(POV Thara)

My jumping distance alongside my other physical abilities had increased as well, so it only took a few hops to make it over to Diana. I can tell there is more to my ability to leap than meets the eye, but I'm not sure what exactly it is. I can feel my body trying to do more, but something is stopping it from taking action. This has puzzled me for a while now, but now's not really the time to worry about that.

"Diana! Are you alright? I heard some strange noise coming from over here and I didn't see you at the cliff." I asked after dropping from the sky. I barely felt anything from the Impact, another one of my improvements over the years. It takes quite a lot to hurt me in any significant way. Only some of the sharper weapons here can even scratch my skin, so I've been rather thankful for that. My skin also stays relatively smooth, so that's a plus.

After landing I quickly take in my surroundings to try to identify any threats, my bad feeling has been intensifying by the second and it's putting me on edge. I've already identified both an escape route and a potential hiding spot just in case anything shows up, but so far I only see Diana with this strangely dressed man. Well, I guess the only basis I have for attire on this world is the Amazons so I'm not sure what exactly is considered strange or not so I'll withhold judgement until later. He wears a lot of blue though, so he must have some taste. But, more importantly,

"Who are you?" I ask with some suspicion. I know he can understand me thanks to the all-speak, though thanks to my enhanced computational and analytical abilities, I had spent only a few weeks learning the language the other Amazons speak. I'm wondering if he speaks the same? From the records, I know some of the more primitive planets have multiple languages in the beginning. Language barriers are one of the key signs of a primitive planet. After all, if they can't even speak to each other without problems, how do they expect to unite and overcome their extra-planetary needs. A divided world is a doomed world.

"Sorry. My name is Steve. Steve Rogers." He says with a bit of fluster, though he manages to reel it in fairly quickly while he appears to be studying me a bit. I'm not sure what it is like outside Themyscira, so I have no idea if I've done anything that might put him off. He speaks the same language as the Amazons, but there is a slightly distinct accent to it. He also carried a shield on his back. I might assume this means the weapons on this world are still in the cold era, but I also see something holstered on his hip so it's likely they've already advanced to firearms. Although I have no idea what kind of ammunition they use. If they've advanced to energy weapons already, I'll need to be more cautious. Some kinds of energy out there could even injure me.

Depending on why he's here, this might be a good chance to gather information. I have yet to forget my mother's training even after all these years, so I know it never hurts to be prepared.

"I'm fine, Thara. I saw his vessel crash into the water and went to rescue him. Can you believe it? An actual man on the island! There's so much I want to ask!" Diana confirms her safety, then gets excited again. I understand she's excited, but I do wish she would show a little more caution. Well, this side of her is cute as well.

"Before that, Diana, we need to know why he's here." I cut her off before she can keep going on. I hate to ruin her fun, but her safety is the priority here. Diana deflates a bit and pouts before turning to this "Steve Rogers", likely hoping he would clear things up for himself so she could get on to her own questions. I also turned to him to start questioning, but before I could get any words out, my bad feeling spiked intensely. To the point that it felt like something was screaming danger at me.

It was then I heard it. Several vessels breaking through the barrier surrounding the island. I realized some years ago that the barrier blocks my own senses from reaching the outside world, so I expected I could likely hear further away if I were to venture out. But in any case, I could hear them. Multiple men entering the barrier shouting in a language different from either the Amazons or Steve Rogers, though I had no trouble understanding them.

"Find Captain Rogers! He couldn't have gotten far! Let's put the Americans' attack dog down!" The one dressed slightly differently from the others shouted before they all gave a bloodthirsty cheer. He's likely an officer of sorts if we follow Kryptonian military standards.

"And just who might they be?" I turned back to Steve Rogers as he stood up and grabbed his blue, red and white shield. I have to say it's exquisitely made, I can't identify the metal at first glance so It's likely something native to this planet alone. I would like some time to study it later, maybe.

"To keep things simple, I'm one of the good guys. And they're the bad guys. Germans. Come on, we need to move." He said whilst taking a position which seemed to be intended for protecting us from harm. This small action improved my opinion of him, however I wouldn't take his words at face value. Everyone is just when fighting for their own cause after all. But his small action of wanting to protect us at least put a stop to any consideration I might have to just turn him over. He could be a criminal for all I know, but I at least want to give him the benefit of the doubt.

"Germans?" Diana muttered in slight confusion but it was picked up by me and strangely Steve Rogers as well if his nod was anything to go by. Perhaps all humans, as I've heard they're called, have slightly enhanced senses as well? So much uncertainty disturbs me, and I'm at a bit of loss at what to do.

While we're slowly backing up to take cover behind a rock I picked out earlier as a decent hiding spot, I wanted to go over my options but before I could a loud voice broke through from above.

"Diana, Thara! Step away from them! Now!" It was Queen Hippolyta with some of the army on top of horses. She looked panicked, and that didn't help my growing discomfort.

"Ready your bows!" She shouted as a few warriors dismounted their horses and prepared their bows, arrows lit aflame. My worries might have been vanquished considering they had the high ground and range advantage until Steve Rogers decided to burst my bubble.

"They have guns, right?" he questioned while putting out the small weapon at his side. It was then the archers fired while we broke into full retreat to the rocks.

The arrows curved in the air and found their marks in the bodies of the invaders. Men were dropping left and right, but they continued to march forward through the blood-soaked waters while my sisters above readied for another volley.

Some of them used arrows attached to ropes to shoot the side of the cliff and grapple down to get better shots. The tactic worked before I heard the first shots from the enemy. I could only describe it as unbearably loud and I immediately had to cover my ears due to the ringing. I had never stress tested my senses before and nothing on the island ever quite made a sound that loud, so this was a first for me. I needed some time to adjust, but it was during that time that utter chaos started being rained down on my sisters.

I was thankful they did not appear to be using energy weapons yet, but that didn't stop my horror as they achieved their results, regardless. The fire rate of their weapons was ridiculous. Thanks to my processing capabilities, I could make out hundreds of small-sized objects being shot at the women dangling from the cliff sides. I only now realized it was likely these weapons that tore the hull of the original plane we found.

My sisters tried to deflect some shots with their bracelets but there were far too many pellets aimed at the sitting targets and soon some of them penetrated their skin eliciting a cry of pain before they went limp.

I was staring in shock, and one pellet came towards me while I was too stunned to move. I had only realized I was tackled out of the way by both Steve Rogers and Diana a moment later. However, the pellet aimed at me still found a victim in the Amazoness still dangling behind us.

I could only stare as she helplessly fell limp. It was then I noticed Val-Li standing right beside her. Looking at me. Fuming. Hatred as clear on his face as it was that day. He mouthed some words, unable to speak when not in my nightmares, but I knew what he wanted to say.

'It's all your fault' I had done it again. Someone lost their life because of me. All because of me. My weakness. I haven't changed at all. I promised to be different, but look at me now.

Val-Li approaches me, slowly getting closer yet never taking a single step. I knew he was finally coming to take his revenge. I had been waiting all this time for this day to come. At first I humored thoughts of fighting back, but I know I don't deserve it. Before he could though I heard a voice behind me. One I'm so used to tuning in to it had become second nature to me.

"I'm going. I won't just stand around while my sisters fight!" I heard her. She seemed to be arguing with someone.

"Fine. You know how to use that thing, right? Keep me covered." I heard a man say. That's right, I forgot he was here. Everything got so dark I lost sight of what was around me. I could see horses led by General Antiope charging into the fray, shooting and cutting down the invaders from their mounts.

Everyone was fighting and here I was cowering, yet again. I really haven't changed have I?

'Keep Fighting' It was then that I heard another voice. It was faint, but I heard it. No, it was more accurate to say I remembered it. A memory from many years ago. That's right, it was my papa's voice.

 

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[8 years ago]

"Ouch!" I cried out in pain as I was knocked back on my rump again. Training with Papa is so hard! I can't ever seem to get a hit on him.

"Sorry, sweetie! You surprised me a little, that's all." He chuckled a little dryly. He's not remorseful at all! Stupid Papa!

"Humph!" I just snorted and turned the other way to hide my disappointment. I really can't ever catch up to him. Every time I think I'm close, he just finds a fresh way to beat me.

'Does this really mean I'll never be as strong as him?' I couldn't help but think sadly. Papa is so strong, but I'm still just me. Everyone always expects me to be as good as him, but I don't know if I can.

"Papa? Why are you so strong?" I had to ask. I wanted to know what made us so different.

"Hmm? Why am I strong? Well...If I was forced to give you an answer...I guess because I had to be?" He said pausing a little. But what's with that!? What does that even mean!? And why was it a question!?

"What's that even supposed to mean? You're making fun of me, aren't you?" I pouted a little at being made fun of again. I get enough of that at school.

"Hehe, sorry sweetie, but that's the best answer I can give you." He said chuckling while patting my head. Ugh, he always does this. He should be lucky my hair was already messed up or else I'd shoo him away. It's not because it's comfortable or anything!

"Then why did you need to be strong?" I questioned as sincerely as I possibly could. I hated being this weak all the time. I wanted answers. I wanted to get stronger so he could be proud of me.

"I guess it was because I regretted not being strong enough when I needed to be." He said solemnly and I couldn't help but wonder why. What would he have to regret, aside from his silliness, he's practically perfect?

"Then what should I do to get stronger?" I wanted to know. I needed to know. I didn't want to regret anything. He only smiled warmly at me before saying those words that I would try to hold on to for the rest of my life.

"Keep fighting. Use every ounce of strength in your body to reach for victory and give meaning to your regrets. Don't give up until you absolutely have to, and not even then. You don't need to be stronger. You need to be strong." He said to me and I couldn't help but stare at him in awe. I guess even he can say cool words now and then.

"Humph! Just you wait, I'll show you one day Papa! I'll be someone everyone can look up to even more than you!" I said smugly. That's right, as long as I don't give up, I'll show him one day. I will make him proud, then I can rub it in his face all I want!

"I'm sure you will sweetie, but first you're actually going to have to beat me first." He said with that same mirthful smile on his face that constantly annoys me.

Ugh! Just you wait! I'll wipe that smile off your face, Father!

 

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[Present]

'Keep fighting. Be strong.' Those forgotten words echoed in my head repeatedly. I can't believe I had forgotten them. So much had happened so quickly they slipped my mind. Humph. Really now, how will I be able to wipe that smile off his face if I go back to cowering?

I stand up, not even noticing Val-Li glaring at me in something other than rage.

"I hope you aren't planning to leave me out of this?" I ask with my hands on my hips. That's right, I have many regrets in life, but I have to give those regrets meaning. I need to be strong now for the sake of those I couldn't be strong for before.

"Of course not, sister, I wouldn't dream of it." Diana said smiling. Clearly glad I've woken up from my funk without assistance. Steve Rogers casts an almost worried glance my way but gives a sharp nod and turns back to the fight.

"Alright, keep your eyes up, stay sharp. Try to stay out of their line of fire. See if you can cause some confusion in their lines. Their bullets still hit each other, use that against them. Either of you have a way to get the turrets on the boats?" Steve Rogers asked, taking command. I had no problem with this since he's clearly more experienced dealing with these weapons and is far more familiar with their tactics.

"You can leave that to me." I say as I can feel my eyes start to heat up, I know just how to deal with them.

"Alright. Let's give 'em hell!" He says before charging in, shield at the ready in front of him.