The Fall of Themyscira: Prelude - A Story from Earth 23
CJ really didn't want to be taking this trip. Martha and Lyta were both overly exuberant about the visit to Paradise Island, CJ wanted to fly home.
"Just a little longer and we'll be there, your grandmother will be so happy to see you." Diana turned to check on her daughters. Both excitedly smiled back at her. When she looked at her son she thought his unreadable expression was due to his piloting the Lansarian jet to the land of their birth. As his sister's began talking about visiting the gardens Diana turned to her firstborn.
"Don't worry thisavros, the last time you were there our patron goddesses bestowed their favor on you. You've been taken under their care, the sister respect that."
Despite Diana's words of encouragement CJ knew the truth, no amount of favor from the five patron goddesses would assuage their hatred of a man child being born on an island promised to women. He knew their façade would be there when Hippolyta and Diana were present, but, he still remembered the brutal 'training' he was subjected to as a child. He'd received so many dislocated shoulders during sword and spear training that he could relocate them with minimal outward acknowledgment of the pain. When he didn't respond Diana placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Thisavros, you did something no other Amazon could do when you helped me. You defied my orders yes, but, you also defied the gods' expectations."
"Princess Diana, we have you approaching safely, welcome home your highness."
"Thank you sister, has my mother been informed that I've brought my children with me?"
"Yes, she is eagerly awaiting your arrival."
"See, I told you so." she smiled.
CJ noted that they hadn't asked if he was present. They always assumed he was helping his father with Gotham. Luckily the Amazon's view on Bruce had softened when Diana gave birth to two strong daughters shortly after CJ's eighth & tenth birthdays. He'd naively hoped that his treatment at their hands would improve, he was mistaken. As their craft settled down they all unbuckled themselves from their seats and made their way to the lowering boarding ramp, Diana and the girls exited first. CJ keyed the security code to ensure the craft cloaked itself until they were ready to leave. As the ramp locked in place and the craft went invisible CJ turned to join his family, but, found himself looking at the back of the group of royal guards that were sent as escort.
"Princess Diana, it is our great honor to escort you & your daughters to the royal palace."
"Where's CJ?" Lyta asked.
As Diana turned her smile fell, she could tell CJ wasn't there because Lyta would be glued to his hand.
"Where is my son?" she could barely keep the venom from her words.
"Forgive me Princess, we were unaware that another was traveling with you." Diana's eyes narrowed dangerously at the treatment of her son.
"Go ahead mitera, I'll wait for dad." CJ spoke up. He saw Diana's face showing barely controlled rage and his sister's faces showing disappointment. He didn't miss the fact that the guards hadn't even looked at him. Without waiting for Diana to answer the guards started on their way to the Royal Palace.
An hour and a half later the Batplane came into view and headed for the transponder beacon of Wonder Woman's jet. Setting down Batman noticed that there was a small group of guards there to greet him. 'Odd, I thought Diana said CJ would be here too.' As he disembarked he was glad to see looks of respect from the guards.
"Greetings Batman, we are honored to escort one who defended our home from the deceiver." As they made their way up the beach Batman thought he saw movement in his peripheral vision, but, when he turned to look, there was nothing.
"Is something wrong Batman?"
"I was told my son would be waiting for me."
"He may have gotten bored and left for the palace, we didn't see any one." Batman noted the lack of interest in their voices concerning his son.
"Princess Diana, the guards are approaching with your paramour."
"Thank you General Philippus." Hippolyta spoke up, the queen doing her best to keep her daughter calm. As the general left Diana spoke up.
"You see, no mention of CJ. If I'd have known they would do this I would have not bothered to come here."
"But weren't they looking forward to this visit?"
"Lyta was hoping CJ would take her to the gardens, then to the library."
"She certainly is fond of her brother isn't she?" Hippolyta's attempt at brevity didn't elicit the response she hoped for.
"Daddy!" Martha joyfully ran & hugged her father as he entered the palace.
"Hello Martha, where's Lyta."
"With mommy, she's sad."
"Why?"
"Where's CJ?" Diana's voice was louder than usual.
"He wasn't there when I landed, the guards thought he may have come here instead." Diana's face fell. Bruce checked the locator beacon that he knew CJ carried.
"Nothing, how is that possible?"
"Bruce," Diana's voice held genuine fear as Lyta started to cry. "Where is CJ?" Diana turned angrily to the guards.
"WHERE IS MY SON?!"
