Chapter Thirteen
General Philippus reviewed Connor's stance with a short sword in his hand. They stood in the middle of the training crowd. It was a sunny, hot day, and Connor was dressed in an exomis, which was for hard labor and exercise. The exomis came to mid-thigh and exposed half his chest, causing more than a little embarrassment for him as the audience was all female. With a stick in her right Philippus hit him on the right knee hard, though Connor barely felt it.
"Bend your knee," she ordered him.
He bent his knee. She hit his other knee.
"Bend your knee," she ordered him again.
He glanced up at her with a look of resentment then he bent his knee as told.
"Very good," smiled Philippus. "You are going to learn discipline through hard work, martial arts, and listening to me, young man."
There was some laughter from the audience of Amazons. Connor's face turned slightly red from embarrassment. Philippus leaned in close and whispered in his ear.
"Get even for their laughter by becoming more proficient than them with the sword," she said.
Hippolyta and Diana along with thirty of her fellow Amazon sisters were watching Philippus train the young man, as they called him. He was a handsome young man and according to Diana gifted. Hippolyta accepted his presence on the island based on the tale Diana told her and the fact he would be under the thumb of Philippus the whole time he was there.
"Mother, we need to talk," Diana leaned over and whispered to her mother.
"But I'm enjoying this, Diana," she said. "I believe Philippus likes the young man."
"It is important that we talk," said Diana.
"Follow me, daughter," said Hippolyta with a hint of disappointment.
They worked through the exercise grounds to a small garden decorated by marble statues of Aphrodite, Athena, and Apollo. It was a simple garden with a bush maze and some of Hippolyta's favorite flowers. Hippolyta sat down on a marble bench. She patted the spot beside her letting Diana know to sit there.
"You wanted to talk, daughter," Hippolyta said.
"Yes, mother. As I told you, Connor is part human and part Kryptonian. He is a clone made from the essence of both races, brought into this world via science and treated like an experiment instead of a human being," Diana started.
"I remember this, daughter. It is why I allowed you to bring him here for training. In many ways he has been abused by the Patriarch world, so we can have some sympathy for him," Hippolyta said.
"Well, his Kryptonian DNA comes from Superman, as he is the last son of Krypton," she stated. "Kal has decided to treat Connor like his brother."
"Kal?" Hippolyta questioned the use of Superman's name.
"Kal-El is Superman's Kryptonian name. As a matter of fact he has given Connor a Kryptonian name. It's Kon-El," Diana told her mother.
Hippolyta had been alive for far too long not to know when someone was dancing around an uncomfortable topic. Her daughter was hiding something from her and it involved Superman. She shuddered to think what it might be.
"Diana, what is your relationship with this Superman?" her mother asked.
"We are courting," she answered without hesitation.
Hippolyta hadn't realized it but she stopped breathing for a moment. Breathing again, she stood up and started pacing then stopped.
"I won't allow it," she said. "He is not right for you. I mean he is reminiscent of Heracles."
"Mother, I'm not asking permission."
"Has he bedded you already, Diana? Has that brute taken you?" she demanded.
Diana stood up. Her face was flushed partially by anger and partially by embarrassment. She and Kal had been intimate with each other, but it was no business of her mother's.
"You are trying to make Kal into Heracles. He is not Heracles. Kal is good, kind man, who would never hurt me," she said.
"I have no say in this matter then," growled Hippolyta.
"No."
"Then I want to meet this Superman. In five weeks bring him to Themyscira to he can see how his so-called brother is coming along and to meet me," said Hippolyta.
"Mother, don't try and ruin this for me. Kal is too important to me. Don't make this a situation where I have to choose," said Diana.
"Am I your mother?" she asked.
"Yes."
"Then bring this Superman to meet me in five weeks. He will be treated appropriately."
"All right, I'll bring him," said Diana.
"Well, at least, you still listen to me on some things," Hippolyta spat.
Hippolyta walked away leaving Diana in the garden. She sat back down on the bench and buried his face in her hands. Diana was not looking to telling Kal that he had a date to see her mother.
"Kal, I hope you are ready for this," she sighed.
JLJLJL
Bruce sat in the Batcave reviewing the schematics Clark gave him in order to upgrade his armor. On the table beside the computer console was a small pencil sized laser that was able to cut through the hardest alloys on earth, another gift from Clark. Suddenly, his proximity alarm went off and then stopped. The speed of the alarm told him it was either the Flash or Superman. His instincts told him that someone was behind him.
"Hello, Clark. Is Diana back from Themyscira?" he asked.
"Yes," he mumbled.
Bruce turned in his chair. He was tempted to put his cowl up before listening to Clark's problems, so he could scowl and get away with it.
"What's the problem?" Bruce asked.
"Her mother wants to see me," said Clark.
Bruce tried to hide a smile, but failed. Clark glared at him.
"If you could get drunk, I'd offer you a stiff drink," Bruce remarked.
"On Alerac they make an alcoholic beverage that actually affects me," commented Clark. "They call is an ale, but it's more like whiskey."
"Next time on Alerac I'll pick up a case," smirked Bruce.
Clark walked over and sat down on a chair. Bruce turned his chair in the direction of Clark.
"Her mother, Bruce," said Clark. "If I recall correctly, her mother hates men."
"Give me one of your computers and I'll go in your place," smiled Bruce.
"I don't think, Diana, would like that," Clark remarked.
"Just a thought," Bruce said then spun his chair around so he was facing the computer. "It's going to cost a fortune but I think I can synthetize the fabric and maybe the soft shell, but that's all. My armor will be tougher and lighter. Thank you, Clark."
"I'm sorry you don't have the DNA to wear Kryptonian armor," said Clark.
"So, when are you going to see her mother?" asked Bruce.
"Five weeks. I'm going under the auspices of seeing how much Connor has improved," said Clark.
"Good luck with that," chuckled Bruce. "You still have one or two items I want to add to my utility belt."
"We'll see, Bruce."
"Oh, I talked to Vicky and told her that it was Superman who saved Clark Kent. J'onn is going to morph into Clark Kent and you're going to show up in cape and armor. She's sending a reporter and Jimmy Olsen to cover it. We'll do it at a private hospital I fund," explained Bruce.
"I'll be able to be Clark Kent again," Clark smiled.
"Yes, Clark, you can be Clark."
JLJLJL
Connor was working hard. Philippus was demanding and hard but fair with him. He wasn't supposed to use any of powers when she sparred with him. The strong son fed his powers, which he wasn't supposed to use. This taught him skill and how to hold back his powers. It was frustrating, but he had to admit that he was gaining better and better control of his powers.
Like a whirlwind Philippus attacked him. Her blade seemed to be everywhere, but he managed to block her attack after attack until he just dropped his sword and moaned from pain. Connor dropped to his knees. He was in sensory overload. His super hearing had finally kicked in and he could hear everything. From Philippus' heartbeat to her breathing to even the grass under her feet and it was all too overwhelming for him.
"What is wrong, Connor?" she asked.
"Super… hearing… kicked in. It hurts," he cried.
Philippus rushed to his side and fell to her knees beside him. She took the young man in her arms and cradled him and then she started to give him instructions.
"Concentrate on me, Connor, and only me," ordered Philippus.
Connor concentrated with all his focus on Philippus. He listened to her breathing focusing only on that at first. This started to calm him. Next, he listened to her heartbeat, steady, familiar, and strong. Slowly, he tuned out the rest of the world and his world just became Philippus.
"I will teach you to deal with your hearing, Connor. Everything will be alright," she told him.
He felt safe in her arms. It was strange, but he had never known that feeling before in his short existence. There were times in the clone chamber that he was aware. It was lonely, quiet, and dark. Here in Philippus arms he felt safe and secure. "Thank you," he mumbled.
"You are my student, Connor; there is no reason to thank me. My students are my family," she said. "Now are you in pain?"
"Head hurts. Too many sounds all at once," he said.
"How old are you, Connor?" she asked him.
"I think they aged me to seventeen before they stopped."
"Just on the brink of manhood," she mused then was paused for a moment as she thought about his powers. "You are getting more of your powers as you become a man. You are going to need even better control now, Connor. You don't want to hurt anyone."
"No, General," he said.
Philippus gently kissed his forehead. Connor slowly sat up and then looked at her. It entered his mind that at this moment he would give his life for Philippus.
"Shall we try to stand up?" she asked him.
"Yes, ma'am," he said.
He stood up on unsteady legs. His ears now could hear the birds in the sky, voices of Amazons, grass move, leaves fall, and the wind, and then he zeroed in on Philippus' heartbeat.
"I know this is painful but this will make you stronger in the end, Connor," she stated.
JLJLJL
Morgan Edge sat at his desk and read the interview with Clark Kent on The Reporter. The pictures by Jimmy Olsen showed Superman at Kent's bedside and Superman commenting how he was saddened how he wasn't able to save Kent's neighbor. Kent was alive. Superman was alive. He always knew that Luthor was blowhard, but he never realized he was an incompetent, also.
He pressed down the intercom button to speak to his secretary.
"Get me Lex Luthor on the phone," he barked.
"Yes, sir," responded the secretary.
He still needed Kent dead and out of the way, but it looked like it was going to be an Intergang problem now. Maybe he hire an outside source, or use one of his better men, but Kent was dead either way. As for Luthor, he owed Edge.
JLJLJL
Luthor sat at his desk drinking fresh French Press Italian Roast coffee, while reading The Reporter on his tablet. His stomach soured as he looked at the picture of Superman at the bedside of the injured Clark Kent. The Doomsday Project would be ready soon and he'd finally get rid of that damned alien.
"Mr. Luthor," over the intercom came the voice of his secretary. "Morgan Edge on the line for you."
He pressed the intercom button and spoke, "Tell him I'm ready The Reporter and having my morning coffee. I'll return his call when I'm in the mood."
"Yes, sir."
He dropped the tablet on the desk top and sighed. He spent four days on that damned island because of Superman living off of fish Mercy caught and coconuts that Mercy collected. He ended up with an upset stomach and a sunburn. Superman couldn't die soon enough in his opinion.
"Sir," his secretary's voice came over the intercom.
He pushed the intercom button.
"What?" he growled.
"Mr. Edge told me to tell you that you owe him."
Luthor cut the intercom connection. He wondered if there was enough time left to add killing Morgan Edge to the Doomsday Project brain washing.
JLJLJL
Diana and Clark exited the portal that connected the embassy to Themyscira. Clark hovered off the ground as the proceeded into the palace where Queen Hippolyta and her honor guard waited for them.
"Kal, why are you hovering?" Diana asked.
"You know I like to float," he said.
"Walk," she demanded.
"No, Diana. I'm not touching Themysciran ground until I have the official permission of its queen. I know the rules," he said.
Diana rolled her eyes and then continued into the throne room. Her mother sat on her throne while the aisle leading to her was lined with Amazon warriors. Diana strode down the aisle with Clark hovering behind her. They stopped in front of the throne.
"My daughter it is good to see you," said Hippolyta. "I see you brought a guest."
"Yes, mother. I've brought Superman, also known as Kal-El," said Diana.
"Welcome, Superman," the queen greeted him with a dollop of disdain when she said the name Superman. "You may set foot on Themyscira."
Clark landed on the ground and bowed, "Thank you, your highness."
"Your brother," Hippolyta said cautiously, "is readying for a display of his skills."
She stood up and with that the Amazon guard came to attention. Diana fought the urge to roll her eyes, as she knew her mother was putting on this display to intimidate Superman. She was probably judging Kal by Connor's powers, not understanding that Conner was immature and Kal was stronger than Heracles.
The queen walked down the aisle with Diana and Clark in tow. They continued out of the palace and through part of the city to the exercise grounds. Clark was impressed with the fact that the city was a beautiful example of ancient Greek architecture. It was made mainly from marble and white stone. They arrived at the exercise grounds. Several hundred Amazons were in the seating. Hippolyta, Diana, and Clark along with six guards walked to the royal box and were seated.
"He needs more time with Philippus, but Connor is coming along faster than anticipated," Hippolyta said.
"I must thank you for doing this for him," said Clark.
"I did it because my daughter requested and she told me how Connor was abused in the Patriarch world," stated Hippolyta.
Philippus, Connor, Artemis, and two other Amazon warriors entered the grounds. Connor was in his exomis. Philippus motioned him over to stand by himself. The first sign of his discipline was Philippus tossing eggs to him. Of the six he caught five without breaking them and one he broke.
"I broke a lot of eggs on the farm growing up," Clark grinned.
"Your adoptive parents must have had patience," remarked Hippolyta.
Diana knew that her mother was goaded Clark, so she reached over and took his right hand in her left hand. Next, they watched Connor in a display of swordsmanship against the two warriors. He was controlled and focused. The two women were impressive working as a tandem, but Connor kept up with them. Finally, he disarmed one then the other one.
A cheer came from the stands. This surprised Clark. It appeared that Connor was accepted here. Philippus walked up to Connor and offered him a clay jug filled with water. He drank some of the water and handed it back to her. Now it was Artemis' turn.
"Artemis is considered second only to Diana in skill and ability. This should be interesting," said Hippolyta.
Clark observed the red haired Amazon. She was stunning to look at. Two inches shorter than Diana, he could tell her body was trained for battle. She took her short sword out and started to loosen up. Connor watched her. Finally, they engaged.
It was an impressive battle. It went on for several minutes until Artemis made a move that separated Connor from his sword. With a quick kick she then Connor down onto the ground. Philippus moved quickly and got in between Connor and Artemis. The audience cheered Artemis.
For her part Artemis then turned her back on Connor and walked to the royal box. She waked right up to it, threw her sword into the ground, and pointed at Superman. Clark could hear a low growl come from Diana, who seemed as if she wanted to jump out of the box and face Artemis. Artemis barked some ancient Greek.
"It appears that Artemis wants to Challenge you, Superman," said Hippolyta. "She wants to see if you live up to your name."
"My name is Kal-El. Reporters called me Superman," Clark stated.
"Are you afraid, Kal-El?" Hippolyta asked.
"No."
Clark stood up and hovered over the barrier and came down a few feet from Artemis. Artemis smiled.
"You need a sword," she said.
"No, I don't," replied Clark.
Artemis picked up her sword and without hesitation and with great speed she went to spare Clark in the chest. Clark slapped his hands together catching the blade. Artemis tried to pull it out of his grasp but couldn't. Letting her anger get the best of her, Artemis then attempted to kick Clark's legs out from underneath him. Clark moved with great speed letting Artemis kick at nothing and fell onto her butt. Clark flicked the sword at the ground and the blade was buried up to its hilt. He then walked over to Artemis and offered his hand for her to get up. She refused it then stood up.
"Well done, Kal-El," said Hippolyta. "I believe we have arranged for you to spend some time with Connor."
Hippolyta stood then looked at Diana, "Come, daughter, we must talk."
JLJLJL
Clark and Connor walked along the beach with Philippus walking behind them. They walked in silence until Clark spoke.
"You are doing well here," he said.
"I guess," replied Connor.
"Do you get along with everyone?"
"No. Some hate me because I'm male and the Bana want to bed me, but General Philippus protects me," he said.
"Do you know how much longer they intend on letting you stay?" Clark asked.
"I don't know. Why?"
"I want to introduce you to my mother on the farm. I thought I could take some vacation time and you and I could get to know each other on the farm," Clark told him.
"Oh, um, sure, I guess," said Connor.
"You don't have to. I won't force you to do anything you don't want to do," said Clark.
Connor looked back behind him at Philippus. Connor was found of Philippus, thought Clark. He either had a crush on the beautiful dark skinned Amazon, or she had become a mother surrogate for him. Either way, she was important to him. Clark stopped and turned to face Philippus.
"General, instead of walking behind, please join us. I would like to hear from you how it has been training him," said Clark.
"It would be a pleasure, Superman," she replied.
"General, please, call me Kal-El," he said.
"Then I am Philippus," she said.
JLJLJL
Diana and her mother were alone in the throne room. Hippolyta paced for several minute, while Diana watched her mother. Finally, the queen stopped and stared at her daughter.
"I don't approve of him," she stated.
"Artemis started that fight not Kal," Diana pointed out.
"I don't care. His strength may be greater than your own strength and his speed would make Hermes blush," she said.
"That is why you disapprove of him, mother," growled Diana. "You only believe is too powerful, so you disapprove of him."
"Amazons shouldn't trust a man who has powers greater than them," she said.
"Mother, what you say doesn't change my relationship with, Kal. We are together and that is not going to change," said Diana.
"You are being stubborn," said Hippolyta.
"I love him."
Hippolyta closed her eyes and sighed.
"I'd hope for you to avoid the pain that he bring you. Connor will stay until he is trained by Philippus. After our dinner feast, I expect you to get Superman off Themyscira," said Hippolyta.
"You aren't going to give him a chance, mother?" asked Diana.
"I cannot afford to give someone like him a chance, daughter."
"This saddens me," said Diana.
"It saddens us both," added Hippolyta.