Chapter 29
Tartarus
The gates of Tartarus opened and standing there was Ares. His arms and legs were bound with chains, but the fury still burned in his eyes. The Hecatonchires, the guards of the gate to Tartarus, released him and closed the gates again. Lounging near the gates, waiting for Ares was Dionysus. His black tux was rumbled and he was drinking from a wine bottle.
"Well, you don't seem any worse for wear," Dionysus said with a playful smile.
"Shouldn't you be face down in gutter somewhere," Ares hissed, rubbing his wrists where the chains had been.
"Still the charming fellow you always have been, I see."
"Did you come here for a reason, drunk, or don't you remember," Ares spat at him.
"Temper, Temper, I came with an invitation to a party," Dionysus smiled, holding a white envelope in his hand.
"I don't have time for your foolishness, Dionysus. I certainly don't want to go to any parties," Ares replied.
"I think you'll want to go to this one," Dionysus said pointedly. He held out the envelope for Ares, who snatched it from his hands. Tearing it open he quickly read it.
"Thea," he asked in confusion.
"That's the name she's going by," Dionysus said, taking another drink from the wine bottle. The meaning of his words slowly registered with Ares.
"Is she now and with the Kryptonian," Ares grumbled, the fire practically shooting from his eyes.
"And rumors have it she's in a family way," Dionysus added.
"What?" Ares gasped.
"That's the rumor."
"You were right. I do think I will attend this party. Perhaps you're not just a useless drunk after all, Dionysus."
"Such a flatterer. Why in heaven's name would Aphrodite ever want anyone other than you," Dionysus sarcastically asked.
"Why are you telling me this? You know I don't care for you. I'm sure you have little love for me, either," Ares asked, suspiciously.
"Let's just say I'll do anything to make a party more interesting. Oh, wear something nice. I believe it's dressy casual."
With that, Dionysus disappeared, leaving Ares to ponder his next move.
The Watchtower
Diana was sitting in her room just staring at the invitation. She'd run through the gambit of emotions since Jonn handed it to her; just as she had since she first heard the news. It made no sense to Diana. Something about the whole situation bothered her; she just couldn't put her finger on it. Regardless of her own feelings, the one thing she was certain of was that she knew Kal better than anyone. From their talk at the farm, she got the impression he was looking to end the relationship with this woman, Thea, not rush it along. When she'd last spoken to him at dinner, his mind seemed more concerned with what he was going to do about Maxima, then this woman.
As she looked at the invitation again, it was obviously in Thea's handwriting. If this had been Kal's idea, he would have delivered it himself or at least put a little personal note in it for her. The whole Clark and Thea Kent part irritated Diana too no end. The woman was implying something that wasn't true. He would have talk to Diana if he were getting married. When he was with Lois, Diana was the person he came to vent with. This woman couldn't mean any more than Lois had to Kal, of that Diana was sure. So what was it? The baby? Diana knew Kal was the last of his race, but somehow she doubted he would rush into something just because of a chance to procreate. The Kal she knew was cautious and careful. It irritated her sometimes when he seemed to take forever to make a decision. So why would he rush into this one? Questions whirled around in Diana's mind but she couldn't find any satisfying answers.
The answers she wanted only one person could give her, Kal. That was the other part that bothered her. Since their dinner together, she had not seen him once. It was as if he were avoiding her. It wasn't like when he'd first come back, eventually she'd figured out that the distance was because of her and Bruce. This felt different, as if he was having trouble facing her. That she couldn't understand. Diana had gone over every second of their dinner many times, but there was nothing to indicate any of this. It felt like a lifetime ago, yet in the same breath it felt like only a moment ago.
To her the dinner had been magical; for it was the first time she realized he was the one. She still felt a rush of emotions just thinking about the moment. She'd almost given up hope that she would ever find someone just for her, and then suddenly there he was right in front of her. He was her heart's desire.
Part of her feared she'd been too obvious about her feelings that night and he'd pulled away not wanting to hurt her. Even as that horrible thought crossed her mind, it didn't ring true with her. She'd never actually said anything to him, never told him of her feelings. Maybe if she had, she wouldn't be sitting here now. She'd been afraid, she admitted to herself. If she'd put herself out to him and he'd not shared those feelings, Diana wasn't sure she could recover from it. Now it seemed her moment had passed.
Glancing down at the invitation again, Diana knew she would attend. She knew the others were worried about her, she could see it in their eyes. They didn't understand why she was going to go. They assumed it was obligation, but actually it was curiosity. She needed to know, to see for herself. Diana wanted to look into this Thea's eyes, to see if it was true. Most of all she wanted to hear it from Kal, face to face.
He'd never lied to her. It wouldn't be real until she heard it from him. Part of her prayed she didn't hear those words. The Gods couldn't be so cruel as to finally let her find her soul mate and then deny her of being with him. She knew there was a chance she would hear those words from him and she had to prepare herself. Diana was an Amazon; first and foremost, she would not show weakness.
Gotham
It was nighttime in the city and most of the employees of Wayne Enterprises had gone home. In the executive suites, a single light was still burning. Belying his image as a playboy, the owner of the company was here tonight reviewing everything that his company was involved in. Bruce took one night a month to keep in touch with the business his family had founded. It was his way of paying respect to his father and mother by making sure the company they built was being true to their vision.
Tonight it was harder to focus on business than usual. Bruce sat at his desk, trying to go over all the facts and figures, but his eyes kept returning to that white envelope. Picking it up for the hundredth time, he wondered again just what the hell Clark was doing?
Since Bruce had found out that Thea was actually Aphrodite he'd told no one. It was still hard for him to wrap his head around it. He had always imagined Clark was powerful, even accepted it when people referred to him as a Demi-god, but this was too strange. The idea that Clark was playing house with a Goddess made Bruce's head spin. The implications that he'd gotten her pregnant on top of everything else posed too many troubling questions. What would the offspring of a Goddess and the most powerful man on Earth be capable of? What wouldn't that child be capable of? Would the child be raised on Olympus or on Earth?
Question after questions came to Bruce that he knew he would have to find answers. The thing that troubled him most was he knew Clark wasn't in love with Aphrodite. How that was possible, he wasn't sure about either. Bruce had only met her in her mortal guise and had been mesmerized by her. He could only imagine what she must be like at full strength. He'd read his mythology and knew even the Gods feared what her beauty could do. Yet mild mannered, Clark Kent seemed immune to her. How was that possible, Bruce wondered, but even as he question came into his mind, the answer quickly followed.
Diana.
Bruce had always suspected it, even if they didn't. They were in love with each other, always had, and always would be. The very things that had bothered him so much when he'd been dating Diana, Bruce knew were the reasons that Clark was her perfect match. Lois and his disappearance had been obstacles, but they always seemed meant for each other. They say opposites attract, but that's just a short-term thing. How could Clark and Diana not find each other? They were so unique and yet alike. Bruce had known Clark the longest, but even he realized Diana knew Clark better than anyone. They were the great love of each other's life, no matter how many others might come between them. In the end they would always end up together.
The sound of his private cell phone ringing brought Bruce out of these thoughts. He checked the number before answering, but it was unfamiliar.
"Hello?"
"I decided to take you up on your offer, Bruce," a sultry voice said in his ear.
"Selina, I was hoping you'd call," Bruce said, a smile spreading across his face.
"Well, if it's just dinner, I decided I'm interested."
"How about tonight?"
"Isn't it a little late?" she asked.
"I'm sure I can make a call to your favorite restaurant and get it to stay open for us," he offered.
"That's sweet, but I don't need to be shown how beneficial it is to go to dinner with you, Bruce. Why don't we make it for tomorrow? My treat," she said.
"Tomorrow," Bruce said, glancing at the envelope again.
"If that's a problem, we can always do it another time," she said, a hint of disappointment creeping into her voice.
"No, actually tomorrow would be perfect," Bruce quickly replied, suddenly not wanting to miss this opportunity.
"Good, I'll pick you up at seven."
"All right," Bruce chuckled, caught off guard by her suggestion. "Do you know where my house is?"
"Bruce, everyone in Gotham knows where your house is."
"It is kind of big," he admitted.
"I won't hold it against you," she playfully teased. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow night."
"I look forward to it."
"Goodnight, Bruce."
"Goodnight, Selina."
As he hung up the phone, Bruce had a smile on his face. He glanced at the invitation again. It was for tomorrow as well. As much as he was interested in seeing what happened, he found he was more interested in having dinner with Selina. For once he would let others worry about their own lives and concentrate on his own.
Outside Paris
The open house was underway and guests were still arriving. Aphrodite looked stunning in a light summer dress that showed off her figure to full advantage. She had decided it should be a barbeque and had appointed Clark as grill master. He felt like a jackass wearing the World's Hottest Chef apron, but had given in and putting it on. The chef's hat was just too much; he had put his foot down and flatly refused to wear. He stood preparing steaks, salmon, burgers and hot dogs for the party. As the members of the Justice League arrived they were all in civilian clothes. Jonn had been the first to show and had gotten the tour of the house. Zatanna and Shayera had shown up and after trying not to laugh at Clark's outfit found their way to the open bar. One by one the guests arrived. Aphrodite as Thea was the prefect hostess, seeming to revel in the whole concept.
"He must be in love if she got him to wear that apron," Shayera commented with chuckle.
"At least he's not wearing the hat," Zatanna pointed out.
"I thought you were into hats?"
"We've been over this, a top hat, okay? A top hat is stylish and sexy. A chef's hat is one step above wearing a hairnet."
"Someone's a little defensive," Shayera said.
"Maybe a little. It's just that it's part of my costume and … Oh, My, God!" Zatanna gasped, nearly spilling her drink.
"What? What's the matter," Shayera asked in concern.
"Look who just walked in!"
Shayera turned and gasped herself. Standing at the patio door was Maxima dragging a very reluctant Wally West by the arm.
"I don't believe it!"
"This is going to be trouble," Zatanna said, finishing her drink.
"So what do you want to do?"
"Let's get another drink and find a good spot to watch," Zee suggested.
"It's moments like this when I remember why we're friends," Shayera said with a wicked smile. The two of them quickly poured themselves a refill and started to move closer.
Clark had seen Maxima enter as well, and knew this wasn't good. He'd been talking to Jonn and tending the steaks when he saw here.
"I can't catch a break," he absently said.
"I understood that Thea specifically didn't invite Maxima. She made that very clear last time I spoke with her," Jonn said turning his attention to Wally and Maxima. "You don't think Wally asked her to be his date, do you?"
"By the look on his face, I seriously doubt it," Clark commented. Just as he made this remark, Aphrodite appeared from the house.
"Oh, no, I better head this off,' Clark quickly said, handing the cooking tools to Jonn and starting towards them. As he made his way over, Clark could see that Aphrodite and Maxima were standing facing each other. Neither had said a word yet and Clark feared fists would start flying. Wally seemed like he wanted to be anywhere else but the spot he was at.
"Welcome to our home," Aphrodite finally said with a big smile. "I'm Thea."
"Um, ah, hi, I'm-I'm Wally West," The Flash said, his eyes nervously going back and forth between the two women. Aphrodite turned to look at Wally.
"Oh, the Fastest Man Alive! It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Wally," Thea said, turning her 1000-watt smile on Wally.
"Yes! Yes I am," Wally suddenly beamed. Where as he had been trying to get away from this pair, now he was fully engaged with talking to Thea. He reached out his hand to shake hers. "I've heard quite a bit about you, Thea."
Aphrodite took his hand and then laid her other on top of it. "I'm sure it's nothing as exciting as your heroics, Wally."
"Wow, Clark a lucky bastard," Wally impulsively said as he was mesmerized by her. An elbow to his ribs reminded him that Maxima was standing next to him.
"Ow! Oh, um, ah, yeah, Thea, this-this is Maxima," he nervously said.
"Queen Maxima of Almerac," she corrected him.
"Isn't it ex-Queen of Almerac? Didn't you step down as monarch? That's why you're here imposing on the League's hospitality, isn't it," Thea said, smiling the whole time.
"That is only temporary and I have other interests here as well," Maxima said, a cold smile on her face.
"Well, good luck with those. I hope you have as much success as you did as Queen."
Maxima's face started to turn red at this remark, but before she say or doing anything, Clark was there.
"Well, everybody's getting to know everyone, good, good. Wally, lots of food coming up, so I hope you brought your appetite," Clark said with a forced cheerfulness.
"Look who's here, honey," Aphrodite said. "Your former kidnapper."
Clark could feel the headache starting again above his eyes.
"So this is the little woman, is it, Kal-El," Maxima finally responded, still smiling. "You must have been very lonely before I arrived."
Both women stared at each other, smiles still on their faces, but a cold anger in their eyes. Wally stood there watching all of and gave a little gulp in fear.
"Why don't I show Maxima the house," Clark said, taking her by the arm and ushering her away from Aphrodite and Wally.
"Yes, go ahead, show her around our house. Perhaps she'd be interested in the front door," Aphrodite said coldly.
Clark ushered Maxima into the house and then stepped back outside to speak with Aphrodite.
"Let's not have this in front of everyone, please," he said quietly.
"The nerve of her to show up at our house," Aphrodite said, some of the anger slipping through.
"You have nothing to worry about," Clark said, reassuringly.
"She thinks she's my rival for you," Aphrodite said, looking at him.
"I'm not in love with Maxima. She's not your rival, trust me," Clark said, holding her gaze. Aphrodite looked into his eyes and saw he was telling the truth. Happiness swept through her and a radiant smile spread across her lips.
"I believe you," she said softly.
"Good, now just let me show her the house so I talk to her. I'll be right back. Okay?"
"Okay!"
Clark gave her a small kiss on the forehead and then headed back to the house. One fire put out, now he needed to address the other. Aphrodite turned to Wally and took his hand.
"Come on, Wally, let me show you some of the delicious food I've had made special just for today."
"I'd follow you anywhere," Wally said without thinking. He blushed as he realized he'd said it out loud.
"You're cute," Aphrodite said and then ushered him towards the food table.
Zatanna and Shayera had been watching all of this with keen interest.
"Round One goes to Thea," Zee said, finishing her drink.
"Almost a knockout," Shayera agreed. "I did like the lonely comment from Maxima, though."
"Sorry, trumped by the kidnapper comment, just too little, too late," Zee said, shaking her head.
"Another drink before round two?"
"Let's."
As they made their way back to the open bar, they noticed an unfamiliar man standing by the bar. He was handsome, in an androgynous way, and wore a peach colored tailored suit. He looked like he'd already had several cocktails.
"Can I interest you charming ladies in another cocktail," he said with a smile.
"Sure," Shayera said, returning it with one of her own. Zatanna nodded as well.
"I know just the thing," he said, stepping behind the bar and starting to mix ingredients.
"I don't believe we've met before. I'm Zatanna and this is Shayera," Zee said to him.
"A pleasure," the man smiled. "I'm Dionysus or Dion for short."
Both ladies shook hands with him.
"So are you a friend of Thea's?"
"Yes, we go way back," he replied, finishing up the drinks and presenting them. "Here, try these, it's like liquid velvet."
Both heroes took a sip and nodded in agreement.
"That's delicious, what is it," Shayera asked.
"Family secret," he smiled. "So are you two enjoying the show, so far?"
"What do you mean," Zatanna asked.
"Oh, come on now, I saw you two getting a better seat for the confrontation, so don't deny it. I think Thea won that one easily."
"There's always round two," Shayera laughed, blushing a little at being caught.
"Yes, but that won't be nearly as interesting as the main event."
"The main event? What's that," Zatanna asked with interest.
"Here she comes now," Dionysus said, gesturing towards the door. Shayera and Zatanna turned to see Diana step hesitantly out onto the patio. She seemed to be looking for someone and a little nervous.
"Oh, my, Thea, Maxima and now Diana, you'd better make us a double, Dion," Shayera said, but when she turned around he was gone.
"Where'd he go?"
"I don't know, he was standing right there a moment ago," Zee replied.
"At least he made us another drink," Shayera said.
Inside the house, Clark was showing Maxima around, stalling for time as he tried to figure out what to say to her.
"Your female seems to have lovely taste, Kal-El. I'm sure she's very domestic," Maxima snidely remarked, looking dismissively at one room after another.
"Why did you come here today, Maxima," Clark finally asked, knowing he had to deal with her.
"I wanted to see who you foolishly thought could replace your soul mate," she boldly said.
"I know this is hard for you to understand, but you're not my soul mate, Maxima," he said firmly.
"Yes, I am, just as you are mine," she countered.
"No, we're not soul mates, Maxima. I'm sorry, I know you want it to be true, but it's not."
"You think she is your soul mate," Maxima defensively asked.
"This isn't about her, Maxima, it's about you and me. You are a beautiful woman and I'm flattered you are attracted to me, but it can't happen," he said as gently as he could.
"Kal-El, your infatuation with this woman, Thea is just a momentary thing. Once you've had time to see the truth, you will know I'm right," she said to him.
"No, I'm sorry, Maxima, if there was no Thea, it still wouldn't be us. I'm sorry, but that's never going to happen. We can be friends, but nothing more is going to happen between us."
Maxima seemed to take this hard, not sure what to say to him. He had been her dream for so long. She knew she had made a mistake with him the first time, but she believed that their love would overcome it. Now, he was saying her dream wasn't going to happen with him ever.
"So your heart belongs to another," she finally asked. Clark wasn't looking at her as he thought about her question. All he could say was, "yes."
"You might change you mind," she offered weakly, still not wanting to give up.
"Even if I did, which I won't, Thea's having my child, Maxima. What sort of man would I be if I walked away from my responsibilities? Is that the sort of man you'd want," Clark asked.
"No," she had to admit. One of the reasons she did love him was because of his honor. She understood now, that no matter what she might want, his honor dictated he accept his responsibility as father to the child he'd created. If it were her child, she would do no different. Sadly, Maxima realized she was going to have to accept his decision, as much as she might hate it.
"I understand, Kal-El, and I will not stand in the way of your happiness," she said to him. Clark smiled and gave her a hug.
"Thank you, Maxima."
"If things change you will let me know, won't you," she said with a small smile.
"If they change, we'll see," he said returning her smile. She pulled him into a hug, stealing herself against the emotions rushing through her.
"Hey, why don't we go back out and enjoy the party? You know you're welcome and you're with friends," Clark offered.
"You-You go ahead, I'll be out in a minute," she said, trying to appear as if everything was all right.
"Okay, I should probably get back to the grill anyway. I'll see you out there," Clark said, starting towards the door.
"Kal-El?"
"Yes?"
"Are we still friends?"
"Of course."
"Then as a friend, I have to tell you that you look like an ass in that apron. You should be embarrassed," Maxima quietly said.
"Tha-Thank you. I appreciate your honesty," Clark managed to say, before heading back out. As he made his way through the house back to the patio, he quickly ditched the apron. I knew that looked asinine, Clark said to himself, I'm never going to hear the end of it. As he opened he back door and started to step out onto the patio, Clark froze. Standing ten feet away from him was Diana. She was talking to Aphrodite.
