Paradise Lost
Part One
The Zarconian Empire forces fought hard against the Justice League but they were losing. It was a last resort to fight in a war but the evil dictator, Malik Morraine, wouldn't back off his invasion of Kasnia. Superman and Wonder Woman visited the dictator in his palace several times; trying to reason with him that his impending invasion of Kasnia was wrong and invading will initiate an act of war with Kasnia and its allies, costing the lives of soldiers and civilians on both sides. Wonder Woman warned Morraine it will also caused the Justice League to get involve.
When Morraine invaded Kasnia, the Justice League acted. Wonder Woman lead the team on land while Superman led the attack in the air. Wonder Woman's team disarmed soldiers, knocked down tanks and other land vehicles while Superman's air team destroyed planes and took care of missiles and nuclear weapons Morraine lied about having. In what would take humans months maybe even years to end, it only took the Justice League a day to stop with no causalities. Morraine's men gave up easily when seeing fighting the Justice League was foolish.
Superman and Wonder Woman invaded Morraine's palace and captured Morraine. Dethroned, Morraine was imprisoned by his own men and would soon face trials for the mistreatment of his people and invasion on Kasnia.
Mission success, the Javelin returned to the Watchtower. Flash jumped out of the Javelin first. He raced to control room and found Batman. "Hey, Bats. Missed a great battle. You should've joined us."
"Not my style," Batman said.
"Superman and Wonder Woman lead us to another victory. What a pair they make," Flash commented. "Stopping wars, universal and world domination; all in the name of justice and peace. They work as one." He winked. "Always together. Makes you think eh?"
Batman remained impassive. He knew what Flash was leading up to. "If Superman and Wonder Woman won't elaborate on the nature of their relationship, what makes you think I will?"
"C'mon. You know everything. I'm just curious about Supes and Wonder Babe."
"And how is whatever relationship they have outside the league our business? Is it a distraction?"
"No, but there's a bet going on about them. If I win, I get five grand."
Batman stood. "If you want to know, ask, and do it before they leave."
"That's what I'm saying," Flash said. "Diana said her home was having a bimillennial celebration. Superman is a guest of honor. Diana's mother wants to formally thank Superman for helping Diana retrieve some scepter years ago. They'll be gone for three days. Three days in paradise! You can't possibly tell me something's not happening between them or isn't happening already."
Batman said nothing as he noticed Superman and Wonder Woman approaching. Flash smiled slyly at Superman. "Some guys get all the luck. You're so lucky, Supes!" He grinned as he thought of a plan to get the truth out. "But I thought men weren't allowed on the island?"
"Superman's the exception," Diana said. "He aided me in a mission that saved Themyscira and the world from destruction."
"It wouldn't have anything to do with Superman being in a relationship with a certain Amazon Princess that allows this exception?" Flash asked slyly.
Superman frowned at the direction this conversation was going? Diana's tone was neutral. "Flash, Superman and I are well aware of the bet that's going around. It's not wise to talk in the earshot of a man who can hover over the planet and hear a pin drop in a submarine." Flash's mouth fell opened. "Goodbye, Flash. We'll see you in three days."
Superman and Wonder Woman stood on the teleporter and transported back to Earth. Flash crossed his arms over his chest. "Next time we're making the bets through email."
As they flew to Themyscira, Diana noticed a frown on Superman's face. "Why must you make that face, Kal? If you agreed to tell the others about our relationship, it'll save us from Flash's interrogations."
"Anyone with half a brain already knows and have enough sense not to talk about it," Superman commented. "What we do outside the league isn't anyone business but our own."
Diana laughed. "It's your own fault, Mr. Privacy. I don't mind telling our friends the truth."
Superman smirked. "Really? Then you won't mind me telling the league or your sisters about your undercover mission where you posed as a concubine for the Sultan of Dekur to get plans for a nuclear weapon to attack the U.S. and if I hadn't helped you out the plans would've been lost, your cover would've been blown and you would've killed the Sultan of Dekur for groping you."
Diana turned to Superman half angry, half playful, hitting him. He caught her hands and wrapped his strong arms around her. "You promise to never breathe a word about that!"
He kissed her, grinning. "I won't but maybe you see why I value our privacy."
Diana cocked her head to the side, her face shining. "Maybe I do."
She pulled him closer for a longer kiss.
"My Queen, I must argue against this. Inviting a man on Themyscira? It's hypocrisy to the rules of our island."
Hippolyta gripped her scepter tightly. She knew Triana would argue against it. Though others felt the same way, Triana was the only one to voice an opinion about this. However, there remain others who were curious, even a little excited at meeting Superman. "I've explained myself already, Triana. Superman saved our island when he helped Diana retrieve Hera's scepter. He did something I failed to do and received high praise from Zeus and Hera. We Amazons never
thanked him."
"But you went to Man's World to talk to him when he wanted approval to court Diana. Didn't you thank him then?" Triana questioned.
"No, but when someone, even a man saves our island as Superman did, a proper ceremony is deserved and frankly it's been long overdue. We're having a bimillennial celebration and Superman is a guest of honor."
Triana crossed her arms, remarking bitterly. "Diana's relationship with Superman is the only reason he is invited to our island."
Hippolyta gritted her teeth as she glared at Triana. "Princess Diana's relationship with Superman aside, Superman is invited of my own accord, without any influence by the princess. She didn't know he was invited until I told her."
"How can you let your daughter, our princess," she said the words with malice, "become involved with a man? You and I both know what they did to the Amazons before we left for Themyscira."
"I'm very well aware of what those horrible men did to my people, but Superman isn't like those men." It took a while for Hippolyta to see it herself but men have changed. Some, not all.
Triana didnt accept Hippolyta's words. "He's a man. That should be enough reason not to invite him."
Hippolyta slammed the long, gold scepter on the floor, the sound echoing across the room silencing Triana. "My word is final."
Magda entered the throne room unaware of the tension between the queen and Triana. "Your Highness, Princess Diana and Superman have arrived."
"Thank you, Magda." Magda left the room and Hippolyta looked to Triana. "Superman is our guest and you will treat him with respect. I will not have our celebration ruined by your negative attitude. Is that clear?"
"Very well, Your Majesty." Triana bowed before Hippolyta and left. Hippolyta sighed and left the room as well, preparing to greet her daughter and Superman.
Superman looked around in awe at the architecture of the palace. It was reminiscent of Greek architecture and something futuristic like New Genesis. Diana told Superman how beautiful her home was but it wasn't anything like he imagined. He also felt a little embarrassed, as if he was on display as Diana introduced him to her sisters. While some Amazons looked at him with curiosity and wonder, there were other who looked at him with suspicion and disdain.
"Hello," Superman said politely. "It's nice to meet you all. Thank you for inviting me to your island to attend your bimillennial celebration."
"We welcome your presence, Superman," Hippolyta said and the crowd of women stepped out of the way as Hippolyta approach Diana and Superman.
Superman bowed before Hippolyta. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I'm honored to be here."
"As you should be. No man has set foot on this island. You will see the beauty on Themyscira; see all our island has to offer and the ways of our people. I trust you will not tell others of your visit."
"Of course not, Your Highness. I know what it means to keep a secret." He bowed before again. Even though he had Hippolyta's approval to date Diana, he was still very nervous around her.
Hippolyta looked to Diana. "Diana, let us talk in my quarters. Magda will give Superman a tour of the island."
Diana bowed before her mother. "Yes, Your Highness." Diana smiled at Superman and followed her mother.
Once Hippolyta and Diana were out of sight the questions came about Superman's abilities, which he humbly answered. The Amazons were curious but friendly and respectful. Soon Magda ordered the Amazons to their duties for the celebration and gave Superman a tour of Themyscira. Triana watched from a distance, watching her sisters surround themselves around Superman, asking questions, talking to him as if he was a God. It was shameless and disrespectful for an Amazon. Triana vowed not to take part.
Once in Hippolyta's room, Diana hugged her mother. "Thank you for inviting, Kal, Mother. I never expect you to invite him to a Themysciran celebration."
"I'm only holding up my word as Queen and an honorable woman to reward anyone who saves my people," Hippolyta explained. "Diana, I pulled you aside to make a request of you."
"Ask."
"I prefer you not show any affections you have for Superman around your sisters. I don't want the outside world corrupting them."
"I understand, Mother," Diana agreed. Even though she thought the matter was nonsense, since her sisters were aware of what happens when men and women court each other but she promise to abide by her mother's rule.
After the tour, Superman was treated to dinner with Hippolyta, Diana and the queens advisors. Superman retired early as did all the Amazons for they had a big day tomorrow. Everyone awakened at dawn as the bimillennial celebrations began. Superman sat between Hippolyta and Diana as they watch the Amazons perform in many Olympic events. Diana stepped in and participated in a few events, too, showing she hadn't lost her skills.
After the games, came a ceremony rewarding the winners of the events and a special ceremony for Superman where Hippolyta thanked him for his bravery in saving Themyscira. He was rewarded with a special token, a gold leaf, which was awarded to him by Diana.
That evening came a great feast where all the Amazons ate, shared tales and songs. Superman noticed Diana was quite the partier. If only he had his camera. He would never show any of it to the league but to Diana when he felt the need to tease his love.
Triana sat at another table quietly observing them, quietly fuming at such an audacity of her sisters enjoying Superman's company and his so call humble thanks to Hippolyta and the Amazons for inviting him to their island and how he would cherish this gift not given to men.
While Triana begrudgingly admitted Superman had an attractive face and impressive abilities that could be compared to the Gods, she knew his heart was tainted with evil. He was a man after all and not to be trusted.
The celebrations continued from sunset to far into the early morning hours before the last of the feasts ended and everyone retired to their rooms for the night after a wonderful day.
Diana walked out onto her balcony. Despite the late partying, Diana wasn't sleepy. She was wide awake, staring out onto the ocean. For many years, Diana stared out the balcony wondering what was out there. Now she knew. She found a new life, found friends, even a man to love. That said man was two balconies below her.
Diana slipped into a Grecian dress and flew down towards Superman's balcony. The fires were out in his room. He was asleep. That wasn't going to stop Diana. Diana lit a candle and approached his bed.
Diana gently shook Clark awake. He opened his eyes puzzled then recognition. "Diana?"
"Want to take a walk?"
Clark sat up and smiled. "You're not sleepy?"
"What's a few hours of missed sleep if I can spend it with you?" Diana asked and that was all Clark needed to hear before getting out of bed.
Diana admired his profile as Clark stood before him in blue pajama bottoms. Clark didn't notice Diana's look as he reached for his robe. Diana touched his arm stopping him. "That won't be necessary. It's just us. Everyone's asleep."
Clark eyed Diana with playful eyes. "You just want to stare at my chest in the moonlight."
"Is that a bad thing?" Diana asked playfully. "It's not often I get to see you like this."
"No, it's not." Taking her hand they floated out of the room and onto the beach.
Diana and Clark walked on the soft sands holding hands. Above them the full moon was bright in the sky and on the beach soft lit torches brought light to the land. "We can never do this in your world." Diana stated sadly. "There, we have to hide behind glasses, different hairstyles, frumpy clothes, and bland personalities. Here we can be ourselves."
"Yeah," Clark agreed. "You have a lovely home, Diana. Everythings peaceful. I've never seen the water so clean." He inhaled. "It's truly is paradise."
"My mother thinks of this island as paradise since there are no men on it."
Clark frowned at the thought Hippolyta still thought so poorly of men. "Surely, you've proven to her all men aren't bad."
"She's warming up very slowly; only to you since you have your abilities. It took her five years to fully thank you for saving Themyscira. That's some progress."
"Most of your sisters are friendly. No offense, but I expected them to be cold to me, considering their teachings."
Diana laughed. "No. Some will be but others are more curious than anything else. "I've answered every question they asked honestly as possible without tempting them to leave our island. My mother wouldn't want that." She put her arms around him. "She wouldn't want me to do this either."
Diana moved closer to kiss Clark but he stepped back. "Wait. Are you sure we should do this here? Someone could see us. I don't want your mother feel I'm corrupting her Amazons."
"I know what we promised but everyone is asleep now. It's all right." Diana said and kissed him.
From her window, Triana watched Diana and Clark kiss. She spotted them since they arrived on the beach. She turned away disgusted but curiosity compelled her to turn back. Disgust and jealously rose in her. Diana was always allowed her way. She competed in the tournament against her mother wishes and even though Diana beat her to win, Diana's win wasn't thrown on a technicality of disobeying the queen. Hippolyta accepted Diana's betrayal and allowed her to go
to Man's World where she became the famous Wonder Woman and became the interest of Superman.
Superman. Triana stared at Diana and Clark locked in each other's arms kissing. With some of the torches lit on the beach, Triana could see Clark's profile; the slabs of muscles defining his strong chest and back. Triana viewed men through Hippolyta's magical pool that allowed her to see Diana, but seeing one in the flesh was completely different. An unknown feeling awakened in her as she
witness Clark's strong arms around Diana. Triana knew of courting customs between men and woman but she hadn't given much thought about it until now. She was always turned away from it in disgust given her past, but now watching Clark, Triana couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to hold a man; to kiss him as Diana kissed Superman. Not that she would enjoy it Triana assured herself. She was just curious.
Triana herself was only twelve when she arrived on Themyscira. Too young to know what drew a woman to a man but old enough to witness the cruelties of them. She saw what the men did to her sisters, her late mother. Hippolyta preached the cruelty and distrust of men. How ironic Diana spoke differently of Superman or Kal as she likes to call him by his Kryptonian name. She spoke of him as if he was good; as if all men weren't bad.
Triana view Diana and Clark flying in the air kissing, talking and kissing again. She was always envious of Diana. Diana got to leave the island, use her powers, see other worlds; to fight in different battles that test and pushed her strength while she had to stay on Themyscira. The recognition of being the Champion of the Amazons, the fame of being Wonder Woman, all would've been hers if she had won the tournament or if Hippolyta had disqualified her daughter for
participating. She, Triana, would've had the praise of her sisters. Perhaps, she would learn what was so special about Superman as well.
The following morning, Triana was in one of the many gardens of Themyscira sculpting when she heard light footsteps on the grass behind her. "Triana." It was Diana. Triana didn't turn to address her princess. "I haven't seen you since I arrive and I will be leaving soon." Diana sat beside her. "Mind if I sit and talk to you?"
"If you want," Triana said.
"Mother tells me you took on extra duties since I've been in Man's World. She sings your praises." Diana put an arm around her sister, hugging her. "That's wonderful."
"Is that why you wanted to talk to me?" Triana asked curtly.
"Are you angry with me, Sister?" Diana asked curiosity in her eyes.
"No," Triana lied. "Just puzzled." She looked at Diana. "What's so special about men? How can you have feelings for one like Superman?"
Diana shrugged as she chose her words carefully. "I don't know if I can describe it, Sister. All men aren't the same. They're not as they once were years ago. Some are evil but some are good like Kal. Kal uses his powers for good. He is respectful to women. He's someone I can talk to about my abilities and understands what it feels like. With him, I don't feel so alone in his world."
"But he's a man."
"I know, but that's another reason why Kal is special. Because he is a man. He is the exception that proves the rule."
"I suppose but don't you think you're betraying us, Diana? You're letting Man's World change you."
Diana took in her sister's words. "I see how you can make that assumption. My relationship with Kal is proof time and men have changed. If Man's World has changed me, it's for the better. I'm learning so much about myself in Man's World. It has made me a stronger and wiser person."
Triana stop sculpting and sighed. "I guess it's one of those things I have to experience for myself."
"Perhaps one day you will...with the queens permission of course."
"Diana!"
Diana turned to see Superman approaching. "I must go. It's time for Kal and I to return to Patriach's World." Diana hugged Triana. "I'll see you next time, Sister."
Triana watched as Diana walked off with Superman and in that moment decided it was time she saw Patriach's World for herself and take her place in that world as her sister.