Chapter Twenty Nine

Flash, Superman, Green Lantern, Black Canary, the Martian Manhunter, Batman and Dr Light sat down in the conference room to have their weekly meeting.

Kimiyo stood up. "Before Superman begins with the last week's minutes, I need to announce something."

All eyes turned to her at once as her voice sounded unusually serious. "I'm here to relay a message and a letter on behalf of Wonder Woman."

Flash looked at Artemis' empty chair. "You look serious, Kimi. Is she sick? I haven't seen her around here for days on end… I thought she had taken some time off to go home, but now that I think about it, she has been gone a while…Bats, did you piss her off again? Haven't seen you two in the society pages for two weeks now."

Batman glared at him.

Green Lantern interjected, "If you let Kimiyo speak, Motor-Mouth, maybe we will get to find out?"

"Oh, sorry there, Kimi. Go on. Really, John, you're grumpy today. Did Mari make you sleep on the couch last night?" Wally dug him in the side with an elbow. John looked at if he was about to clout him.

Superman intervened, "Wally, shush. Let her speak, please."

"Uh, okay, Blue."

Kimiyo rolled her eyes. "Thank you, Clark, and Flash, stop calling me Kimi." She put the letter down in the middle of the table. "Artemis said to please relay her deepest regrets but necessity has made her undertake this decision."

Superman took one glance at the envelope and he knew. J'onn also knew right away from the way the Man of Steel leaned back and uttered, "Ah. I didn't see that coming."

Wally leaned in. "What? What is it, Big Guy?"

As Chairman, Superman picked up the envelope and broke the seal. He pushed the letter across the table. "It's a resignation letter."

Dinah exclaimed, "What? Why would she resign?"

John said, "Well, I always felt this was inevitable. Artemis was a good member but her heart never seemed quite into it. Maybe she wants to go back home."

J'onn looked at Kimiyo. "Is this a final decision?"

"She said it was," she replied.

"No way of talking her out of it?" asked Dinah. "I mean I could try…"

Kimiyo replied, "No, Dinah, it's a decision she will not go back upon."

"How do you know?"asked Superman. "Maybe she just needs some time off. I can offer her some extended leave or put her on the reserve list."

"I know, Clark. Trust me on that. I cannot break her confidence. If you want to ask her why, you need to see her yourselves."

Wally rubbed his chin. "Hmm, that means they need a new Ambassador. Hey, you think they will have that cute Princess Donna take up the job? She's got powers. Maybe she can be the next Wonder Woman. I have been dying to meet her."

Superman remarked gravely, "This is serious. We will be down a vital player. Artemis brought skill and power. We will need to find someone to fill her place. I think it is time we start looking at possible recruits."

Wally raised his arm, "Oooh , I nominate Princess Donna!"

Superman replied, "I doubt the Queen will allow it right now and she is inexperienced." He looked at Batman who had been sitting tight lipped. "Bruce, have you anything to say? Did you know about this?"

Batman stood up abruptly. "No. I didn't. I need to go."

They watched him walk out of the room.

Wally exclaimed, "I knew it! They broke up! I knew they couldn't last! You all owe me a grand!"

Everyone turned and frowned at him.

He slinked down into his chair. "Uh, whenever you are ready that is…Heh, heh."


Bruce Wayne entered the Themysciran Embassy and walked straight past the guards at the door.

"Excuse me, Mr Wayne! The Ambassador is in a meeting with her staff. You cannot just barge in."

He did not even stop walking. He went straight to her office and pushed open the door. She was sitting behind her desk. Julia, Martin and Helena sat across from her. They all turned and looked up in surprise.

He walked in and stated, "We need to talk."

Artemis' expression tightened. "Who let you in?"

"Does it matter? I need to have a word with you. You resigned just like that?"

"Yes. I did and if you want to speak with me you will have to book some time just like everyone else. But make sure to do it sooner rather than later since I will be gone in a month's time."

Bruce came around to stare at her. His eyes narrowed as he looked at her carefully. There was a gray thread in her hair and his eyes took in the soda water and crackers at her side and the vomit bowl on the low stool behind her. "You owe me this. Now."

Artemis turned red, stood up and slammed her palm on the desk. "I owe you nothing!"

"You are carrying my damn child! I would say you own me five minutes!" he shouted back.

She did not seem too surprised that he knew. She muttered under her breath. "Damn detective. Nothing misses your eyes."

Julia rose and said gingerly, "Um, maybe we should leave."

Martin and Helena nodded uncomfortably and they quietly retreated.

Artemis and Bruce faced each other. Eyes smoldering. Nostrils flaring.

His voice was curt. "Were you ever going to tell me?"

"Would it matter to you?"

"What kind of man do you think I am? Of course it would matter! You are pregnant and it is mine. I do not shirk my responsibilities. I want to help. I can help."

She said stiffly, "I do not need your help."

He snapped, "That is beside the point. This isn't about you."

She took in a deep breath as if to calm herself. "Bruce, let me be clear. This pregnancy has thrown me. I never desired nor pined for a child. But I must accept things have changed. I have lost my immortality. I am like you now. I do not know what the future will bring but I do know I will have the support of my sisters which will make it easier. This child needs to be raised quietly. I was once Wonder Woman. I fought super villains. They would be very interested in that, don't you think?"

"I can help you with anonymity. I have contacts. "

"Yes, I know. But so too do the Amazons. I prefer their help."

He looked at her strangely. "Are you going to even let me be involved in this child's upbringing?"

She folded her arms. "You can visit when it is born and we can work out time for you take the child when it is older. Don't let us fool ourselves, Bruce, you are too involved in you mission and your painful past to even play happy family with any woman. And I am not ready to be any man's little woman. Do not feel guilty. I do not hold anything against you for this. What we had was just sex. It was good as any I have ever had and made tolerable by the fact we did not stifle each other. And to be honest, you and I had no other shared interests, other than work and the bedroom."

"So we conduct this like some business arrangement?"

Her eyes seemed to simmer down a little. She lowered her voice. "The child is what is important here, agreed?"

"Yes."

"Then please, let us be realistic and practical. When I leave here, I am hoping to move abroad for the rest of the pregnancy. To be incognito. The Queen is going to announce the contest soon and give the Amazons at least until the Spring to train and prepare. I will have Julia keep you informed."

"Artemis…" He took a step forward and she turned away.

"Bruce, let us part while we still can be dignified, shall we?"

He said stiffly, "Well, that's it then."

"Yes."

He turned and left the room, slamming the door as he did.

Artemis closed her eyes and sat down with a heavy sigh.


Batman sat in the Monitor Womb doing Monitor Duty. It had been a quiet night and not many heroes had to be called out. He was glad in a way because facing them was trying his patience. His break up with Artemis was speculated as one of the reasons for her resignation and that perhaps she had been called home to fulfill some Bana duties. Only a handful of Leaguers knew the truth. That included Dr Light, Superman and the Martian Manhunter. As Chairman, Clark was entitled to the truth and J'onn simply was able to sense it. They had been stunned but allowed their friend the space he needed.

Bruce was never one who sought counsel or sympathy. If anything he just wanted to be left alone. He had informed Alfred and the elder gentleman had been stunned but he did not press his master to find out what he really thought or wanted. He knew from experience Bruce always shut down when things got tough emotionally for him. He had clearly never expected to even have anything like a normal family, much less a child of his own. Alfred knew that as much as he seemed in control of his emotions, there was a sense of heaviness pervading the manor. Bruce spent less time in it and away on nightly patrol and in the Satellite.

Bruce was now staring at the screens, keeping an eye on all the news feeds when he saw a familiar signature coming in.

Superman appeared on the teleporting platform.

The Dark Knight watched him hover off and land on the floor before him.

"Mission accomplished," said Clark. "The forest fires have been put out and stranded civilians rescued."

"Fine. Are you staying on or going home? I can call you out if we need you."

"I think I should write my report." He took a seat before a computer and began to type rapidly. "It's been quiet, I suppose?"

"More or less. Nothing the emergency services cannot deal with."

"Do you need a break? I can sit for a couple of hours while you get some shut eye."

"No. I'm fine."

He said dryly, "You've been working every night, Bruce, for the last few weeks, in addition to running your business in the day. You're going to drop from exhaustion. Overworking isn't going to make it go away, you know."

Bruce gave him a derisive look. "Coming from you that's rich. I'd say you were taking pride in working yourself to death too."

"Well, I can afford to do it," he shot back.

"Is it working for you?" he rejoined sarcastically.

"There's not enough to do for my energy levels. What about you?" he snapped.

Bruce growled, "I'm tired but I can't sleep."

They were silent for a moment.

Clark suddenly swiveled his chair to face him. He did not need super senses to tell him his friend was trying to hide the fact he was really perturbed. "Bruce, I'm sorry about what happened with you and Artemis. If there is anything I can do…"

The tightness in Bruce's mouth eased. He turned to face him. "It's okay. I'll be fine. I hope you know that I didn't try to force you and Diana apart out of spite or malice."

"No. I know. Your concerns I think are legitimate. In hindsight, I think it's for the best. I think she needs to be with her family and in her home. In a week's time that tag comes off. She'll be free."

"Will you go and see her?"

"I am not sure it will be a good idea. I want to…but you are right, she needs time to be her own woman."

Bruce muttered, "I don't think you should be taking my advice. Look where being right got me."

Clark looked at him sympathetically. "How are you doing?"

"It's not everyday a man who is very careful about how he conducts his affairs finds out he has gotten a woman pregnant…much less an Amazon. I was very very careful and so was she."

"It seems that 0.02 percent failure rate got you, huh?"

"So it would seem."

"Any news from Artemis?

"She and I don't communicate unless it is necessary. She says we will out some kind of custodial schedule when the child comes. Artemis does not need Bruce Wayne nor my wealth."

"Bruce, Amazons, can seem to be fiercely independent and self reliant but they are not automatons. I bet Artemis is more terrified than you."

"She sure doesn't show it."

Clark said wryly, "You know you are both stubborn as mules. Bruce, maybe you need to just give her time to come around. Look you may have never had a biological child but have parented. You raised Dick and did a damn good job of it."

"Dick and I have our issues."

"Yes, but you never shirked you duty. And I know you are proud of him." He stood up. "I think I should go and take some time to power down. I'll be at the Fortress if you need me. And get some rest yourself if you can." He moved to go.

"Clark…"

Clark turned. "Yes?"

"Thank you."

Clark gave a little nod and went on to the teleporter.


The announcement of a new contest was made in the Senate. Hippolyta was giving the Amazons six weeks to prepare. The tournament would be held at the start of Spring. Eligible warriors stepped forward, all eager to don the mantle of Ambassador and become Champion.

Hippolyta sighed to Phillipus as they stood in the main box of the training arena and looked down at Donna eagerly rushing towards Euboea to put her name on the list. "Oh Hera, would that I could stop her."

Phillipus smiled a little. "You can't, your Majesty. All capable and eligible Amazons can compete. You know we cannot bar anyone."

"I know. Look at Donna's face. She looks so happy. She thinks she has a chance and I would not take that from her. She has a lot to learn though. Her sisters are very experienced. We shall see."

Donna was beaming as she was given the round, brass token that was given to each participant to pin onto their colors in the actual contest.

Phillipus' eyes turned to look at Diana sitting on one of the tiered seats with Epione and Mnemosyne. "What about Princess Diana?"

Hippolyta turned. "What about her?"

"Have you considered that she may enter too?"

She said a little briskly, "Diana is still tagged."

"It is due to come off in days."

"She has shown no desire to enter."

"Perhaps she does not think she can."

Hippolyta felt a little irked. "I was clear that any and every Amazon could enter."

"But if she did?"

She spun to face her crossly. "General, I do not know that is relevant here!"

Phillipus persisted, "Majesty, if she did. How would you feel?"

Hippolyta stared at her beautiful daughter. "Diana as Ambassador and Wonder Woman? It could be a catastrophe or just right. It would be a chance to really see if she could handle this world and herself." She sighed. "I do not think Diana would put herself forward though."

Phillipus rubbed her chin. "Maybe. Maybe not."


Donna dropped herself on Diana's bed and sang happily, "I am in the tournament! I am going to kick some serious butt!"

Diana looked down at her as she turned away from her writing desk. She had been writing an entry in her journal when her sister had breezed in looking very smug and excited.

"Congratulations, sister."

"You must help me train, Diana! You are a brilliant warrior and I bet you know moves you picked up on Apokolips that would give me the advantage. I am good but I need all the help I can get. Our sisters are so much more experienced than me."

Diana replied, "I will be happy to help you practice but what I did on Apokolips I do not want anyone to do what I learned there."

Donna rolled onto the stomach and looked at her face. "I am sorry, Diana. I did not mean to bring that horrid place up. We'll have to practice on the weekend when I come home. I wish I could come in the week but these classes are demanding and I have a lot of work. We have until Spring to prepare…that's about five weeks…I want to be ready."

Diana smiled. "We shall try to make you ready. I think I can help you with your sword and equestrian skills."

Donna titled her head pensively. "I wonder what events they will have. I am sure they will not have the same ones seeing that I am joining and they always devise events to suit the combatants."

"It would mean you need to be ready for anything, Donna. Contests are not always won by strength or even skill." Her blue eyes sobered as she recalled the Running of the Gauntlet. She added quietly, "It takes courage and never surrendering."

Donna sat up and asked curiously, "Diana, why haven't you entered?"

"Me? No. I…no."

Donna crossed her legs under her. "Why not? You would get to prove to yourself to the League and show people you are not a threat and show mother and our sisters how you are not unpredictable and you can see Clark again!"

Diana flushed and stood up. "No. It is not a good idea. For many reasons." She walked towards the mantle piece to stare at the snow globe.

Donna frowned and rose too. She reminded her, "Your tag comes off soon. You will be free to come and go. Don't you want to see him, Diana?"

Diana's shoulders seemed to stiffen but she replied coolly, "Of course I do but I do not think Kal…I think …it is best I stay at home…for now."

"Maybe he might come and see you…"

"I do not think he will."

"What? Why?" Donna demanded, coming around to face her. "If he cares for you he would. Else he is an idiot!"

Diana said stiffly, "Kal is not an idiot. Please do not make this harder than it already is, sister, nor unfairly accuse him of something he is not."

Donna's face contorted apologetically and she put her arms around her. "Oh Diana, I'm sorry. I don't mean to insult him. I just hate seeing you unhappy!"

Diana smiled and patted her back. It was heartwarming to feel Donna's openness and affection even if her youthfulness made her impulsive and a little judgmental. "I know and I am a little sad but not entirely miserable. I am just being practical. Besides, I have you and mother and my sisters, right?"

Donna pulled away to smile at her. "Right!"

They went out into the balcony. Donna jumped onto the balustrade, while Diana studied the rambling roses on the wall and began plucking a few. "You know Artemis is leaving formally in a fortnight and Mala is going to hold down the post temporarily."

"I heard."

"Imagine being pregnant," her voice dropped, "by Batman no less. I had no idea he was Bruce Wayne."

"It must have been a shock."

"Shock is an understatement. She is cranky and impatient. I stay out of her way. She broke up with him, I think."

Diana queried, "So she will raise the child by herself?"

Donna shrugged. "I think he will have input but that is for them to work out. If you don't know Artemis, until her dying day she will insist she needs no man. She can do it all by herself."

Diana turned with a few roses in her hand. "I can understand how she feels in a way. But keeping everyone at bay…even good people… must make for a lonely life, even if it is to avoid getting hurt. I do not know Batman other than seeing him on the Satellite and I know he is one of the senior members of the League and Kal considers him a friend. He trusts and respects him. So I would imagine he could not be all that bad."

Donna sighed, "I guess so. Still it must be a little frightening to know that one is suddenly mortal." She suddenly smiled. "Diana, do you remember lying outside on the balustrade at night when we were little?"

Diana titled her head thoughtfully. "There were many nights we did that I think?"

Donna giggled. "We were talking about marriage and pregnancy?"

"Oh. That night. You have a good memory for someone who was only six years old."

"It never left me because we lost you shortly after…But we had no idea about real life, did we? I thought babies came from mirrors and you thought marriage was when Eros shoots people with arrows. Though to be fair I was just six. But you were ten and ought to know better. I mean your head was buried in enough books to know something."

Diana chuckled. "Oh right, blame me."

Donna added, "You know, it was horrible losing you but in a way it was a blessing. Themyscira is better for it. And getting you back, not only it felt like we got a second chance but we were rewarded for taking risks ourselves."

Diana took in a deep breath of the fresh air, and looked at the surroundings once more with gratitude. Second chances. Yes, she was blessed.

Donna jumped down from the balustrade and suddenly slapped Diana on the back. Hard.

Diana spun around, looking annoyed. "Donna! What are you…?"

Donna was already in the air and grinning. "Catch me if you can!"

"Donna, really…I do not have time to play games."

"Hmm, has age slowed you down? Have you gone soft sitting on that farm? Gotten lazy mooning in your room for Superman?"

Diana put the flowers down carefully on a table and she launched into the air. "You better fly faster than that because I am going to get you!"

Donna gasped in glee and anticipation and flew ahead of her. "Ha! We shall see!"

Hippolyta was standing on her own balcony speaking with Euboea and Phillipus as she saw two slender figures like graceful birds arc above the palace. The sounds of squeals and laughter filled the air. The Queen smiled broadly and whispered a prayer. "Hera, thank you."


The day to remove the tag came. Diana expected Dr Hoshi and Dr Palmer, but she was pleasantly surprised to see the Martian Manhunter accompanying them. The entire procedure went as expected. She was given a final assessment and had the electronic chip removed from the base of her neck.

"How do you feel, Diana?" asked Kimyio, after she had cauterized the small wound and put a small bandage.

Diana tentatively touched her nape. "I feel fine."

"You're a free woman now," smiled Ray gently.

She looked at her mother, Epione and J'onn who stood on the side watching.

Diana sighed as if a burden was lifted off her shoulders.

She stood up and repeated in gratitude, "Free."


J'onn looked at her as she stood on the terrace of the solarium and stared at the ocean. Hippolyta had insisted the Leaguers remain for lunch. Now as Ray and Kimiyo thanked Hippolyta for her hospitality, J'onn left them to go and bid Diana good-bye.

"Diana."

She turned and smiled. "J'onn."

He came to stand alongside her. "It is a beautiful sight."

"It is."

"How does it feel to be unfettered ?"

She smiled a little. "I would have thought you might know."

He smiled."I sense relief and a sense of contentment I never got off you before."

"I do. You were right. I feel at home here."

"But you are a little worried. You are worried it will be all taken away."

She looked at him a little wistfully. "I am. I do not know what I would do if I lost this."

"Diana, do you know that I lost my wife, child and my whole planet?"

She looked a little startled. She did not know.

He told her about his past and her face was pinched with a real sorrow and empathy as he recounted the attack on his planet by the White Martians and how he saw all he loved destroyed.

She reached out to touch his arm. "Oh. I am so sorry. I did not know. How did you endure it, J'onn? How is it that you were not driven crazy or did not wreak vengeance on them?"

He replied calmly, "Time. I mourned for years and years and travelled the universe. I shut down emotionally. And it is easier I supposed when you are like me. But no amount of retreating helped. I met other races and saw other planets and then I came to the Earth. I found others here like me. I found a kindred spirit in one…who lost his own people…"

"Kal…"

"He carried his optimism like his sword and shield. I could not help but admire him. He, who could easily rule this planet, chose to keep himself humble and work for his living and actively earn the trust and respect of the people. I could not help but find purpose and I grew to love the Earth too. I could not remain angry, bitter or miserable forever. Light always triumphs over darkness."

She sighed. "I want to believe that."

"Give yourself time. You have done extremely well considering how much trauma you had undergone. You are resilient, Princess. And if you ever need anything from the League, we will be happy to help you."

"Thank you, J'onn. For everything you have done for me." She put out her hand and he shook it warmly.

"It was my pleasure, Diana." J'onn's hand went to a pouch at his waist. "Clark sent something for you."

Her eyes widened and a laugh bubbled to her lips as J'onn held out a chocolate covered marshmallow, covered in multicolored sprinkles.

She took it and said softly, "Tell him thank you."

"I will. Good bye and good luck, your Highness." J'onn bowed and he left her still smiling.


Diana sat on Abraxas and looked down upon the miles of forest in the valley beneath her. Every morning she had taken to riding out across the island and getting to know it better. It had seemed fated that the ebony stallion would eventually become hers. He would allow no one to mount him once Diana was around.

She nudged him gently down the winding path and entered the thick wooded area. It was the first time since she ran away from Donna and encountered the harpies and rescued Superman that she had come to this part of the island on her own. Diana felt a need to exorcise all the negative memories and get a feel of the place that she once use to feel completely safe.

She came to the old temple. She dismounted and left Abraxas to graze and went towards the ruins. The last time the sudden assault of memories had caused intense pain, fear and disorientation. Today she looked at the mist rising and the sun light hitting the columns and the birds singing happily. Diana could hear laughter. Her own and Donna's. She smiled and suddenly leaped onto a fallen column and she nimbly ran along it and leaped with the grace of a dancer onto the broken wall to jump into the ruins itself.

She walked around for a while, just watching and listening.

Her sharp eyes suddenly narrowed as she saw a shadow seemed to fall across the veil of vines and leaves. Diana's heart suddenly raced and her hand went to her waist as if by instinct but she carried no weapon.

She swallowed and picked up a broken piece of the altar and rushed outside with a loud, "HALT!"

Her eyes widened as she saw tall and powerful haunches, a thick and luxuriant mane, unruly beard, powerful arms and chest and a kindly face and intelligent eyes.

She whispered in awe, "You…"

Chiron suddenly bowed. "Princess Diana. I am sorry to have startled you. I was just on my way home when I saw your steed."

Diana clutched the stone tighter. She looked at his bow and arrows warily. "What do you want? Are you following me?"

He asked gently, "You fear me, Princess? You do not remember me?"

She looked at him dubiously. "I …you helped me when the centaurs tried to attack me…You seem so familiar to me…"

"You and your little sister would run away from your lessons and come and sit with me when you were children. Tis true much time has passed but you trusted me once."

Diana looked into his eyes and she felt the fear in her heart ease. She dropped the stone. "I did. Chiron." She bowed back to him. "How are you, Healer, Oracle and Teacher of men?"

"I am well, Princess."

She put her hand out to him. "It is good to see you."

"As it is to see you. You were one of my most promising pupils until we lost you." His eyes softened as he took her hand and stared into her eyes. "You have had a difficult time of it. It is in your eyes. There are some wounds, Princess, that will never heal. But those wounds make us who we are. They make us stronger. Do not fear it."

Diana looked a little confused. "I am fine, Chiron. I have had help to heal. I am not afraid of anything."

"Just yourself perhaps?"He pulled out an arrow from his quiver and handed it over to her. Diana stared at it in some bemusement. It was hand carved and had a bronze tip. "What is this for?"

"Finding ones place in the world often means facing down those things that makes one uncomfortable. The arrow leaves the cradle of the bow and finds it mark. You were gifted by the Gods. You must find your place."

Diana began, "I have my place. It is here. With my mother and sisters…I have them."

He began to walk away. "Yes, you have them. Would it not be better if the world had you?"

"What?"

He just smiled and galloped away.

Diana stared at the arrow in her hand. She walked back into the ruins and knelt before the altar. She closed her eyes and rested her forehead on her clasped hands. She prayed.


She walked into her mother's apartment two hours later. She looked determined and she carried the arrow in her hand.

Hippolyta turned to stare at her in some surprise. "There you are! You missed breakfast. Where were you? I was on the verge of sending out guards to look for you. What is that you are carrying? An arrow? Diana, what…?"

Diana put the arrow upon her desk. She said quietly but calmly, "Mother, I want your blessing to join the contest."


Author's Note. Thanks for the reviews.

Ben: There is no Damien Wayne in this verse. So to be fair to Bruce Artemis is the only woman he knocked up.

Twylyte: It is a SM/WW fic but whether it will turn out to be a normal one...you'll just have to wait and see. :) As you know I am a big one for character development and it does call for patience. So hope you keep reading.

Nerdman3000 : Sorry , no Kara on the horizon for now. If she was there she would be with the Amazons training already just like the comics. I just see it as Kara not arriving yet.