Wonder Woman was holding an unusual funeral on Themyscira.
It was called unusual because the one being laid to rest in this funeral… was herself.
A Wonder Woman from another universe.
Organizing one's own funeral proved far more difficult than Diana had imagined.
The body of the Amazon princess from another world had already been prepared by Amazonian priests. Her entire body was anointed with Greek olive oil, and she was laid into the coffin facing west.
In Greek tradition, when a respected individual passes away, someone must deliver a eulogy—recounting her deeds in life so that others may remember.
Diana glanced toward Batman. For something like this, it could only be done by comrades who, like the deceased, came from another world.
"I'm sorry. With her status and achievements, she deserved a far more grand and dignified funeral."
By the standards of a princess of Themyscira, this ceremony was far too brief and simple. There was no public viewing of the body, no days-long procession accompanied by music and poetic recitations.
But these were extraordinary times. A great war was imminent. The entire funeral could only be conducted quickly and simply—just as Diana had once buried her own mother, Hippolyta, during wartime.
"Thank you, Queen of Themyscira."
Beside her, Batman removed his cowl and held it at his side in mourning. In a moment like this, he chose to face his companions with his true identity:
"That is more than enough. We all know… time is running out."
The weathered face of Bruce Wayne appeared calm yet profound. Just days ago, this man had endured the second worst day of his life—his entire world had been taken from him once again.
Even so, this universe had not given him a moment to grieve. Crisis after crisis arrived in relentless succession, leaving no room to breathe.
The Superman of this world had borne nearly every crisis within the span of a single week—but Bruce knew that all things have limits.
The coming war between the Kryptonians and the Lantern Corps had already far exceeded what anyone on Earth could handle.
This world, too, was slowly slipping into the abyss of destruction.
Batman—Bruce Wayne—would not allow that to happen.
His own world was already gone. The deeds of those fallen heroes would vanish along with it, forgotten by all—but Batman would remember.
Batman was one of the only two remaining proofs that that world—and those heroes—had ever existed.
So he had to survive.
He had to ensure that this world survived with him.
But first, he had to see his Diana off on her final journey.
He cleared his throat and began his eulogy:
"Our Wonder Woman was a hero. Her story, too, began on Themyscira…"
As Diana listened, she was almost immediately drawn in.
At the beginning of the story, both Wonder Women had stepped out from the isolated island of Themyscira for the sake of peace and hope—and entered the world of men.
This Wonder Woman had fought alongside many heroes in her world, defeating powerful enemies such as Ares, Steppenwolf, Darkseid, and Doomsday.
Though Batman's eulogy contained a lifetime of stories, his words were concise, and it soon came to an end:
"She fought with love and peace in her heart, with compassion and respect for all life—and she remained true to that until the very end."
"Do not grieve for her… for she has found her own truth."
After enduring so many battles, the Diana from another world had achieved honors and accomplishments that the Wonder Woman of this world could scarcely imagine.
And yet this world's Diana herself had, from the very beginning, set foot upon a path toward destruction—one that had nearly made her the executioner of the entire world.
Almost inevitably, she found herself longing for the path her other self had taken—a road filled with truth and justice.
"This isn't your fault. The fault lies with this world."
Beside her, a young man named Joey looked at the distracted Diana. As if hearing her unspoken thoughts, he gently patted her shoulder and spoke in reassurance:
"Our past experiences and memories shape who we are now. This universe is cold and unforgiving, and so we who live within it are not perfect either. There is nothing to be ashamed of."
"You're right. That's why I've always supported you."
Diana took his hand—one that had just withdrawn from her shoulder—and clasped it firmly in both of hers. This man was different from the others. Not only did he possess immense power, but also the compassion to match it.
"If we—or you—survive this war, then please… you must create a truly perfect world, shaped by your will."
"Don't say things like that, Diana."
Caught off guard as his right hand was firmly held, Joey met her gaze, unsure of how to respond. Once again, he became acutely aware of what his power meant—the immense hope it inspired in others.
Wonder Woman had once believed she herself could create a perfect world.
She had failed.
And now, she was placing that hope onto him.
With supreme power comes supreme responsibility.
At this moment, the burdens of both Earth and Tamaran rested upon his shoulders.
Joey would strive toward that goal—but he felt it was necessary for Diana to understand one thing:
"Diana, no one can create a perfect world. The best we can do… is bring the world infinitely closer to perfection."
After finishing his brief eulogy, Batman quietly put his cowl back on, concealing the two lines of tears on his face. He stood silently, listening to the exchange between Wonder Woman and Superman.
Only when Superman spoke those words did he finally respond:
"Superman is right."
This Superman was clearly not as young as he appeared.
As two of the three pillars of the Justice League, Superman and Wonder Woman had always been central figures.
But these versions were not the same as the ones he knew.
They required closer observation.
A Wonder Woman who had once waged war against Aquaman and raised her blade against mortals was undeniably dangerous.
And this younger version of Superman?
Too many secrets.
His unusual resistance to kryptonite and red sunlight.
The fact that he knew this alternate-world Batman was Bruce Wayne.
In this world, Batman was someone else entirely—and Bruce Wayne did not exist.
Even with x-ray vision, wouldn't the first assumption upon seeing his face be that he was a younger version of Thomas Wayne?
Batman knew he shouldn't let his thoughts wander at the funeral of one of his closest friend.
But given the situation, he couldn't stop thinking.
Under the watchful eyes of the gathered heroes and the Amazons, Batman stepped back and returned the focus of the ceremony to Diana.
"Please."
The Amazon queen stepped forward and personally placed two drachma coins—once prepared for herself—over Wonder Woman's eyes, providing her with passage across the River Styx.
At her command, the coffin was lifted by her royal guards—the Furies—and carried toward the burial grounds of the Amazons, where Wonder Woman's soul would pass through sacred flames into the fields of truth.
Batman then turned to the Superman of this world.
"Joey Joseph Kent… are you, like me, from another world?"