E8: Wonder Woman #3

[Spider-Man Beyond]

E8: Wonder Woman #3
Helper of Men Part 3 of 4

Written by Colee Wisemiller (Wondy)
Edited by Daniel Dyer (Spider-Man Beyond)

“Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated, thus, everyone's task is unique as his specific opportunity to implement it.”
-- Dr. Viktor E(mil) Frankl

When the Amazons left Patriarch’s world they searched for decades to find their new home. A place where they could be safe from all the evils they experienced. It was Hippolyta who rose to lead the women to safety. Using all her cunning, she was the one who unearthed paradise. Bringing salvation to her people brought her their gratitude. For this they elected her ruler.

Hippolyta was used to making vital decisions, she had done so for a better part of the past four thousand years. When she was told by the Oracle that a young girl would be key to the survival of all things good she was cautious. What could a mortal child do that an immortal warrior couldn't? That was twenty-one years ago, mere months before Cassandra’s birth.

~*~

[Spider-Man Beyond]

The events of the previous evening left Cassandra with an eerie chill. She told no one, not even Art, about the voice and its accompanying odor. To be honest, she was so tired from the day’s events that she could not help but question if everything was just a dream. The last thing she wanted was to appear daft.

Knowing her decision was expected before the stars could reappear after their slumber that morning, she made it a point to awake before the others. Taking full advantage of the extra hours, she hurried to the Temple of Hera. As she walked up the steps for the millionth time, she couldn’t help but recall her first years on the island. Unable to embrace the Amazon culture completely in the beginning, she found solace inside the structure during twilight. Occasionally a Priestess, she saw only when she was alone in the temple, would be present. She never offered Cassandra her name, however, she did welcome her company. Some nights would entail the two speaking nothing while others would be filled with the Priestess telling the girl tales of grander.

This continued for a few nights each week for the first three years. As her stay grew, she discovered life as an Amazon was not as horrible as she had thought. The nightly visits began to dwindle until she no longer visited the temple outside of ceremonies and the occasional walk.

Reaching the entrance, she let out a sigh. She had but a few hours to make the most important decision of her short life, stay on the island and continue the routine she followed for half of her existence or return to a world she left behind without choice. One that she was sure she would feel alienated in.

Paying no attention to the silhouette against the giant peacock of Hera, she moved gently to the candle before it. Taking her time to light the ceremonial object, she failed to notice the robed figure standing behind her. “Hera has heard your plea.”

Wasting no time to see her acquaintance, she pushed onto her feet and turned. Standing before her in ceremonial attire was the mysterious priestess. “You startled me!”

“That was not my intention. My apologies.” The priestess appeared to glide to the candle. She placed several smaller ones next to it, taking her time to light each one. “You are troubled, young Cassandra. My only intention is to assist you.”

“I have to decide-”

“Whether to stay here or leave, yes I am aware of the situation,” the elder motioned to the floor. “Amazons have spent their whole lives moving from one place to another. This island has been their refuge for over three thousand years.”

Cassandra stared at the mosaic. The candles’ lambent light made the final piece stand out. It was a picture of the Amazons arriving at Themysicra. “It pains me to speak of such things, but one day they will be forced to leave.” Suddenly the flames danced over the piece, replacing the Amazons arriving with them leaving, the island itself was in ruins. “That is unless the chosen can prevent the catastrophic future that has been foreseen.” Once again the flames washed over the picture. A battle between warriors now took place. Something about the image gave the girl deja vu . The flames returned and this time the piece was restored to its original state.

“My destiny is to protect this island?”

“The Fates have given you a much greater purpose than protecting the land a few thousand Amazons and several species inhabit. Your destiny is to protect the world.” The Priestess took her hand. “You are more important in the battle against evil than anyone else on this island. Your kind possess the power to prevent eternal damnation of all living beings. If you do not leave, how can you succeed in this?”

Cassandra could see the seriousness in her eyes, eyes that were like no other. Eyes larger than average that added an extra ounce of sincerity to their owner. “I’m a chosen? I’m a hero just like those in the stories you used to tell me?” She could feel her eyes slightly bug out, she knew she was special but had no idea she was stop-Armageddon-special. “That’s what they’ve been preparing me for?”

“You are not what you believe yourself to be. I cannot say anymore than what I’ve shared with you. I will leave you to decide your next step. Chose wisely, Cassandra, the weight of the world is on your shoulders today, not Atlas’s.” The Priestess opened a chest that contained various religious relics. After a moment of searching, she pulled out a small bronze case. “Hera’s faith in you knows no bounds. A gift from the goddess herself.” She placed the case at the young girl’s feet.

Cassandra opened her mouth, but before a word could leave, the elder disappeared. Still unsure of what to do, she opened the case. Inside she found a tiara. One made of gold. Its center was graced by a ruby shaped into a star, similar to the necklace Art gave her on the plane. Puzzled by the gift, she spoke the only thing she could to the emptiness, “Thanks.”

~*~

[Spider-Man Beyond]

Panagiota was only now awaking in her chamber when the cloaked figure entered. Despite her lack of site, the Oracle knew at once who was there. She could not escape her visions, even in her sleep, and this visit was foreseen moments ago. “My Que-”

“I do not have time for small talk, Panagiota. I have spoken to the child. She knows only what is needed for her to leave.” The figure chose to stay near the doorway.

The Oracle bowed as the figure approached her, “Hippolyta suspects nothing. I cannot say how long her curiosity can be withheld.”

The figure dropped the cloak onto Panagiota’s bed. “Do not worry about her. If she manages to discover our meetings, she will understand the importance of keeping Cassandra’s identity a secret. The girl must discover it on her own terms.”

“Agreed.” Hesitation came from Panagiota’s mouth.

“Is there a problem?”

“The liaisons to Patriarch’s world, they are clouded. I do not know how trustworthy their motives are.” It was a rare time when the Oracle could not get a clear reading from another.

“Once she gains the trust of Patriarch’s world, there will be little need for their assistance. She cannot help those who lack belief in her. I must leave before he suspects anything. You’ve done well.”

“Thank you.” Once again, in the blink of an eye, the supposed Priestess was gone. “Thank you, Hera.”

~*~

[Spider-Man Beyond]

Hours passed as Cassandra stayed in the Temple, deep in thought. She was a chosen, a hero. How in the world did that happen? She had abilities, great strength, amazing speed and even more amazing stamina. She was able to rebound from an injury much quicker than others, even the Amazons she now called sisters.

Growing up on the island amongst immortals gave her no cause to question these abilities. When she lived in Patriarch's world, she never came across another who possessed super human anything, but living on the island she found it was a perk of being an Amazon. For the past ten years she assumed somehow she was granted these gifts as a way of being welcomed into their world by the gods. Now she wasn't so sure.

Noticing the sun was shining brightly in the sky, she deduced it was around noon. Somehow she'd spent the better part of eight hours trying to come to a decision. The candle she previously lit was gone, a puddle of cold wax took its place. She picked up the golden tiara and swiftly headed back to the Queen. She was ready to announce her choice.

~*~

[Spider-Man Beyond]

"Cassie is perfect as a replacement! Her abilities are similar and her heart seems to be in the right place." Dee Dee and Veronica were finishing lunch with Hippolyta. The duo used the time to catch her up on current events in Patriarch's world. A being named Superman surfaced sometime after Cassandra left. He had abilities beyond one's wildest dreams and used them to protect the world. Not too long ago, he fought a monster named Doomsday and met his demise while saving Earth. Since then it seemed as if the world lost a sense of hope, commonly referred to as “the Superman Crisis” by the media and governments around the world.

"I agree. From what you have told me, Superman was quite a hero. I am positive Cassandra would have little problem becoming one."

"Are you certain she will agree to return?" Veronica was her quiet self until now. "I don't mean to be blunt, but she didn't seem to be fond of what we told her yesterday."

"A lot has happened to her that she does not understand. The Fates won't allow it until time calls for it. As Dee Dee stated, her heart is always in the right place. She wants to help and because of this, I believe she will not only return but become the new hero you wish her to be. Her confusion will last for some time but her will is strong to overcome it." Hippolyta thought highly of Cassandra, that was for sure. She knew the girl was crucial to prevent chaos in the future but she did not know the particulars. Perhaps becoming Patriarch's world's new hero would place her one step closer to her destiny.

"Your word is gold, Polly! Veronica is just anxious to remedy the Superman Crisis." Dee Dee beamed a smile as she gave her coworker a look of slight annoyance. "You'll have to excuse her."

Kalisto, one of the Queen's most trusted Amazons, brought a letter to the table.

"Thank you, Kalisto."

The Amazon nodded to her Queen and left.

Hippolyta took a moment to read it. "Cassandra has made a decision."

~*~

[Spider-Man Beyond]

"Are there other heroes in Patriarch's world?" The plane ride consisted of Cassandra learning all about the world she left.

"It's complicated. No one else with his level of power but now we have you. I've heard stories about others, something about a bat in Gotham, nothing more than urban legends if you ask me." Dee Dee stretched in her seat and couldn't help but yawn. The events of the past few days interfered with her sleep patterns. "We'll need a name for her, Veronica. Supergirl is already taken and Superwoman would be too cliche."

"Agreed. Any suggestions, Cassandra?"

"I'm not sure." Cassandra's words were lost somewhere behind Veronica's.

"You need something that represents who you are without giving too much away. Something people will remember and feel happy about. Just like Superman rolled off their tongues, so should your name."

"What about Liberty? Lady Liberty, after the statue? Cassie will represent the beliefs of America, after all. You know, democracy and all that jazz." Dee Dee's eyes lit up. Truth of the matter was she was concerned about the people of the United States more than anywhere else. She knew it was selfish but she felt Superman was an American hero first and foremost.

"Lady Liberty, it's simple and a bit egotistical ... splendid job Deedra."

Cassandra watched as her two companions continued to speak of the new hero of Earth without her input. Losing interest, she started to doze off.

~*~

[Spider-Man Beyond]

"Cassie! Cassie, wake up, Kiddo!" Cassandra hadn't heard kiddo in a decade. Only one person called her it and she had not seen them since the last time she was in Patriarch's world. "Cassie!" This time a slight shove accompanied it. "C'mon, Kiddo! We have to discuss Lady Liberty."

Sensing another shove, Cassandra caught Dee Dee's wrist. "I'm up," she said in a bothered voice. She opened one eye and saw a look of shock on Dee Dee's face. Veronica sat in front of her, wearing a slight smile.

"Wow," Dee Dee whispered. "You sure do have fast reflexes," she added loud enough for everyone to hear.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that."

"Don't be! I saw Superman catch a bullet in his bare hands once. It was the most amazing thing I've ever seen. You’re definitely his level."

Cassandra let go of her arm and rubbed her eyes.

"We still have an hour or so until we arrive in D.C. Lady Liberty needs an uniform. Here is the design. Your input would be appreciated." Veronica leaned over and gave Cassandra a folder. Inside she found a thick packet. The first several pages spoke of something called "Operation Roswell".

"Operation Roswell is?"

"You, well, mostly you now. It's the codename for the new Superman project. He was an alien and Roswell, New Mexico was home to the infamous alien crash in the 1950's. Go to the last couple of pages." Dee Dee was anxious to share her creation.

Drawings of one uniform in various poses graced the pages. "We wanted to keep it similar to Superman so people felt familiarity with it but at the same time give it something different, something people would know you by."

Cassandra had never seen a photo of Superman, she had no idea as to what his uniform looked like. She turned the page and for the first time ever she saw the Man of Steel. "This is... was him?" His charisma shined through the photo. His jet black hair held to his head tightly with the exception of the small s curl on his forehead. He was muscular. Even though it was a photo she could tell he was taller than the average man. The thing that caught her eye the most was his genuine smile. Suddenly she felt a wave of nervousness overtake her. Would she be able to be so sincere with a world she hadn't seen in over a decade?

"Yup! Good ol' Supes in all his glory." Dee Dee was obviously smitten with the former protector of Earth and to be honest, Cassandra couldn't blame her. "We didn't want to do a direct copy of his costume, that's why your's is more red and less blue. Your whole costume is modeled after the American flag. Red boots, like Superman's, but with white added on the tops. Your belt will be blue with white stars, just like the flag. We're still debating about a cape. If you use one it'll be blue with white stars too. So what do you think?"

Cassandra was amazed at how quickly the pair created the uniform for Lady Liberty. "It's wow! How long was I sleeping?"

"About four hours. Do you think it needs anything?"

Cassandra was amazed at how well they used the time to their advantage. She picked up a box underneath her seat, carefully opened it and took out the tiara the Priestess gave her earlier. "How about we add this?"

"Brilliant, it compliments the outfit nicely. We will arrive in a few hours. The press conference will be this evening."

~*~

[Spider-Man Beyond]

Reporters from all over the world were eagerly awaiting the announcement concerning the Superman Crisis. For the past few weeks, rumors swirled about a replacement for Superman being developed. Up until now, the government denied all claims.

The crowd hushed as soon as Dee Dee stepped onto the podium. "Ladies and gentlemen of the press, I want to thank all of you for attending. This was put together at the last minute and I cannot stress how excited I am to be the one to share with the world this wonderful news."

Photographers quickly snapped photos and journalists jotted down minor notes.

"Superman was a hero to everyone, the official boy scout. He lost his life so we could all keep ours and for that we will all be forever grateful.

"However, his sacrifice came with a cost. We no longer have a super hero to guide us to peace."

Right away an Asian woman wearing a violet skirt suit raised her hand.

"Yes Jasmine?"

"What about the claims of various vigilantes all around the world, most notably the Batman and Robin who've been around longer than even Superman?" The crowd began to talk to each other and several reporters raised their hands as well.

Dee Dee kept her perfect smile in place. "I appreciate everyone's interest in the claims about others who have been supposedly mimicking Superman. As far as I know, there is no proof to support any of it. Now, if you could all hold your questions for after I'm done, I'd greatly appreciate it."

Before Dee Dee could continue, an athletic looking man wearing a tunic laced with what appeared to be gold walked to the podium. His platinum hair graced his head in tight curls. "I am here for the Amazon! Give her to me and no one shall be harmed!"

The crowd was lost, unsure of the meaning of the disturbance.

"You test my patience, I ask once more. Give me the Amazon or face the wrath of Herakles!"

The crowd broke into a roar of laughter.

Herakles grew angry with rage. He grabbed the podium, pulled it out of the floor and threw it at the laughing crowd.

No normal human could react, but Cassandra wasn't a normal human. She flew threw the doors behind Dee Dee, where she was waiting to be introduced, and caught the podium before it could harm anyone.

Herakles formed a grin. "Amazon! By the name of Zeus, you die now!"

The crowd was in shock. A young woman floated before them, wearing a costume that was a mix of the Super family and the American flag. So far her powers seemed to copy Superman's.

Cassandra took a moment to turn to the podium's former targets, "Everyone alright?" Nods indicated they were fine, but Cassandra made a mistake when she turned her back on the man. "Ahhh!" A jolt of electricity flowed threw her body.

"Feel the wrath of Zeus, little Amazon," Herakles bellowed. He slammed his hands on the floor and everything began to shake. Somehow he managed to produce a small earthquake.

Cassandra used all her strength to stay in the air. Forcing the pain out of her mind, she called to Dee Dee, "Get everyone out of here, NOW!"

Herakles ran through a hole formed by the man made disaster.

Cassandra followed and in a blink of an eye she was gone.

Jasmine was one of the few who saw the beginning of the chase. "Wow!" she heard her photographer gasp. "What's her name?" he asked.

"I don't know, Stu," Jasmine mindlessly replied. They followed the rest of the group to a safe spot away from the building. For the first time Jasmine noticed everyone in the crowd was awe struck by the golden haired protector. "Wonder Woman," she triumphantly declared.

"What?" replied Stu.

"Her name is Wonder Woman."

To be concluded...