WEDDING DAY
CHAPTER 29
The wedding of Clark and Diana was due to take place at four pm in early June. The guests had all been asked to arrive at the Kent farmhouse no later than two pm,as there were to be preparations for securing the perimeter of the property to ensure no media,no straying traveller,no nosy neighbour would be able to walk in nor stumble upon what was possibly one of the most unprecedented events in the world. The plan involved,once all the invited guests were accounted for,John Zatara casting a spell around the periphery,so as to repel any outsiders from even wanting to come near the farm. And Diana's own guards from the embassy,who were on duty, were dressed like farmers and tramps,to remain on the outside of the magical fence to keep watch.
The backyard of the Kent property had been converted into the main area for ceremony. One had to enter under a large archway entwined with multicoloured roses and lilies,then walk up a newly made pathway of large stone slabs,that ran along the middle of two sections of chairs,to eventually stop near a white,wooden,pavilion-styled gazebo. It was here the bride and groom would stand whilst exchanging vows.
Martha had set up a marquee tent for the after party and dinner.
The guests began arriving and slowly made their way to the back. There was no formal procedure in ushering anyone to their seats as everyone was relaxed and knew where to go. Martha Kent was fortunate to have hired help in Diana's embassy domestic staff and Clark's own friends as it was vital no outsider caught wind of the marriage. The embassy staff were in charge of the food and refreshment, whilst friends helped oversee the final decorating. It seemed the wedding planner had only been consulted on ideas and when it came to implementing them,it was left to Martha and a crew made up of Chloe,Jimmy,Lois,Michael,Dinah and Clark and Diana themselves. The other League members wanted to help but found it difficult with living in other cities and prior commitments. Oliver had been generous enough to have the food delivered from one of the best caterers in Metropolis and Bruce Wayne had instructed fresh flowers be flown in from the continent that very morning.
Queen Hippolyta,Phillipus,Cleo,Mnemosyne,Epione,Julia and Ferdinand arrived and were directed by a smiling J'onn J'onzz around the back. They were greeted by Martha Kent, who looked very elegant in a cream ensemble. She welcomed them and bade them to sit down and have any refreshment they wanted,as she was in an earnest conversation with the minister who had baptized Clark as a baby. The old man had been gratified when asked to marry little Clark Kent and was a little bit astonished to find out he was marrying him to the Themysciran ambassador. Martha had to tell him the truth,but that was neither here nor there for the eighty-something year old retired pastor,who did not care whether Clark wore a costume or not. He recalled a generous,kind boy and it pleased him he had prospered in all things in life from success to love.
The Queen of the Amazons blinked at the friendly chaos around them as they stood and took the scene in before them.
Michael Carter and Jimmy Olsen were carrying sections of the cake with Dinah Lance behind them bearing flowers.
She warned,"No horseplay you two. If you throw this thing down,I will have your heads.''
Michael rolled his eyes."Chill,Dinah. I can do this with one hand. See?"
Dinah watched him in horror as he balanced the cake with one hand and she cried,"Don't do that!"
"Hey,I got it!Relax."
But he didn't have it. His toe hit an uneven part of ground and the cake tilted and looked as if it was going to fall. Dinah screamed."Carter!"
Dinah's shrill voice made him wince and the cake fell. Michael groaned,"Aw hell!"
But before it could hit the grass,it seemed to hover and float back up.
John Zatara,Zatanna,Scott and Barda Free stood behind them. Mr Zatara directed the cake to Zatanna,who gently took it in her hands.
Jimmy sighed and shook his head."You are sooo lucky,man."
Michael let out a gasp of relief and gave the man a painful,"Er,thanks,Mr Z!"He looked at Dinah who looked about ready to punch him."Sorry!Sorry...!"
She glared at him."Mike,I swear,you would have had shattered eardrums today..."
Zatanna laughed."It's in one piece,Dinah. Let's go set up. Michael,why don't you go and see if they need help up at the house?"
Michael was only too happy to do so. He scooted away.
Dinah greeted Scott and Barda and introduced them to Jimmy, who in turn gaped at the tall brunette. He stammered as Barda smiled down at him, "Er,Jimmy...Ol...Olsen..."
Barda nodded."Glad to meet you. Here,let me take that. And you can go with your friend. Scott,you go on too."
Jimmy handed his burden over and looked at Scott Free as they turned to go up to the house."You wife?She is...wow!"
Scott, accustomed to this reaction, laughed."I Know. Let's go."
Bart,meanwhile,was apparently in charge of the music and was behind a console under the tent and having fun experimenting. Arthur came up behind him when he blasted out heavy riffs that made Hippolyta's brows fly up. He tapped his shoulder." Turn that off and put on the classical stuff. If you do that when they walk up the aisle,Bart,I swear..."
Bart grinned."I know. I know. I can see Mrs Kent's face if instead of violins I played air-guitar!"
Hippolyta looked at Phillipus and murmured,"This is a wedding?"
Phillipus conceded softly,"Well,this is certainly very different to what we would have done."
"Different is an understatement,"she said dryly.
Julia commented,"Well,they seem definitely not one for formality around here. Look at the groom."
They drew closer to see the groom was standing on the gazebo in shirt sleeves and he was actually pinning fallen garlands the breeze had blown down and balloons that had popped. It was easy for him to hover upwards and hitch the decorations. They took their seats amidst several guests who were also sitting. Lana Lang,Lois Lane,Pete Ross,and Chloe Sullivan were among them.
They blinked to see Diana emerge out of the back door of the house in a simple but elegant white,silk gown with the golden girdle of Gaea at her hips. Her hair was loose,and waved softly about her face. Her only ornaments were her bracelets. She had Clark's jacket in her arms. She walked up to him as he floated down.
"Finished?"
"Yep,I think that's the last one,"he replied.
He took the jacket from her and slipped it on and she pinned a rose onto his lapel. He studied her as she did it. She may not look any more elegant or stunning but there was something in her face. It was blooming with a kind of radiance that make him unable to stop staring at her. Was this astounding, wonderful woman really going to be his?It felt like a dream. He looked around to see his friends and family flitting about and getting things ready. He felt his heart swell with an emotion he couldn't describe. It was happiness. Pure unadulterated happiness. The only thing marring it was that Jonathan Kent wasn't there. Clark had visited his grave yesterday,with his mother and Diana,and the pain which use to hurt him didn't seem so sharp anymore .He knew Jonathan would be looking upon them this day and smiling down upon them.
"Have I told you that you look breathtaking,Diana?"he asked softly.
Diana looked up. Her blue eyes sparkled."Several times,Clark."
He leaned in and whispered,"I want to just kiss you right now but I think it wouldn't be such a great idea with all the eyes upon us."
She looked to see the guests looking at them with indulgent smiles and and amongst them her own intimate entourage. Diana smoothed his jacket."Patience,Mr Kent. My mother is here. Let me go to her."
He nodded and said,"I need to go up to the house to get the rings. I think we start in fifteen minutes."
She nodded. He stopped to greet the Amazon contingent. Hippolyta studied him. He wore his suit with a kind of relaxed air. A man comfortable in his own skin. A far cry from the boy she nearly decapitated over seven years ago. She had to admit he looked handsome. It was not surprising Diana fell for him the moment she saw him. The boy had a most engaging smile that lit his eyes and today those azure pools seemed to be gleaming with satisfaction. Hippolyta tutted as he greeted her in a friendly if somewhat polite manner.
"Come,Clark,enough with "Your Majesty".I am going to be your mother-in-law...call me Hippolyta."
Clark looked at her ruefully."That will take some getting use to...Your Majesty...It feels over-familiar somehow..."
She sighed."Am I so forbidding?"
He smiled."A little."
She laughed. He spoke with her a few minutes;then paused before Chloe and the others to chat for moment;and proceeded up to the house,taking Pete Ross with him.
Diana went around to hug and kiss her mother,and embrace her Amazon sisters,Julia and Ferdinand.
Julia began,"Diana,it's said to be bad luck to let the groom see the bride before the ceremony..."
Diana cocked her head and replied earnestly,"How can it be bad luck for me to see the man I love or him me?We are no stranger to each other. I understand there are many odd traditions that go with marriage in this world but I told Clark that I found them pretentious and would rather we do what is natural to us. And dressing up and standing on ceremony isn't. We want to see and talk to those we love and help them as well. Not be like two actors on a stage...only coming out for some rehearsed event."
"Well said,"commented Ferdinand. Her sisters and mother looked equally impressed.
Julia smiled reluctantly,"You know you may be able to teach westerners something about marriage, Diana. Too often we get caught up in the spectacle and not what it truly means. Most brides and grooms look and feel so harassed. You and Clark are so relaxed."
Hippolyta squeezed her hand as Diana took a seat near her. The Queen said quietly"My little girl sounds like a woman. I know I fought this for years but seeing you two one dares to believe love... unconditional and pure... can be true and possible. I can give you away with a quiet heart to him. He is a remarkable young man."
Diana beamed."Thank you. It lifts my spirit to hear that."
She sighed."Though I still think we could have managed this better on the island. You would have had a grand feast,a guard of honor,fireworks,real musicians,not some box blasting out music as if from the bowels of Tartarus. Hera, what was that Bart playing?"
Diana laughed."It will be fine,Mother. Really it will."
The Queen mused,"So I understand the red headed fellow is Clark's "best man", is it?Who is your "best woman" of this lot?"
Diana corrected her,"It's maid of honor. And it will be Zee."She pointed to Zatanna now coming towards them with her father in tow.
Zatanna came over and introduce her father .He smiled at the Amazons and took his place along side Julia Kapatelis.
Zatanna looked at Diana."It's going to start soon. Mrs Kent wants us. Can I take her,Your Majesty?"
Hippolyta let her hand go with a smile."Certainly,child. Go."
Diana looked at Ferdinand"Are you ready to give me away?"
The minotaur got up and nodded,looking at this woman whom he had known from a babe. "Yes,Princess. It is my honor to do so."
When Clark and Pete left Lana, Lois,and Chloe,the three women watched him walk away.
Chloe sighed."He looks so happy."
Lois looked at Diana in front of them."Well,he won't have to worry about the bride getting cold feet. I must say they are doing things their own way."
Lana smiled."She's stunning, isn't she?"
Lois said wryly,"Doesn't even have to try. Huh,I still say life isn't fair. I had to pay bucks to get my hair styled and buy this dress. She didn't even have to go into a salon."
Lana laughed."I know. But she's so unaware of it. I think that's part of her charm. You can tell Clark loves her a lot...just the way he looks at her...as if she's the most precious thing in the world..."
"And that's saying much for a woman who can throw a tank..."said Chloe with a grin.
Lana said,"Who would believe it. He's the first to take the plunge. Well,not counting my stupid mistake with Lex."
Chloe said ,"I use to think it would be you and Clark,Lana."
Lana sighed."Me too. But when you grow up you realize life is so much more demanding and complicated. I had my chance and blew it. He loved me I know,but that was boy and girl. I wanted Clark to be Clark only and be devoted to me and I couldn't handle Superman."
Lois admitted ruefully,"I had fantasies about Superman. I thought he was so brave,so powerful,so mighty and that normal men were poor substitutes. Who wanted a mere man when one had a handsome demi-god before you?.Little did I know was that he was Clark,one of the most grounded, normal people you could have. Thank goodness he forced me to realize that it wasn't what was on the outside that mattered. If he hadn't I would be comparing every man to Superman and would never have given my policeman a chance."
Chloe added sincerely,"For a while I loved him...perhaps more than a friend. I knew all that he was but he hadn't his identity then and was still searching and looking for purpose. I think even I couldn't understand what he was going through and his sense of isolation."
Lana said softly,"She does. She knows the two aspects are one person ...and herself understands the sacrifices of being something larger than life and the risks. I am happy for them both."
Clark walked up to the house accompanied by Pete to see Oliver Queen,Bruce Wayne,Vic Stone,John Henry Irons, Michael Carter,Jimmy Olsen,Scott Free and J'onn all lounging in the porch with drinks in their hands.
Clark's brow rose and he remarked with a grin,"Soooo this is where my bachelor party is!"
Michale began,"Oh,come on,Clark we were about to do it and you had to go off somewhere with J'onzz here. I had a hot stripper and everything lined up,but you got stuck in space for over a week. We'll have it when you come back from the honeymoon. I have this great bar we can go to and the lovely Lolita can't wait to meet you."
"Nice try. But no. Maybe next person to get hitched?"
All eyes turned to Oliver.
"Why are you all looking at me?"Oliver demanded.
"You're the one with a girlfriend you have been living with for years,"said Vic
He riposted,"Dinah and I are already like an old married couple."
"So why not make it official?"asked Bruce in mock sincerity.
"Oh don't give me that. Like if you care. Playboy Wayne."
J'onn asked,"So you are saying Dinah will never like to get married?"
"Well,no,it's just...it never came up."
"Uh-huh,"said John Henry."You love the woman,why not ask her?Since when Ollie Queen gets cold feet?"
"Well,I...well...Damn it,it's Clark's wedding day. Not mine. How come this is about me all of a sudden?It should be about him!"
Scott chuckled."Well,Clark looks very composed for a man who is about to give up his freedom. He isn't looking as if he'll be needing any pep talk."
Michael added jokingly "Look who he's doing it for, man. Wonder Woman!Can you blame the guy?Look at the smug grin on his face."
"Nervous?"asked Pete curiously of Clark.
Clark thought about it for a second and remarkably shook his head."No,not at all. I've got to go get the rings. I think we are starting in fifteen minutes."
He left them to go inside.
They looked at each other impressed. Michael drained his glass."Let's go to our seats. I don't want Dinah screaming at me again."
The guests were assembled. Bart was playing soft,dulcet music with Arthur standing over him,to ensure he got up to no mischief. Martha Kent took her seat near Hippolyta at the front. The pastor stood on the raised platform of the gazebo with his bible in his hand and a whimsical but patient smile on his face. They saw Jimmy and Clark walk under the arch and proceed up to the front.
Clark smiled at his mother as he took his place before the pastor. Martha clasped her hands to her bosom. Her son looked handsome and grown up. Jimmy looked nervous. Clark had given him the rings to keep and he felt for them ever so often. Clark had to murmur,"Relax Jimmy."
Jimmy gave a weak grin."Can't help it."
Arthur nudged Bart as Zatanna,looking beautiful in pale blue,appeared,carrying a small bouquet. Bruce sensed her presence but stubbornly remained facing front. But something prompted him to turn. His heart gave an annoying beat. His eyes met hers. She gave him a little hesitant smile. He wanted to frown,but god help him, his lips turned up. It was the inquiring school-girlish smile that he remembered so long ago; the one that she use to give him after making him angry and when trying to make peace. John Zatara looked at them and sighed wistfully.
Bart started with Canon in D by Pachelbel,when Zatanna appeared and once she had taken her spot opposite to Jimmy,everyone watched expectantly for the bride. She appeared on Ferdinand's arm,and Bart began the most appropriate music for her,not the traditional wedding march but the arrival of the Queen of Sheba by Handel. Clark turned and looked at her.
She wore no veil. It would have been too incongruous with who she was. She had removed the tiara for now and just wore a circlet of flowers on her hair and carried a bouquet of mixed spring blooms. She looked a combination of regal goddess and woodland sprite. She looked like his Diana.
Their hands met and they stood before the pastor.
The old man opened the bible and cleared his throat,"Dearly Beloved..."
The goddess Eris watched Clark Kent and Princess Diana from above and let out a derisive snort. It was happening,and her obtuse father was refusing to see it. The coming together of these two souls had been predicted to be the downfall of the old god Ares. But how?Superman was very powerful in his earthy haven but he was vulnerable to magic,and the princess was powerful but she wasn't a god. How could they,even if they got together,bring down Ares?A god who had been around for eons?Oh true he wasn't the only deity in the known universe,and gods were capable of dying. With every triumph of Superman and Wonder Woman,the forces of darkness waned just a little and with it their agents,gods like her,and and her brothers Phobos and Deimos,who were weaker in comparison to their father.
She flicked her fingers and vanished from her rooms and appeared in one of the open terraces of Olympus,where her father Ares lounged with his lover Aphrodite on a divan.
Aphrodite was lying on his chest whilst he was busily kissing her.
Eris cleared her throat.
They pair did not even acknowledge her.
She said,"Ahem,Father. A word."
Ares stopped what he was doing and looked up irritably."What do you mean by interrupting us?"
"Father,the prophesy is on the verge of becoming complete."
"What prophesy?"
"The union of son of the stars and daughter of the earth..."
Aphrodite rolled her eyes and asked impatiently,"What is she talking about,Beloved?"
Ares grumbled."I know not. Eris,everyday there is a prophesy of some avatar,or saint or messiah coming into the world to challenge the god of war."
Eris replied,"Not like this one. He is a near demi-god and she has been blessed by the goddess' themselves. Ask Aphrodite."
Ares frowned."What?"
Aphrodite frowned."I have no idea what the she is rambling about..."
Eris said ,"You are her patron. You blessed Princess Diana...'
"Oh,her. Well,I gifted her with beauty..."
Eris looked derisive."She was gifted also by Hera, Hermes, Demeter,Hestia and Athena..."
Ares pushed Aphrodite off him and sat up. Aphrodite said coaxingly to him,"Come now,Ares. She is a child. A paltry grain of sand to your might. What can she do?"
Eris stated,"She defeated Circe when she was barely eighteen. She was not even then this champion that the Amazons claim that would defeat you. She now carries Gaea's girdle,wears bracelets made from Zeus' Aegis. She is strong ,fast ,flies,and is known as a hero to these mortals,as Wonder Woman. She is now twenty five,and she is bonding herself to another one who is of another realm. He is a near demi-god. Their alliance is dangerous but their spiritual union will set in motion events that will bring about our star descending,Father."
Aphrodite stood up,looking annoyed now."You exaggerate, Eris. Their presence may have some effect on men,but generally war and destruction still continues. It is in the nature of man to destroy each other no matter what. History has shown us that. Even after the greatest peace there is always someone hungering,lusting for power and domination. Ares' will flame will always be lit."
She said coldly,"Have you never considered what a physical union may bring forth?"
Aphrodite waved her away."The little princess,according to my darling Eros,is already bedding the Kryptonian and what of it?Let her have some fun."
"Offspring,Father. Can you conceive what their progeny could mean to the likes of me,Strife,and Phobos and Deimos. You may have the strength to weather the storm,
but we may not."
Ares looked ominous."Offspring?She is made of clay. How can she even have offspring?"
Aphrodite said nothing.
Ares looked at her."Can she?"
Aphrodite gave him a droll look."Well,I am goddess of fertility, you know. So it is possible she could..."
Ares rose and gestured to Eris."Summon your brothers."
Eris smiled."Yes,my lord Ares."
As she vanished,Aphrodite looked at him mockingly."So what are you going to do?Stop their wedding?That's like a fly buzzing around a horse's ear. Is it even worthy for one as powerful as you?"
He said with an ironic smile."No,my sweet,I let the children handle this one. Let me see what they can do. Surely you want to see them triumph?"
Aphrodite looked at him with slight impatience. Battles were not exactly what motivated her. She found Ares,her diametric opposite fascinating,but his motivations bored her to tears. Having had children with him did not exactly make her feel maternal pride either .Phobos and Deimos were grotesque creatures to one who was beauty incarnate. She owned more fondness for her golden haired Eros. She got up and said indifferently,"Tell me when it is over."
"Dearly Beloved:We are gathered here,in the presence of God and this company,that Clark and Diana may be united in holy matrimony. We are here to celebrate and share in the glorious act that God is about to perform-the act by which He converts their love for one another into the holy and sacred state of matrimony. This relationship is an honorable and sacred one,designed to unite two sympathies and hopes into one;and it rests upon mutual confidence and devotion of husband and wife. May it be in extreme thoughtfulness and reverence and in dependence upon divine guidance,that you now enter into this holy state."
He looked at the two people staring at each other."It is said,"When two people are at one in their inner most hearts,they shatter even the strength of iron and bronze. And when two people understand each other in their inner most hearts,their words are sweet song like the fragrance of orchids."
Martha searched for a handkerchief. Hippolyta found her expression softening at that.
The pastor looked at Clark."Clark Joseph Kent,Kal-el Of Krypton,do you take Diana of Themyscira and promise to love her,to honor and cherish her,in joy and in sorrow,in sickness and in health and to be to her in all things a good and faithful husband as long as you both shall live?"
Clark looked upon Diana's face. His voice was clear and unwavering."I do."
The pastor looked at Diana."Diana,Princess of Themyscira,do you take Clark Joseph Kent,Kal-el of Krypton and promise to love him,to honor and cherish him,in joy and in sorrow,in sickness and in health and to be to him in all things a good and faithful wife as long as you both shall live?"
Diana replied,"I do."
The pastor looked at Jimmy."The rings if you please..."
Jimmy grinned in relief and pulled the box out and passed them over.
Clark took the ring and held Diana's hand."Diana,this ring I give to you in token and pledge of my constant faith and abiding love."
Diana took the other and held it up to Clark's hand."Clark, Kal,..this ring I give in token and pledge of my constant faith and abiding love."
The pastor looked up."Before I pronounce this marriage binding and legal,is there any here today that see any impediment that these two should not be joined?Speak now or forever hold your peace..."
A female form appeared under the arch very quietly and rolled a golden apple along the pathway. She said gleefully,"Speak..."
Suddenly Arthur rose and said loudly,"She needs someone her equal. Not some farm boy! I,Orin,of Atlantis is a prince born. I am the only one here deserving of her!"
Everyone turned in bewilderment,and began to murmur. Oliver looked bemused."He's gone nuts."
Michael got up."She doesn't want a pompous prince. What she wants is someone who will allow her to share her beauty with the world!"
Arthur glared."Watch it, Mr Soapbox. Before I knock your head off its block.."
Bart stepped out from behind his console."She does not need either of you,morons. She should be with me."
Clark looked at them bemused."What the hell?''
The three launched themselves at each other and began to brawl. Oliver rolled his eyes and lunged to grab hold of Arthur,but the Atlantean used his raw power to toss him over and onto the chairs,dazing him and causing the others to jump to their feet.
John Henry reached for Michael."Carter,stop it,you fool!"
Bart was a little harder to catch. He jumped on Arthur's back,and began to punch him.
Then Lois rose and shouted at Diana."He ought to be with me!I should be his soul mate!Superman is mine!""
Lana struck her from behind with her purse."No. He is my first and last love!Clark,come to me,my love!"
Lois pushed her back."No!Mine!"
Chloe got up and yanked them both by their hair."No!Mine!"
Martha held her cheeks and gasped,"Saints preserve us!What is the matter with all of you?"
Diana gasped."Something has them in thrall!Circe?"
Clark muttered,"Don't know but I'll get Bart off A.C."
Clark flew off and tackled Bart,whilst Arthur was restrained by Vic and Bruce. Dinah rushed to see if Oliver was conscious.
Hippolyta rose and bellowed."Stop this insanity!At once!"But no one was paying her any attention.
Martha and Julia tried to break up Lois,Lana and Chloe who were fighting like wildcats. But they were strong and ended up pushing the two older women aside. J'onn flew towards them and grabbed the older women,Jimmy,Pete and the pastor away."You all must get out of here!It isn't safe. Some dark force is about to compromise this place. Hurry!"
Martha looked alarmed and gestured."The storm cellar..follow me!"
Meanwhile Diana had dropped her bouquet and cried,"Mother!The apple of discord!"
Hippolyta turned to see it rolling along the aisle. She glared around the yard and shouted,"Eris!I know you are here!How dare you breach this ceremony?"
The female figure of the goddess appeared and she laughed."You did not invite me to your precious Diana's christening upon her birth did you,Hippolyta?So,here I am to even the score at her wedding."
Hippolyta snarled."Wait until the goddess gets wind of this."
Eris laughed,"By then it will be too late. Brothers!"
Her two brothers Phobos,god of Fear and Deimos,god of Terror appeared at opposite ends of the yard. The entire yard suddenly began to smell sulphurous and the scenery began to change. The golden fields in the distance began to wilt. The trees lost their verdure and the leaves began to blacken and decay. The ground was becoming hard and dry. The wind picked up,and began to blow and the sky grew clouded over head. There was lightning and thunder and rain began to pelt down upon the congregation.
Eris and laughed."Let the mayhem begin!"
John Zatara was the first to rise and try to take them out. Deimos sent a snake out from his waving serpentine beard and it bit the old magician before he could utter his spell. John Zatara began to hallucinate and scream."Sindella!"
Zatanna cried,"Dad!"
Zatanna lifted her hand to wave at Deimos. But Phobos,with his leonine head and fire in his eyes, was ready for her. He had a long green serpent that coiled around him and the serpent struck at her. She struggled and found the coils tightening around her,starting from her feet,up her legs, torso,arms and mouth."Oh,no my pretty,no more of that!"
Bruce saw her consumed by the coils of the serpent. He turned to see Arthur choking Michael as John struggled to prize them apart,."Sorry,Arthur,but this is for your own damn good!"
He picked up a chair and smashed it over his back. Arthur fell down unconscious. John Henry took Michael out with a powerful upper cut. Michael fell to the ground unmoving. John looked at Bruce guiltily."I was hoping to avoid that."
Bruce said abruptly."It worked. Now for Zee."
Bruce looked at Phobos and stepped in front of him."You want to ensnare someone else,God of Fear?Take me!"
Phobos looked at him."Yes. I can smell it off you. You breathe for it. Thrive on it. Maybe this pretty one is a waste of my time!"
He dropped Zatanna and the serpent struck Bruce. John rushed to Zatanna who was gasping as her breath returned. She cried Phobos began to absorb Bruce Wayne."NO!"
J'onn flew at Deimos,and caught him by the neck,lifting him up and up. Deimos' serpents hissed and bit the Manhunter. J'onn began to see fire and feel it consume him. He loosen his hold and fell cowering to the ground.
Deimos laughed."Pathetic,creature,afraid of fire."
But he let out a grunt of surprise as Ferdinand and Scott Free tackled him from behind at him and he felt the Minotaur's punch and he went flying into the marquee. He stood up in time to see the both coming at him again. He laughed and his beard began to vine and it entwined both Scott and the minotaur.
Hippolyta,and her Amazon sisters looked at Eris."Stop this now!"
Eris gestured to the girls."They will kill each other, Hippolyta. You had better stop them!"
Phillipus said urgently,"Majesty we cannot let those girls harm each other."
Hippolyta gestured to her and Cleo,and Mnemosyne."Go and stop them!I will face Eris!"
Hippolyta withdrew her sword. She said darkly,"I will stop this!"She launched herself at the goddess. Eris saw the sword coming at her and it actually sheared part of her sleeve and cut her arm. Eris' eyes glowed in anger."So you have the magic sword!"She jumped backwards and sent out a bolt of fire. Hippolyta was hit in the gut and flew backwards into the barn itself tearing a hole into the walls.
Diana cried,"Mother!"
Diana flew towards the gaping hole.
Eris snorted."I am a god,Amazon. You can't touch me!"
Dinah tapped Eris from behind."Excuse me."
Eris turned and had a high sonic scream directed at her. She let out a cry of pain and covered her ears. Barda came up with her mega-rod which she always carried. She growled."Let us see you avoid this!"
Eris looked up and a tree began to shiver and burgeon as if it were becoming alive,and the boughs began to grown and curl and writhe. The tree seemed to become large and gnarled as if it had spindly hands and tentacles. She rasped,"Bind them!Bind them all!"
The boughs shot forward and grabbed Barda and Dinah and both were lifted in the air and drawn back and pinned to the wet,oozing,acrid trunk.
Meanwhile Clark was holding Bart and the speedster was fighting like a demon."Let me go you lowlife!You think you can have her!"
"Bart,this isn't you!"
But Bart was not listening. Clark saw the curling boughs come at them. He grabbed Bart and lifted off with him. But the boughs caught them both by the feet and was pulling them towards the tree. Clark snapped the bough off and flew upwards. Another bough with spindly branch-like hands grabbed the tail of his jacket in an effort to pull him back. Clark shrugged out of it and paused in the air,watching the tree take Bart into its bosom. He yanked off his tie and loosen his collar. The stench and the darkness was making him feel breathless. He pushed his wet hair off his brow and tried to fly in closer to help the others but was unable to do so as scores of Stymphalian birds began to appear out of the bowels of the tree.
Clark gasped as they came at him,their beaks like knives and claws like razors. Their wings were brass and the noise they generated was deafening. He swat,burned and froze them.
Diana flew inside the barn to see Hippolyta dazed on the ground."Mother,are you alright?"
Hippolyta shook her head and tried to get up. Her legs wobbled. She gasped,"I will slice her head off for that!"
Diana eased her back to the ground."Mother,sit still. Eris is too powerful for you,even with the sword of Hephaestus. You are vulnerable without the gauntlet of Atlas and sandals of Hermes. Let me!"
Hippolyta looked at her and touched her cheek. She handed the sword over."Take care,child. I will pray to our gods for succour."
Diana flew out of the barn and looked upon the chaos. Amidst the pelting rain she could see her her friends were either imprisoned in Eris' tree,hallucinating from Deimos' bites, threatened by Phobos' coils,attacking each other,lying weakened on the floor,and,in Clark's case,fighting off a flock of warlike birds. He was cut and bleeding from their vicious attacks and she was on the verge of going to him,when he drew in a breath and blew out a mighty gust and the birds spiraled up into the sky like leaves scattered in the wind. She exhaled.
He was okay. For now.
Diana looked at the skirt of her dress and tore it at the thighs,allowing her freedom to move. Her Wonder Woman costume was lying in a pile with Clark's Superman one at the Fortress. Today of all days they had hoped not to have to wear them. They had prepared for every eventuality. Except spiteful gods.
She lifted her sword and flew at Eris."Leave this place now,Strife!"
Eris watched her fly in at her,her blue eyes flashing furiously. She sent out flames at her and Diana shielded herself with her bracelets. Eris directed the wild boughs at her and she simply sliced them apart,the sword of Hephaestus,whirling with deadly speed and force. Eris blinked. She was coming close. She turned to hurl the pointed iron wind vane on the top of the barn at her like a missile. Diana punched it away. She stabbed the sword in the earth and unhitched her lasso swiftly and sent it out. It caught Eris around the neck. Diana yanked the goddess towards her.
"How dare you come today of all days?"
Eris screeched as she felt the bracelets of Zeus' Aegis slam unto her head. She felt real pain for the first time. Diana followed up with the butt of the sword. It hit Eris on the chin and she dropped heavily to the wet ground. Diana lifted her and flung her hard against the gazebo and it shattered .Eris tried to rise but the raging Amazon stepped over her and put a heel onto the back of her head and ground her face into the sodden earth. She pointed the tip of the sword at her neck.
"I said leave this place!"
Eris' spluttered."What are you going to do?Kill me?"
Diana leaned down and dragged her up by the neck."You will call off your brethren!Now!"
Eris eyes gleamed and she laughed."You will have to kill me and them first,Princess. No one tells a god what he or she may do. Not even you!Your friends are writhing in terror and fear. Before this day is done many may die. You cannot stop this!Kill me,Princess. Unleash your anger and your hate. Look at your beloved. See how he struggles. Powerful as a demi-god,yes,but no match for the old gods of men. If you do not kill me you can't save him. Or them all."
Diana's eyes turned to search for him. In the distance she could see Clark was facing Deimos now and the battle could be heard from where she stood. The ground trembled.
"Clark..."
To be continued of course.
Author's note:This was not easy to write. I took some liberties with the identity of Eris. In Greek myth she is actually Ares' sister. Here she is his daughter. Also battling gods is not like when the JLA battle the Legion of Doom. It takes a lot of improvisation and possibly trying to make it sound half tenable .I deliberately wanted everyone to be in their civilian identities as opposed to being in costume. Seems more dramatic that way.
Note. A god can be killed. Has happened in Wonder Woman's own title. I think she used her tiara to decapitate Deimos. He was resurrected later of course. Isn't that always the case though in comics?LOL. And gods have been known to kill each other in Greek myth.
