บท 86: Seeing Wonder Woman Again

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Both the United States and Soviet Union fleets have converged, their warships visible to each other. The atmosphere is tense, teetering on the brink of conflict. Yet, the commanders of the two fleets exhibit restraint, refraining from immediate action, and quietly awaiting instructions from their superiors.

In an underwater submarine, Ivan rests with closed eyes. Suddenly, he gazes in a specific direction and, despite the heavy obstacles, observes an exceptionally advanced aircraft soaring through the air, surpassing the technological norms of this era.

Charles, aboard the plane, senses something and gazes down at the sea. Unspoken tension fills the air, with the X-Men around him on edge, fully aware of the formidable adversary they face. The memory of the "dead" Darwin fuels their resolve, preventing any thoughts of retreat.

As the imminent threat of war looms, a mere spark could set it ablaze. Red Devil, serving as the catalyst, infiltrates a warship, neutralizes its crew, and takes control. Just as it is about to breach the cordon, Charles seizes control of personnel in the Soviet-Russian fleet, launching a missile that obliterates the rogue warship. Red Devil swiftly teleports back to the safety of the submarine.

Upon learning of Charles and the other's presence, Shaw realizes the need for a change in plans.

"Initiate the backup plan," Shaw commands, donning a helmet that unexpectedly resurfaces. Crafted by the Soviet-Russian government after intelligence revealed telepathic abilities among U.S. personnel, Shaw accepts it for its deceptive value and added protection, despite not requiring it himself.

"Until I absorb 100% of the nuclear reactor, no one should disturb me," Shaw finally ordered before entering the secret room alone.

Ivan, using his mental power to survey the situation outside, felt a twinge of nervousness. According to the original plot, his father was supposed to die here. Although the cradle of rebirth could resurrect him, Ivan hesitated at the notion of resurrecting the dead.

Comfort-induced, the cabin door on the plane suddenly opened, and a figure in a glider suit leaped into the water. Emitting a sharp sound wave, the figure caused discomfort to the team, prompting them to reach for earphones. Ivan, quick on his feet, created a force field to shield himself, but the others suffered from the ear-piercing sound.

After the sound wave passed, the submarine experienced turbulence, seemingly losing power. Despite a thorough check revealing no faults, an alarm blared as the submarine began floating rapidly.

Understanding Eric's involvement, Ivan issued commands in Shaw's absence.

"Prepare for battle. Eric is growing stronger; he pulled our submarine up. Riptide, go shoot down their plane."

With Shaw occupied, Ivan took charge, and the Red Devil had no objections. Riptide, obedient and loyal, followed orders without hesitation. The angel, being a newcomer, had no objections either, lacking any personal agenda.

Riptide flowed into the submarine and noticed the X-Men planes in the sky. Without delay, he directed a tornado towards them. Despite the pilot's efforts, the plane succumbed to the growing tornado's force, crashing onto the shore.

Aizhike lost control of the submarine, but with a final push, the vessel was thrown ashore. It rolled several times before coming to a stop. Ivan, recovering from the dizziness, emerged with the Red Devil and the angel. Simultaneously, a tornado revealed the form of Riptide, standing beside them.

On the other side, the X-Men emerged from the plane – shock waves, Beast, Eric, and a sound-wave-wielding figure soaring in the sky with gliders. Charles, Mystique, and Moira's agents remained on the plane, acknowledging their limitations in combat.

Ivan's primary objective was to protect the submarine and buy time for Shaw. They refrained from immediate action, recognizing that the current X-Men lineup wasn't formidable enough to pose a threat.

"I'll stay to protect the submarine. If any of you itching to engage them, go ahead, but ensure your safety. I can..."

As Ivan spoke, a buzzing sound interrupted from the sky. Another plane appeared, hovering about forty or fifty meters above the ground. The hatch opened, and a figure gracefully descended, landing on a rock without harm.

Ivan's imposing presence seized everyone's attention. A long-haired, charismatic woman with an iron headband, ancient half-body armor, sword, shield, and a golden rope at her waist – Wonder Woman, Diana Prince.

Seeing her, Ivan's face twitched violently, cursing inwardly. How could this formidable woman appear here? Was it the world's will attempting to use her to counter him?

It was indeed Wonder Woman, and her stern gaze focused on Ivan. Pinching her waist with both hands, she stepped on a broken piece, declaring,

"Ivan Shaw, I have been tasked by the British government to investigate the real cause of the conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union."

"I've been looking for you for over a decade, and today I finally caught you. Let's see where you run this time."

Despite Ivan's teasing, Wonder Woman, resentful, prepared to teach him a lesson. Yet, she noticed a peculiar detail – Ivan not only knew her name but also her mother Queen Hippolyta's name.

This surprised Wonder Woman, considering Paradise Island's isolation. Few knew of its existence, let alone the name of its queen. Ivan's familiarity hinted at knowledge beyond the norm.

"Who are you? Why do you know so much about me?" Wonder Woman's tone grew cold, her mind racing with concerns for her mother and sisters.

Unfazed by her inquiries, Ivan replied, "Do you think I enjoy getting to know you? During World War I, you thwarted Germany's poison gas bomb plan. They created a file on you, and I, having worked in the German scientific research department, saw it. Dr. Poison Pill, the poison gas developer, even harbored a fascination for you. I've communicated with Dr. Maru, and I wonder what sparks will fly when you meet again."

Wonder Woman expressed disdain for Dr. Maru's futile efforts against her divine body. However, Ivan warns her about Dr. Maru's relentless pursuits, causing Wonder Woman to feel a slight unease.

Turning the conversation to Rashputin's demon-summoning plan, Wonder Woman declared, "You participated, endangering the world. Today, I won't let you go."

Amused, Ivan retorted, "Let me go? Do I need your permission? You suffered at my hands back then. Without the artifact, you would have perished. In the end, you're the one who endured the loss."

Accentuating his words, Ivan evoked painful memories for Wonder Woman, stoking her anger. The mutants present, unaware of the context, felt the intensity of Wonder Woman's wrath, wondering what Ivan had done to incite such fury."