I really enjoy writing this chapter. It has some gut-wrenching moments so be prepared. Read and Review. Thank you

2016

Thesmophoria also known as the autumn harvest festival is a celebration to thank the goddess Demeter for the year's bountiful harvest. It is a big celebration that spans three whole days. Atticus who already was used to Amazon naturally followed through with the celebrations. On the first day, Amara woke him up before dawn to hike up a mountain with the rest of the Amazon population to Demeter's temple at its top. At the first light of dawn, the Amazons offered prayers and sacrificed animals in honor of the goddess of the earth and agriculture. Atticus chanted along with the Amazon even though he didn't really understand the meaning of the auspicious ceremony. On the second day, was the day of fasting as to pay respects to Demeter for the loss of her daughter, Persephone. Atticus fasted too, the whole day. It was hard at first but over time he got used to it but that didn't stop him from scarfing down his food went he broke his fast.

The third day was the day of festivities but before that, each Amazon pitched in one way or another for the night's feast at the palace. There was much cooking and decorating to be done. Atticus helped by doing odd jobs. He fetched water, carried baskets and delivered messages to many people. There was no chance of him sitting idly by. So, when he was finally dismissed from any duties, he climbed a sturdy looking tree and fell asleep on one of its branches.

However, his sleep ended when someone threw a rock at his head accompanied by a cry of, "Atticus, wake up!"

Atticus stretched and opened his eyes. He looked down and saw a formidable looking Zoe with a rock in her hand. "Hey, Zoe," he said groggily.

She crossed her arms and shook her head. "You better get down from here. We're late for the feast,"

"Okay," he stood on the branch and jumped off of it, right next to Zoe. She would be amazed by the height that he jumped from if it weren't for his tardiness. "Let's go,"

Zoe shook her head. "You have to change first. You can't go the festival in that," she pointed to his stained tunic covered in dirt. She handed Atticus a cleaner set of clothes. "Amara told me to give it to you. She told you to meet her at her hut remember," chided Zoe.

Atticus smacked his forehead. "Yeah. I forgot,"

"Just go change,"

Atticus quickly went behind the bushes and changed into the new tunic that was clean and brand new. The tunic that exposed his right shoulder also had a nicer design with gold trimmings and a blue brooch holding it together. He came out of the bush and saw that Zoe was dressed differently also. She wasn't scruffy or unkempt. She was for the first time neat from head to toe. Her blonde hair was plaited nicely and she was wearing a flowy light blue dress. Atticus thought she looked like a real princess.

"You look ….pretty," he said shyly.

Zoe looked at him incredulously "Atticus wake up! C'mon we're late!" She took off to the royal palace with Atticus trailing behind her as he smiled boyishly. Atticus couldn't see it but Zoe was blushing profoundly.

Thankfully, they arrived at the palace courtyard just in time as it was already packed with Amazons. Like Zoe, they donned dresses instead of tunics and armor. Though the royal guards still wore their armors and their weapons were at their disposal. Vigilant as always. As he and Zoe pushed their way through the crowd to have a better view of Queen Hippolyta who on a dais giving out a speech, Atticus observed that the courtyard was decorated with colorful lanterns all around. Ribbons were wrapped around columns bearing Demeter's symbol.

The pair finally made their way to the front of the crowd, just before Hippolyta was about to end her speech. "...May Demeter grant us a bountiful harvest for seasons to come. Now, let us celebrate the last days of Thesmophoria!"

The crowds erupted in applause and Hippolyta sat on her golden throne on the dais. The crowd disperse and went to the banquet table to feast but some including Atticus and Zoe stayed where they eyes were glued at two Amazons who were entering the ring in front of the dais. They bowed in front of Hippolyta. She nodded and the warriors took their positions.

"There's always a match like this on every feast. Anyone and everyone can challenge someone to fight. It's great entertainment," explained Zoe.

Atticus watched with fascination as the warrior clashed their swords at one another. They were deadly but graceful as they tried to strike and block each attack. Suddenly, one warrior had made a move to disarm her opponent but her opponent was able to block the attack. She moved swiftly and landed a kick to her side. Using the opportunity of her opponent's slightly slow reaction, she closed in and disarmed her. Her sword flung carelessly aside.

Atticus and Zoe joined the crowd as they clapped for the victorious Amazon. The winning Amazon took off her helmet and Atticus squealed in delight. It was Amara. Of course, it was her. In Atticus' eyes, Amara was the best warrior in Themyscira second only to his mother.

Amara bowed to Queen Hippolyta and to her opponent before walking out of the ring towards Atticus and Zoe.

"You were amazing, Amara," complemented Atticus.

"Thank you," Amara smiled. "Now, the both of you better go to the banquet table before they run out of food. I'm going to change into more appropriate clothing,"

"Alright, Amara. C'mon Atticus, I'm starving,"

Despite Amara's words, the food seemed to be never-ending. Atticus and Zoe delighted in lamb roasted on a spit, fresh bread, stews and roasted vegetables. As they ate on one of the tables lined to the side of the courtyard , they watch as some Amazon performed a dance to the beat of the musicians with their drums and flutes. Sometimes Atticus observed Queen Hippolyta, sitting on the dais regally while overseeing the feast. She didn't teach him anymore after the day she pushed him from Alexander. Epeius said the queen thought he didn't need any more lessons in training Alecto as she could see that he could manage just fine but he couldn't help but feel that's not the real reason. He really thought that she was starting to like him.

"Hey, Atticus!" came a jeering sound from behind. Atticus whirled behind him and saw Lixia coming towards him.

Atticus glared. "What?"

"Amara's calling for you in the gardens,"

Atticus eyed her suspiciously but it was Zoe that spoke out first, "Liar! They're probably going to pull something on you, Atticus,"

Lixia chuckled. "You'd be a real idiot to fall for that one but we actually did pull something on you. Recognize this," she brought out a Superman action figure from her pocket. The action figure was a very prized possession of Atticus and the few things he brought with him to the Island.

Atticus' jaw dropped. "H-how. Give it back!" he said as he tried to take it from Lixia's reach.

Lixia snickered. "Well, come and get it," With that, she took off with Atticus hot on her trails.

Zoe stayed where she was and shook her head. She had to find Amara before Atticus does something he regrets or Helena and her gang beats him to a pulp. Whichever comes first.

Atticus chased down Lixia out of the courtyard. They went into the garden, passing fountains and flower beds. Lixia squeezed through a small opening in the hedge, Atticus followed suit and found himself at another part of the garden. Though, the flowers and plants here was wilder and wasn't planted in an organized way. He followed the cobble-stoned path, the grass was almost up to his ankle. He made a right turn and saw the whole evil bunch grinning deviously at him. The Superman action figure was now in Helena's hands as she waved it mockingly at him.

Atticus marched forward angrily at Helena. "Give it back!" shouted Atticus directly at her face.

Helena shrugged. "Fine, take your doll back," She tossed it to Atticus and the boy quickly put the figure protectively to his chest.

"It's an action figure," he spat.

Helena rolled her eyes."Whatever. We only stole it as bait to get you here,"

Atticus narrowed his eyes. "What'd you want from me?"

She smirked and turned her head towards her cronies. "Show him, girls," She pushed Atticus forward and apprehensively Atticus walked towards Bina and Lixia.

Bina and Lixia move aside to reveal a smooth gravestone. Atticus stepped back when he saw the name on the gravestone.

It was his own name. Atticus Won-El Kent was carved on the smooth surface of the grey stone.

Atticus stood frozen in front of 'his grave'. His mouth agape. Thousands of thoughts swirled in his head.

Helena grinned as she saw the shaken look on his face,"I know how you think that one day your parents are going to come for you but they're not. This grave is proof that they don't want you in their life. They don't love you. To them you're dead,"

Atticus refused to believe the words coming out of her mouth. Jonathan told him his parents only gave him away for his own good. They were coming back for him! Uncle Thomas told him so too. They wouldn't lie! They were the people he trusts the most. Why would they ever lie to him? However, there was always a dark part of him that sometimes convinced himself that his parents had abandoned him. He was able to barricade those thoughts out but his barriers are slowly crumbling down.

"But.."

Helena scoffed. " What else could you say?" She grabbed Atticus by the shoulder and shook him. "The difference between you and me is that no matter how many times I disappoint or make my mother angry. She'll always love me. Cheating in the Amazon Games doesn't make me any less of her daughter,"

Atticus glared daggers, his teeth clenched. Helena continued her mocking as she squeezed his shoulder. "But you You're parents threw you away the moment you were born. You were never a son to them," She leaned in closer to his face. "Remember this, no matter how good you try to be or how many good deeds you'll do, your parents still won't like you because you're an evil monster!"

"That's enough!" came a regal voice.

The children stood to attention. Queen Hippolyta stood near them, her face showing her displeasure. Her authority swept the bullies into a flustered state.

"Anyone who's name is not Atticus. Leave immediately!" she commanded.

Helena, Bina and Lixia quickly ran out of the secluded area leaving only the Amazon Queen and a heartbroken boy standing in front of an empty grave that was intended for him.

Hippolyta looked the boy all over. His face was ashen grey and his eyes hollow. "Did they hurt you?" she asked softly. The boy didn't answer at first but his face twitched like he was trying to hold back his tears.

"WHY AM I DEAD?" he shouted suddenly as he pointed to the headstone.

Hippolyta was taken aback at his tone. She decided it was time to tell the truth. She regained her composure and stared down at the boy. "Because when you came into this world, you had grey skin with red eyes. Truly like a monstrous creature. Your mother almost died giving birth to you. Did you know that?" Atticus' eyes were slowly getting heavier with tears. "I am afraid of what you will do when you are grown. If you could almost kill my daughter, you can do it again. I wanted to kill you but your father and his oh-so-noble principles stopped me. So, we gave you away to Hephaestus so that we will be safe from you,"

She walked to the headstone and put a hand on it. "The empty grave was built to bury all of our memories of you. It is not that empty as you think," It was a lie of course. The real reason the graves was built was for Diana. She still visits her 'dead' son's grave every time she visits Themyscira,

Atticus shook his head "But… but I don't want to hurt anyone. I just want to have a family!" he croaked, tears welling up in his blue eyes.

Hippolyta stone cold face showed she was hardly moved. "That is not possible as long as you have that wretched doomsday virus in your veins," Atticus lowered his gaze, refusing to look at Hippolyta. He knows he's different but why does he have to be separate. "You're a good little boy now but inside there is a beast inside that is waiting to be unleashed, tomorrow or a year after. It doesn't matter. One way or another it will be unleashed to relive its need for violence. I've seen it,"

Wracked with devastation, he looked to his Superman action figure in his hand which has a way of giving hope when he feels sad. Putting up one last fight, he dared to look at Hippolyta definitely. "My father can help me! He's my dad! He always helps even his enemies sometimes," he said obviously but oh so hopefully.

"Atticus, your father gave you up! I saw with my own eyes how he trusted you into the arms of Hephaestus and walked away without looking back. Don't you think if he wanted to help, he would have raised you. The truth is your father is the reason why you are the way you are. Hence, he removed you from his life. He is not the man you taught he was and he is not coming for you," shouted Hippolyta. "Neither is your mother," she added which was the only lie she told. There had been a moment where she thought she could love the boy but it was a moment of weakness, falling for his innocence when she knew exactly what was prophesied. There can be no place for him in her heart, she reminded herself

Atticus had his head down with tears streaming down his cheek as he let Hippolyta's words sink in. He felt all joy suck away from him and replaced with an overwhelming sorrow in his heart.

The Queen of the Amazons spoke softer when she noticed the tears streaming the boy's face but her word still cut like like steel. "If you really love your parents and want to be a good boy then when you are sent back to the forge stay there and never approach anyone or anything associated to your mother and father. " She coolly turned her back and left the boy weeping in the garden.

When Hippolyta left, Atticus dropped to his knees. The superman action figure he had was already thrown far away. He hugged his knees as he weeped. He felt heartbroken. He felt dirty and it wasn't because the fact that people despise him because of his monster DNA. He could take them not liking him but he can't take his parents not liking him. Superman and Wonder Woman are heroes. They help people no matter what. Atticus found it so difficult to comprehend why his parents wouldn't help him. Why would they throw him away like he was nothing? Mommies and Daddies should always love their child even if they were different.

However, now he knows that those are lies ! Lies told by Jonathan and Uncle Thomas. He felt betrayed that they were putting him up to get hurt. Devastation turns to anger which made Jonathan's words of comfort fall to deaf ears.

"Atticus, I'm sorry for lying. I just couldn't tell you but they will love you Atticus I swear just be a good boy.-"

He stood up. "WHAT'S THE POINT! THEY'RE GOING TO HATE ME ANYWAY!" he shouted audibly. "I'M TIRED OF BEING GOOD. I ALWAYS GET HURT IN THE END," he screamed.

Atticus stopped to catch his breath. At that moment, he couldn't hear Jonathan's voice anymore. He just felt rage.

When the day turned dark, Atticus decided to return to the feast which was in full swing. Atticus passed the Amazons who were dancing and socializing. Hardly noticing they were there. He just walked somberly.

"Atticus!" It was Amara's voice and for the first time he groaned at the sound.

Amara with Zoe in tow, rushed toward him. Amara's face especially showed how worried she was for him. "Atticus, are you alright? I was looking all over for you. What did they did to you?"

"I'm fine," he said dismissively.

"You don't seem fine," questioned Zoe. Amara nodded in agreement. Confused at his gloomy face that hid any trace of the cheery boy he usually is.

"Whatever. Just leave me alone," He began to walk away from them.

Amara was taken aback at his harsh tone. She chased after Atticus. "Whatever is the matter with you? Talk to me, Atticus,"

Atticus stopped and stared back at Amara. It looked like he was going to tell but he was attracted at the ongoings at Queen Hippolyta's dias.

The crowd hushed when Helena went down on her feet bowing in front of Hippolyta who was sitting on her throne. "Your majesty, I would like to apologize for my less than honorable action in the Amazon Games but I'm still a strong warrior in the making. I'd like to prove it to you by fighting, Atticus.," she smirked towards Atticus who snarled back at her.

Hippolyta looked skeptically at Helena then at Atticus whose face looked like he was going to blow anytime. "Perhaps that is not wise," she said sternly.

Captain Talisa stepped forward. "Come now, my queen let the children fight. I have to admit, begrudgingly that the boy does possess some raw power which we saw in the Games. The duel would be a great spectacle" She turned her back towards the crowd of Amazon gathered. "Won't you like to see it, my sisters? A duel to decide once and for all who is the greater sex,"

The crowd applauded in cheers of agreement. Amara stood silent while glaring at her captain and her daughter who relish in their hobby of purposely humiliating those they think of lesser than them

Hippolyta put his hand up to halt the cheers of the crowd. "It could be a spectacle to see but what say young Atticus?" She looked at Atticus calmly as if nothing had happened before then.

All eyes turned towards Atticus. The boy lifted his head and glared at Helena. "I'll fight," he snarled.

Hippolyta nodded solemnly. "But with wooden swords, I don't want anyone to get hurt,"

Atticus and Helena stepped into the rink. Hippolyta's guard toss wooden swords at them respectively. They bowed in front of Hippolyta and quickly took their stance. Atticus gripped the hilt tight as he circled Helena. He didn't get to fight in the Amazon Games before but now she will see what he's really made of and this he won't hold back

He made the first move, thrusting his sword but Helena parried his attack easily. She made her own attack targeting his side but Atticus was too quick as he dodged the attack and kicked Helena in the stomach. She staggered few paces back. He didn't give any chance for her to recover, he attempted to slash her arm to disarm her but carelessly as he lifted his sword, Helena was able to hit him at the side. The crowd roared. It was no question who was the crowd favorite. Atticus quickly recovered and charge towards Helena, fueled with a determination to come out on top.

As the fight went on, Amara noticed how erratic and impulsive he was. He wasn't analysing or strategizing. His only goal was to land a hit on Helena. This concerns Amara as Atticus fighting style was never brutal

His impulsivity finally paid its dues when as he was making an tactless attack aiming towards Helena's heard, she took her chance and quickly disarmed him. Atticus froze as he stared at the sword that was flung aside. As he was distracted, Helena punched him square in the jaw, landing him on the ground. The crowd roared even louder.

She stood over Atticus with a cynical grin on her face."You pathetic little worm," she mocked. She lift her sword to send a blow but before it hit Atticus caught her sword in his bare hands. Atticus opened his eyes and Helena staggered back and paled for his eyes was radiating a frightening red shade

Atticus decided he had it at being treated like he was nothing and at that moment something engulfed him in a mindless rage. Pouring his energy from the anger and suffering he endured all this while. He will not hold it in any longer. He must release it.

His body writhed in pain as he felt himself transform. He felt stronger, bigger and powerful. Helena froze in shock at what she saw. For once in her life she felt weak against Atticus but it was not Atticus. It was a monster, five times her size with grey skin which had spikes that sprouted all over his body and hideous red eyes that screamed bloody murder.

The monster roared as he broke the wooden sword like a twig. He grabbed Helena roughly by her waist and slammed her to the ground hard. She winced in pain.

"AMAZONS ATTACK!" cried Hippolyta, recovering from her shock of seeing her fears manifested.

The guards immediately charged at him with spears and swords. He managed to avoided their blades. He attacked them with ferocity. Charging and punching them senseless. Soon, the guards fell like bowling pins. The Amazons who were not on duty also took up arms and grabbed whatever weapons they could find to attack the livid monster. Atticus was obviously outnumbered but his massive strength and power made him able to lay waste on the Amazons. Attacking the Amazons in a mad fury. The courtyard was in utter chaos. Columns and furniture were broken and toppled as a result of the battle. Amazons laid on the ground bleeding.

The Amazon children were escorted out of the frenzy as ordered by Hippolyta. Zoe had to be dragged out by a soldier as she stood in shock while watching his once good-natured friend savagely beating up her people.

Archers had took the higher ground in the palace balcony, corridors and rooms and sent a hail of arrows thundering down on Atticus, careful to not hit their Amazon sisters. Though, the arrows may not cause him much harm, Atticus knew he had to escape so he ran out of the palace courtyard to the gardens all the while destroying anyone in his path. He learned that he could leap far when he dodged a spear hurling towards him. So, he leaped from place to place to avoid being attacked until he landed in the jungle bordering the palace garden. He stopped running for a while. There was no Amazons here…. or so he thought.

"Atticus," a voice called. It was firm but also sad.

He turned behind him and saw an Amazon with a spear in her hands. However, in his anger, he failed to notice that the said Amazon was his guardian, Amara. Atticus roared and charged at her but she was ready and when the incoming blow came, she jumped behind him and lunged her spear to pierce his leg. He howled in pain but kept on throwing punches. Swiftly, Amara dodged his attacks. Using the length of the spear as an advantage to keep him away from her when she attacked. However, as Amara thrust her spear forward to the monster's stomach, he was unfortunately fast enough to catch the spear and then break it. She didn't had time to react before he grabbed her and lifted him up.

Atticus' eyes burned red and hot. Amara knew she couldn't fight her way out of this. She just couldn't believe it would come to this. She had believed so much in Atticus but as always when she starts believing in something or someone, the world stars breaking her belief.

The monster grinned sadistically that made his grey face all the more gruesome. It felt good to have power over an Amazon. His adrenalin was racing at the thought of his first kill. The heat in his eyes were surging. Just waiting to be released to quench his thirst for blood….. but as he was about to burn the Amazon, he noticed a firefly hovering beside her. The firefly was dimming and flashing its light on its behind. The firefly enthralled him which was apparently powerful enough to stop his bloodlust. So oddly, he cocked his head like a child and stared at it.

Amara followed his stare and saw the little firefly, hovering by her shoulder. A hopeful thought came to her mind, Atticus the boy is still there. "Atticus, remember when you played with the fireflies. You thought there were stars," she smiled a bit. "I remembered you played with them until you were tired and fell asleep. I had to carry you to bed. Do you remember?"

Memories of a firefly swarm, sitting under a tree with Amara and her tucking him into bed flooded his mind. He looked at the woman in his grasp and saw that she is Amara. The person he likes the most in Themyscira. The person that had taken good care of him even though she didn't want to. The rage still pounded in his heart and mind but it lessened and because of that Jonathan's voice sounded clear again.

"Don't hurt her Atticus because she loves you like a mother,"

"Amara," he said his voice barely above a whisper though it was deep unlike a child's normal voice. Amara nodded. Gradually, Atticus' grip on her lessens and he put her gently down.

His rage slipped further and further away and he reverted back to his child form. His tunic was no more. Only a small part covered his privates. He was bruised all over his body and his leg was bleeding. With tears in his eyes he ran and hugged Amara who kneeled down in front of him. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" he kept on saying, burying his head in her shoulders. He dared not too look behind her and see the heap of people he injured.

Amara wanted so desperately hug him but the sound of heavy footsteps made her halt her desire to envelope the boy into her arms. A small group of the Amazons led by Hippolyta surrounded them, pointing their weapons at the boy menacingly. The Queen herself had her sword pointing towards the boys back. Atticus held on to Amara closer for security.

Hippolyta's face was livid as she glowered at the whimpering boy. "Take him! Bound him in chains. Put him in a cell where he won't endanger anyone. We will decide what to do with him!" she ordered.

At once, a soldier tried to pry away Atticus from Amara but the boy tried very hard to hang on to Amara's neck. Eventually and roughly with two soldiers, they managed to wrestle Atticus away from Amara and quickly bound his hands in chains. Atticus, scared and confused darted his eyes from the heavy chains to Hippolyta to Amara.

Amara's face was unreadable and it made him feel worse

Atticus sobbed. "I couldn't help it. I'm sorry!" he croaked out still to Hippolyta and Amara. Hippolyta turned her head away as if looking at him made her sick.

A soldier pushed him to walk. "Move!" He sucked in his whimpering and moved slowly, his head bowed in submission and shame.

Hippolyta watched Atticus go until he was only a blur to her . She looked to Amara and pat her back. "I commend you for defeating him. You have great skill to defeat a creature from Tartarus such as he,"

Amra nodded slowly. "I was the one who took care of him. I know what he is like," she muttered but she wasn't really sure. Unknown to Hippolyta her heart was torn between the little boy who cried over his guilt and the monster who savagely beat up her comrades.

"Kill the monster!" Captain Talisa's voice echoed off the walls of the Amazon senate building. She was first in line in the rows of seats that stacked up against the wall around the room. Her suggestion was followed by the roars of approval of the rest of the senate.

"Silence! Silence!" shouted Philipus who was standing beside Queen Hippolyta. The Queen had a stoic face as she led the session on the fate that will befall Atticus Kent

However, Captain Talisa still stood tall and voiced out her opinions. "Your majesty, the monster has critically many of our warriors including my daughter. You saw yourself how he pummel our warriors to the ground. He hides beneath a mask of childlike innocence but he is dangerous and savage. Kill him before he causes any more destruction!"

A woman with a shawl covering her head rose from her seat in the back row. Her voice was softer almost ethereal like when she spoke, "My Queen, listen to what Captain Talisa says. What we saw last night was only a fraction of his power. He can cause catastrophic doom far greater than we can imagine," reasoned the oracle, Hellene. "You know this to be true,"

Hippolyta met Hellene's eyes and there was a twinge of fear as she stared at her. "The prophecy has not changed, has it?"

There was a pause before oracle shook her head. "...No…" she said softly and sat down. Not wanting to say more.

Queen Hippolyta nodded. She took a deep breath and lifted her chin. "I realise the best course of action is to obviously kill the boy. It would be easy. However, that is not an option,"

Immediately, the senate voice their disapproval with groans and shouts of protest. Hippolyta was unfazed by all of this. Philippus quickly silenced them and Hippolyta continued, "The boy is under the protection of Hera. If we kill the boy, we risk igniting Hera's fury once more. Do you remember what happened, sisters? Turned to snakes and stone. I will not bring more suffering to the Amazons," some of the members of the senate shuddered uncomfortably at the memory of being cursed to slithering reptiles.

Hippolyta's face darkened. "However, his actions will not go unpunished I assure you. Hephaestus will collect the boy not much longer and we will be rid of him. Hopefully forever but the smith will find that that boy is not the same as he once was when he left him. We will make it so that he'll be too afraid to turn into a monster. We will make sure he will never hurt anyone again. We will break the monster!" declared Hippolyta, clenching her fist.

"How?" Phillipus asked.

"By doing we always do to misbehaving children," she answered with a merciless look in her eyes that concerns Philippus.

Atticus stared at the low ceiling of his cell while he laid on a stone hard bunk. A thin blanket covered his body. The cell was dark with only a barred window bringing forth the sun's light. It was not that much big, only five paces was needed to cross the width of the cell, and it smelled of damp mould. Needless to say, it was not a comfortable place.

Atticus had bawled his eyes the entire night. He felt disgusted of himself for hurting the Amazons so badly. He loathed himself for giving in to his anger when he was always trained not to. He was a bad, bad boy.

At times when the guilt became overwhelming, he hurt himself by clawing his arms and face. He felt that guilty because he was so sure that in his rage, he had killed an Amazon even though no one had said a word to about the injured. Atticus knew he will always carry this deep remorse and pain in his heart for as long as he lives. He cannot erase what he's done. He has to live it for the rest of his life.

When the guards shouted at him to stop his weeping and go to sleep, he tried to go to sleep but his mind was fresh with the memories of his atrocities. He could still vividly see his victims horrifying injuries as he walked around the palace on route to his cell. So, he spent the entire night closing his eyes, feigning sleep for the guards but really he was praying Uncle Thomas would get him away from this Island. Before the incident, he wished he could extend his stay further at Themyscira but now he wants get out of this island so badly. Hephaestus' forge is a safe place for him. He'll be a good boy there. He won't cause any more trouble. He will try his hardest not to.

When day came, he knew it was time to pay his dues. He stayed static, not moving a single inch on his bunk. He dreaded of the punishment that awaits him. He heard footsteps walking to his cell. His breaths became faster. Slowly he sat on his bunk. The door of his cell opened. A guard came in and motioned him to come. Shaking he stood up and went to the guard who put him in chains once more and dragged him out of his cell. Both guard flank his side, holding his shoulder and pushing him to move forward. Atticus' steps was heavy as he walked through the dark corridor that was only lit by torches hanging from the walls.

They went outside and Atticus squinted at the brightness. A squad of soldiers in full armor stood in a neat formation. As he pass through them, he bowed his head to avoid looking at their eyes which he knew held nothing but hatred for him. His steps were heavy and as always when one is in this position, they will assume the worst. Atticus was sure they were going to execute him.

He reached in front of where to his right Hippolyta stood with her general by her side. The guards forced him on his knees. Facing away from the crowd. Although, they need not to force him as he already felt his legs going weak and his heart trembled with fear. A tremor ran through his body.

"Amazons as you know this boy...this monster has brought nothing but destruction to our home. Almost killing our children, our sisters, our comrades after all the hospitality we graciously gave him," spoke Hippolyta glowering at the boy. Atticus had his eyes straight on what's ahead of him. He didn't even bother to look at her as she gave a speech.

"The best option is of course to kill him," Atticus gulped. Hippolyta moved closer to Atticus. She leaned over and put her hand on his cheek. This time he dared to look into her cold eyes although he was stillbadly shaking.

Hippolyta shook her head before he pushed his face away and stood up. "But because of circumstances, it is not a viable option," Atticus let go of the breath he didn't knew he had held. He will live and maybe the Queen will let him go back to the forges, he thought so hopefully.

"However, he will not go unpunished. Captain Talisa as your daughter was the first victim, you have the honors of performing our retribution," declared Hippolyta.

Just like that, his heart speed up again. He looked behind him and his eyes widened at the sight of Captain Talisa, Helena's mother coming towards him, a cane in her hands. He breathed heavily again. He wanted to run but the guards at his side pulled him down when they sensed his nervousness.

"How many lashes, my queen," asked Captain Talisa all to merrily.

"Until I order you to stop," she answered cynically.

A malicious grin spread on her face. "Very well,"

Captain Talisa took her position behind Atticus' bareback. The guards let him go and retreated to the side. His body broke into a cold sweat. He back felt the chill as a gust of wind blew. He knew there was no running out of this. He deserved it anyway, Atticus thought. Resigning wholly and fully to his punishment.

He heard the cane whipped in the air followed by a crack when it impacted his body. The pain spread on his back. He held back a cry.

"That one was for my daughter. I'm curious, what will you do when you go back to the forge, knowing what you did?" asked Captain Talisa.

Atticus didn't answer. This made the captain enrage. "ANSWER ME, YOU BEAST!" Again, the cane came down on his back at the same place for two consecutive times. Ripping his tender flesh. Atticus couldn't hold back the pain and he howled.

Between breaths he said, "I'll be a good boy again. I-"

He stopped and winced as the cane descended upon him again. Three lashes this time with no reprieve. His back already felt like it was burning. He could feel blood spilling from the wounds.

Even though with the pain and tears welling up in his eyes, he continued,"I promise I won't be bad again-Ahhhhh,"

That was the seventh lash. This time the pain made him jerk to the front. He held back his hands to steady himself.

"I won't hurt anyone again!"

The eighth lash landed on his shoulder blade. The eight on his lower back. Atticus only counted the lashes at that point. The next lashes came thundering down on him wildly. He felt his whole body burning in pain so much from his tattered back that he couldn't guess where it landed. He only knew it cut like a blade every time it did. The pain was becoming unbearable. Breathing was becoming harder for him. He can't stand it anymore! It hurt bad and he wanted it to stop.

"Please… please….stop...I won't do it again, I promise….Please just stop…" he begged.

However, Hippolyta had made no order for the caning to end. So, Captain Talisa only strike harder and faster. Atticus tried in vain to hold back the pain by gritting his teeth but at one point he didn't have the strength to hold himself up anymore. He slumped to the ground.

"Enough!" declared Hippolyta just as Captain Talisa was about to deliver another blow. She stepped though begrudgingly aside from the boy.

The boy laid on the dirt flat on his stomach. His back bloodied with deep gashes cutting through his skin that was left by the violent strikes of the cane. His blood was dropping to the ground. His breathing was slow. Hippolyta motioned the boy to be taken away.

A guard that had escorted him before lifted him up and placed him on her shoulder. The boy was dazed from the pain but even so his eyes still focused on Queen Hippolyta even as the guard began to make her way to his cells. He briefly made eye contact with her but oddly so the boy's gaze still had power over Hippolyta as his gaze made her look away. His eyes were neither angry nor spiteful. It was a normal hollow gaze that somehow unsettled Hippolyta.

Atticus and the two guards entered the dark corridors of the prison again. The guard who carried him placed him on the ground of his cell, not minding at all his condition. Atticus sat on the ground sitting crossed leg. His back still burned furiously.

Just as the door of the cell was about to shut, Captain Talisa came in. Atticus was too much in pain to react.

The captain hunched down in front of him. Anger was still on her face. She grabbed him roughly by the chin to force him to look at her. "A healer would come to treat those wounds but I'd rather have you die from them. I would gladly beat you to death if it weren't for the queen," she spat. She leaned in closer. "Don't pretend or wish to be good. You're not. You can't. You're a monster. A vile, wretched monster. You cannot change what is inside. Deal with that,"

She let go of him. Stood up and coolly left the cell. The cell door was locked immediately after that.

After a few seconds when Atticus fully grasp that he was alone in a dark, dirty cell with a battered body and broken heart, he let out a harrowing scream that echoed the entire prison. He screamed for a whole five seconds.

I'M SORRY GUYS. Had to do it. The next chapter would deal with the outcome of this and i warn you it's gonna be pretty dark but i promise you things will get better for Atticus.