Chapter 11-Returning Home
News soon spread quickly of the defeat of Doomsday at the hands of Clark, Diana, and Queen Hippolyta herself with the injuries they each sustained being semi-minimal at best. This of course led to a celebration throughout the island, as the Amazons began to get ready for a grand feast to honor this victory, and the Gods themselves for stopping Ares' for his actions against them.
Even more interesting news, Hippolyta soon gave the announcement that Diana would soon be venturing out into the Patriarch's World, and to help teach its people about the Amazon ways of peace. Diana was stunned by the news, as was everyone else who was unaware of this, and Clark thought it was great news to hear since he felt the world was in need of someone like her.
Clark could only do so much as Superman.
At the moment, Clark sat in the Queen's Private Quarters in the Palace where the fearless Amazon woman ran her nation with pride and watched Hippolyta's face become stern at the information he just told her. It wasn't easy for the Queen to believe so to further prove to Hippolyta that his words were truthful, Clark had the Lasso of Truth around his wrist in clear view of her eyes, and told the leader of the Amazons about Artemis's actions. How she tried to kill him after escaping the pursuit of various Amazons ready and how Artemis even stalled Clark from returning to fight Doomsday when the Queen was fighting the now dead monster.
Hippolyta was less then please.
"I'm sorry I kept this from you for so long your majesty, but given how things were at the time both events occurred, I didn't want my time on the island to become even more of a complication for you, and your Amazon Sisters. I hope you understand and forgive me for keeping it from you," said Clark seeing Hippolyta nod her head in understanding.
"I do understand what you did Clark Kent. It was indeed the wisest move to hold off in being told about Artemis's actions given the time it occurred. Rest assured, I will see to it that Artemis is punished for her actions, and all the Bana Amazons she recruited to her side to stop you while I fought that monster," said Hippolyta, as she looked to Diana, and knew her daughter wanted something in private.
"Thank you your majesty, but I would like to ask that the Bana Amazons, who followed Artemis be shown some leniency since they were no doubt following her orders. She has that kind of inspiring leadership in her to do that," said Clark, as he saw surprise in the eyes of Diana, and Hippolyta since they didn't think of that at the moment.
"I'll consider it. Such an action may help ease any tension between us should there be any from this," said Hippolyta, as she saw Clark nod, and then bow before excusing himself from the room so the two royal Amazons could talk in private.
"The Bana Queen will want further proof then Clark's testimony, even with the Lasso of Truth, and my own vague account of Artemis's presence when I regain consciousness," said Diana, as she knew that while Queen Anahid was on good terms with her Mother, the arrest of several Bana on the words of a Man was stretching the limits said terms, and the trust the two Queens had for each other.
"I know, but Queen Anahid also knows that our Gods favor him, and they would not do that unless Clark was indeed honorable," said Hippolyta, as she knew that would be key leverage with the Bana Queen in trusting her, and bringing Artemis to justice.
"It was also fortunate that Clark remembers everything about himself now," said Diana, as she wanted to know everything that was going on in the outside world, and how she could use that knowledge to better help it.
"Yes. Now Clark Kent can go back to the Patriarch's World soon without further incident to us," said Hippolyta, as she was pleased to learn that little bit of news, and have the man leave their island on good terms.
"Clark said that there are other heroes like him in his world scattered all over. That they are like him, yet each have different abilities, and not all of them men," said Diana, as she had talked with Clark about that, and how each hero was a defender of various cities in the United States in the Patriarch's World.
"Really? That is indeed great news to hear. I had long feared that men had kept women locked away in their homes, but I am relieved to hear that women can indeed take up the sword against the ways of oppression, and fight it like true warriors do," said Hippolyta, as she was proud to hear that being a hero in the outside world wasn't restricted to men only, and that women could hold their own.
"It seems times have indeed changed for the better. With your permission my Queen, I would like to go with Clark into Man's World," said Diana, as she kept herself from biting her lip, and stood firm in front of the now shocked Amazon Queen.
"What? Why in Hera's name would you want to do that now?" said Hippolyta, as she saw Diana look away for a second, and then look back.
"I want to meet Clark's Mother," said Diana, as she then explained how both of Clark's surrogate parents raised him, and that one was sadly no long amongst the living while the only remaining parent was no doubt worried sick about Clark.
"I do not like the idea you going out there Diana. As a Queen, I am against you leaving the island so soon for that world, but as a Mother...if this woman truly cares about her surrogate son like you believe she does...," said Hippolyta, as she felt some kind of pity for this woman, who raised Clark, and sighed heavily from it.
"Then send me with him. The woman lives on a farm now away from the vast populous of his world and with him on our island for so long without hearing from him after his battle with the creature in the outside world...," said Diana, as she saw her Mother's look, and it seemed to intensify.
"If you go, I want you to promise me that you will return soon after, and will wait until the time is right to enter Man's World properly. You know the uniform you now wear signifies that you are our Champion, who ventures out there to spread our Amazon ideals to stop the damage Ares had done, and bring peace to the world. You have much to learn from the scribes before you can go out there and I don't want you to stay simply because the temptation is too great to resist," said Hippolyta, as she knew her daughter well, and the things in Man's World would no doubt tempt Diana to stay longer then expected.
"I promise Mother. Just as Clark was a temporary guest on our island so will I in Man's World," said Diana, as she saw Hippolyta smile, rise from her seat, and the two hugged each other.
"Spoken like a true Amazon Princess," said Hippolyta, as she released Diana from the hug, and the two walked out to see their Amazon Sister getting ready for the party that was slowly spreading throughout the island.
Only one more piece of business before it could be enjoyed.
(Palace of the Bana Amazons-Several Days Later)
"You are sure about this?" said Queen Anahid, as she walked with Hippolyta through the palace halls, and saw her fellow Amazon Queen nod her head to confirm what was just told.
"I would not be here to tell you this myself if I wasn't sure. Clark Kent maybe a man with demi-God like powers, but our Gods have favored him due to his time here, and he was wearing the Lasso of Truth before my very eyes when he told me everything that Artemis has done. Diana herself was with him when the arrows were fired in her first attempt to kill him and the only reason she failed the second time was because she did not use magic laced arrows. Several other Bana Sisters I'm afraid to say were involved in the second attempt by Artemis," said Hippolyta, as she saw Queen Anahid wince at that, and knew this was not good for her tribe.
"Artemis has a way of reaching our more hot blooded Bana Sisters then the more mindful ones. She has the potential to lead the Bana, but her anger at men, and even more so at this Clark Kent puts her chances of being my second-in-command into question. I had actually hoped to have her be one of the very few Bana Amazons that would be given the honor of guarding you with General Phillipus," said Anahid, as she the recommendations for that position were to come up in a few more seasons, and Artemis was going to be put up for nomination.
"Clark Kent said as much in terms of leadership when it came to Artemis and requested the Bana Amazons who assisted her be shown leniency," said Hippolyta, as she saw the Bana Queen look at her in shock, and then saw the smile appear on Queen Anahid's face.
"Men have indeed changed since were in the Patriarch's World," said Queen Anahid, as she knew any man in Clark position several hundred years ago would have never asked for such a thing, and it made her see the man in a whole new light.
"Agreed," said Hippolyta, as she kept the part about Diana being smitten from Anahid since that would only taint the facts, and the Greek Queen of the Amazons didn't need that.
"Diana knows who assisted Artemis, correct?" said Anahid, as they went back why Hippolyta was here, and about Artemis's actions.
"Yes. She wrote down there names before giving the list to me. Aside from Artemis, all of them are young, and not in a high enough station of your tribe to cause you problems," said Hippolyta, as she handed the parchment over to Queen Anahid, and saw the Bana Amazon Queen read the names listed.
"I will deal with this myself. Artemis will indeed be punished and so will the others that followed her though like Clark Kent requested I will consider leniency for their actions," said Queen Anahid, as she continued walking with Queen Hippolyta through the Bana Palace, and they talked about other things not related to this matter.
(With Clark and Diana-At the Moment)
"Are you ready Diana?" said Clark, as he saw her wearing her normal Greek attire, and was glad she did since his Mother would be asking lots of questions.
"Yes. I saw on the most recent map the scribes gave me to see where your Mother lives in the United States and it is pretty far from Themyscira," said Diana, as she saw him nod, and smile at her with that charming smile that made her heart beat faster every time he did that.
"It's a small town where everyone knows everyone so we have to stick to the skies until we get there," said Clark, as he saw Diana nod in understanding, and could tell she was a little nervous about entering his neck of the woods.
"What's it like? Your world?" said Diana, as she saw him think about a way to describe it to her, and wondered what words he would use.
"The best way to describe everything is to simply say its very busy. Everything goes by fast and you have to move just as fast if not faster. It gets overwhelming at times, but I doubt it will be for you, and when you officially enter our world to help spread peace there," said Clark, as they both took to the air, and left the island before passing the barrier that protected it from the outside world.
As the two flew through the skies, Diana looked down below to see how the world was just like Clark described, and what the scribes told her it would be from their visits to this side of the world. Even from high as they were, the Amazon Princess could see so many strange things, the people below, and the buildings that were higher then anything she had ever imagined.
Now Diana was really starting to get nervous.
'This is so overwhelming. I will need to do lots of studying before I leave for this world,' thought Diana, as she had face mystical creatures, trained in close combat, but this was something else entirely, and she knew that this was not something to be taken lightly.
It wasn't much longer that the two made it to Smallville, which was just like the Man of Steel left it from his last visit, and soon made his way to the home where he was raised with Diana following close behind him. Clark touched down gently like he always did, as did Diana before they both slowly walked to the house, and paused when he was about to knock on the door. He could hear his Mother weeping, the news on the TV speculating about his health, and the fact that he had been gone for so long without any word had only fueled the majority of the people to believe that Superman was no more.
Gathering up his courage, Clark knocked on the door three times, and waited for his Mother to come to the door to answer. He could see with his X-ray vision how the old woman, who raised him since he was a baby slowly moved to the door, and she looked thinner then from what he remembered. After losing Pa, it was understandable that she came to the belief the son she cherished was removed from her life now too, and with footage of the creature Superman faced being all over the news it was understandable if she did.
Clark still couldn't believe he was alive right now!
"Go away. Please leave me alone," said Martha through the door, as she didn't want to be bothered by anyone right now, and even more so by a certain reporter by the name of Lois Lane.
"Ma, its me. Its Clark. Your son," said Clark, as he wasn't about to open the door on his own scare his Mother, and possibly give her a heart attack.
One member of the family being hit by that was enough.
"My son is dead," said Martha, as she heard his voice, but shook her head, and thinking to herself that it was a trick.
"Ma, its me. I can prove it. When my powers first started showing, I showed Pa my super strength by bending a crowbar like it was nothing, and then used my heat vision to melt the bar in two. I had earlier that afternoon saved people from an explosion by running faster then anyone had ever seen and the fire from the explosion didn't hurt me at all," said Clark, as he knew this was something only Lana, and his parent knew outside of himself.
Inside the house, Martha's eyes were wide, and her heart was beating faster before she slowly unlocked the door while praying that this was not a trick. That this was not some dream or nightmare meant to torment her mind with all that she had lost. When she had opened the door, Martha eyes saw that of the son she had raised was indeed standing before her, and reached out with her hands to touch his bearded face. She was use to him being clean shaven that it was a bit of a surprise for him to have such a lengthy beard, but Martha knew her son too well to be fooled, and saw his blue eyes shining like the day he had been discovered in that alien spacecraft.
This was no illusion. This was her son.
"Clark?" said Martha, as she saw him smile at her, and then she hugged him with all the strength she had in her frail body.
"Hi Ma. I missed you too," said Clark, as he heard his Mother weeping again, only this time it was tears of joy that left the elderly woman's eyes, and not that of sorrow.
All Diana could do was watch the moment in silence and smile at the sight of this woman embracing her son she thought was lost to her forever.
"Oh Clark, I thought you were dead when I didn't hear from you. So many people were saying you were. They showed news footage of the creature and how it seemed designed specifically just to kill you," said Martha, as she looked up at her son, and saw him smile down before kissing her forehead.
"It's all right Ma. I'm fine. Granted I probably would have been dead had I not been saved by the most unlikely of people," said Clark, as he moved to the side, and extended a hand to Diana to indicate he had brought a guest home.
"Hello Martha Kent. I am Diana, the Princess of the Amazons," said Diana, as she bowed respectfully to the now shocked woman, and understood if she was about to faint.
"A Princess? Of the Amazons? Clark what have you been doing since the battle with that creature?" said Martha, as she gave her son a once over, and realized he was wearing what she assumed was ancient Greek attire before looking over at Diana again.
"It's a long story Ma. Why don't we go inside and we can tell you all about it in the living room?" said Clark, as he sees his Mother nod, and the three of them entered his childhood home.
When Diana first entered the simple farm home, she felt it was interesting to see things from Clark's perspective, and imaging what his life was like living here. There were no servants waiting on your every whim. No one bowing to your regal authority due to your station when walking by. A place on this farm meant pulling your own weight to help keep things going with the others that lived on it with you and hard work was a must to make it happen.
Truly a humble place with humble beginnings.
Sitting down on the couch, Clark motioned for Diana to join him while his Mother sat in her own single chair, and waited patiently for an explanation to his survival. She was also a bit distracted by the sight of the beautiful woman Clark had brought home, but Martha had faith in her son to explain why the Amazon Princess was here, and where exactly he landed to encounter said Amazon Princess.
Diana by this point was silently enjoying the feel of the strange furniture she was sitting on, as she found it to be well cushioned, and slightly bouncy at first when sitting down on it. While Clark explained how he awoke with no memories of who he was, Diana looked from her seat next to him at the surroundings of the room, seeing the strange things the scribes said were in today's Patriarchic World. She understood what some of them were when she saw them from what the scribes described such devices man had made in the early beginnings of the 20th Century. There was the "TV" (now off) in the corner, some framed pictures on the mantle above the fireplace that were taken by what the Amazon scribes had called a "camera", and saw various other things that made this place very welcome to guests who wish to enter the home.
"You fought that creature? Again?!" said Martha, as her words broke through Diana's musings of the home, and refocus on what was being spoken.
"You know me Ma. I couldn't just let the God of War bring about the destruction of the island and all the Amazons on it. You know the old saying how evil triumphs when good people do nothing to stop it. If I had done nothing, the creature would have torn that place apart in a day, and it wasn't like I was alone. Diana helped me fight it since she is blessed by her Gods with incredible abilities with some being similar to mine," said Clark, as he wanted to reassure his Mother that him fighting the creature wasn't a bad move, and that it actually had its perks.
"I know son. Though you have to admit, hearing about Amazons, Greek Gods, and then everything else that you went through on the island is a lot to swallow. Then again, you aren't exactly normal by human standards either," said Martha, as she smiled at her son, and he smiled back.
"Your son is indeed a remarkable man Martha Kent. In the time Clark was on the island, he managed to gain the favor of Queen Hera, Athena, and even Zeus himself after saving my Mother from Ares' attack," said Diana, as she saw Martha's eyes widen in shock, and then look at Clark looking a bit sheepish right now.
"That is indeed impressive. Though considering my son was always like that with others is not too surprising. Many world leaders respect him and many admire Clark for what he does. Though I must admit being favored by several ancient Gods is a first," said Martha, as she was proud of her son, and the simple fact he had done so much for others out of the goodness of his own heart.
"Diana is planning on officially leaving the island to be an Ambassador to the world and further help end the suffering that still plagues it," said Clark, as he felt a little guilty over the fact that he could only do so much, and that even with all his powers he still felt it was limited when protecting others.
"Really? Well, I think that is wonderful news, and with your abilities I have no doubt you will be able to help lots of unfortunate people in the world. Lord knows there are plenty of them and my son can't save them all no matter how much he wishes to," said Martha, as she thought Diana could do wonderful things with the world, and could see that her son would help the Amazon Princess should she need it.
There was also something else Martha saw about the two, but she it wasn't the time to pry into what her old eyes saw, and decided to wait until later to ask Clark.
"Thank you for your honesty Martha Kent. If you don't mind, would it be all right if your son shows me around your farm?" said Diana, as she saw the woman raise an eyebrow, and then look at Clark having a smile on his face she knew would never be there if it was Lois.
"Not at all. Though I'm sure its nothing special when compared to your home from what Clark has told me about the island," said Martha, as she saw Diana's face become flush with embarrassment, and looked away to admired some of the other things in the room again.
"Don't sell this place short Ma. You know this place has its own value," said Clark, as he knew the farm wasn't much, but it was special in its own way, even after all these years when Pa died, and him leaving for Metropolis with the occasional visits.
"I'm not dear. You go on and show Diana around," said Martha, as she smiled at her son, and knew he was trying to make her feel better about the home after everything that had happened since Jonathan died.
"Thanks Ma. I'm sorry I made you worry so much," said Clark, as he hugged his Mother, and the woman returned it with tears of joy once more falling from her eyes.
"It's all right Clark. I understand and know I will always be proud of you," said Martha, as that was the God's honest truth, and the woman wouldn't trade her son for anything.
'Men indeed have changed since Mother's time,' thought Diana, as she saw the tender moment, and found herself wanting to cry too for some strange reason.
After giving his Mother another kiss on the forehead, Clark showed Diana outside to walk around the farm, and show her everything that he could while explaining how the ways of farming had changed since ancient times. The principle behind it was still the same, but the method was different, and yet the satisfaction one gets from putting your hands in the soil was indescribable in Clark's mind. Diana of course was listening to his every word, as he showed her the barn where the animals were kept, and the hired help that came to the farm to assist his Mother due to her age making things more difficult to manage as time passed.
"Pa always told me that there was nothing more satisfying when it came to farming then seeing one's blood, sweat, and tears help create life from the soil. Knowing that all your efforts would be rewarded in the long run and those you share it with," said Clark, as he petted one of the few horses left in the barn, and the horse loving every second of it since the affection it use to get was greatly decreased since Jonathan Kent's time amongst the living.
"He sounds like a very wise man," said Diana, as she was now giving the horse Clark was petting, and could see the horse wishing for more.
"He was. Ma was devastated when Pa died. One night when I was a kid, I woke up early in the morning because of a nightmare I had, and overheard talking in the kitchen. I was about...nine years old if I remember correctly. I snuck down the steps to the very bottom and overheard them talking. At the time, I didn't know what it was they were doing up so early in the morning, and what they were talking about. Later on, I realized they were talking about telling me 'the truth' about my origins, and how I would take it when I was older. It was only a few years later, I learned that I was adopted, and my parents could have kids biologically," said Clark, as he saw Diana look at him with surprise, and it was clear she did not expect that.
"And yet they stayed bonded?" said Diana.
"Of course. It wasn't like they didn't try to have a child before me. The fact was, they both loved each other regardless, and in a way I was there miracle they had prayed for just before they stopped. They loved and cherished me like I was their actual child. My Father taught me the value of hard work, humility, and helping others that didn't have the power to help themselves. My Mother raised me to be a gentlemen to others, to be polite, respectful, and to see things with an open mind," said Clark, as he smiled at Diana, and she smiled back though he could hear her heart beating a bit faster then usual.
"They taught you well," said Diana, as she moved closer to him now, and kissed him on the lips.
He returned it.
"I've also been thinking about something in regards to your new position as Champion of the Amazons and future Ambassador of Peace to the world," said Clark, as he had been thinking about it ever since he heard what Hippolyta announcement, and his own position in being a superhero.
"Oh? What exactly?" said Diana.
"I was thinking that there lots of heroes out in the world, but were all scattered, and at the same time divided. But, what if we were united together under a single organization that allowed to fight evil together, and help the world a much larger scale," said Clark, as he saw Diana raise an eyebrow at the idea, and saw it was an intriguing one to her.
"It sounds interesting. I take it gender isn't an issue?" said Diana, as she looked at Clark with a smile, and he returned it before kissing the Amazon Princess again.
"Of course not. I know quite a few female, as well as male heroes, and I know they would be interested in the creation of such an organization," said Clark, as he saw Diana liking the idea more, and more with each passing second.
"And what exactly would be the name of this organization?" said Diana.
"I was thinking it would be called...The Justice League," said Clark, as he saw Diana play with the name with that beautiful mouth of hers, and it made his own heart being to beat faster.
"The Justice League. I like the name. Such an organization could help the world as a whole and do what other organizations could not," said Diana with the idea of joining it and possibly intertwining it with her Ambassador duties to further aid others in need.
"That's the idea. I was thinking I could put it into motion while you were getting ready back home to become Ambassador of Themyscira on behalf of your Amazon Sisters. If I can time it just right with your official entry into this world, you could be one of the League's founding members, and meet some more interesting people," said Clark, as he saw Diana loving the idea, and kissed him for it as proof.
"I hope your not giving me such a position simply because were lovers Clark Kent," said Diana, as she looked at him with mock suspicion, and he countered with a mock look of hurt.
"Not at all. I think you would be a great asset to the Justice League with your warrior spirit, your compassion for life, and your will to never give up on anything you do," said Clark, as he smiled at Diana, and she wrapped her hands around his waist with that smile turning incredibly sexy.
"And the fact we're lovers?" said Diana, as she kissed him again, and loved how his beard tickled her face.
"Such a fact never played any part in the idea or your position within the League," said Clark, as he continued to kiss her more passionately, and wrapped his hands around her waist.
"Smart answer," said Diana huskily before the two got lost in their passion and fell into a nearby pile of hay.
The sounds of their passion were muffled by the various animals in the barn, who were the only ones to witness their second time making love, and were also the only ones that could were capable in keeping it a secret.
(Front Yard-Hours Later)
Martha kept her smirk from showing on her face when she saw the two again, but it was very difficult to do so after seeing how they were practically glowing, and their clothing was a bit...ruffled. Diana explained how she had to return home since the Amazon Queen did not expect her only daughter to stay the whole day with Clark or his Mother. Martha understood, as she was a parent too, and it would give the elderly woman a chance to find out more about what exactly was going on between the two.
"Do come by again if you have the chance Diana. Its always nice to meet someone close to Clark, who knows about his powers, and not be intimidated by them," said Martha, as she recalled Lana partially being that way, but those powers still pushed the two away, and whatever plans they made have had for each other.
At least, the two were still friends, and could count on one another for help.
"I will Martha Kent. Though it will be awhile before I can since I have much to learn about your world," said Diana, as she saw Martha give a patient nod, and understood that her duties would temporarily block any future visits.
"I'm not going anywhere my dear," said Martha with a smile.
"Take care Diana," said Clark, as he was going to miss her, and the Amazons in general since they were good to him.
Mostly.
"I will. Until we meet again Clark Kent," said Diana, as she took to the air, and was soon gone from Martha's eye sight with only Clark's vision being able to see her if he wished.
"She's very beautiful," said Martha offhandedly to Clark.
"Yes. She is," said Clark, as he loved how Diana flew through the air like that, and how she was a Goddess in his eyes.
"So when exactly should I be expecting Grandchildren from you two?" said Martha, as she smirked at how Clark blinked several times, and the looked back at her with a blush covering his entire face.
"Ma!" said Clark, as his Mother scoffed, and chuckled at his embarrassment.
"Oh don't act so embarrassed Clark. I think she's wonderful for you. Anyone can see that you two are in love. The fact that you were both glowing has nothing to do with it," said Martha, as she saw her son once more embarrassed at being caught, and the woman was in no position to talk.
She and Jonathan had been young once too.
"I just wish it was more simple then that. Her Mother doesn't know just how close we are and while I suspect the Queen suspects something...," said Clark, as he knew full well that there was going to be a point in time in his life when talking to the Queen about his relationship with Diana, and how close they really were was not going to be enjoyable.
For him anyway.
"I see," said Martha gravely.
"If Hippolyta learns I love Diana and have done that with her...well I doubt the ability to give you Grandchildren will be lost forever," said Clark, as he told his Mother about how the Amazons had magic laced weapons, and how they could injure him if used correctly.
And when it came to the Amazons, the use of any weapon in their possession was used to its fullest potential, and that scared Clark greatly.
"Then all I can say to you my dear son, is pray she doesn't find out until the time is right, and to cherish every second that you spend with Diana upon her official entrance into this world," said Martha, as she knew her son was always the perfect gentlemen when it came to women in the past, regardless if what he felt for them was platonic, or something more in being beyond friendship.
"I will Ma. Now if you will please excuse me, I have a need to shave, and an even much greater need for a shower," said Clark, as he saw his Mother give him that all knowing look, and the reason why he needed the shower.
'My son. He's all grown up, can lift things that way several tons without breaking a sweat, fight monsters that nearly kill him, is in a secret relationship with an Amazon Princess, and is still able to remember his manners when at home,' thought Martha, as she saw her son walk into the house, and had an amused smile on her face.
Her son was unbelievable on so many levels!
(A/N: YAY! Another chapter done. I hope you like it. The next chapter will most likely be the last chapter, which will be the Epilogue to this lovely story since I want to end this fic on a good note, and I can do that in the next chapter. Until next time...PEACE!!!)