Chapter 20: Chapter 20 War Woman Part 2
War Woman gave a light smile in response, pleased to see Brandon agree. She settled back and began her tale.
Like Wonder Woman she too was part of the Greek pantheon and grew up on an isolated island of women. But that's where the similarities end. Unlike Wonder Woman, she wasn't the daughter of Zeus. Rather she was the child of Athena, the goddess of war and wisdom.
Her birth was also quite different when compared to her DC counterpart. She wasn't born from a womb but was rather molded using the sand and a strand of hair from a great warrior. With those two things, Athena poured her essence into her creation, making herself a daughter.
After this War Woman grew up fairly well on the island and was treated like royalty due to being one of the few demigods to exist. However, this didn't sit well with her. The things she enjoyed in life were combat and adventure but she would never truly experience them on the island where she was protected. All requests she made to her mother were also denied as the realm of man had been banned ages ago.
With no choice, she was forced to live this way for a thousand years but eventually, she decided that enough was enough and fled the realm of the gods to the world of men. Growing up she had heard many tales about other Demigods finding challenges there and she also wanted to experience this for herself. She knew of the risks and that Zeus may never let her return for breaking his decree but she chose it anyway.
From that point on she began fighting against many Kaiju throughout the world and occasionally some villains. None of this was on purpose but at some point in time she became recognized as a hero. At first, she denied that title but over time she grew to like it and matured as a result of this.
No longer were her battles just for adventure and improvement but now they were for the greater good of all mankind. But this wasn't enough and she knew she could do more. Man's world was full of corruption that took away from the weak and overall hurt the world so she started a company that did many philanthropic activities. Building villages in Africa and cleaning pollution in China were just some of her activities.
Her hero work and efforts to help the world soon became noticed by other like-minded individuals which resulted in them creating the guardians of the globe.
Hearing the end of her story Brandon couldn't help but feel respect for the hero in front of him. Very few people would risk leaving their home like she did but she even took it a step further and became a hero for a world that wasn't her own.
"You really are an amazing person. I can see why you're one of the people's favorites" Brandon commented, well aware of her large fan base.
War Woman didn't show much of a reaction to that comment merely seeing it as her duty. It was the responsibility of the strong to protect the weak so giving compliments were unneeded but they were appreciated.
"Now I believe it's your turn so what is it? Are you some sort of alien?"
Hearing that question Brandon looked shocked. How could she hit it right on the money on that first try?
Seeing Brandon's expression, War Woman just gave a light smirk "Now don't be too surprised I may have cheated a bit. Though it is still surprising but not unexpected considering we have Omni Man flying around."
"But how? I'm sure I didn't leave any signs" In past battles he hasn't even left a drop of blood so that left DNA testing out and he's never mentioned it leaving him confused.
"Like I said I cheated. You see all beings from Earth carry the scent of Gaia but this scent isn't present in other worlders like Martian Man and Omni Man while it also rejects their presence but can't do anything about it. However, when it came to you I still had to ask. Like them, you don't carry Gaia's scent but unlike them, you're not rejected but rather quite liked by the world. Mind explaining why that is?"
Brandon took a moment to think about this and came up with two possibilities: the first had to be with whoever sent him here but it didn't feel likely as it wouldn't change anything. Leaving the second.
"Well, I think it may have to do with how I arrived here. You see my planet blew apart ending my people but my father succeeded in sending me away to earth in time. This all happened when I was a baby. This world is basically all I've ever known." This felt like a possible reason.
War Woman took on a surprised expression and looked toward Brandon with some care. She couldn't imagine not losing only your world but also your people. To be the last of his kind.
Yet while knowing this he still does something as dangerous as being a hero. She doesn't know if the man in front of her is a fool or not but whatever he may be, he is still admirable.
"I'm sorry to hear that but if you really did grow up here since you were a baby then it would make sense why the world treats you as it does. You see, unlike what others think Gaia isn't completely conscious, instead, she works more off of instinct similar to an animal. Like an animal, she'll always seek strength and protection. Now In its view, you are strong, stronger than most, and with you being the last of your kind it means your bloodline shall remain here. Making this world overall stronger and safer."
War Woman's explanation was quite surprising. Brandon didn't expect Gaia to work like that but it was definitely better than how she was usually depicted in Greek myths.
"Is there any sort of benefit from the planet liking me?"
"Not as many as you'd imagine but there is some. For one your offspring will have a higher chance of being born healthy and most sickness will never affect you."
'Offspring Huh so this world really just wants my bloodline but I don't mind. I don't know who I'll end up with in the future but if this simple liking means my kids will be born fine and we'll then I don't mind.' Brandon thought to himself, seeing this as something good. He knows for sure that it would make his father happy if he learned of this.
After this, the two continued to talk about various things until it became night. Once this happened they realized that it was already time to go but Brandon didn't leave without completing his task.
"Here take this," Brandon said as he handed her a simple-looking bracelet.
"Wow, are you already giving me gifts? Can I consider us friends then?" She said with a slight laugh at the end.
"Yeah, I wouldn't mind that but this isn't just a gift. On the side, you'll notice a small switch. If you're ever in danger or if the guardians need a bit more muscle flip this and I'll come right away."
Now it was War Woman's turn to be surprised tonight as she didn't expect such a thing but by the looks of it, she appreciated the thought. "Well if we're friends I want you to call me Holly, my real name when we're not saving the world."
"Yeah, I don't mind that Holly. You can call me Brandon" After today he didn't mind sharing his identity with her and if all went well then they'd be friends for a long time.
"Brandon, it fits you." War Woman replied while nodding her head "Well till next time Brandon" Floating up into the air she flew straight off to Boston.
Leaving Brandon who checked his phone. Originally he was only going to add the feature where it calls for him but that was too risky. In the cartoon, the battle happened fast and any sort of delay may cost them their lives. So he also added a tracking feature.
Now the next time she heads to the Guardians HQ he'd be ready.
Looking up into the stars Brandon took a silent breath and muttered "Omni man your days are numbered"
Killing may not be Superman's way of things and he somewhat agreed with this but after killing that rapist he realized that there are times when killing is required. Rapists, serial killers, murderers, and traffickers. None of them deserved to live, not with how they treat their fellow human beings.
Omni Man even more so. How could one be a protector of humanity for so long to have a wife and a child but betray it all for an empire far away?