Hello all! Sorry for the lack of updates. It's been a insane time for me. A lot of family deaths, births, work...busy, busy, busy. I also started an online store. Check out my profile for the link. It's brand new so it may look sparse but I am working on a lot more designs. So stay tuned.

Thought I'd get this up now. I'll be going on vacation in a couple weeks and won't be able to have access to a computer while I'm gone. This is my early Christmas gift to you all for sticking around and waiting so patiently.

AN: I honestly didn't know where this was gonna go. Muse took the reins and ran. Blame muse for the unexpected turn.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.


1

The years passed quickly. Epione was growing more and more curious about everything. Questions would be popping out her every second. And at 9 years of age, she was determined to get those answers.

As always, Io was there to answer most of those questions.

"…so, how come?" Epione asked as Io hoisted her up out of the ocean. The two had decided, after getting permission from both of Epione's parents, to take a well-deserved swim. On the way to the beach, Epione had begun her innocent cross-examination.

"Hmmm?" Io had purposely avoided answering this particular question for months. Grabbing a towel, Io quickly dried off Epione then wrapped her in the warm towel. She then dried herself off and quickly dressed in her usual garb.

Io smiled as she heard a frustrated sigh. Epione didn't like being toyed with.

"Why aren't you married yet?" the little princess stated. Io did not want to answer so instead, guided Epione up along the beach.

Sniffing the air, Io smiled.

"Lunch is almost ready. We better hurry if we want to get anything to eat," Io said as she reached out and gently guided Epione.

"I'm still gonna ask you, ya know?" Epione stated with such determination, Io had to discreetly cover her mouth to keep from laughing.

"I'm sure you will, Little Miss," Io replied with a loving smile on her face. Epione just sighed dramatically and followed the older woman into the palace grounds.

"How come you won't answer?" Epione questioned. Io turned to the little girl and smiled gently. She scooped her up in strong arms and held her close.

"Because that is not for your young mind to know," Io replied as she gently tapped the tip of Epione's nose with a finger.

Epione sighed dramatically and rolled her eyes.

"Fine."

Io grinned and deposited the little princess in her room. There, the princess' house maid smiled her thanks and led the princess farther into the room to get ready for their lunch with the Queen.

"I will return for the princess shortly," Io informed the other amazon who nodded in reply.

With a wave, Io turned to leave when she heard her name being called. She turned and saw Epione running towards her; her arms open wide. Io smiled brightly and lowered herself enough to catch the little girl effortlessly and wrapped her arms around her.

"I will be back. I promise," Io whispered softly. Epione nodded against Io's neck. Giving a quick squeeze, Epione pulled back.

"Love you Io!"

Io laughed and placed a gentle kiss on Epione's cheek the set her down once more.

"I love you too, princess."

And with that, Epione ran back to the waiting amazon.

"We saw all these cool fishies! I even held my breath under water for 10 whole seconds!" Epione said with excited eyes. The former Queen sat enthralled as her granddaughter re-enacted her entire outing with Io.

"Oh my! 10 whole seconds? That is quite an achievement, little wing. Weren't you scared?" Hippolyta asked. She was always charmed by her granddaughter's stories. No matter how exaggerated they might be.

Diana, Arizona and Philippus sat around, laughing with the little girl. Athena and Alindra sat next to the little princess and looked on adoringly. Athena's hand rested lovingly over Alindra's slight bump.

Epione nodded.

"I was a little bit scared. At first only. But I felt safe when Io was beside me."

Io just sat on the other side of Epione and tried not to look completely embarrassed. Diana glanced over to her friend and smiled. Io could feel her cheeks burning.

"Ah…yes. Io is quite the protector, isn't she?"

All eyes turned to Io. She just wanted to sink into a whole somewhere.

"Yup. She is the greatest protector ever," Epione said with conviction. Io felt such pride at such simple words. Hippolyta smiled knowingly.

"Ok Bunny. It's time to get cleaned up and ready for bed," Arizona said as she got up to take her daughter.

"I want Io to do it!" Epione demanded. Diana sighed loudly. "Please," Epione added sheepishly. Her mother gave her a look but nodded anyways. Epione bounced out of her seat and practically pulled Io out of her chair.

The women at the table laughed at the pair. Io would willingly go anywhere the little princess wanted to go.

Io could feel her laughter bubbling through her as she let Epione drag her to her sleeping chambers. Soon, the little girl would grow up and Io knew that she would have to let Epione go.

But until then, Io would enjoy every moment she had.

4 years have passed and Epione is still the ever inquisitive young lady she has always been. The teenager was full of questions about everything. She enjoyed spending her time between the rebuilt libraries, the newly built infirmary and of course, at Io's brand new blacksmith shop.

Epione walked with purpose as she weaved her way through the busy streets of Themyscira. It was summer time and school had finally let out. Her parents were schedule to meet her on the island as soon as whatever mission they were on had been dealt with.

The teenager was going to enjoy every second of freedom she had before her parents came. Epione sighed. Ever since she turned thirteen her parents had been pushing her to join them whenever they were on call at Watchtower, especially her mother. She knew her mother was 'grooming' her to take her place when the time came.

It wasn't that Epione didn't want to become the next Wonder Woman; she just had a different path she wanted to take.

Sighing, Epione continued heading for Io's shop. She smiled as she remembered how determined she was at getting Io to concede and open her own shop…

Epione jumped around.

"Io! It would be so cool if you did!" Io sighed and shook her head. She had a hard time trying to hide her smile. Epione's excitement was infectious.

"Little Miss, what would be the reason, aside from being…'cool', that I should have my own shop?"

12 year old Epione just rolled her eyes exasperatedly at her friend.

"People will know who you are!"

"They already know who I am," Io stated logically.

"And it'll get you out of that cave you call a workshop."

Io opened her mouth to reply but found she did not have a reasonable answer to that. Epione smiled in triumph and crossed her arms. She gave Io a smug smile.

"Little Miss, I still don't know…"

"I'll talk with grandmother. She'll see that I'm right!"

Epione had spoken with her grandmother that night at dinner. Although her mother was not thrilled at the thought of her daughter's every whim being granted, Hippolyta had no qualms of granting her only grandchild her every wish.

It had taken a few months to build the small building, but once it was done, Epione could see how excited Io was. The older woman would always try and hide it, but Epione could see just how happy it made her.

Nearing the building, Epione could hear the familiar sounds of metal being hammered out. Smiling brightly, the teenager picked up her pace and hurried through the front as if she had owner ship.

Seeing who entered her shop, Io immediately stopped what she was doing and quickly wiped her hands on her apron.

"Epione!"

The young girl ran and threw her arms around Io's sturdy frame.

"Little Miss, careful. I'm covered in filth. You'll get dirty…"

Epione didn't care one bit. Her arms would always welcome Io in any way shape or form. Epione adored the often brooding black smith.

Despite the warning, Epione had her arms locked around Io's neck and was in no hurry of letting go. Io sighed and wrapped her arms around the young girl. If she were honest with herself, she enjoyed Epione's company.

When Io let go and was about to step back, Epione grabbed the older woman's face and planted a big kiss on her cheek. Io felt her cheeks burn.

Finally stepping back, Epione grinned.

"What are you doing here princess?" Io said trying to sound upset, but failing miserably. Epione shrugged and smiled at her friend.

"Hello to you to," Epione grinned as Io gave her a look. "I came to spend time with my favorite person. I haven't seen you in months. Besides, I know you've missed me too," she said with confidence.

Io didn't bother trying to deny it.

"That's beside the point, princess. You should check in with your grandparents. I'm sure they're looking forward to spending time with you too."

Epione huffed in a way a teenager only can.

"They're not my favorite people to be with," Epione said slyly.

"Epione!" Io said exasperatedly. She placed her hands on her hips for added effect.

"Fine! I'm sorry!" Epione said as she threw her hands up. Io pursed her lips together and glared at the young girl.

"Ugh! Ok, ok…I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I just like spending more time with you, that's all."

Io studied Epione for a moment. She looked more and more like Diana every day, it was almost unnerving. But the girl's appearance wasn't the only thing changing.

"I appreciate the sentiment. But your top priorities are your grandparents while you are here. You listen to them until you're parents arrive."

Epione rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.

"You sound like mother," Epione spat the last word out. Io pursed her lips together and copied Epione's stance.

"And cut the attitude, young lady. You're parents love you. They just want the best for you."

Epione snorted at that.

"They have a funny way of showing it. Epione don't do that! Epione sit up straighter, Epione don't go there…don't do this, don't say that...it never ends!"

Epione was almost screaming.

"All I wanted was a little bit of freedom from that. But I guess you're just like them too!" Epione turned on her heel and was about to march out the door when Io grabbed her arm. She pulled her back and wrapped her arms around the young teen.

"I love spending my time with you as well, Little Miss. I promise to spend as much time with you after you see your grandparents. They've missed you so much these last few months. I will come for dinner and afterwards…we can do whatever you like."

Io kissed the top of Epione's head. The teen wrapped her arms around Io's waist and squeezed.

"Ok," Epione replied quietly. Pulling away, Epione wiped at her eyes. She waved goodbye and headed out the door towards the palace.

Io watched her go. She hated getting upset with Epione. She had such a wonderful spirit, one that couldn't be contained. And that's what Io loved about her. She frowned after a moment. She would have to speak with Diana and Arizona.

Shaking her head, Io went back to work. She wanted to get this done before dinner.

….

"That's not what I'm saying! You're just being a little…too pushy…"

Diana glared at her wife. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"That's exactly what you're saying! I'm being a bully! Is it wrong of me to want my daughter to be a part of this?!" Diana waved her arms around their quarters on the Watchtower.

"Our daughter Diana-"

"Don't you DARE!" Diana roared.

"She's my kid too! I have a say on how she should be raised too Diana!"

Diana threw her hands up as she started to pace the floor.

"I want our daughter to be happy Diana. You keep pushing her and she's not going to want to be anywhere near us let alone join us here-where are you going? Don't walk away from this! We're not done! Diana? … DIANA!"

Arizona yelled at Diana's receding back. She was fuming. The both of them had been having this argument since Epione could walk. Arizona gave a low growl as she marched out of their quarters and followed Diana.

Just as Arizona rounded a corner and almost caught up with her wife, a strong hand to the chest stopped her.

"Get out of the way Bruce," Arizona demanded. Bruce in his 'uniform' shook his head.

"Let her cool off first. I'll keep an eye out for her."

"She's my wife. Back off!"

"No."

Arizona could feel her face flush with anger. Shoving Bruce's hand away, she stood toe to toe with the capped crusader.

"Move."

"No."

Arizona had enough and moved to the side to walk past him. Bruce grabbed her arm to keep Arizona from going anywhere.

"You wouldn't last a second against her."

Arizona laughed but there was nothing joyous about it.

"I've had worse."

Bruce was silent for a moment.

"Let me talk to her. Make her see reason. And you both need to cool off," Bruce offered quietly.

Arizona didn't want Bruce anywhere near Diana. She had known that Bruce once had a 'thing' for her wife.

"She married me, Bruce. Remember that," she said with a snarl. She yanked her arm away and marched back to her quarters.

Bruce sighed and shook his head. Yes, he once had feelings for Diana but she had made it clear that he was not her type. Since then, he has wanted nothing more than Diana's happiness…as her friend.

Without looking over his shoulder, he motioned for Barry to come closer.

"Make sure she doesn't leave her quarters. Not until I'm done speaking with Diana."

Barry had to stifle a groan.

"Sure…give me the hard job," he mumbled as he made his way down the hall.

Bruce shook his head.

This was going to be painful…

"I hear them arguing all the time," Epione says softly.

As promised, Io had taken the princess down to the beach. She was expecting the vibrant young girl she had seen earlier in the day. Instead, she found a very restrained Epione, on the verge of tears.

"How long has this been going on?" Io asked as she tucked the girl closer to her. Her heart broke for Epione.

Shrugging, Epione quickly wiped at her tears.

"Don't know…a few years…"

Epione buried her face against the side of Io's breast. She inhaled the scent she's come so accustomed to. The smell reminds her of what being safe feels like. She felt Io gather her closer.

"Why did you not say anything?" Io kept her voice soft as to not upset Epione any further.

"I…I don't know. They always acted like I didn't hear anything. I guess they didn't want me to know. So I pretended not to. I didn't want them to be more upset with me."

Io heard the tears in Epione's voice. And her heart broke all over again. She couldn't stand to see Epione like this.

"I don't think they are upset with you. You are a wonderful, smart, funny-"

"It is about me! I hear them arguing about me! Mother wants me to become like her…but mom…she won't allow it. They never stop arguing!"

Epione pushes herself away from her friend and looks out at the sea. She can feel her tears spill down her cheeks and violently wipes them away.

"Do your grandparents know?" Io asked softly. She placed a hand at the small of Epione's back, gently rubbing it in comfort. She felt the teen shrug.

"If they did, they aren't saying anything."

The pair sat quietly, both lost in their own worlds. Epione was the first to break their comfortable silence.

"Why can't I make them happy?" Epione asked quietly. Io watched her, the way her shoulders slumped, as if finally accepting defeat. Io had never felt so much anger as she felt towards Diana and Arizona in that very moment.

She would have to speak with them. Make them realize what they were doing to their daughter. But right now, Epione needed her strength. Io vowed to offer the young princess every ounce of strength she had and then some.

Wrapping her arms around the young girl, Io pressed a soft kiss on top of her head.

"You do, little miss. Very much. Your parents…their judgement is clouded, but believe me, you make them truly happy."

Io gave a final squeeze before she felt Epione pull away. She looked away as the teen wiped her eyes.

"Thanks," Epione said softly.

"For what?"

Epione, out of instinct, laced her fingers with Io's.

"For saying that. You didn't have to."

Io was quiet for a moment.

"No I didn't. But it is the truth." After several minutes of silence, Epione yawned, her hand covering her mouth as she did. Io smiled gently at the girl.

"It's getting late. We should head back." She waited for Epione to refuse but when it didn't come, Io knew how exhausted the girl must have been. Without another word, Io scooped Epione in her arms.

Epione gasped in surprise but instinctively wrapped her arms around Io's neck and laid her head on a strong shoulder. Epione felt her eyes drift close.

Io glanced down and noticed Epione had fallen asleep. She held the girl closer as if to give whatever comfort she had to the teen.

Soon, Io gently laid Epione on her bed and pulled the covers over the sleeping form. Sitting carefully on the edge of the bed, Io watched Epione sleep.

Reaching out slowly, Io carefully brushed the hair that fell over Epione's forehead and gently placed a kiss there.

"I will protect your heart from pain little miss. I promise you that," Io said softly. Then carefully rising, Io glanced at Epione one last time before turning around and leaving the room.

Bruce rolled then side stepped a vicious kick and jab. He had been at this for hours. He was in top physical shape but going almost 15 rounds with an angry amazon was almost his undoing.

Diana didn't even look slightly winded as she charged for Bruce's mid-section. Fortunately for Diana, she found her target. Unfortunately for Bruce, he wasn't quick enough.

With a loud grunt, Bruce clenched his teeth to keep from crying out.

"Diana. Stop!" Bruce tapped the mat several times before Diana heard. She shook her head and gingerly rolled off her friend.

"Sorry…," Diana mumbled as she got up. She turned and held a hand out to Bruce, who took it graciously. Bruce nodded in thanks.

"Want to talk about it?" He said a little out of breath. Diana inhaled sharply. "Don't let this sit between the two of you, Diana. You're both better then this."

As he spoke, Bruce began removing his cowl. He tossed it to the side and ran a hand through his damp hair leaving him with a Mohawk.

"Diana?" He implored when he didn't get an answer. Diana pinched the bridge of nose and silently counted to three.

"We've already discussed that Epione would live here. With the both of us…"

"That's…logical. But this is no place for a child to grow up, Diana. You know better than that." Bruce didn't flinch when Diana fixed him with a glare.

"There's more to it, isn't there?"

After a tense moment, Diana felt her shoulders sag.

"I want her to…I…I want this to be hers," Diana said as she motioned to her outfit. She knew she didn't need to say anymore. Bruce was a smart man.

Bruce studied his friend before replying.

"The more you push them, the farther away they'll go."

And with that, Bruce went to pick up his mask and quietly made his way out of the training room. Diana was left with the knowledge that she was slowly driving a wedge between, not just her daughter, but her wife as well.

Diana looked skywards and closed her eyes.

"Hera…give me strength…," Diana whispered. She needed to correct her mistakes before it was too late.

Barry had a hard time keeping still most days. But this was excruciating. He sat, blocking the door to his friend's quarters, desperately trying to fight the urge to bolt.

So the two of them just sat in silence for almost an hour.

Arizona had no problem with it, Barry on the other hand…

"So…you watch that game last night?" Barry asked trying to break the ever growing tension. Arizona didn't say anything.

Barry chewed his bottom lip, his knee beginning to bounce uncontrollably.

"Saw that movie…the one with that fake superhero's and stuff…I mean, if you wanna call 'em that…"

Berry trailed off as Arizona pinned him with a glare. Barry swallowed nervously as he fell silent once more.

Just then the door swooshed open and Barry almost relived himself on the spot.

"Hey Diana! Uh…are you supposed to be in here?" He looked from Diana to Arizona nervously.

"Why shouldn't I be here? I live here," Diana replied, her attempt at a joke falling on deaf ears. Arizona's ears perked up at the last bit, her arms crossing themselves over her chest.

Barry begun to sweat.

"Um…ok…," he said weakly. Someone cleared their throat and all three looked at who the new visitor was.

Bruce motioned for Barry to leave as he looked directly at Diana before giving a brief nod to Arizona.

Barry moaned in relief and ran out of the room before anyone changed their minds.

With their visitor's gone, Diana and Arizona were left, staring at each other.

After a few tense minutes, Diana couldn't stand the silence and opened her mouth to apologize.

"I don't want to hear it, Diana," Arizona said as she threw a hand up and turned and walked away.

This only infuriated Diana.

"Then what is it you want me to say!" She almost screamed. Arizona whirled around and marched back and stood nose to nose with Diana.

"Nothing! Just don't say ANYTHING!"

Diana narrowed her eyes and before either of them knew what was happening, Diana shoved her wife away. Caught by surprise, Arizona stumbled a bit but years of being married to an Amazon warrior honed Arizona's skills.

She quickly recovered but didn't make a move to come forward.

"Why can't you just let her be Diana? Jesus Christ! She's only thirteen…," Arizona argued.

"I began training much younger. She doesn't know what it is she wants yet. That's why I want her to do this. I want her to be here!"

"My point exactly! She doesn't know what she wants! Did you know what you wanted when you were thirteen? You used to tell me that you felt smothered when you're mother would do the same to you," Arizona countered.

"If she stays here, she will be safe. And I will be able to train her better-"

"For what! She doesn't want to be here! Diana, haven't you been listening at all?"

"I have obligations! I may not be royalty any longer but I am still responsible to teach my daughter the Amazon way. There aren't many of us left. I have to teach her!"

Diana knew she had overstepped when Arizona's eyes turned hard.

"OUR DAUGHTER!" Arizona roared. She took a moment calm down before she walked over to her wife.

"So what the hell am I? Did you just marry me so you could breed me?" Arizona spat. She knew that it was uncalled for, but she wanted to make Diana hurt a little bit. She knew she struck a nerve when Diana paled.

Without warning, Diana raised her hand and swung hard. The resounding crack was the only thing heard in the room. Arizona's head snapped to the side as Diana's eyes widened in shock.

Diana looked down at her hand then back up to Arizona's face.

"Arizona…I'm sor-" Diana didn't finish. Arizona moved away quickly as she grabbed her jacket.

"I have to go. I'm on call."

And with that, she left.

Diana stared at the door for endless minutes. She felt herself sink into a chair. She lifted her hand and stared down at it until her vision became blurred.

How did we get here? Diana thought. The last few years, all they did was argue. They spent less and less time being married and instead spent more time pushing each other's buttons. This wasn't how she envisioned their lives would be.

Diana knew that something had to give eventually.