Women of Steel Series


Disclaimer: see chapter 1


Chapter 10

Her body reacted automatically, snatching the coiled Lasso from her belt and expertly throwing it with a twist of her wrist. The golden rope enfolded the screaming Centaur's torso and she pulled on it quickly.

"Hang on to the rope!"

Shaking, Thuly grabbed the rope with both hands, sobbing with his eyes closed. Diana pulled him up quickly, looking down to try and find Kara, but there was no sign of the Kryptonian.

"You better not be hurt, Kara…" Diana grumbled, pulling the sobbing child to the safety of the ledge. Releasing him from the Lasso, Diana hugged him tightly. The boy's skin was ice cold and he couldn't stop shaking. "You're safe, Thuly, you're safe now."

Diana pulled him away tenderly, rubbing his cold arms briskly as she looked over his shoulder. "I can see your father from here, Thuly. He'll be here in a moment. Wait here for him, all right? I need to go help Kara."

The boy nodded, shivering, and Diana wasted no more time, plunging into the pool below.

She was going to get her Kara.

##

Kara tumbled down the long waterfall, crashing over sharp rocks on the way down, but she was ready for the impact this time. She wasn't ready, however, for the brutal force of the whirlpool of foamy wild water where she fell.

The turbulent water tossed and twisted her around like a ragdoll and she couldn't make sense of up and down. It felt like the murky water was purposely pressing on her chest, trying to force all the air out of her lungs, while forcing her down in a watery trap.

No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get out.

##

Diana plunged deep into the icy pool, the sudden coldness of the water numbing her senses for a moment. The Amazon frowned, confused; water was never this cold in Paradise Island. Was this the nymph's doing?

Shifting around until she found the turbulence where Kara had fallen into, Diana fearlessly swam towards it, but the water kept revolving violently, and she couldn't see through it. Closing her eyes, she focused on Kara's heartbeat instead, tuning out all other sounds, including the loud roaring that seemed more like an angry growl than anything else. She knew the water was angry, but right now she didn't care - she was going to get Kara back.

##

Desperate to try to find a way out of the swirl, Kara's ears suddenly picked on a familiar sound and focused on it until she was able to pinpoint its location. Not caring if she was going up or down, she used her powerful legs to propel herself towards it, ignoring the growing pressure in her chest and the powerful pull of the revolving water around her.

Faint golden waves floated in front of her, brushing over her arms and legs almost like a gentle caress, leaving a tingling sensation in its wake. It was a beautiful and comforting sight, but Kara had dealt with enough aliens and futuristic technology to know not to let herself be deceived by its apparent harmfulness. Ignoring the beautiful waves with its feathery like touch, she kept swimming forward, powering her way through the engulfing water, but only to be met with a wall of solid ice blocking her path, the temperature around her dropping drastically. Looking around confused, she noticed the icy wall closing in on her from all sides. This was not good. Not good at all. Where was this coming from? Why was the water trapping her!

The pressure of the water was getting to her like nothing ever had, slowly suffocating her, and the anxiety building in her chest from those closing walls was not making things any easier.

Frowning, Kara closed her fists tightly and hammered the ice wall in front of her, ignoring the pain shooting from her side. She may not be able to fly on this island, but she could still pack a full Kryptonian punch, injured or not.

The wall shattered with what sounded almost like a grunt of pain, large chunks of ice floating around her from the hole she had just opened with her fists. Throwing another devastating punch at the ice, more pieces of dislodged ice blocks floated to her side, the opening now wide enough for her to swim through.

The wall of ice wasn't as thick as she thought but she could barely see through murky turbulence on the other side, but that familiar heartbeat was sounding from nearby and that's where she needed to go, before the pressure became too much.

Kara tried to push herself out of her ice cage, but the water around her legs and waist became thick and solid, and sticky, like gelatin, wrapping around her in such a powerful grip that she could hardly move.

The hole she had just punched on the ice wall closed as if nothing had happened, the walls shifting closer.

Her heart hammered wildly in her chest. The water was trapping her, and she couldn't move; she couldn't get out of that shrinking ice cage. The pressure pushed harder on her chest, almost like it was trying to rip it apart, and she knew she couldn't hold her breath for much longer - the pain was becoming unbearable.

The walls pressed closer until they were inches from her.

Too close… It's too close! I can't… I need to get out!

Her arms were caught in the gelatin-like substance and she couldn't move anymore. She couldn't think anymore. It was going to kill her. The water was going to kill her, and she would die alone, trapped and suffocating in that watery grave.

"Nooooo!" She screamed into the water, laser beams desperately shooting from her eyes as the air in her lungs finally escaped.

The heated beams carved their way through the sticky water, hitting the ice wall above her and melting a large section of it. The fluid around her gurgled painfully loud, tightening its hold on her.

"Diana!" Kara screamed into the water, her eyes closing dangerously as all air left her lungs, and the pressure and the ice-cold temperature became too much.

##

Diana's eyes opened instantly as her name traveled through the water and reached her ears.

Kara!

Tilting her head slightly to the side, Diana's eyes squinted disapprovingly. This nymph was getting on her nerves, not an easy task. Bracing herself, the warrior brought both her arms up, slamming her bracelets together. A burst of bright gold and orange released an energy field with enough concussion force to break through the murky turbulence, shattering the icy confinement with a muffled boom, shards and blocks of ice splattering everywhere.

A gurgling scream echoed from everywhere around her. It was almost like she was inside the reverberating sound, feeling its painful vibrations in every inch of her body. Diana shook her head to clear the awful vibration from her ears - it was muffling all the sounds around her.

"Kara!"

She knew it was useless to scream her name underwater, with the vibrations around them, but she just couldn't help herself. Swimming forward to where the ice had exploded everywhere, Diana finally spotted a floating arm. Kara!

Speeding up, Diana yanked Kara's wrist and thrust them both up with powerful kicks. Breaking the surface, Diana inhaled deeply, pulling Kara against her in a bruising embrace. Kara coughed and spluttered, spitting water from her mouth, desperately trying to get her breathing under control.

"Kara!"

Kara coughed again, shaking uncontrollably in her arms. She could feel the Kryptonian's erratic heartbeat pounding in her chest.

"The water… It was trying to kill me…" Kara gasped, clutching onto the Amazon for dear life. "I—It was trapping me…"

Diana breathed deeply, closing her eyes in utter relief at the sound of the blonde's hoarse voice. Covering Kara's head with her hand, Diana kissed her soggy hair. "I'm sorry… I'm so sorry, Kara."

She knew about Kara's anxiety attacks and claustrophobia, and just the thought of this petulant nymph trying to trap her sweet Kara, made her blood boil like only one other ever had. "You're safe now. She won't hurt you anymore."

Kara sagged in her arms. It was like she had no more strength left. Holding her close, Diana swam to shore and helped the woman onto the grassy ground, but Kara was shaking so badly they both tumbled down, falling to their knees. Pulling the Kryptonian back into her arms, Diana held her tight, whispering soft words of reassurance until both their hearts slowed down and fell into what was becoming a familiar rhythm, beating in perfect sync with each other.

She didn't want to let go of her ever again.

"You scared me…" Her voice shook, but she didn't care. Diana pulled away enough so she could cup the shivering woman's face, searching the dazed blue eyes and gently cleaning away the trickle of blood falling from her forehead. Touching Kara's cold, trembling lips, Diana kissed her reverently. "You scared me…"

"I'm sorry…" Kara rasped in between kisses, her hands clenching and unclenching on Diana's wet leathers. "D—Didn't mean to…"

"No, no, you have nothing to apologize for, Kara." Diana dropped another kiss before pulling away to rub her arms, trying to warm her up. "You need to warm up. I'll gather some wood and you can start a fire with your heat vision, ok? It's faster."

Kara nodded, but dropped her head on the Amazon's shoulder, hiding her face from Diana's prying eyes. "Why was the water trying to trap me?" Her voice was shaky, and Diana wasn't sure if the younger woman wasn't muffling a sob.

Diana kissed the head resting on her shoulder, her dark eyes troubled. Why indeed. If Kara had nightmares from this, she was going to ship that nymph to the Nile – on a sample bottle!

"I'm sorry, sweetie… There's a nymph that dwells in this river and she's not very nice. I'm sorry she did that."

Kara sniffed, still shaking from the cold. "N—Nymph?"

"Yeah, we have elemental deities on the island. Most of them are nice, but this one…" Diana glared at the peaceful pool, displeased. "You need to warm up, Kara. Wait here."

Diana gently pulled the shaking Kryptonian away from her, noticing that her lips had a slight blue tinge to them. Kara's eyes changed from blue to the characteristic bright orange of her heat vision. "Kara?" Diana looked down at her, concerned. "What's wrong?"

"This always warms me up a bit," Kara whispered, lowering her eyes, embarrassed. "I know, I look like a freak when I do this."

Diana grasped her chin and kissed her gently, glad to feel Kara's lips were longer ice cold. "You always look beautiful to me, sweet Kara."

Kara blushed, making Diana grin. "I bet that blush is going to help you warm up too."

Kara groaned pitifully, but a piercing screech traveled through the forest behind them before she had the time to hide away her embarrassment, both snapping up their heads at the sound.

"What the…"

A closer noise caught Kara's attention. "Huh… Diana…"

Diana looked down at the Kryptonian, following her widening eyes, only to be faced with a huge wave rising from the pool, speeding their way.

Kara surged forward, knocking Diana down to the side, and blew her freeze breath over the wave, her eyes still glowing red. The wave stopped advancing a few feet away from them, now nothing more than a wall of clear ice.

A low growl echoed from the pool and tiny cracks scattered all over the solid ice wall.

"Kara!" Diana tackled the Kryptonian, protecting her with her own body as the wall shattered, shards of ice exploding everywhere with a blasting sound.

The growl became louder and the water in the pool revolved around itself in an unnatural twist, quickly rising from the surface while taking on a humanoid shape.

"Is that—"

The warrior shifted, leaning her head to the side in barely concealed exasperation. "The nymph, yes." Diana sighed but smiled down at her Kryptonian, gently rubbing her cheek with her thumb, glad to feel some warmth back on her skin. Her Kryptonian? Dear gods… "We're not having it easy today, are we?"

Kara smiled for the first time since leaving the cold pool. "We're superheroes, Wonder Woman, we never have it easy."

Diana chuckled and gave her a quick kiss, blithely ignoring the imminent threat.

"Demon!" The nymph's spat, diamond shaped eyes flashing angrily. "I will kill you, demon!" The deity gurgled, pointing a rippling finger at Kara.

"Rýk…" Diana growled warningly, quickly rising. "You might want to stop glowing your eyes, Kara. I don't think it's helping."

"Oh!" Kara's eyes returned to their normal color immediately.

The screeching ripped through the air again. "Kara, maybe you should—" Nervous neighing reached their ears. "The Pegasus…" Diana helped Kara up. "You have to go, now."

"No! I'm not leaving you to fight her alone!"

"The Pegasus are in trouble, Kara. Go help them. I'll be right there."

"But—"

"Kara, I can handle this." Diana's eyes softened. "I promise. Go."

"Demon!"

Kara looked like she was about to rebel, shooting the nymph an angry glare. "Fine." Kara grabbed Diana's hand, tugging on it. "Be careful."

Diana smiled and nodded, returning her attention to the angry looking nymph.

##

Kara sprinted almost at full Kryptonian speed towards the sounds of distress, the numbing coldness in her body preventing her from moving faster.

The screeching, neighing and wild flapping seemed louder now and she knew she was getting closer to whatever was happening to the Pegasus, but she was not prepared for the sight that greeted her when she stumbled from the last line of trees out into the idyllic green valley.

"No…" The strangled whisper left her lips at the Dantesque scene in front of her.

All over the green valley, the large majestic winged creatures stood protectively in front of their young, flapping their broad wings wildly, hooves hitting the grass in a clear sign of menace.

Several Pegasus were scattered all over the green grass, unmoving, small fires burning here and there, smoke everywhere.

The awful screeching came from somewhere above her, and Kara raised her hands to protect her ears from the hurtful sound. Peeking through squinted eyes, the Kryptonian looked at what was the most grotesque creature she had ever seen. All black and hoovering a few feet from the ground, it was staring down at a beautiful grey Pegasus, its long tail swishing. The horse's wings were spread wide and she could see smaller Pegasus hiding fearfully behind it.

Dropping her hands to her sides and balling them into fists, Kara's eyes instantly turned bright orange again.

##

"Demon!" The nymph screamed, moving rapidly over the water and grass to try and catch Kara, but Diana stood in her away, hands on her hips.

"I am Diana of Themyscira, daughter of Queen Hippolyta, and I command you to stop!"

The nymph stopped in her tracks, eyeing the amazon angrily. "Liar! The Princess lives here no more!"

The sound of roaring water grew louder, almost as if she was under a waterfall. The water of the pool darkened to a frightful stormy blue tinge as rapidly growing white waves crashed on the grassy shore, violently washing away all that was in its path.

"You don't frighten me, Rýk!" Diana stared at the deity rising as tall as the waterfall.

Rýk gurgled, her eyes flashing the color of a stormy ocean. "Die, demon!" The nymph moved, crashing down on Diana, a fierce rippling grin on her wavy face.

Diana squinted her eyes and smashed her bracelets together, the energy wave effectively deflecting the water's impact and forcing the nymph to crash against the outer wall of the pool.

Rýk gurgled furiously and threw herself at the Amazon, but Diana was ready for her and grabbed the Lasso from her waist, throwing it around the deity. The Lasso became golden when it encircled the watery form, forcing the nymph to shrink back to her regular size with a painful gurgle.

Now secure in the Lasso, away from her element and no more than four feet tall, Rýk, the nymph, posed no threat to Diana.

##

Forgetting about the coldness still clinging to her bones, Kara sprinted at full speed, jumping up and tackling the hideous dark creature from behind just as it was about to come down on the Pegasus.

They fell onto the ground, entangled, but Kara quickly rolled away from the creature, standing protectively in front of the Pegasus. Finally facing the creature, Kara's lips thinned. This was probably the demon that had upset the nymph.

"This is terrible…" She grumbled, staring at it.

The creature was taller than she was, probably around seven feet tall. Its skin was a shiny black, rugged crust, filled with fluid cracks of molten lava, dark smoke oozing from its shoulders. Instead of hands and feet, it had sharp, bony looking claws as bright as lava. The tail was as black as the rest of it, laded with sharp thorns and a nasty looking spike at the tip. With eyes as bright orange as her own and a half-moon of molten lava as a mark on its forehead, it was a terrifying sight.

The creature slowly stood up to its full height, shrieking angrily at her, its mouth opening to an unnatural width, lava spitting from it. The stench of sulfur and burnt rock emanating from it was overwhelming.

Kara covered her ears with her hands, her eyes closing in reflex at the ear-splitting sound. The creature lunged at her, sharp-looking claws fully extended with deadly intent.

##

"The Lasso of Hestia…" Rýk stared in disbelief at the golden rope wrapped around her lithe body, her voice no longer sounding like gurgling water. "How can this be? How do you have this?"

Diana almost rolled her eyes. "How do you think, Rýk? I'm Diana."

The nymph stared at the Amazon Princess, her blue crystalline eyes glinting with sudden satisfaction. "If you're the Queen's daughter, then it's your duty to hunt that demon and make it pay for what it did!"

Diana yanked on the Lasso, abruptly bringing the nymph closer, until their faces were mere inches away. "Kara is not a demon!" Diana growled indignantly. "Go back to your realm, nymph, before I change my mind."

The nymph's bluish pointy ears twitched, flattening against her dark blue hair. "But—"

"Nymph…"

"If you really are Diana of Themyscira, then you are bound by honor to help me!" The nymph shouted, getting angry again, her eyes flashing the color of a stormy ocean, but the Lasso prevented her from changing her shape. "That demon destroyed my home! It killed my friends! I demand justice!"

Diana frowned, tired of whatever game this nymph was playing, but she could see it in her eyes that she wasn't lying, that she truly believed Kara to be a demon, and she was right, as the Queen's daughter, she was bound by honor to help her, or find a way to. "What are you talking about?"

"Release me and I'll show you."

Diana glared at the nymph for a moment before removing the Lasso. "Give me any trouble and I'll send you back to Olympus before you can blink."

The pixie looking nymph glowered at the Amazon and stomped back to her pool, fully expecting Diana to follow her.

Diana looked over her shoulder, to the forest where Kara had disappeared, frowning at the cold shiver creeping up her spine. "Make it fast."

##

Kara heard the demon's movement and crouched when it came within her reach, suddenly surging up with a powerful jab to the chin that sent it reeling back several footsteps, hot lava spilling from its wide mouth and falling on the grass, starting another fire.

Kara jumped quickly, delivering another devastating punch to the demon's rugged head before she even touched the grass, quickly turning her head to the side to put the fire away with her freeze breath. The creature stumbled backward again, but this time recovered faster and lunged forward, its right orange claw changing into a sharp spike, very much like the one on the tip of its tail.

Kara gaped, barely deflecting the attack with her forearm. "Son of…" Instinctively unsheathing her sais, Kara slashed out viciously, catching the creature across the thigh, viscous lava spilling from the gap.

The creature screamed in pain and Kara dropped to her knees, gasping, her sais falling from her hands as she tried to protect her ears from the strident sound, her eyes squeezing shut.

The creature wasted no time and raised its arm up to strike down, taking full advantage of her distraction, but before it could impale Kara with it, grey hooves smashed hard against its chest, knocking it down.

Kara shook her head, trying to rid herself of the ringing still in her ears. Opening her eyes, Kara looked around and found the creature rising, the distinct marks of hooves visible with the molten lava oozing from around it. Never taking her eyes from the creature, Kara searched the grass with her hand until it touched the cold metal of her sais. Wrapping her hand around its handle, Kara engaged the creature in a fight, managing to get several cuts and kicks in, while skillfully dodging the sharp spikes.

Growling, the demon took a step back and unfolded large dark wings, flapping them quickly and taking off before Kara could get to it.

"Hey!"

##

Diana gaped at the destroyed cove, broken trees and stomped colorful flowers scattered everywhere. Taking a step forward, she found a few rabbits and birds lying on the grass, crushed and broken. Kneeling by their side, Diana closed her eyes and sent a silent prayer to Gaia, asking the goddess to welcome these creatures back into her realm.

"Look what it did to my home! Look!"

Diana frowned. "What happened here?"

"The demon did! It came out of nowhere and destroyed everything it touched!"

Her gut churned, never a good sign.

"Where did it go?"

Loud shrieking came from somewhere in the forest and Diana turned her head towards the sound, realizing with uneasiness that it came from the same direction Kara had left.

The nymph point in the same direction. "That way. I'm sure the trail is easy to follow, daughter of Hippolyta."

"Kara…" Diana whispered before taking off from the cove.

##

Kara was miffed. It had wings? How? And it could fly?

"Oh, no, you're not getting away. Nope!"

Never taking her eyes off the hideous creature, Kara jumped up, thrusting herself as fast as she could. She couldn't fly, but she could jump high.

Quickly gaining speed, Kara surged from underneath the flying creature, catching it by surprise. The beast half turned to strike her, leaving its chest open and unprotected for a crucial moment. Seizing her chance, Kara raised her sais and struck with all her strength into the dark crusted chest, but instead of penetrating flesh, the blade disintegrated all the way to the hilt.

A clawed hand struck her viciously across the face, breaking skin and almost knocking her out. Dazed, Kara dropped heavily, free-falling onto the hard ground below.

Neighing broke through the fog in her head and Kara opened her eyes, spotting the grey Pegasus following her descent from close by. Was it there to help her?

Twisting in midair, Kara watched as the Pegasus swiftly adjusted its trajectory, catching her neatly on its back. Kara dropped onto the smooth warm back of the magnificent animal with a grunt of pain, cradling her bruised ribs with her hand. She would need to soak in the healing waters for hours after today's wild events!

Despite her predicament, Kara couldn't help the pang of excitement – she was flying again and on the back of a Pegasus! Alex was going to be so jealous! Remembering Diana's words, Kara leaned over and spoke softly to the winged horse, "I need you to take me back up, as close as you can."

Tilting to the side, the grey Pegasus turned back around, flapping its powerful wings to push them up and closer to the demon.

Hearing their approach, the demon turned around quickly and lunged at them.

Getting closer to the fast approaching demon, Kara shifted on the Pegasus' back, hazardously positioning herself in a crouch. Catapulting up and sideways, Kara somersaulted over the demon's head, snatching her second sais from her belt in mid-jump. Striking her arm out on the way down, she slashed mercilessly at the demon's dark wing, slicing deeply into the surprisingly soft skin.

The demon howled, swaying sideways.

Kara let herself fall, knowing the Pegasus would catch her again, but a clawed foot wrapped around her wrist and squeezed hard, trapping her, its tail swinging dangerously close. Caught in the demon's grasp, Kara tried to release herself from its hold, but dangling high above the ground with only one free hand and a very nasty tail trying to impale her was not making it easy.

The spike came at her again, but Kara reacted quickly, slashing out with a heavy grunt, the sharp blade severing it in a clean cut from the tail, just inches from her neck.

The demon let out a deafening screech, hot lava spilling from its mouth. Kara squeezed her eyes shut at the unbearable sound, crying out in pain when the hot fluid hit her thigh, burning her. Grunting, Kara twisted, pushing her body into a swinging motion in the demon's grasp and forcing it to stumble back and forth. Using her growing momentum, Kara twisted and uncoiled her legs upwards, hitting the demon full on the face with a powerful kick. The demon's head snapped back with the force of it, the claw breaking its hold on her wrist with her sudden upward movement.

Kara fell onto the waiting Pegasus's back, but the demon was hot on their tail again, this time trying to strike at the flying horse instead of Kara. The Pegasus maneuvered evasively, managing to avoid the demon's attacks, but a blast of hot lava hit its wing and neck, and the horse lurched abruptly to its side, dropping Kara.

Twisting just before hitting the ground, Kara fell heavily in her iconic landing pose, crouching with one hand down on the ground. Raising her head sharply, the alien slowly rose, a determined glint in her stormy blue eyes. The Pegasus was hurt because of her and this vile creature would not get away with it. She watched helplessly as the injured horse steered sideways and landed clumsily on the grass, falling on its side after a staggering moment.

Staring ahead, she watched the demon close in on her, its claw and hand spike extended all the way. It felt almost like watching a slow-motion scene from a movie. Kara brought her hands down in a thunderous clap, releasing a massive shockwave and brutally hitting the demon while it was still flying straight at her, leveling everything in that direction.

The demon shrieked, tumbling backward uncontrollably.

##

Diana was running at full speed, skillfully avoiding the trees and roots in her way. Kara was in danger and she had to get to her.

Her senses picked on a change in the air, but she was being thrown back by an invisible force before she could figure out what it was.

Grunting, Diana managed to skid to a halt, holding on to a thick root while keeping her head down to protect herself from the unknown shockwave.

"Kara!"

##

The demon growled, squinting his bright eyes in anger. Scrambling to its feet, it started running, taking up flight before it was fully standing. Even with one wing slashed, it could still fly, and fast.

Kara braced herself as it violently clashed against her, keeping it away from her by the wrists, but the demon was too strong and kept pushing her back, leaving visible track marks in her wake. Kara grunted with the effort, trying hard to stop it. Throwing her head back, the Kryptonian buttheaded the demon, finally stopping its momentum.

The demon dropped down to a standing position, staggering slightly, but still trying to hit her in any way possible, its wings and tail moving together in a not very coordinated attack. The tail caught her across the abdomen, slashing her leathers and drawing blood.

Kara cried out, looking down. She hated seeing her own blood. It meant she was vulnerable, and she didn't like that. And her leathers, her poor brand-new leathers!

Growling in frustration and anger, Kara shot her heat vision, hitting it on the chest. The demon yelped and they struggled, each trying to get the upper hand, but Kara was unstoppable now, delivering blow after blow, kick after kick, her newfound Amazonian skills making her fight relentlessly.

She was about to deliver another devastating blow to the stumbling creature when her vision blurred, and she swayed, stumbling back.

From the corner of her eye, she caught on a blurry motion headed for the demon, a familiar thumping ringing in her ears, but the sharp pain shooting up from her side had her look down instead. The demon's spike arm was drawing back from her abdomen, its tip tainted with blood - her blood.

A shocked gasp left her lips as the spike was drawn back and pushed forward against her unprotected abdomen - it was a killing blow, but Kara's hand wrapped around it in a death grip and held it before it could hurt her again.

The clawed hand came down on her throat, sharp claws ready to slice it open, but Kara's free arm shot up, wrapping in a vice grip around the demon's arm, and twisting it until it cracked.

Crying out with rage and pain, Kara shot the demon with her heat vision at the same time a sharp blade stuck out from its chest. The demon screeched and tumbled down, taking Kara with it, but strong arms stopped her fall.

"It's dead, Kara, you can stop now."

The familiar voice wrapped around her mind like a soothing balm and Kara returned her eyes to its regular color, breathing heavily.

"Gods in Olympus, Kara, you just fought a demon…" Diana pulled her into a bone-crushing hug.

Kara rested her head on Diana's shoulder, sagging in her arms. Everything hurt and her side felt like it was on fire, but it all faded the moment those strong arms wrapped around her. How weird was that?

Diana kissed her head. "I need to take you to the village. You're bleeding."

Kara shook her head. She didn't want to move; she didn't think she could. "No, I need to find the Pegasus first. It's grey and it's hurt… Can you see it?"

"Kara—"

"It saved my life, Diana." Kara pulled away but swayed, her vision blurry again.

"Kara, you're bleeding! I need to take care of you first. I'll come ba—"

"Please?" Kara whispered, turning pleading blue eyes on the hapless Amazon. "It's injured and I think it's bad… It needs help."

Diana pursed her lips, unhappy, but relented and looked around for the injured Pegasus, seeing it close by, a grey colt nuzzling its head.

"Kara—"

"Please," Kara begged softly. "I just want to make sure that the Pegasus is all right."

Diana gave her a look full of compassion and Kara blinked, shaking her head. "I'm sorry…"

"No…" Kara looked around, trying to find it, but her eyes kept blurring. "No, no… Where is it? Please, take me to it."

Diana sighed and swept her in her arms. Kara groaned in pain, the movement pulling on her side, but rested her head on the Amazon's shoulder. She was starting to feel queasy and that was not good, because she was never queasy.

Diana carried her to where the fallen Pegasus was, several of the winged creatures gathering around their dying friend, in silent support.

Gently easing Kara down, Diana checked on the injured horse. Shaking her head, she looked up at the blonde, her eyes full of compassion and sadness. "There's nothing anyone can do, Kara. I'm sorry."

"But—" Kara touched the beautiful horse's head with trembling fingers, her eyes filling with tears.

"I'm sorry, the burns are too severe." Diana touched her arm in gentle support. "The only thing I can do is speed up her passing."

Hot tears fell from Kara's eyes. Her passing? "K-kill her?"

Diana nodded once. "It's a merciful death. It will end her suffering."

Kara shifted so she could take the horse's head onto her lap, feeling her labored breathing hot against her bleeding wound. "I'm sorry… You got hurt because of me… I'm so sorry…"

"She tells me you stood between her and her family. You saved them and she chose to help you," Diana said softly. "She thanks you and begs you not to be sad."

Kara looked up at Diana, surprise in her eyes. "You can understand them?"

Diana nodded, a sad smile on her lips. "Always could." Unsheathing her long dagger from her boot, Diana tenderly touched the horse's neck. "Look away."

"No."

"Kara—"

"No!"

Diana nodded.

Focusing on the labored breathing and petting its head, Kara flinched when Diana's arm moved swiftly, her blade penetrating the neck with deadly precision.

The colt nuzzled his head against his mother's neck, trying to get her up, but to no avail – it wasn't breathing anymore.

Closing her eyes, Diana whispered a prayer, "Gaia is waiting to guide you back home. May your brave spirit find peace."

Kara's breath caught as she hugged the colt. "I'm sorry…" She whispered brokenly. "Your mother was very brave… She saved us…" The colt pulled away and licked her face, then slowly lied down beside his mother, resting his head on her back, his nostrils flaring in resignation. Kara had to look away, biting her lip to keep quiet.

Diana hugged her, kissing her head lovingly. "Come on, Kara, we need to leave. You need a healer."

Kara didn't resist her this time, she didn't have the energy left. Diana carefully picked her up and placed her on the back of a large black Pegasus, bridal style, quickly settling behind her.

Kara hid her face on Diana's chest, sobbing quietly as the Pegasus took off.

##

Diana stared outside the window with her arms crossed over her chest, a deep frown on her beautiful face. Kara was in and out of consciousness for several candle marks now, and the night was already falling in the small Centaur village. With Orin away at a close-by valley collecting herbs, his young apprentice had been the one to tend to her wounds, but Kara wasn't getting any better and she was one moment away from going there herself.

Diana rushed inside the stable-like hut with a barely conscious Kryptonian in her arms, closely followed by Kang.

"Where's Orin?" Kang asked the bewildered looking Centaur inside, urgency spilling from his voice.

"He's out getting wild herbs. He won't be back until tomorrow." The tall female Centaur glanced at Diana and quickly cleared a table. "Put her here."

Diana eased Kara down on the high wooden table, finally taking sight of all the Kryptonian's injuries for the first time. Her right thigh had a nasty looking burn and both legs and arms were littered with cuts and bruises. There was a cut on her forehead and a gaping bruise on her cheek that would surely require stitches. The puncture on her abdomen, however, was the one that concerned her the most.

"What happened to her? Was she hurt in the earthquake?"

Diana gave her a look that hid neither her exasperation nor pride. "She fought a nymph and a demon."

The Centaur blinked, staring at Kang for confirmation. "She what now?"

Diana touched Kara's cheek tenderly, ignoring the Centaur. "You need to send for Orin now."

The Centaur bristled and Kang cringed. "I am perfectly capable of taking care of her!"

Diana's head snapped up, a stern glint in her dark-brown eyes, but before she could reply, Kang placed a hand on her arm. "This is Sadras, Orin's oldest apprentice. She's been with him for over twenty seasons and will become a Centaur Healer soon."

Diana sighed and reluctantly nodded her agreement. She had no choice; Sadras would have to do until Orin arrived. "All right, let's get started then."

"Let's? I—"

"I'm not leaving her, so don't bother trying." Diana's voice left no room for arguments.

Sadras glared, but Kang mouthed 'no', shaking his head for emphasis. "Fine. First, we need to remove her leathers. I need to check her for more injuries."

Diana nodded and gently lifted Kara by the shoulders into a half sitting position, while Sadras quickly worked on her leather laces. Kara stirred, moaning softly. "Diana…"

"Huh… I'm… I'm going to… hum… outside. Yes, outside!" Kang stuttered, making a hasty retreat.

Sadras and Diana shared a knowing look. "I'm here, sweet Kara. We're going to take care of you."

"Hurts," she whispered, resting her head on her arm.

Soothing her messy hair tenderly, Diana brushed her lips over her forehead, her heart clenching at the pain she could hear in that always sweet voice. Kara was bloodied, bruised and dirty but she still looked beautiful to her. "I know, but you'll feel better soon, ok? Just a little longer," she said quietly, her lips still touching her forehead.

Kara didn't reply and they worked quickly on her leathers until she was left in only her undergarments. After a quick check, Sadras gave Kara a piece of root to chew on. "Chew on this. It helps numb the pain. I have to remove the thorn that's lodged in that wound and that is going to hurt, Sister."

Kara shook her head slowly, keeping her eyes closed.

"Please?" Diana begged softly.

Kara groaned. She could barely keep her eyes open but relented and chewed on the bitter root, almost spitting it out.

"I'll make you hot chocolate after," Diana promised, smoothing her hair down.

"You might want to hold her down," Sadras warned, placing a hand on the steely abdomen. "Ready?"

"Do it," Diana said, resting her forehead on Kara's and bracing herself. She had to hold her still or she would risk Kara injuring herself further, and Sadras.

Kara gasped audibly the moment Sadras started working on the wound, her fingers closing in around the table's edge. Chunks of wood splintered everywhere, but the apprentice kept on working diligently as if nothing was happening. Diana had to admit she was impressed. Squeezing her eyes shut, Kara grunted, gritting her teeth to keep from screaming; the veins in her neck standing out with the effort of keeping still and quiet.

By the time the healer was done, and the tiny thorn stuck inside the punctured flesh was removed, Kara was sweating profusely, tears running freely from her closed eyes.

"All done," Sadras said, her voice low and quiet.

Ignoring the throbbing in her forearms from where Kara had grabbed her to keep from hitting the healer, Diana kissed Kara's wet eyes, one by one, gently making her way down to her quivering lips. "It's over, sweet Kara, it's over."

Kara remained quiet, silent sobs still rocking her mauled body. Diana heard Sadras moving around the room, surely preparing to close the gaping wound, but she didn't pay attention to any of it. All her focus was on Kara and in finding a way to ease her pain, her discomfort. She hated feeling this helpless.

Her eyes drifted back to the makeshift cot and its single occupant. Kara's skin was clammy and her breathing erratic, and she would mumble uncomprehending words every now and then. The puncture wound on her side was still open, much to the young apprentice's frustration. After breaking two needles on the steely skin, she gave up, opting to dress the wound with a thick layer of healing ointment and a clean cloth.

Diana made a mental note to talk to Kayo about getting special healing tools for Kara. Maybe she should talk to Kal-el first. Surely there was something in his famous and unknown Fortress of Solitude that could be used in situations like these, but then again, she didn't think Superman was ever hurt while fully powered. She would try Kayo first.

Kang had sent a young warrior to bring back Orin the moment he left the healer's hut, so what was taking them so long? She should have gone in his place, but she couldn't bring herself to leave Kara.

Kara moaned and Diana rushed to her side, brushing her fingers on the cheek that wasn't injured. "I'm here, Kara."

Bloodshot blue eyes cracked open. "I don't feel good…" She whispered in Kryptonese.

Diana quickly pulled the wooden bucket to Kara's side. "Your stomach again?" Kara had been throwing up a dark grey liquid whenever she was awake. It always left her gasping for air, her stomach still convulsing even when there was nothing left.

Kara nodded, scowling. Diana touched her sweaty face, cursing softly under her breath. It was no wonder she was slipping to Kryptonese; she was burning up. Gently pushing a wet blonde lock from the Kryptonian's forehead, Diana took a wet cloth from the table nearby, slowly wiping the sweaty brow with it.

"I think…" Turning on her side without warning, Kara heaved her stomach contents into the bucket.

Diana held on her shoulders, holding her steady until she had nothing left. Kara groaned as Diana eased her back on the makeshift cot, wrapping her arms around her stomach. The Amazon quickly grabbed another cloth to clean her face and mouth, her heart clenching at the pain Kara was going through.

"I need you to drink more of this," Diana said, carefully lifting her head and pressing the cup to her lips.

But Kara shook her head "No… Don't want to throw up no more."

She knew Kara was feeling miserable, but she needed her to drink Sadra's concoction. It was supposed to help settle her stomach. "I know, sweetheart, but I need you to drink this. It will be good for you."

Kara shook her head, her lips moving quietly as she fell back into an uneasy sleep.

Diana sighed, setting the cup aside. That was another problem. The demon's spike was apparently poisonous because it was making Kara sick, but the young apprentice couldn't recognize the poison. She had never seen a demon before and whatever she was giving Kara didn't seem to be helping at all.

To make matters worse, the warriors sent to retrieve the demon's body couldn't find it. The foul creature had vanished in thin air without anyone noticing it was gone, and now she wasn't sure if she had killed it or not, even if her sword had ripped through its weird flesh right to the hilt.

"You always frown when you think too much."

Diana turned around at the sound of Orin's quiet voice, smiling in relief at the sight of her friend of old. "Orin, thank the Gods you're here."

The tall, white-haired Centaur smiled gently at the young Princess, pulling her into his still strong arms and kissing her cheeks. "Welcome home, my dear friend."

"I missed you…" She whispered. Orin was one of her oldest and dearest friends, and despite that they were close in age, the now Elder Centaur was the closest thing she had to a fatherly figure.

"I missed you too." He gave his mischievous little smile, the one that meant he knew something he wasn't supposed to. That always spelled trouble for her. "Now, let me See your friend. I can tell how important she is to you; your spirit is practically glowing."

Diana blushed and cleared her throat, looking down at the very pale looking Kara. Of course, he would See it. Great Hera… "She hum… fought a demon."

Orin raised a bushy eyebrow at her. "A demon? Was the Gate breached? We haven't had that kind of trouble in almost two millennia."

Diana shook her head. "I don't know. That earthquake this morning… I have a bad feeling about it."

Orin nodded. "Your feelings are usually right." Closing his translucent eyes, Orin took a deep breath and spread his large hands over Kara, keeping silent for a moment. When he opened his eyes, they were shining crystalline green. "Not just any demon, Diana. Your friend fought a Dekosh, a demon from the depths of Tartarus. Very ancient, very strong and very deadly. Most Amazons I know wouldn't hold against it."

"Dekosh… I've read about them."

"You have. They are described in the Demon Encyclopedia at the Learning Temple's library." His hands still hovered over Kara's practically naked body. "Ah!" Removing the fur that covered Kara, he stared intently at the cloth over her wound, his eyes glowing more intensely.

"What?" Diana frowned. Sadras had cleaned the wound thoroughly, she was certain of that. "Sadras removed the thorn, I saw it."

"She did, but the poison still lingers and what she's giving her is not enough to fight it." Orin gently lifted Kara from the table, cradling her against his cloth-covered chest. "I need a higher table to work on her." He winked at Diana.

"What's wrong with her?" Diana followed him closely.

"Dekosh are wicked demons. They are too strong, and they can fly and spit hot lava, and their severed limbs grow back after a few candle marks. Very hard to kill." Orin adjusted Kara on the hard table. "As if all of this wasn't enough, Tartarus gifted them with poisonous thorns that can paralyze its victims in moments." Orin removed the cloth covering the wound and used it to carefully clean the ointment around it. Stepping away, he grabbed a leather bag with his healing tools from a nearby cabinet. "Your friend here is somehow immune to the paralyzing poison but she's curiously allergic to it."

Diana blinked. Kara was allergic to the demon's poison?

"This demon's poison is a powerful one and not even gods are immune to it." Orin gave her a pointed look and removed a leather case from the bag. Opening it, he glanced inside the wide selection of herbs and roots. "But I'm guessing since her strength comes from the Sun and her body reacts differently in this realm, that it created a defense against it." He sighed heavily. "I'm going to prepare something for her to drink. I'll adapt the poison's remedy, but it will help. It will also taste horrible."

Diana frowned, taking Kara's hand. She would surely spit the damn thing. "Do you have honey, to disguise the taste? She'll drink it faster and probably won't spit it."

Orin nodded, his eyes shining. "Does she know how you feel about her?"

Diana opened her mouth, but nothing came out for a moment. "I don't know," she finally rasped, lowering her eyes. Was she that transparent? First her mother, then Kayo and now Orin… But Orin was a Centaur Healer, gifted with spiritual vision. Of course, he would know how she felt.

"You should tell her." His eyes gentled and he touched Kara's forehead, gently stroking it. "She's not unconscious."

Diana nodded, kissing Kara's hand lovingly, glad for the change of subject. "Can she hear us?"

Orin glanced at Kara, his crystalline eyes glinting. "She can now."

Diana looked down at Kara, finding pain-filled blue eyes looking back at her.

"W—what's happening?"

"Orin is here and he's making something that tastes awful but that will help heal you," Diana replied quietly in Kryptonese, smiling down at her.

Kara moaned weakly, her head lolling to one side. "No more, please… My stomach hurts…"

"I know, sweetheart, but you need to drink it to feel better." Diana kissed her lips gently, ignoring Orin and his twinkling eyes. She didn't care. All she wanted was for Kara to feel better. "I'm staying here with you, all right? I'm not leaving." Ever.

"Promise?"

"I promise."

When Orin returned with a cup on his hand, Diana lifted Kara's head and helped her drink the hot liquid. Kara grimaced but drank most of it without complaint, settling back down with a grunt.

"Now what?" Diana asked, never taking her eyes off feverish Kryptonian.

Orin placed a large bucket down, close to the table, glancing her way. "We wait."

It didn't take long for the herbal mixture to take effect and Kara was forced to throw up again, a gooey, black substance with specs of yellow now filling the bottom of the bucket. Diana held her while she heaved, the blonde sagging in her arms when her stomach finally stopped convulsing, her breathing ragged and her skin hot and sweaty.

"That's a very nasty poison. I'm glad we got it out in time – it could have killed her." Orin peeked inside the bucket, grimacing at the black substance. "We must take her to the pool for the healing waters to complete the treatment. Sadras has already prepared a spot for you, since ours are deeper than yours, as I'm sure you remember."

Diana nodded and gently gathered Kara in her arms before Orin could beat her to it.

"Will she throw up again?"

"It's unlikely, but if it does happen, call me at once." Orin gave her a knowing smile. "She's going to be fine, Diana. I'm sure the worst is over."

##

Once they were left alone, Diana carefully stepped inside the outdoor natural pool, Kara secure in her arms. Finding a place where she could sit, she cradled the unconscious blonde against her chest, wincing in sympathy when the healing hot water touched the puncture wound and Kara whimpered.

"It's going to be all right, sweet Kara. Just a little longer…" Diana promised, kissing her forehead. "You were so brave today… I mean, you're always brave, but seeing you fearlessly fighting that demon like an Amazon… I'm so proud of you." Diana scooped a bit of hot water in her hand and gently poured it on Kara's stitched cheek, watching her closely for any reaction, but Kara's face remained impassive. Reassured she was not causing her any more pain, Diana kept dropping water on her cheek and forehead. "Nesba will be so proud when she hears about this and you're going to the envy of every Amazon in Themyscira. They haven't had a real challenge since the Germans came ashore." A chuckle escaped her lips. "I'm not sure Io will ever forgive you for this, though. She's never fought a demon before and she's dying to."

Looking up at the starry sky, Diana sighed, sending a silent prayer to the gods to keep Kara safe.

##

Diana smiled for the first time that evening as Kara finally opened her eyes, her skin no longer feeling hot and clammy.

"Hey, sleepyhead." Diana gentled her wet hair. They were soaking in the hot pool for at least two candle marks. Sadras and Orin had tried to convince her to leave the hot water for a bit, while one of them tended to Kara, but Diana refused. She would take care of her and be there when she opened her eyes. "How do you feel?"

Kara took a deep breath, opening her eyes a trifle more. "Like I fought something nasty and lost…" she rasped.

Diana grinned. "You did fight something nasty, but you won."

Kara closed her eyes, nuzzling Diana's shoulder. "Doesn't feel like it…"

"I bet." Diana rested her cheek on Kara's head. Closing her eyes, she smiled, allowing the emotion that surged whenever Kara did that to wash over her. Gods, she had it bad for Kara, didn't she? What would she do if Kara didn't feel the same? What—

"Diana…"

"Mm?" Diana kept her eyes closed.

"Your heart is beating fast. What's wrong?"

Diana cleared her throat. What would she tell her? That she was just figuring out that she was in love with her and was scared out of her mind that Kara didn't feel the same? "I was just remembering what happened, the nymph and the demon… You scared me today."

"Sorry… Didn't mean to…" Kara snuggled closer. "Did the nymph hurt you?" Her eyes opened suddenly. "Oh, my Rao, Thuly! Did—"

"He's fine, Kara, don't worry. I caught him in time." Lowering her head, Diana cupped her chin and touched their lips, kissing her. "He's fine…"

"Ok…" Kara mumbled, her eyes still closed. "And the nymph?"

"She was mad, but she didn't hurt me." Diana touched her lips again, this time deepening the kiss. Gods, she didn't seem to be able to stop herself. Kara moaned softly and Diana's hand slipped down the length of her neck, stopping over her heart. "What is it about you, Kara Danvers, that I can't seem to be able to stop myself?" Diana whispered over her lips. "Never could…"

"I don't know…" Kara's breathing was ragged. "But I'm glad I have it."

Diana chuckled and pecked her lips before pulling away. If she didn't, she wouldn't stop. "I'm glad too."

Kara smiled shyly and snuggled back on her spot. "Why was the nymph angry?"

"The demon was there first and pretty much destroyed her home, killing several animals that she considered to be friends."

"Oh… I would be angry too."

Diana nodded. "Yeah, but still there is no reason to do what she did. She almost killed you, Kara."

Kara shivered involuntarily in her arms. "Yeah… That wasn't funny."

"How do you feel?"

Kara was silent for a moment. "My side is still throbbing, but not bad otherwise."

"Good. Think you can eat something? You need to restore your energy." Diana looked over at the small basket with food Sadras had left for them.

Kara cringed, her hands touching her stomach protectively. "I don't think—"

"There's that nut bread I told you about."

Kara blinked. "Nut bread?"

Beastie chose that moment to growl and Diana grinned, relieved. If Kara was hungry, even if just a little, then Orin's herbs and the healing water were doing what they were supposed to. "Hi, Beastie. I missed you."

"Don't talk to it!" Kara whined, embarrassed. "I'll never get rid of it like that."

Diana laughed and snatched the basket closer. Kara tried to sit up, to help her, but Diana was having none of that, keeping the Kryptonian cradled in her arms while feeding her small chunks of the sweet bread with cheese, and mint tea mixed with honey.

Surprisingly, Kara ate almost half a loaf with some cheese and now was feeling drowsy. "How much longer do we have to stay here?"

"A little longer." Diana smiled down at her. "Don't worry, we don't get prune in these waters."

Kara smiled and closed her eyes, resting her head on her shoulder. "Good to know." She stifled a yawn. "Will you tell me a story?"

Diana's eyebrows rose, surprised. "A story? About what?"

Kara shrugged. "Maybe the one you promised me."

Diana frowned. "I promised you a story?"

Kara nodded. "About being grounded on manure duty for a year."

Diana smirked. She was going to kill Io, and Nesba was going to kill her if she couldn't find a way to distract Kara from that story, but a ghost of lips on her neck and a sleepy 'please' broke her resolve. Sweet Aphrodite, would she ever be able to deny this woman anything?

Hanging her head in mock defeat, she said, "Nesba must never know that you know."

Blue eyes suddenly alert, shone with undisguised curiosity. "I promise."

"On Rao's name?"

Kara nodded solemnly. "On Rao's name."

Diana sighed dramatically. She knew Kara would never tell Nesba about it, but she liked tweaking the blonde's curiosity. "It's Orin's fault, really. We're roughly the same age and we were down at the Learning Temple in Themyscira, when he came across this strange herbal mix and he told me about it, but never really explained what it was for. So, I asked Jani, the teacher, but she forbade me to try that mix and when I asked why, she said I didn't need to know."

Kara's eyes grew round. "Oh Rao, you tried it, didn't you?"

Diana smirked and nodded.

Orin and Jani had warned her not to mix those herbs, but she wanted to know what would happen if she did. Why couldn't they tell her?

Making sure that she was alone in the learning room, Diana selected several glass containers with the herbs she needed and prepared the infusion, pouring it in her waterskin. Now, she needed a safe place to try that mix and for that she needed her friends. They could keep an eye on her while she tried the infusion on herself. She would find out what was all the fuss about this.

But on her way to Io's shop, Diana hastily rounded a corner and bumped distractedly into her hand to hand instructor, Nesba, her waterskin falling on the paved ground together with Nesba's.

Nesba gave her a dour look. "Watch where you're going, Princess. Warriors always have to pay attention to their surroundings, and…"

Diana rolled her eyes, her mind turning off the instructor's words. She would surely hear it all over again in the next class. Besides, she was too excited about her experiment to pay attention to any of it, so she just grabbed her waterskin and rushed to Io's shop, yelling an apology to the wind.

Diana bolted inside Io's shop, excitedly telling them about her experiment and that she needed their help to keep an eye on her, and make sure she would get help if it turned out to be something dangerous.

Io chuckled. "Jani is not going to be happy you disobeyed her, and neither will your mother, if this turns out to be something nasty."

"She won't tell me what it is. Not even Orin, and he always tells me everything!"

"Diana, perhaps there is a reason for that. What if we try to find out for you? I think it's safer," Mala said, frowning.

"But I already have it here. It would be a shame to waste this opportunity."

"Diana… Wait!"

Diana drank the liquid inside the waterskin, ignoring Mala's warning, and waited. And waited and waited, and nothing happened.

She sighed, disappointed. "What's the big deal with these herbs? Nothing happened! I—" A closer look at the waterskin on her hand and Diana almost stopped breathing. 'Nesba…" She managed to choke out, her eyes wide.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling something?" Mala asked, worriedly touching her shoulder.

"Nesba has my water!" Diana blurted out, terrified.

Io stared at her, stunned. "Nesba? The Nesba?" Diana nodded. "Oh boy… We have to find her fast!"

They rushed out of the shop and searched for the instructor everywhere, only to find her at the practice range, a crown of colorful flowers on her head, and a basket with fresh flowers dangling from her arm. Nesba was disturbing the flowers to her stunned warriors, hugging them tightly and kissing them on the cheek, and sometimes in the mouth, a big happy smile on her always dour face.

Suddenly spotting Diana, she became ecstatic. Nesba ran towards her and hugged her tight, lifting her off her feet. "You are pure love, my Princess! The gods have blessed us! Now, let's go to Aphrodite's temple to pray for love and peace! Come, Sisters, come!"

Io's jaw dropped and Mala could only stare, uncomprehending. Diana gaped at the instructor, terrified.

"Not sure how you're going to get away from this one, Love Princess, but damn, this is fun." Io chuckled.

Diana turned around to face her friends. "I need to find the antidote!"

But Nesba took her by the hand and dragged her to Aphrodite's temple. Diana glanced back at her friends, her eyes begging for help.

Io grinned and Mala sighed. "Stop giving her trouble. Let's go find Jani before the Queen finds out about this."

They left to find the teacher and tell her about Nesba's symptoms. Jani was furious told them they had to wait until the effects faded away. It could take several candle marks, depending on how much of the infusion Nesba had.

Meanwhile, at the temple, there was only Nesba, Diana and the priestess of Aphrodite, and Nesba was singing at the top of her lungs praising love songs to the goddess of Love.

The priestesses were appalled, and Diana was slumped in a corner, knowing she was grounded for life. There was no way she could get away from this one now.

Io and Mala arrived at the temple sometime later, with Jani in tow, their faces grim at the loud and torturous singing.

"I'm sure Aphrodite is escaping to the Underworld as we speak, never to be heard from again." Io snickered.

Mala gave her a stern look, but she couldn't stop a chuckle from escaping as the always so serious instructor sang away and took one of the priestesses by the hand, to dance in the middle of the temple.

"She's going to make me pay for this for the rest of my life, isn't she?" Diana whispered mournfully.

Io scratched her head. "I think she might forgive you… In a few hundred years or so."

Diana groaned and hid her face in her hands. Her life was over!

Kara was laughing helplessly, her hand cradling her side. "Oh, Rao, I can't laugh anymore."

Diana chuckled, touching her hand. "No more funny stories for you while you're hurt."

Kara nodded her agreement, still chuckling. "Did she ever forgive you?"

"Eventually, after she asked my mother for retribution. I had to practice with her in private every day, before first light and before I went on my final duty of the day – horse manure."

"That wasn't too bad…"

Diana smirked. "She made me sweat and bleed every day. She was relentless. The first day, when I got to the palace, I fell asleep sitting behind my door, without dinner or bathing. The second day, my mother made sure I had an escort with me to make sure I wouldn't fall asleep without food, but I fell asleep in the pool. After that, I had a guard with me at all times while bathing."

Kara blinked, stifling another yawn. "You were exhausted."

Diana nodded, gently scratching Kara's scalp. She knew it would make her fall asleep soon. "I was. It wasn't until years later that I found out Antiope suggested that punishment to Nesba, to make me train harder." Diana smiled down at her sleepy Kryptonian, feeling a pang of sadness at the memory of her aunt. "And I became a better warrior because of that."

"And more obedient?" Kara mumbled, touching her chest with her wet fingers.

Diana smiled. "That too. It wasn't easy growing up in a society full of women that were older than me for at least two millennia, and I was the only Amazon child ever born here. They were all wiser and more experienced than me and I got bored a lot." Diana kept her light scratching on Kara's head, watching as she slowly fell asleep on her. "Though I'm seriously considering removing Io from that wiser list. What do you think?"

Kara mumbled sleepily and Diana chuckled. "I think so too. She is wise but she likes having fun more, right?"

This time, Kara remained silent, her breathing even. "Sweet dreams, Kara."

Diana kissed her head, lingering a moment longer before returning her attention to the starry sky.


Notes:

Your reviews have been wonderful. Thank you!

So, what do you think? Ask me questions, share your insights, your ideas. I want to hear from you :)