettled as before.

Diana possessed exceptional qualities in all respects, yet sometimes found herself questioning her own worth. Following someone as powerful as Black Superman exposed her to vistas beyond her current level—sometimes breathtaking, sometimes perilous. But she always managed to find her equilibrium.

In time, Diana grew closer to Peter. After a period spent accumulating points, they returned to London where negotiations to end the war had concluded. The aftermath of this widespread conflict was evident in the city's mixed emotions of triumph and mourning.

Steve greeted them warmly, proud of his promotion, and extended generous offers for them to stay and work post-war. However, neither Peter nor Diana were swayed by his persuasions. They bid farewell to Steve, leaving him with mixed feelings about their departure.

After the war, Diana felt a sense of relief but also a homesickness for Paradise Island, her true home beyond Earth's dimensions. She found solace in new experiences and expectations within the human world.

In a marketplace, Diana, dressed in her new regular clothes, bought two ice cream cones and happily returned to Peter's side. Her striking appearance garnered attention from both men and women along the way, even though she was unrecognized as royalty.

Unconsciously, Diana was adjusting to her new life in the human world. She offered one ice cream cone to Peter, who declined with a jest. Diana, slightly offended by his comment, decided to eat both cones herself to dispel any lingering discomfort.

Peter changed the subject, asking about her plans for the future.

Diana paused, unsure of what lay ahead after witnessing the darker aspects of human nature post-war. She found herself looking forward to more adventures with Black Superman.

Sensing Peter's readiness to part ways, Diana felt a surge of nervousness. She blurted out, "Why not stay with me? After all, my mother asked you to take care of me, and I have nowhere else to go now."

Peter didn't respond immediately, lost in thought. Having achieved his goals in the DC Universe with the Marvel Universe Anchor, he planned to tie up loose ends in Gotham before returning to Marvel. For now, Diana's story in this universe seemed to be reaching its conclusion.

Peter's gaze returned to Diana, who nervously awaited his response. She straightened her posture and attempted a reassuring smile, hoping he would agree to let her stay by his side.

Peter relented, "Come with me."

Diana breathed a sigh of relief and quickly asked, "Are you sure you don't want any ice cream? I could buy it for you, and Steve would owe me a commission."

"For now, let's go," Peter replied, subtly agreeing to her company.

Excited at his acceptance, Diana eagerly asked, "Where are we going next?"

"Gotham. I'll be staying there for a while."

...

"Is this Gotham?" Diana marveled at the city below, its skyline dominated by Gothic-style architecture unlike any she had seen before.

Though she had traveled with Black Superman to many places, Gotham presented a unique aesthetic.

At this stage, Gotham was not yet the crime-ridden city it would become, but it was already under the sway of its four major families: Wayne, Keynes, Elliot, and Cobot. Beneath them, various mafias and smaller families vied for control, establishing a complex hierarchy.

Peter affirmed, "Yes, this is Gotham."

Diana sensed Peter's unusual interest in the city. Despite his ability to handle global conflicts with ease, Gotham seemed to intrigue him in a different way.

Curious, Diana asked, "What makes this city so special?"

"It's become an iconic destination, drawing visitors who want to experience its unique atmosphere," Peter explained, his tone serious.

Diana looked puzzled but dropped the subject when Peter suggested they descend into the city.