๐ญ๐ก๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ (๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ ๐จ๐ง๐ฌ)
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It always amused Diana Prince how much people seemed to take life for granted. How people have the privilege of sight, taste, touch, sound, and smell... But most still manage to take it for granted.
The idea that people take the simple and small things in life for granted. Waking up to see another day because a greater force within the universe sees that you haven't accomplished what their life's purpose is.
Moving through life and still finding a way to be unique. Out of all eight billion people, everyone found their own way to be unique and special. It was fascinating.
But then life had a way of ruining that fascination. Life always found a way of ruining that fascination.
Soon, everyone sees that nothing matters and the higher-ups who try to keep us safe are the ones who make the worst decisions.
The ones who have the most power turn out to be the monsters, and the rest of the world was forced to pay for it. Forced to pay with their suffering and death.
But Vought promised something greater.
Vought promised to create a hero that everyone could turn to. Well, more like a team everyone could look to for safety and protection.
But this hero was to be a symbol of justice, peace, and equality. This hero was to be the light in the darkness. No one was able to symbolize those morals like Wonder Woman.
Diana Prince was created by Vought to become Wonder Woman. Once a popular comic in the 1940s was now a proud experiment of Vought. An idea and comic left for dead resurrected because of money... And a promise.
Hero and Amazonian. Vought had determination and the belief to bring forth a hero who knew no limit, nor would she bow down to any man. And thus, Wonder Woman was born and a special addition to Payback.
But everything came crashing down in 1982. All because of some mission in Kansas.
While Vought tried to bury every detail about the mission, one person was left with the truth. Only one person who knew the depth of the mission... But she was buried underneath the rubble and debris of the rotting warehouse.
Not to mention she was trapped in a cryostasis chamber. Stuck with the truth that would never reach the public. But it doesn't seem to matter anymore because Payback is dead and The Seven took their spot in popularity
Until now.
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Wonder Woman had grown comfortable with the cold. It was everything she ever knew for forty years. Not that she knew it had been forty years. Maybe just two days at most.
Doesn't seem to matter. Wonder Woman had been stuck all these years and nothing seemed to change. But freedom would soon break through the debris and rubble.
"God, this sucks. Why the hell are we here?" Mel sighed, following Milo Riley through the building. The walls were crumbled and the ceilings were rotten with mold, "Jesus." she muttered, glancing at the taller man in front of her.
"Come on, Mel," Milo called over his shoulder, looking back at Melanie "Mel" Lony, "Butcher is gonna have our asses if we don't find her." he muttered, stepping over falling pieces of the roof and walls. The entire building seemed to be holding itself together by overgrown vines and electric cords.
Mel sighed, shrugging her shoulders, "So? You don't even like Butcher." she said, following Milo into another room. It was in slight better condition than the rest of the facility.
"I don't," Milo nodded as he watched his girlfriend look through leftover files on the dust-filled shelves, "I tolerate the guy, but he wanted this done. So, we're gonna get it done." he explained, making Mel scoff as they continued to look around the room.
Mel looked through the files, "There's nothing here about her." she frowned, opening the file cabinet to see a few files left inside. She grabbed one that was labeled 'W.W. D.P.'
She opened the file, stopping when a slip of paper fell from the file. The woman leaned down, picking up the paper, "It's a code." Mel said, turning back to show Milo.
The slip of paper was aged and rough after years of collecting dust. Milo looked at the paper, seeing that it had a few numbers printed on. 2323-416.
Milo handed Mel the paper before looking around, "Now we know we're looking for a door." he muttered, looking through the room for any doors. There weren't many doors in the room, it just seemed like a normal office.
Mel continued to look through the file cabinet until she noticed something odd, "Milo, check this out." she said, watching a few spiderwebs on the side of the cabinet move.
"Look." she repeated once Milo walked over. They both watched as a source of air continued to blow against the spiderwebs. It made Mel smirk, "I think I found our door." she said as Milo stepped back, letting her take control.
Mel's biceps tensed as she lifted the file cabinet with ease. She's lifted heavier during drunken nights with Milo and the rest of The Boys.
She set the cabinet to the side, tilting her head when a smaller door was carved into the drywall, "Weird." she muttered, pulling the door open to reveal a set of stairs.
The two of them looked down the darkened staircase before Milo took the first step. Each step caused a chill to run through their spines. Milo and Mel grabbed their flashlights, lighting the way down the concrete staircase.
Soon, they made it to the bottom, a few feet under the rest of the facility. Mel held her flashlight towards the ceiling, quickly looking away when she saw spiders and other bugs, "Don't look up." she smiled, watching Milo shudder at the thought.
Milo held his own flashlight to a steel door against the concrete wall, "What the hell were they hiding?" he frowned, touching the door to feel the steel against his palm.
"Let me see that code again." he called over his shoulder, taking the slip of the paper from Mel. Milo looked at code once more before seeing a small panel on the side of the door, "Secret room." the both of them said in unison.
Quickly, Milo punched in the code before the door hissed, smoke falling out from the steel's side. The sight made Milo tilt his head, "Mel." he called, hesitant as he watched Mel step towards the door.
Mel didn't hesitate to grab the edges of the steel door. It only took a strained grunt before the steel was pulled free from the hinges against the concrete wall.
She placed the door to lean against the wall, watching more smoke and mist fall out from the small entry-way. It was something out of a sci-fi movie. Or maybe a horror movie.
"Holy shit." the duo said in unison, seeing who was inside.
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The darkness had grown more peaceful. It used to be a nuisance in the first few hours, but it's grown to be more of a friend than anything else.
But Wonder Woman never had friends for long.
The visor of the cryostasis chamber had been dark for so long, it was a surprise to see a sliver of light break through the ice and smoke.
As the rays of light began to break through the ice, the light was beginning to shine against her closed eyes and nose.
The ice remained thick and unmoving on the steel walls that surrounded her, but the ice against the door began to give way when the steel was practically being ripped from the hinges and connecting material.
Once the steel door was freed of its hinges, leftover dust and smoke brushed past her cheeks and onto her seemingly frozen skin.
The light of the flashlight shined against Wonder Woman's body, reflecting against the ice that had grown onto her skin and attire.
When the warm air of the secret bunker pressed into Wonder Woman's skin, a sharp gasp left her lips as her eyes forced themselves open.
It didn't take long before Wonder Woman's body jerked from the chamber, the tubes and needles attached yanked themselves from her skin as she fell to the ground.
Her senses were slow to sink back into their proper spaces. It felt like she was trapped underneath the water. Struggling to find air or any type of safety.
Her sight was blurred while her hearing remained impaired. As if someone had dropped a truckload of water over her head.
Wonder Woman fell to her knees, crawling away from the cage that held her for all time. She reached out, holding onto the stone walls that lined the secret bunker and its staircase.
Finally, her hazy eyes cleared and were able to observe what was around her. But Wonder Woman's sight was blurred once more when her body shuddered with coughs and gasping breaths.
Wonder Woman was worried about coughing up a lung, but she was relieved when the coughing fit finally ended... Only to bring the voices and the rest of the world forward.
As if rooms of people were calling her name and wanting to get her attention. Their voices echoed and pounded against Wonder Woman's eardrums and skull. It was torture.
But all that disappeared the moment someone grabbed her shoulder.
Wonder Woman's eyes opened while her fist shot upward, striking whoever touched her in the groin. Her fist remained in place as someone fell to the ground, "Motherfuck!" a man shouted, holding onto himself as he rolled to his side.
Poor Milo.
"Oh shit," Mel quickly said, dropping beside Milo's side, "Milo, it's gonna be ok, it's not like we wanted kids." she said, trying to be optimistic as she caressed his cheek with a gentle hand.
Milo couldn't do much but groan at the rippling pain in his body, "Fuck, I think I'm gonna vomit," he gagged, his eyes watering, "Mel, my dick... My balls." he hopelessly cried, his voice cracking by the end of his sentence.
Mel could only nod, "I know, I know. It's gonna be ok. We'll get you some ice and see if Loi can give you something. Maybe that stuff she puts on Seth's knee." she suggested while Milo melted into more groans, complaining that he wasn't going to let Loi touch his business.
The duo looked back at the Supe when she pushed herself off the ground, standing in a more threatening position. Wonder Woman looked down at the both of them, her expression emotionless and stoic as she remained silent.
Her eyes were cold as she stared into them, her gaze nearly through the both of them, "Where am I?" Wonder Woman finally questioned, her voice hoarse and rougher than it normally was.
Side effects of being under the ice for forty years.
Mel held her hand out, standing in front of Milo, "Easy. Take it easy, W." she said, putting distance between herself and Wonder Woman.
Wonder Woman continued to stare at the both of them, "Where am I?" she repeated, her hand moving to grab her sword. But her hand came in contact with her hip. No sword or sword sheath.
The Supe's eyes quickly averted from Mel to her waist. Everything was gone. Not just her sword and sheath. Wonder Woman's steel cuffs, shield, back harness, and lasso were also missing.
Wonder Woman turned back to Mel, her eyes narrowed and threatening, "Easy now. We're friends or we could be friends. We're friends of Soldier Boy." Mel explained, kicking Milo's ankle when he scoffed, muttering that Wonder Woman wasn't that stupid.
Mel's words made Wonder Woman tilt her head, "Friends of Soldier Boy? He has no friends. Not to mention he hates just about anyone who crosses him," she frowned, not believing anything, "I'll ask again. Where am I and who are you?" she questioned once more.
"Ok, ok," Milo finally said, able to stand on his own, "I know you think we're full of shit. Let's start over. My name's Milo Riley and this is Melanie Lony. We don't know Soldier Boy on a personal level, but we were hoping you did."
"Did? What happened to him? Is he in danger?" Wonder Woman stepped towards the both of them, needing to know where or what happened to her friend.
As Wonder Woman moved towards Mel and Milo, they noticed how she was still dressed in her gear. The same gear she wore during her years in Payback.
It wasn't anything special. Not like Soldier Boy or Crimson Countess' gear. A blue faux leather skirt that was attached to her red and gold abdomen and chest plate. While her thigh-high boots matched in color and durability.
The gold band that wrapped around Wonder Woman's bicep remained unmoved. It remained still like the golden tiara that balanced on her forehead. The Boomerang-Tiara as Vought liked to call it.
Wonder Woman always used eco-friendly products in her attire and everyday life. She wanted to leave a small carbon footprint, encouraging others to do the same. There was only one Earth, there was no more time to cause additional damage to everyone's home.
Just like her attire, Wonder Woman's figure was in similar condition. Wonder Woman took pride in her figure and the way she stood out in a crowd.
Wonder Woman didn't consider herself to have a body like most female Supes. Vought pride themselves in creating a Supe who had super strength... And looked like she did. Wonder Woman's body was once considered the tenth wonder of the world.
Behind Andrรฉ the Giant and Chyna.
Her biceps and triceps were a product of her determination and drive to be a hero that anyone and everyone could look up to.
Those muscles didn't take long to move towards her shoulders and back, every part of her body sharp and defined. Her waist was slim while her abdomen was toned that gave way to the abs that took years to finally see the light of day.
Even if they'd be covered by her chest and abdomen plate.
Wonder Woman's thighs and calves weren't like the bodybuilders in movies or competitions. They were in similar condition. Toned and sturdy, ready for battle or a meet-and-greet with diehard Payback fans.
Wonder Woman was grateful for her body, knowing it was a privilege to have a positive mindset when it came to the body and figure. It took years of work and dedication. Ignoring every journalist's negative comment. Enduring the long hours in the gym with Soldier Boy.
It took everything for Wonder Woman to finally be happy with herself. Her reflection created pride in her chest. Wonder Woman was happy with what she saw in the mirror, knowing she'd have a lasting effect in the world.
But none of that seemed to matter now.
"Where is Soldier Boy?" Wonder Woman demanded when no one answered. Mel softly sighed, "He's... Soldier Boy's either missing or dead. It depends on who you trust or believe." she explained, her tone blunt.
Missing or dead.
The words sent Wonder Woman's heart to her stomach. She nearly threw up at the thought of her close friend being dead. It's only been a day. He couldn't have... He couldn't have died in that time. She thought to herself.
"No," Wonder Woman refused to believe, "I know he's not either of those things. I just saw him yesterday and he was fine. He was going out to film some movie with Countess. He couldn't have..." she trailed off, looking at Mel and Milo.
Wonder Woman looked into their eyes. The Supe didn't need her lasso to know they were telling the truth.
Slowly, Wonder Woman stepped back. She wanted to grieve. To take a moment to move past the realization that her friend might've been gone.
And she wasn't there to save him.
"What happened?" Wonder Woman finally said, her voice low and strained, "I want to know what happened to him. What did he do?" she asked, looking at the duo.
Milo and Mel shared a look, having a conversation within a blink of an eye. Finally, Milo stepped forward, standing beside Mel, "Before we get into that. There's something else you have to know," he and Mel shared a look before Milo blurted, "2022!" he exclaimed, letting out a big exhale as if that was the dangerous part of the mission.
"You done?" Mel questioned, looking at her boyfriend with an unimpressed frown. Milo took a deep breath, looking at Mel with a nervous smile, "Yeah." he answered, making Mel sigh, "It's 2022. Not 1982. I'm sorry to say, but you've been gone for over thirty years. And Soldier Boy, it's like I said, he's either dead or alive. We're still trying to figure it out." she answered, watching Wonder Woman's expression fall.
Not into despair and ultimate heartbreak. Into suspicion and disbelief.
Wonder Woman scoffed, looking at Mel, "You expect me to believe that it's 2022? Last I checked it was 1982. You two must be insane if you really think I'm stupid enough to..." her words trailed off when Milo pulled out his phone, showing the device to the Supe.
"What's that?" Wonder Woman questioned, tilting her head as the screen lit up and a picture of Mel and Milo with their own pizza boxes appeared.
Milo pulled his phone back, looking at his wallpaper with a soft smile, "Phones have come a long way." he sighed, holding the phone out for Wonder Woman to take.
Wonder Woman held his phone, turning it on to see the date for herself. April 27th, 2022. The sight of the date made Wonder Woman's grip on the phone falter.
Without missing a beat, Milo reached back to take his phone before Wonder Woman had the chance to drop it.
Wonder Woman turned to the cryostasis chamber. Her personal prison for all those years. Her own coffin, tied with a bow of nightmares.
After a moment, Wonder Woman sighed, "What happened to him?" she questioned, looking at Mel and Milo for an answer. She didn't care who answered. She just wanted someone to answer.
"There was a rumor that he died in 1984 because of a nuclear plant accident. It was sketchy but everyone believed it." Mel answered, nodding when Wonder Woman questioned, "But you two think differently?" she crossed her arms over her chest.
"A friend of ours has a file with the addresses and last known whereabouts of your former teammates." Milo explained while Wonder Woman raised an eyebrow, "While I appreciate you two helping me out of here, but I doubt you did that just to tell me Soldier Boy's missing. Why do you need me?"
"And to think Butcher just called you some pretty face." Mel snickered, stopping when Milo nudged her shoulder, "Melanie," he warned with a frown, "I know this seems like a ton of bull, but we need your help. We need insight and any experience you have with your "friends". We're gonna need you on the team." he explained while it was Mel's turn to scoff.
"I've been told it's not a team effort because some of us don't want it to be a team effort," Mel muttered, speaking on herself and M.M.'s behalf, "I'll be first to say that there's no team. Just a few freaks who want some asshole dead. We need you on our side in case shit goes sideways with finding Soldier Boy. We're gonna use him for a greater purpose." she explained, making Milo shake his head as he pulled her to the side.
Milo stared at his girlfriend, "Why would you tell Wonder Woman that? She's Soldier Boy's best friend and you just told her that we're gonna use him. Are you trying to kill us?" he questioned, making Mel shake her head, "Just follow my head. I know what I'm doing." she whispered, looking back at Wonder Woman.
The Supe stared at the both of them, not phased by any of their words. Instead, she asked her own question, "What about you two? Are you two committed to this band of "freaks"?" she asked, her voice smooth and calming.
It didn't take long before Milo answered, "We're not the biggest fans of them, but we owe them." he nodded while Mel explained further, "They call themselves The Boys. Billy Butcher, Mother's Milk, Hughie Campbell, Kimiko Miyashiro, and Frenchie. But we don't owe them shit. We only go into business for ourselves." she said, looking at Milo by the end of her sentence.
Wonder Woman watched the couple bicker until she chuckled, "I'll help you." she simply said, walking past them and up the stairs.
She only stopped when she made it to the fourth step. Slowly, Wonder Woman turned back towards the cryostasis chamber.
Once Wonder Woman stood back in front of the chamber. She reached out and placed her hand against the steel, the freezing temperature sending a small chill down her spine.
But her moment of calm didn't seem to last.
The couple remained unmoved when Wonder Woman suddenly pulled her fist back before it flew back into the chamber's side, causing the steel to crumble as it crashed through the concrete walls.
Wonder Woman watched the chamber collapse into the walls with a small sigh of relief. Never again. She thought to herself as she made her way back up to the ground level of the building.
She wandered through the halls, ignoring the patches of mold and decay. She made it towards the exit of the building, stepping over piles of fallen ceiling as she walked out into the sunlight and fresh air.
The world seemed the same. The grass was overgrown and the gentle breeze fiddled with the leaves and fallen branches. Nature hasn't changed. Wonder Woman was grateful for that.
Wonder Woman noticed a car that was parked a few feet from the dirt road. She could only guess that it was the car of Mel and Milo.
"Wait a second!" Mel called as she and Milo ran out of the building, holding a few things in their arms. Her voice made Wonder Woman turn, raising an eyebrow when she saw some familiar items.
"Are those..." Wonder Woman trailed off with a smile, seeing that Mel and Milo were holding her items. It was definitely a sight for sore eyes.
Mel nodded as Milo handed Wonder Woman her sheath and back harness, "We found them when you knocked that chamber on its ass." she smirked, watching Wonder Woman tie her sheath to her hip while she adjusted her back harness.
Wonder Woman looked at Mel and felt her smile soften when the woman handed her the next items. Her shield and sword. The Sword of Athena since Vought thought the God Killer was too vulgar of a name.
The Supe held her weapons in her grasp before flipping the shield onto her back and sliding the sword into its sheath.
"Nice." Mel smiled while Milo held out the last two items, "We thought you might want these back." he nodded, letting Wonder Woman.
Her famed Bracelets of Submission and Lasso of Truth.
Wonder Woman nodded in thanks, sliding the steel bracelets over her wrists and tying them to her forearms.
As soon as Wonder Woman tied her lasso to her hip, she turned back to Mel and Milo, "Lead the way." she nodded, giving the duo the chance to take the lead.
She knew she was out of her depth with this new world and generation.
As Mel and Milo walked towards their car, Wonder Woman turned back to the waste-hole that stole forty years of her life.
Wonder Woman stared at the building, feeling a slight power surge in the steel that wrapped around her forearms. That power only faded when Milo called from the car, "You coming?" he questioned, sitting in the driver's seat.
"Yes," Wonder Woman answered, turning away to make her way back to the car, "I'll need a favor. Could you two tell me what I've missed in my absence?" she questioned, sliding into the backseat of the car.
"We'll tell you anything you need to know." Mel agreed, glancing at her phone. Butcher was calling again. He wanted a call the moment they found Wonder Woman.
"But first, we gotta make a stop at our apartment." Mel sighed, ignoring the call and getting into the car. Milo gave her a look, but it melted away when Mel leaned over the center console, kissing him.
Butcher could wait a few more hours.ย
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