Diana vividly remembered that Soren had ultimately chosen to self-destruct with Superman in order to delay the repair of the hydrogen bomb launch system that she had sabotaged.
...Her hands were stained with Soren's blood and tears.
She lifted her head, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, but all she felt was the searing pain burning through her chest.
"I'm going to check on him," she said as she stood, speaking to Victor.
The Amazon princess pushed open the door of the small meeting room, her steps resolute as she made her way toward the exhibit hall.
Inside the hall, Soren had just finished taking a photo with the Flash.
Of course, Tim had been the one to take the picture.
Holding the phone, he snapped the shot while Soren beamed brightly, an arm wrapped around the Flash's shoulder, showing off a gleaming white smile.
"Let me see the photo!"
As the flash went off, Soren rushed over to check Tim's handiwork.
Tim, ever thoughtful, had taken a burst of ten photos, ensuring Soren had plenty to choose from when he decided which one to print.
—No, Tim was sure of it: Soren would definitely print all ten photos, without a doubt!
Barry, standing next to them, eagerly leaned in as well, asking, "How did they turn out? Let me see. Whoa, this one's good, and this one too. Yeah, you really captured my dazzling smile perfectly, T—"
Just as he was about to say "Tim," Barry quickly covered his mouth, his eyes darting nervously to Tim.
Oops, he almost revealed Red Robin's identity!
"—Could you sign this for us, Flash?" Tim quickly picked up the conversation, placing his hands on Soren's shoulders and gently turning him toward Barry. "My friend here would love your autograph."
Soren nodded eagerly, "Yes, yes!"
"Ah? Oh, sure, no problem at all. Signatures, as many as you want!" Barry pulled out a pen with his super-speed and forced a smile. "Where do you want me to sign?"
Soren quickly dug through his bag and pulled out his superhero notebook, flipping to the page covered with clippings and photos of the Flash. "Here's fine—uh, would it be too much to ask for a personalized 'to' autograph?"
He asked hesitantly.
"Of course, of course," Barry responded, taking the notebook and swiftly scribbling in it. "To Soren... I hope you live a life full of joy and happiness—"
"?"
Soren glanced at the Flash, who was writing intently, and then exchanged a puzzled look with Tim.
Tim: ...Oh no, Flash is done for.
Soren tilted his head, eyeing the Flash suspiciously, and asked, "—Excuse me, but how do you know my name is Soren?"
Flash froze, the pen stopping mid-sentence.
He glanced left, then right, like a malfunctioning robot, stammering, "I-I-I, right! Why do I know your name? Haha, that's weird, isn't it? How do I know you're Soren? Well, actually, it's because... because I, I—"
"He saw the guest list for today's open house. You all had to register in advance."
As Barry floundered, Diana stepped in, approaching them gracefully.
She provided the perfect cover for Barry, temporarily rescuing him from the awkward situation.
With her hands clasped behind her back, she smiled warmly at Soren. "Welcome to the Justice League."
Soren: "!!!!"
For a moment, he couldn't believe his eyes.
He rubbed them quickly, only to realize that standing right in front of him was the Princess of Themyscira herself, the Amazonian warrior, Wonder Woman, Diana.
"Oh my..." Soren gasped softly, immediately overwhelmed by Diana's strong and resilient presence. His ears flushed red without him even realizing. "Princess, I—I—you—you're the most powerful and courageous woman I've ever seen!"
He poured out genuine praise for Diana, almost as if showering her with compliments.
Diana was slightly taken aback, freezing for a moment.
She hadn't expected that to be the first thing Soren said to her... It was beyond anything she had anticipated, and for a brief second, it felt like something had gently nudged her heart.
"—Thank you," she said, her voice softening as she gazed down at him. "You seem quite interested in the Justice League. I actually noticed your registration for the open house a few weeks ago. Would you like me to give you a personal tour?"
"Oh, no, no, that's really not necessary. I couldn't trouble you to guide me..." Soren blurted out, almost overwhelmed with surprise. "I have this—this guidebook is more than enough."
Diana looked at him carefully, paying particular attention to his Kryptonian-blue eyes.
...Seeing those eyes in person stirred something even deeper within her.
Her emotions became a tangled mess.
Soren had no knowledge of the history they once shared.
Yet, his body would always carry the mark of Superman.
—They had exchanged their eyes, two pairs of blue eyes, given to each other by two souls who had once loved so deeply.
She smiled at him warmly and asked, "Would you like me to sign something for you?"
Soren, looking slightly shy in front of her, nodded and handed her the notebook. "If it's not too much trouble, anywhere is fine. Right here—"
Diana took the pen that Barry passed to her and gracefully signed her name, Diana Prince, before handing the notebook back to him. "I hope you have a wonderful time here."
"Thank you!" Soren accepted the notebook excitedly, exchanging a joyful glance with Tim, who was equally thrilled.
Diana smiled and nodded at him.
Before long, she and Barry were surrounded by guests eager to take photos and ask for autographs.
Soren had to leave the crowd with Tim, heading to a quieter area to continue their tour.
He had already gotten autographs from both Wonder Woman and the Flash, and even managed to take a picture with the Flash.
It all felt like a dream.
The rest of the tour was like walking on air—his heart was soaring with happiness.
They strolled through the exhibition hall, and then queued up to take photos in the Justice League conference room.