Land of Heroes: DC Style comes from Harbinger of Kaos. I just write the reactions, and I still down own any of the characters.
Chapter 15: Paradise Lost epilogue
Everyone waited for the last part of the Themyscira incident to come out. Diana was waiting to see what would become of her counterpart, and it was almost painful for her to have to go through her own banishment again. However, she was also wondering what kind of madness would come from the gods making a move, something that hadn't happened, aside from Hades.
Superman saw this and put a hand on her shoulder, comforting her. The princess smiled at the Kyrptonia.
On Olympus…
"Olympus!" Diana declared in shock.
Arrow said, "I take it this is not going to go well,"
Diana answered, "It depends. If we are on Olympus then it is likely the gods noticed both Hades' and Ares' actions, and the Spartan. This could lead to a big problem down the line."
Arrow said, "Let's just hope that it doesn't get the Spartan killed. I like that guy. He's awesome."
The Olympians, with the notable exception of Poseidon, Zeus and Hera who were not present as the two siblings were dealing with their brother and the later chose to exclude herself from this meeting as she felt that this was a matter to be resolved by them alone, were deep in discussion over what had transpired on the Isle of the Amazons. And while most were glad that Hades was stopped some did not approve of how the Princess chose to allow men on the island as well as Ares' little act of divine intervention.
Namely two in particular, though that was to be seen as ironic since technically, they were the most recognized deities worshipped by the Amazons.
"THIS TRAVESTY MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO PASS!"
The goddess Athena barked as she pointed at her brother Ares, her sister Artemis nodding in agreement while others simply rolled their eyes as this was just another squabble in a long history of squabbles…honestly you'd think that after thousands of years , the goddesses would learn to put all this aside and act like adults.
"I take it that she doesn't like the idea of men on the island," Flash said.
Diana nodded and said, "Athena, goddess of wisdom, and Artemis, goddess of the hunt. They are both the matron guardians of Themyscira. No doubt they are displeased with not only Ares' actions, but at me for bringing men to Themyscira and for you for being there."
Flash looked at Superman and asked, "Do you think you can beat a God Supes?"
Superman answered, "I don't think that Darkseid counts…so I'm not sure."
The goddess who wore a Greek style dress that was a mixture of light and dark blue with gold embroidery around the neck, and of fair complexion and dark brown hair was practically livid as she saw her brother not even bothering to look abashed. It was taking all of her will and patience not to move and smack that look off his face, and Athena was also resisting the urge to get a weapon to hit Ares for what he had done.
Her fellow goddess and sister Artemis, wearing a red toga that left her legs bare up to her thighs to allow her more freedom to run and her right arm free to better use her bow also was not very pleased. The idea of men setting foot on the land of the Amazons, no matter how well intentioned, noble they were was repugnant to Artemis and the idea of Ares getting his feet there only added to her ire.
*We gave them a home to get away from their evils and then that Princess and this idiot go and ruin it!* The goddess of the hunt internally rails before addressing her war loving brother.
"ATHENA IS RIGHT, YOU HAD NO RIGHT OR REASON TO SET FOOT ON THE ISLAND AS IT WAS BAD ENOUGH THAT MEN HAVE DONE NO MATTER WHO THEY ARE."
Flash said, "Wait…are they the all things with a Y chromosome must die feminists, or the we can all that you can, feminist?"
Diana sighed and answered, "The latter, and they are incredibly stubborn."
Arrow said, "Is it wrong if I think they're beautiful?"
Diana answered, "No, but they probably wouldn't care either way."
The goddess of the voices as she was not pleased at all with what Diana had done despite the circumstances that led to the decision of the Amazon Princess. However, not everyone shared the sentiment of both Athena and Artemis, one of their sister Goddesses in particular looked at the positive of the whole affair.
"OH IT'S NOT THAT BAD…"
Aphrodite speaks up as she approaches the other two, her movements would have drawn any man's gaze as she walks with a sensual grace, with long blond hair and a body women would kill for she was truly a sight to behold. That only reinforced her status as the goddess of love and beauty quite well.
Flash couldn't help but let out a wolf whistle at the sight of Aphrodite. Even the normally emotionless Batman looked up at the sight of the beautiful goddess. The only one who didn't show emotion was J'onn as he didn't understand human attraction…essentially, he preferred his own species.
"…THIS COULD BE A WONDERFUL LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR THE AMAZONS."
THAT statement did not sit well with the irate goddesses in question though…
"OH FOR THE LOVE OF… ARE YOU THINKING WITH YOUR HEAD OR LIBIDO?"
Athena chides with an annoyed look, not to get anyone confused or anything as she did love her sister,but she honestly found her exasperating at times as she took her role as goddess of love a bit too far sometimes. She had no doubt however that some men and women would not mind it at the least in THAT regard.
However, it seemed that another Goddess was going to offer her own sentiment on the matter. And ironically enough yet again, she was another Patron Goddess of the Amazons.
"NO OFFENSE INTENDED ATHENA BUT SHE DOES RAISE A GOOD POINT, THE AMAZONS HAVE BEEN ISOLATED FROM THE REST OF THE MORTAL WORLD FOR CENTURIES NOW AND MUCH HAS CHANGED."
Hestia, a light brown haired goddess and clad in a light pink dress, replies in favor of the goddess of love words. She observed Humanity for some time like some of the other Greek Pantheon and saw that much had changed since she and the others walked alongside mortals. And truth be told, some of the changes actually lightened her heart.
Diana agreed. Men had changed since the ancient times. Some were still bad, but nowhere near as much. Not to mention, if they ever did go to war with the humans, there was a chance that they wouldn't be able to fight them off with their various weapons, especially if someone thought it would be a good idea to drop a nuke on their home.
"YES IT HAS AND NOT FOR THE BETTER."
The goddess of law and justice rebukes as she still saw that women were not liberated everywhere. The words of her philosophers were unheeded and there was still ignorance and foolishness in her eyes. However that sentiment only added fuel to the proverbial fire, and Ares was MORE than ready to strike hard.
"Is it just me or is she being a bit petty here," Arrow asked.
Diana said, "Most gods can be."
"BY THE CELESTIAL COURTS ATHENA, AS THE MORTALS SAY GET OF YOUR DAMN HIGHHORSE AND WAKE UP FROM YOUR FANTASY!"
Ares rebukes as he has had quite enough of his sister's antics, he continues despite the twin glares he is receiving. It was high time that he did it anyway, Athena always looked through biased eyes in his mind and it was time he did something about it.
"JUST BECAUSE WOMEN AREN'T AS LIBERATED AS YOU WANT THEM TO BE DOESN'T MEAN THEY HAVEN'T MADE GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE WORLD, NOT A MANY GREAT SOLDIERS TRUE BUT STILL SOME HAVE LEFT THEIR MARK AND EARNED THE RESPECT AND ADMIRATION OF ALL OF THEIR FELLOW HUMANS."
"AND BESIDES…"
Demeter speaks up for the first time, revealing a woman with dark brown hair and wearing green robes in a similar form to Athena's, But unlike the goddess of wisdom, warfare, and strategy, she also agreed with Aphrodite and Hestia. Even more so on the topic that started this whole debate between her and the other goddesses, though she wondered just how her beloved daughter was handling the fact that her 'husband' was now beaten back by a mortal. A mortal empowered by Ares to be sure, but a mortal nevertheless.
"…THE AMAZON PRINCESS COULD HAVE BROUGHT WORSE THAN THE MEN SHE HAS ALLIED HERSELF WITH, THOUGH THE CRIMSON RUNNER COULD EASE OFF A BIT WITH THE BAD JOKES."
"Ha, even the goddesses think your jokes are bad," Arrow said.
Flash mumbled stuff about Wally and doing better in the comedy department.
That got the attention of another of the Greek Pantheon, only in this case, the deity in question was a male Deity.
"HEY! LAY OFF THE GUY, HE HASN'T HAD THE EASIEST LIFE AND HE STILL TURNED OUT GREAT, BESIDES HIS JOKES ARE FUNNY."
The messenger of the gods, Hermes spoke in the Flash's defense. After all, it was not every day he encountered a human who could run as fast as the Flash did and he happened to like the man.
Flash said, "Ha, people do think I'm funny! In your collective faces!"
Flash was then bat slapped by a certain caped crusader.
*Which reminds me, I should really test him sometime soon to see how he stacks up to his Uncle and Garrick's speed levels.*
"YEAH, AND HE IS KIND OF CUTE."
Flash blinked as he heard that and said, "Thank god Wally isn't here. We wouldn't hear the end of it."
The Love goddess adds much to the exasperation of her former husband, the smith of the gods Hephaestus, a short yet heavily muscled man with balding head and black unruly locks of hair trailing his shoulders. Yet no matter how many commented on their union and the numerous times they had divorced, they always came back together. Just how a god of his less than stellar looks always managed to get the Goddess of Love to come back to him was anyone's guess.
"THERE SHE GOES AGAIN."
He can't help but mutter in exasperation, which was not unnoticed by said Goddess. And instead of being angered or annoyed, she merely laughed gently and spoke in a teasing tone to her on again, off again husband.
"Marriage troubles?" Lantern asked aloud.
Batman said, "If my knowledge of mythology serves me right…yes."
Diana thought, 'You have no idea.'
"OH HUSH UP DEAR, WE'RE DIVORCED RIGHT NOW AND I WANT TO ENJOY IT UNTIL WE GET BACK TOGETHER."
"UGH, SOMETIMES I WONDER WHY WE GO THROUGH WITH ALL THESE DIVORCES AND REMARRIAGES OF OURS."
He let out and Aphrodite could not help but have some fun at the expense of him, though she did love him in her own way.
"IT'S BECAUSE YOU DO THAT WONDERFUL THING WITH YOUR TON…"
"Okay TMI! WTMI!" Flash said, not wanting to hear bout that right now. None of them needed to hear about how a couple was in bed.
"ENOUGH ABOUT THAT PLEASE MOTHER!"
Her children cried out as they did not need to hear about THAT regardless of their natures. It seemed that whether Deity or mortal, the idea of hearing one's parents talking about their love life and antics in bed would ALWAYS be a source of discomfort and embarrassment for the youngsters regardless that their mother was who she was.
"Oh thank gods," Diana said, relieved that Aphrodite's children had stopped the madness.
"BACK TO THE MATTER AT HAND, REGARDLESS OF THE MEN'S NOBLE HEARTS AND INTENTIONS…EXCEPT FOR THAT SO CALLED SPARTAN."
Artemis spoke with clear disdain in the last part thus earning a dark look from her brother Ares. Apparently despite the fact that Ares knew that the Spartan or rather, the Master Chief was not a warmongering being like he was, he was not lying about his interest in the man and what he can do.
"…THEY ARE STILL MEN, AND THE AMAZON MUST BE PUNISHED."
Diana clenched her fists at the thought of something worse than banishment. She had already gone through it once, and she had no intention of going through it again. However, it seemed that now it might happen on a much grander scale.
"I ASK WHY ON THAT MATTER? DID THEY NOT HELP IN STOPPING OUR DEAR SWEET UNCLE FROM ESCAPING?"
Ares made no effort to hide his sarcasm as he spoke of Hades before continuing with what he wanted to make clear to his two ranting siblings.
"…AND DID SHE NOT DO SO BECAUSE HER FAMILY AND PEOPLE WERE UNDER THREAT? AS UNCHARACTERISTIC AS IT SOUNDS OF ME SHE MADE THE RIGHT CALL IN THIS REGARD."
"YOU ONLY SAY THAT BECAUSE IT ALLOWED YOU TO FIND THIS SO CALLED SPARTAN."
Athena rallies once more as she did not like how Demeter, Hestia and Aphrodite nodded in agreement with him; she hated it when Ares won the argument. It was always like this between them after all, she wanted to prove one thing, and he another. Even more so when it concerned the warriors that they each represented, with Ares favoring the Spartans and their warrior traditions, while Athena felt that more 'enlightened' warriors, the one she supported were better than the 'brutes' he favored.
Ares had quite enough of the mockery of the soldier who kept the legacy of his most favored alive. He was no fool despite what his esteemed sisters thought of him and knew that while the Spartan was not related in any way to his favored warriors, he saw much of them in him. And more than that, he saw the culmination of what it meant to be a true master in all aspects of war in the man. Plus he had a feeling that Athena looked at the man the WRONG way.
"HE IS A SPARTAN! BORN AND BRED FOR WARFARE JUST LIKE THE SPARTANS OF OLD THUS HE IS TRULY A TESTAMENT TO THEM. WHY I WOULD GIVE ANYTHING TO HAVE MORE OF HIM IN THIS DAY AN AGE IF ONLY SO THAT WORLD REALIZES JUST WHAT IT MEANT TO BE A WARRIOR OF THEIR CALIBER. TODAY'S WARRIORS IN MY VIEW ARE SOFT AND WEAK WILLED NOW, UGH THE MERE THOUGHT OF CALLING THEM THAT NIGH CURLS MY INSIDES."
"PLEASE ARES…"
Artemis scoffs in disdain for her brother apparent loyalty to the old warrior society. She thought of that as merely blood thirsty brutes and some of their actions did lend some evidence to that train of thought. Plus she suspected that Ares had other plans for the man in question.
"…YOU ONLY WANT HIM AS SOMEKIND OF AVATAR TO REPRESENT YOU, HE DOESN'T EVEN WORSHIP YOU."
Flash shuddered and said, "I just go the image of an Ares controlled Spartan and it is not pretty."
Everyone else imagined a Spartan wearing a mix of his Mjolnir armor and magical alloys with magical and mechanical weapons facing off against an army of soldiers. While it looked cool, some would admit, it was also terrifying, especially if he came in conflict with them.
Athena then decided to strike her own blow to the God of War.
"AND THE SPARTANS ARE GONE ARES, THEY ARE RELICS OF THE PAST."
Ares did not approve that slight against his favored however he calmed a bit and then decided to fire something at them that he KNEW was going to get her goat no matter how many centuries had passed.
"AND YET AS SCHOOL CHILDREN ARE BORED OUT OF THEIR MINDS WITH THE LEGACIES OF YOUR PRECIOUS PHILOSOPHERS ATHENA, THE ACTIONS OF MY SPARTANS ARE STILL REVERED, THEY ARE LEGEND WHILE YOUR BOY LOVING ATHENIANS ARE NOTHING BUT DUST IN THE WIND. ALSO DO NOT FORGET ARTEMIS THAT WHILE YOUR PRECIOUS AMAZONS RELAXED IN THE SUN AND SWAM IN THE SEAS LIKE NUBILE WATER NYMPHS, 300 SPARTANS LED THE CHARGE AGAINST THOUSHANDS OF PERSIANS AT THE HOT GATES AND THE ARMIES OF SPARTA LED THE GREEKS AT PLATEA, SO WHO WAS TRULY WORTHY OF BEING REMEMBERANCE? IF NOT FOR THE PRINCESS YOUR AMAZONS WOULD STILL BELIEVED TO BE NOTHING MORE THAN A MYTH, SO AS YOU CAN SEE I HAVE AN ACTUAL INTEREST IN THIS MAN AND WHAT BECOMES OF HIM...EVEN IF I KNOW HE WILL NOT ACCEPT BECOMING MY AVATAR ON EARTH. HE WOULD NEVER AGREE TO BE MY AVATAR EVEN IF I PRESENTED IT TO HIM, AND THAT IS WHY I AM INTERESTED."
THAT definitely struck the proverbial hornet's nest as both goddesses thought that Ares had suddenly grown another head.
Everyone winced at the low blow that Ares had struck at the woman. Diana blinked as she realized Ares had a point. The Amazons had not fought at true war in centuries and were ridiculously behind on the times as compared to the rest of the world. The protection of the gods could only do so much.
"ARE YOU MAD ARES?! THE POWER YOU GAVE HIM PUT HIM ALMOST ON PAR WITH THE AMAZON PRINCESS AND THE KRYPTONIAN, OF COURSE HE WOULD GLADLY ACCEPT!"
Flash said, "Still awesome, but terrifying."
Athena practically shouts at her brother with Artemis agreeing with the same look, one that was part disbelief and part anger, on her face. Ares for his part smirked, and those who knew him well enough could tell he had something planned. And when Ares had something planned, it was going to be one heck of a situation for all involved in it.
"THEN LET US MAKE A WAGER DEAR SISTER, IF HE ACCEPTS I SHALL GRANT A FAVOR TO ANOYONE OF YOUR CHOICE BUT IF NOT YOU SHALL DO THE SAME FOR ANYONE OF MINE."
"HMPH, PREPARE TO LOSE ARES, NO MAN WOULD BE FOOLISH ENOUGH TO TURN DOWN SUCH AN OFFER NO MATTER WHO HE IS."
The goddess replied with utmost confidence that the man…the Spartan would be like any other man, who craved power above all else and to be the Avatar of a God, let alone Ares would appeal to this man who was in her view nothing more than a blood thirsty brute. Only few mortal men would ever earn her respect and one of them was Odysseus, at least he had the intelligence to stay true to himself and be human. This was going to be an easy victory for her once it happened.
J'onn said, "For a goddess of wisdom, she is very narrow minded, and she has just made a sucker's bet as the Spartan would prefer to use his own skills and power, not a power granted to him by another."
Diana said, "You speak a great truth. Athena is not going to be happy when this is over."
Flash said, "Doesn't an angry god usually meant a huge amount of trouble."
Diana said, "Yes."
*If you only knew Athena.* the god of war says to himself as the group slowly disperses, though not before he decides to have chat with his brother Hephaestus regarding a custom job he needed done. This was going to be something worth remembering.
On the isle of the Amazons…
It was 4 days now since the battle with god of the Underworld took place and for the Amazons it was a somewhat stressful time as they tried to take in the fact that there were men on the island along with their odd female companions, the arrival of said companions had stirred up quite the hornets' nest so to speak.
'Oh boy,' Diana thought nervously.
Flashback…
Superman and Wonder Woman had left the isle on the Javelin in order to get a signal out to the Dawn as they were having trouble getting into contact. That left the others to tend to their wounded friend and surrounded by a weary and very much tense race of warrior women, they had been isolated in cornered of area of the palace for the moment, but no one had yet to make a move on the men despite the guards keeping watch over them.
Arrow said, "So far so good."
However, they soon heard some commotion and Flash moved towards the window.
"They're back!" He happily cries out as he looked at Batman, J'onn and Cortana, who had John's head in her lap as she gently stroked his head with remaining hand, with a relieved smile. He gives the Spartan a look and felt some of his happiness fade as he took in the man's bruised face and labored breathing.
The Amazon healers, while reluctant at first did their best but still they had no understanding of modern medical techniques to further help him although he got the distinct impression they had more than what they had on hand. Still they couldn't even help him until Superman and the Martian Manhunter literally pried the damaged armor off the man leaving him only in the lower half of the black undersuit and they could tell he was quite wounded from the blood and bruises on his battered form.
*At least he isn't bleeding out because of those wounds from the spears.*
The hero from Central City thinks in silent gratitude as those wounds look to have been healed as evidence by the puckered flesh left in their stead, something of a grim reminder of how close they lost one of their teammates. John was someone he respected and knew was someone he could trust to back him up when the chips were down so the idea of him…dying made him hope that they could save him. The man had suffered and lost too much to die like that.
Turning back to the window he spotted the Javelin and Pelican landing, though he also saw a lot of women with weapons at the ready.
*That can't be good.*
Flash said, "Well that didn't last very long."
And he was right as at the head of the armed women was a rather imposing woman with auburn colored hair that was tied in a pony tail that could almost reach her ankles while her bangs reached her neck, clad in ancient Grecian style armor and holding a very imposing sword stood the Captain of the Guard and trainer Artemis…and she was not happy with what had transpired and what she was seeing.
Thankfully someone was going to try preventing this from escalating as best she could from becoming an even bigger mess. Though considering the situation before them and her own situation, it might take a bit or rather a lot more effort from her.
Wonder Woman quickly spotted her as the Commander and Barbara came down the ramp of the transport, the latter carrying a medical case while the former wearing ODST armor kept her weapons prep in case something went wrong. She knew full well what would happen if Artemis would attack and she had NO plans to let any harm come to either Miranda or Barbara here. They were good people, and despite the former criminal's past, she had done much for others and validated John's belief in her.
It was a risk to be sure, considering her actions, but she had made her choice and her friends risked it all for her…John most of all, and she would not let him suffer if she could. Even if it meant a confrontation with her former trainer, Amazon sister, and sometime rival Artemis.
"Stand down Artemis, they have come to heal the Spartan and mean no ill will towards us."
"I would normally acquiesce to such an order if not for the fact that you brought men on the island your highness."
"And her we go with the clash of opinions," Arrow said, "Can anyone else say, Amazon civil war."
The warrior woman spat venomously as her temper slowly grew as she glared at Diana. Normally this was not acceptable conduct and even she would have thought better of it to glare at the daughter of the Queen. But she was not in the best of moods about everything, even more so with men due to her past with them. There was also the fact that she was still enraged by the events that led to that foul sorcerer coming here…and how helpless she had been along with the others due to them being turned to stone.
Diana said, "In hindsight, separating the women from the world and allowing them to wallow in anger and loathing towards the male gender was not a good idea."
J'onn said, "Especially since our comrade is close to dying from his wounds."
Diana on the other hand was not going to back down from this and was ready to defend her comrades. And she made that sentiment very clear as she glared back at Artemis, much to the surprise of her fellow Amazons.
"If I had not Hades would have been freed, my mother enslaved, and our people still petrified. I will accept any punishment necessary, but I will not regret my actions as they proved correct stand down or face MY judgment."
Now the Princess stood before the other woman with every intention of enforcing her order. Artemis likewise was not going to relent either and stood defiant before the raven haired princess of her own people.
Both seemed determined to outclass the other, and it looked as if things were about to get messy until…
"ENOUGH!"
"And the Queen enters," Arrow said crossing his arms.
The imperious tone of the Queen rang through as she made her way towards them. All the Amazons bowed before her as she approached and naturally that included Diana and Artemis. She spared a glance at the two arrivals before focusing on Artemis and her daughter. She had seen the events unfold and seeing Diana act the way she did both amazed and worried her. The former was due to the fact that Diana was showing a level of loyalty to these outsiders and to the Spartan in particular as she was doing to help him. The latter was due to what was the reason for her beloved firstborn to act like this and what was the tie between her and the armored man who had fought her former lover Hades.
"Artemis allow them to pass, we owe a debt to them including this Spartan, if these companions of him can heal him better than us than by all means I shall permit it, to do otherwise would sully our honor for the deed they performed in imprisoning Hades once more."
"As you command my Queen, Alexa!"
She calls out to the group of women with her.
"Yes Artemis?"
Replies a younger woman who had the same hair color as her, this being that they were blood related sisters, though she wore her hair more freely and it reached her shoulder, her demeanor was far gentler than her eldest and only sibling. The fact that Alexa was a scholar than a fighter even though she was capable of such things added to the difference between the two siblings.
"Take them to their companions and make sure to keep an eye on them."
Artemis said to her sibling in a stern tone, the message being clear to not let them out of her sight for even a second.
"Of course sister…"
Alexa replies before turning to face the group with a disarming smile to show that she was here to help
"…please follow me and I shall show to your companions."
The group did so though no one missed the glares Artemis and Diana were giving one another and hoped things did not go out of control during their stay. The last thing they wanted was to be the ones to witness two people who by all rights were family try to fight and harm one another.
End flashback…
The two Amazons strived to avoid one another as much as possible while the League waited for John to wake up. As it turns out from the scans Barbara took whatever the energy the God of War infused into the Spartan had the effect of eliminating the nanites in his body, luckily she carried a new batch as well as other medicines needed for her benefactor to fully heal, though the scars would remain as wounds caused by magic weapons had a tendency to be harder to heal properly.
His body was healing and there were no complications so now it was a waiting game on when John would fully recover, several of the League members took turns watching over the sleeping form of the UNSC soldier. Currently it was Cheetah's turn…much to her delight as this naturally allowed her to have some private time with him.
Diana didn't know why, but she felt some small amount of jealousy. It was clear that Barbara was falling for the soldier, but that upset her for some reason. Maybe it was because of their history that they believed that she and Spartan should come together. She shook those thoughts away as they were thoughts that didn't help the situation.
There she stood taking scans and checking for any response, it was a fairly routine procedure, but it was of great importance to her as she wanted to do all she could to help the man who had saved her life and given her a second chance.
Once done she took a moment to admire the man as he slept, brushing a strand of hair to get a better look.
*He looks so peaceful, hard to imagine him taking the fight to a god if what the others said was true.*
"But that sounds just like something you would do, you help save people, and you say you aren't a hero but right now there is a LOT of evidence shows the contrary hmm?"
She says as she strokes his hair and smiles warmly at him and it was taking all of her willpower not to lose it and possibly kiss him. Right now she had to be a healer and not take advantage of him like this.
"Drama," Arrow whispered to Flash.
Her above average hearing picked up someone approaching so she reluctantly moved away and sat as if nothing had happened. Soon the door opened an in stepped in Cortana with TACPAD in one of her hands, namely her fully restored hand that Hades had torn off much earlier, having been repaired by a Huragok the Commander brought with them as well as the parts.
The Amazons were slightly unnerved by the synthetic being but since it was harmless they left it be, even more so when Diana showed no discomfort towards them and one of them even chirped in musical tones at her while doing some form of language that Diana responded somewhat to..
Diana said, "Note to self, keep robots away from Themyscira, especially the metal men if we ever get the chance to meet them."
Arrow said, "Though, with modern technology they would be really shocked at what we have out here."
"Oh hello Barb, checking up on the Chief?"
"Yes, no sign of him waking up but his vitals are good and green across the board."
The human/animal hybrid replies before she takes note of the device as she had not seen this one just yet.
"…what have you got there?"
"TACPAD, I thought I should bring something that might help him wake up sooner."
Cortana says as she places the device next to the sleeping Spartan and activates it; soon soft, gentle music slowly comes to life and fills the room.
"Is that classical music?"
Barbara naturally asks as she was a bit surprise by the choice, she would have thought a guy like the Spartan was more of a rock and roll kind of guy.
"Yes, the woman in charge of the Spartan II program would often play it around the Spartans, she was a big fan of classical music; and sure enough, some took a liking to it including the big lug here."
"Huh, I never would have pegged him for a fan."
J'onn answered, "I do enjoy a good Mozart or Beethoven when I'm looking to relax."
Batman discreetly nodded, certain classical songs serving to help him relax after a long night of crime fighting.
*Still that's another thing I can learn about him, so every little bit helps…I wonder if he would like to go to concert sometime? I hear there's going to be one in couple of weeks.*
The literal cat woman thinks quietly to herself as she sees an opportunity to get closer to the man who had saved her. Sure it was still unknown territory, but unlike the experiment that changed, her, she was aware that this was actually going to be quite enjoyable.
Cortana sees that look and smiles a bit, she knew full well that the woman had a crush on her Spartan and could not help but have some fun at her expense.
"You look like you need a bite to eat; I saw some platters of fruit if you're interested."
"Hmm, I could use a snack, the wait is so draining."
Barbara replies as she feels a bit hungry and could go for something simple. Both soon leave and Cortana chooses to act now…
"So tell me Barb, just between us girls…"
The AI asks in a very innocent like tone that is betrayed by a mischievous twinkle in her eyes that made Barbara worry a bit what was on her mind
"…how many times have you sneaked into his bed to cuddle him hmm?"
"What?! I…No...I would never!"
A now very red faced and embarrassed woman stammered relentlessly though she soon stops as she sees the artificial being laughing with no signs of stopping. That was more than enough to make her realize that she got tricked.
"…why you little…I'll get you for that!"
And with that said she playfully lunges at Cortana who dodges and runs away, laughing all the while.
"Get back here you!"
If they had stayed a while longer they would have noticed the Spartan's fingers twitch for a second or two before stopping.
There was a round of laughter from the interaction of the two. There was also sings of relief as they realized their comrade was going to be okay.
In the Queen's chamber…
Diana was nervous, really nervous…that in itself was a rarity for her to be sure but with just cause; she had been avoiding her mother due to watching over the Spartan and trying to keep Artemis from doing something foolish to her friends in the League. Both of course were understandable courses of action with all that had happened.
Now though she had time and she was dreading the confrontation between her and her mother.
*What will I say? I know she cannot show me any favor and not cast out judgment for bringing my friends but I have to least explain it to her, it is the least I owe her for leaving so abruptly.*
Any further thoughts were cut off by the sound of the door opening however it was not the Queen who entered despite the resemblance…
"Mother I have returned from…Diana?"
A very stunned young woman with the same features that Diana had, albeit a bit younger, cut herself off in mid speech as she looked at the woman with a surprised look on her face as if trying to determine of what she was seeing was real. The same sentiment was also on Diana's face as she recognized with ease who was before her, after all, she was her younger sister.
"Donna?"
Superman asked, "By the way, how is your sister. Is she getting along with the kids in their team?"
Diana smiled and said, "I believe she is, yes. Though, I havne't talked to her in a while. I should rectify that soon."
Diana replies with an equal look as she had not expected to meet her sister so soon. She knew that at some point Donna would return to the city and become a full Amazon…she just did not expect it to be NOW of all times.
Donna for her part soon left surprise as her eyes began to tear up before she flung herself at her sister. It was easily clear that she was utterly happy at seeing her long lost sister.
"You're back!"
She cried out in joy at seeing her sister again after so many months, she truly did miss her other family member yet no one would tell where she was or if she was all right. She had been asking everyone on the island had they seen Diana, and had asked her mother even though Hippolyta herself did not know the answers. Thus even though she had been in training and seclusion, she had been praying to the gods repeatedly for something anything that would tell her about her eldest sibling.
Diana for her part simply smiled as she hugged her younger sister back, she too had missed her but her duties in protecting the world and her fears of what her mother would think should she ever return from her illicit excursion held her back. But now to hold her dear sister again made her feel that despite the bittersweet meeting, it was worth knowing her sister was safe.
*SNIFF*
"Where were you?! I was so scared something terrible had happened to you!"
The younger Amazon says as she felt the tears come making her big sister hug her more tightly to her body and stroke her hair as she did when they were younger.
"Oh Donna, I am sorry I left without telling you or anyone but…I had to leave, a great evil threatened the world and I could sit idly by as it struck."
Donna spoke to her sister.
"Surely the gods would have protected us, why would you need to face this evil?"
Diana blinked and said, "To be honest, I'm not sure if the gods' protections would have lasted with the world being slowly covered in darkness. They might have found us eventually."
J'onn said, "It is a possibility, but given it was based in magic, not science. However, if they managed to get some magical beings under their thrall…"
Everyone winced and shuddered at the idea of those aliens wielding powers like Faust's or others.
Donna asks as she does not understand the need for Diana to leave their home that was under the watchful eye of the Olympians. She had no doubt the Gods of their faith would defend their land so what could be so terrible that her eldest sister would willingly leave their home?
*SIGH*
"Donna, I have learned much in my time away and as much as I too worship the gods, their protection could not extend so far or could possibly last against the terrible fate it had plan for the world of man…but I was shown just how far the invaders would go if not stopped."
"Was it truly so terrible sister?"
"Yes, a whole race of beings that dwelled far away from our world was killed until only one of them remained to guard the vile monsters that killed his people until they escaped and he came to warn us."
J'onn briefly clenched his fist as he remembered his time of loneliness on Mars after his home was destroyed.
Diana spoke gravelly to enforce the seriousness of her words. Donna understood that, her sister would not hide such things from her even if they truly were disturbing matters, and speaking of…disturbing matters…she had just heard quite a number of said matters, all of which involved her beloved older sibling.
"Sister…"
The youngest sibling began as she let go of her eldest to look at her face as she spoke
"…is it true what they say? That you brought men on the island when that sorcerer came and freed Hades?"
*SIGH*
"Yes, yes it's true, but I had good reason to do so Donna. I would never do such a thing without very good reason"
Despite her surprise for her sister's actions she reserved the right to comment as she knew Diana always showed good instincts for these types of situations.
"When I was in man's world I felt I had to return here and explain why I felt to leave and help, then Faust appeared and held our people hostage and naturally I tried to get as much information as I could on my enemy thanks to some advice from a very good friend…"
She smiled when she said that as she recalled how the Spartan's words had helped her. John's advice had been critical for her as she knew now who she fought with and what he wanted. Had she gone in without any information, she would have made things a whole lot worse.
"…naturally I ran into trouble still but I managed to pull through though it was not in the most subtle of ways."
She says with equal parts amusement and slight recrimination at the damages done to the museum and the…mall as it was called..
Donna of course knows this and can't help but giggle at her big sister's admission.
"Oh I know, mother always said that you lacked finesse in that particular part of your training."
Donna speaks in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Oh? I seem to remember you flailing madly during your horse riding lessons."
Diana fires back with smirk at seeing her sister blush in embarrassment.
"One time Diana, it happened one time."
Diana laughed a bit as she remembered her younger years training with her sister.
Diana smiled as this moment of happiness made it easier for her…though there was no doubt that the rest would be less than pleasant.
"In any case, my actions got my teammates worried and I had no choice but to tell them what was happening. Once they understood they immediately volunteered to help me, I had warned them that no man may set foot on the island but they were still willing to help me regardless of that and the dangers to come."
Donna was surprised at that, her trainers with Artemis at the forefront often warned her of man's treacherous ways, Hercules and his lot could be attributed that particular experience, even more so when she had eventually learned of what the brute and his thugs did to her fellow Amazons…their mother most of all..
*Though perhaps that has changed somewhat if what my sister says is true.*
"What are they like? And what has changed in the world?"
Donna simply could not resist asking her sister for news of 'Man's world' as she and the others called it. Like her sister Diana, for years now she felt a need to see if there was more to the world and her sister had been given a chance to experience it. Thus naturally she was very eager to learn all that she could about the world from her sister.
Diana saw that easily and decided to tell Donna what she had seen, done, and experienced.
"Much has changed, some things for the better and others not, I have seen some men who give credence to our people's belief of man's cruelty but there are also good and noble men who treat women fairly and equally."
Donna listened intently, knowing full well that Diana would not speak of such things without seeing it for herself. Now she thought about the men her sister had brought here to their land willingly.
"And these men you brought?"
"They are each unique yet I think that adds to their character, the one called Superman by the people has power that could rival a god yet he has such a gentle and kind soul. One of his enemies tried to use him for a weapon and the fallout seems to have hurt him deeply yet he rises from that pain and still does right by the people."
Superman nods as he remembered the pain that Darkseid brought when he mind controlled him years ago.
"Batman is somewhat of a loner and though he has no abilities like the majority of the League we are part of, he is the most cunning of us and not a foe to take likely."
Batman discreetly nodded understanding the way Diana regarded him.
"Green Lantern is somewhat difficult to work with due to his military training, but he is a very determined and straightforward man who does what he can to safeguard the planet."
Lantern grinned at the understanding, and remembered the rough start he had when he first met him.
"Flash is a rather odd person, he flirts but I feel no malice and despite everything, when things look bleak he is there to raise our spirits with his humor."
Flash grinned as Wally mirrored his attempts at humor.
"J'onn, well he keeps to himself mostly but given how much he has lost it is understandable but we can all count on him to keep a level head in a crisis."
J'onn allowed a brief smile on his face.
"And what if this man who calls himself Spartan?"
The young princess asks inquisitively as what she heard seem too fantastic to be truth, who would believe a mortal challenging a God of Hades reputation? Let alone defy and fight him? But Donna noted a change in her sister as she asked that question that made her pay attention to what she would say. It was clear to the younger Amazon princess that the Spartan was someone who held a very special place to her sister and she needed to know more.
"He…he is a very unique man."
"Like the others?"
"No, no he is unique but in a different way, he has lived such a very hard life since childhood and yet despite that he is still a good man."
Thoughts of the war with the Covenant and Flood came to her and all the death and sorrow that came with it. This was also included about how he had been denied a normal life and reduced to being a weapon of war. Yet she knew that despite the tragedy that surrounded him, John never wavered and eventually became a hero to his people even if he didn't believe himself to be one. He found a new family and friends in his new role, never giving up and opportunity to aid them and others, and despite his abilities he never for one second tried to lord it over everyone.
Diana said, "In all honesty, I would expect even some of my sisters to hold their accomplishments in the covenant war over others."
He never gave up regardless of the risk and would gladly give his life for the survival of everyone else. The discussions they had leading to his near death for his promise to stand with her to free her family and people only added weight to her feelings on the matter of the Spartan…of John.
*SIGH*
"He has seen so much death, so much pain and so very little joy or happiness; it simply breaks my heart to know that such a man could live such a life as his. Yet it also puzzles me how he can move forward and look as if nothing fazes him…I know that deep down he is a noble being who gives his all for humanities safety. He may say that he does not deserved to be honored for doing what is his duty, but he deserves to be and more."
With that said Diana gave a faraway look as she recalled just how far he would go to keep his oath to humanity…or to keep a promise to a friend. The image of him…being hit by Hades' accursed weapons to save her and her mother came back to remind her of that. And of course, the result of when she and Superman had been caught in an illusion that made them nearly kill him, yet he never carried any grudge to them and was still ready to give his all to help her.
Donna noticed her sister's silence and felt compelled to hear more.
"Is something wrong? You got quiet all of a sudden sister."
"No, I was just remembering something he said to me…" she spoke before noticing her sisters expecting look.
"Before we came here and found out Faust's plans, myself, Superman and the Spartan located one of the key fragments. I knew the dangers but still we took it and were soon caught up in an illusion that had us fighting each other, and despite his armors crafting and enhancements we hurt him."
"Still he continued on with the mission and despite the damage he told me how he would do everything he could to help our people, and he did. Then Hades…he…oh goddesses above he very well killed him yet despite his life dwindling the Spartan still put the needs of others before life."
Diana was clearly shaken by that last comment as she remembered the blood and the feeling of helplessness she felt at seeing the man slowly fade. And she recalled John's words to her and the others, never let Hades win, and he was willing to trade his life for the billions of people if it stopped the tyrant from playing with the lives of others.
Donna saw it and held her, wondering what kind of man this Spartan would have to be to have such an impact on her sister. To see her normally composed, brave and compassionate sister like this made her all the more curious yet she decided to not ask too much as the questions would no doubt hurt Diana.
The two stayed quiet after that unaware that there was a third visitor listening in to the whole conversation.
Hippolyta had arrived when she had received word her youngest had returned, leaving only her adopted daughter Aresia to complete her training before she could return. It did her heart good to know that at least Donna had not been here when Faust attacked as the idea of her Little Pearl being turned into stone was repulsive to her. She only hoped that despite the reunion between her and her daughters, it would not become too bitter after she had to do her duty as Queen.
Diana could only hope that her moth would come to see them as she had, and that the Spartan's presence in their world would change her mind.
As she arrived she heard the voices of her daughters speaking and slowed her approach to let them get acquainted once more and give her time to think about her firstborn's actions involving the men who came to help her fight Faust and Hades..
The part of her that was a ruler was angry she had so blatantly broken their laws as well as aided in freeing their ancient enemy. But the part of her that was a mother was anguished for her daughter to be placed in such a position and could do nothing to prevent it.
She knew that had there been a way to stop both Faust and Hades without bringing her comrades into something like this, Diana would have taken it.
Flash said, "At least she's understanding."
But instead, she was forced to break the law to save her people. She could not fault her child for doing what she could for her people and her family, how could she be asked to punish her when she herself would have done the same?
As she continues to listen in as Diana described her time in man's world and her companions she began to wonder if they were wrong to remain isolated, the damage men had done to her people would not be soon forgotten but was it truly right to cling to that old hate?
She did not know and couldn't make any judgments based on only a few comments even if they came from her beloved daughter, so moving past that she continued to listen as her eldest spoke of one companion in particular the man who called himself a Spartan.
Naturally he was the one she was most interested with for multiple reasons, for one he was obviously of some interest to one of the Olympians, and she had a fairly good idea who but did understand why the interest on a mortal. Another reason and more closer to home is the way Diana acted around the man, she completely trusted this stranger and from the anguish and rage she showed when seeing the man at death's door and Hades merciless mocking the queen could tell the bond between the two was deep.
*But how deep? What are they to each other? Could they be…?*
Arrow said, "I have a distinct feeling some parental meddling is about to happen."
Superman said, "I know that feeling, and I think it is coming to."
Her line of thoughts went many places for a while longer before she decided to confront the man himself once he awoke. For the moment she would leave her daughters be, as much as she wished it she still needed time before confronting Diana for her actions and what consequences they brought down upon her and her friends.
She calmly walked back to the temple where she hoped for some guidance on her course of action; though coincidently she spotted another armored figured sans helmet and of shorter stature, the woman named Miranda Keyes, who was admiring the statue of Athena.
She hadn't had much interaction with the woman who came with the odd healer for the wounded super soldier, but just by looking at her she could tell this woman was a soldier through and through by the way she moved, stood and spoke. The fact that she seemed to carry power and authority in her posture and words meant that she was no mere soldier, but a leader.
"Admiring the statue?"
Hippolyta asks kindly as she had no problem with the woman as opposed to the men despite their noble actions as she still needed to make some hard choices.
"Oh your highness, I didn't see you come in and yes it is lovely."
The Commander of the Dawn replies respectfully with a bow. The Earth of her world may have given such things as titles of nobility but still she was in the presence of a head of state and would act accordingly.
The Queen accepted the bow and looked to the statue as well.
"Thank you; our finest artisans built it to honor one of our patron goddesses, much work went into it but I am glad it is appreciated by others."
"Yes, back in the world most work from the ancient world is now just a shadow of its former self but still many find them quite spectacular for surviving the tests of time."
"Hmm, much time has passed since we came to live on the island yet it is good to see that much is still remembered."
The Queen spoke turning to address the other woman
"I was going to offer prayer but I have been wishing to speak with you, would care to join me in the palace?"
Flash said, "The queen and the commander. This is going to be interesting. Maybe she can put in a good word for us."
Miranda knew that this was a good deal, but she was not sure it was a good idea. Not to sound as if she was being insulting or anything, but she knew that she and the others were not exactly welcome.
"I would not want to impose your highness."
"I owe your people a debt, you are hardly imposing and besides I would to speak to a woman who has lived in man's world more so than my daughter and know just how much has changed."
Hippolyta spoke as she began to move towards the temple entrance.
"Well I may not be the best person to ask since I have some trouble given the time period myself and the others from my group are from."
The commander replies as she walks beside the Amazon queen. This however confused Hippolyta as she spoke.
"I do not understand."
Lantern said, "Oh, right, they don't have time travel yet, and the super soldier's origins haven't been fully explained to them yet."
Her statement made Miranda realize the Amazon Queen was not aware of her, John, and Cortana's…unique natures when compared to the residents of this Earth.
"Oh, I thought Diana would have told you a bit about us and where we come from."
"I have not had a chance to speak with her."
The noblewoman replied with a tone that spoke volumes of how much she wanted to do so yet also felt some measure of dread of the confrontation. That was not missed in the slightest by the UNSC officer and she did her best to make the situation a bit easier for both parties.
"Listen I know it's not my place, but Diana is a good friend and I can honestly say that she only did what she thought was best to save you and her people."
Miranda says as she did not want her friend to suffer just because she did the right thing even if the Amazon's laws said the contrary. She knew that sometimes to help others, you had to bend or even break the rules.
She certainly broke her own share with that stunt of chasing after the Prophet of Regret's Carrier, and her taking a risk on Cortana's plan way back when they entered the Portal. And John broke one such rule when he sided with Cortana over Lord Hood, who pretty much outranked him and Cortana. That in itself was a serious move for a Spartan to take…and it paid off.
Lantern said, "High risk, high reward. Story of our lives."
Hippolyta nodded in agreement at this, seeing easily what Miranda meant by her statement.
"I know, my sun and stars has always been that way, it is one of her best qualities and I am proud of her but I must also bear the wait of leadership and with make hard choices…even if they break my heart to do so."
"Yeah, it isn't easy being a leader…"
The Navy officer replied as she thought back to all the hard choices she had made during the war
"…lives hinge on your decisions and sometimes you have to sacrifice some to save more. I've known this long before I ever took command of my own ship and crew in the war, all the way to now."
Many of them nodded. They knew that it being a leader meant sacrificing for the greater good, and it was usually low in terms of rewards.
The Queen gave her walking companion a quick look and saw the far off stare, Hippolyta was no stranger to war.
"How long has it been?"
She asks the officer, who in turned stiffened at the question, she looked at the ruler and could tell she knew what was going through her mind.
"Three years, but to me it feels like it was just yesterday, but no matter how bad I had it I think the Chief took the worse of it."
And she believed that with every fiber of her being. She had been killed but the Chief had to live on with that knowledge, and then there was the death of Johnson. Not to mention the lives of many Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force, and even ODSTs who fought with John in every theater of war with the Covenant.
*Oh yes, he has gone through the ringer and more…I just wish we could pay him back for all of that and more, maybe I can at least do something HIGHCOM was going to do anyway upon our return.*
Miranda says to herself before she was brought back by the Queen's voice.
"Is that his name?"
"No that's the short way to say his military rank, in our branch of the military his rank is Master Chief Petty Officer, though he was awarded the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy when he went missing we just haven't had time to make it official since we were brought here."
"I believe I understand but then what would that make you?"
"I hold the rank of Commander and he is under my command, though I think he should be of higher rank considering all he has done for our people. Heck they should make him an Admiral with all the things he has done, what he endured, and how many times he pulled victory from what seemed like total defeat."
Flash said, "Imagine their army with him in charge. They'd probably be near unstoppable. Then again, he may not be on the front lines as much as he wants."
Miranda replies casually as she does believe the Chief deserved more for his actions during the war, though she had to smile at what he would say.
*Probably say there were others who deserved it more, that would be so like him.*
Queen simply added that to the growing list of things she wished to discuss with the man, clearly there was more to him then she first came to believe.
"And where are the rest of your companions if I may ask?"
The Queen asked casually though she hoped the men were not causing problems, Artemis and some others were already high strung given how easily they had been caught off guard by the sorcerer. They were technically guests and under her protection but that only lasted as long as they did not cause something that could anger her people.
"Well Cortana went to check on the Chief and Barbara, J'onn is meditating in his room, Batman and Superman are in your libraries and Flash is just wandering around."
Superman said, "If we were allowed more time on the island, I could see us doing that."
Batman nodded, wondering what secrets of history might be in those tomes.
"I do hope they do not cause any needless altercations, my people while not easily provoked do not take kindly to insults."
The Queen warned seriously as she knew just how true that statement was.
"It is not our intention to do so, but I hope you understand my friends are not out to cause trouble but will defend themselves if necessary."
"Agreed, I have spoken to my warriors to keep the peace, though I do worry that some might try to do otherwise if they can get away with it."
"I share the sentiment, now I must leave you your highness since I was going to visit the Chief and see if he has awoken after visiting your temple."
"I wish to join you; I have questions I must ask of him that may help in my decision regarding my daughter."
"All right, I don't see the harm in that just please don't push him too hard I don't know what condition he is in after this entire Hades debacle even with his accelerated healing."
The Commander requests as she turns towards the area where they are being housed with the Queen walking next to her as she went over what to ask the Spartan and his dealings with her daughter.
*Let us hope no more mishaps occur before I reach a descision.*
Hippolyta thought to herself.
Meanwhile in another area of the island…
Wally West was currently napping under the shade of a tree in a small meadow he found after giving the island a once over. He found the beauty of the island enchanting and having found the perfect spot to rest he decided to take advantage of the situation, and while he would normally hate sitting still he remembered how his Uncle and Jay told him that despite their power there was nothing wrong with slowing down and enjoying the world one moment at a time.
Flash smiled at the scenery and said, "Yeah, that seems like a nice place to just kick back and relax. If it wasn't' for the whole everyone wants to kill you thing, it would make a great vacation spot, but I don't think the locals would agree."
Diana said, "I know I wouldn't as I wouldn't want stand and perverts popping up on my home."
Of course he needed the distraction since he couldn't afford to get in trouble with the locals, yes he was tempted to do his usual antics to be sure but not at the cost of causing Diana or the Chief trouble. He may not seem capable of being serious most of the time but he knew when the situation called for levity and when it did not, his verbal bouts with Cortana proved that he did as he did to break tension. After all, too much tension could cause more problems than it solved.
Flash smiled at Wally. Glad to see he had matured over the years.
The others may think him childish for it but his former teammates the Titans saw it for what it was since they knew him better than his current team, there were days he wondered if he should leave the mask behind but for now there was no need, for now he silently rested under the calm and peace.
Of course that's when some unexpected company would arrive as making her way to his spot was a redheaded Amazon called Alexa with an empty basket, as she made her way she thought back on the current situation.
While things were tense she did not see the need for it, unlike most of her Amazon sisters she was willing to give the men Diana brought a chance….much to Artemis's annoyance. Even more so when she spoke about it with some of the others, and that naturally made its way to her elder sister's ears.
When her elder sister confronted her she simply told her that if Diana trusted them then obviously there was something she saw that made her choose to bring them to their home despite the consequences. And she also pointed out that without their aid Hades would be free and that one of them was greatly wounded protecting their Princess and Queen.
Diana said, "At least some of my sisters are not caught up in the past."
She was one of the healers who tended to the man called Spartan, when she was done dressing his wounds and applied her herbal remedies she took a moment to look at the man. His sheer size was unexpected when compared to the others and his pale skin tone caught her off guard as he could pass off for a statue, then there were the scars….they were the most telling in her mind as both healer and scholar.
She had never seen so many on a person; which made her wonder if perhaps this man really was a Spartan for having so much pain inflicted on him yet survive. Her inclination towards academics over warfare had her spend time more time in their libraries and therefore she was familiar with the actions of the Spartan nation and lifestyle, it may seem odd they have that in there but perhaps that was the Gods' way of honoring the men who gave their lives for their former homeland without a second thought.
"Imagine how a modern doctor would react to him if he showed up at their hospital," Flash said, "They'd probably as how many fights a man has to get into to get those."
Lantern said, "Wonder how the Amazons would react to the Covenant."
Another thing she took note was the way the women, if the mechanical being called Cortana could be called that, acted around him as he lay there healing. The artificial being often acted in a motherly fashion as she stroked his hair and made sure he was comfortable even if he could not voice it, the one called Miranda would speak to him as if he was an old friend and someone who she trusted well, but the ones she felt were more interesting were the actions of Diana and Barbara.
The former often would hold his hand as he slept rubbing it gently or smiling as she gazed at his face as he rested peacefully, other times she would were a sad look and frown as she looked at his recent scars. That in itself told Alexa that there was a lot more going on between the Amazon princess and the Spartan than anyone knew…with the possible exception of Hippolyta. She however decided to wait and learn more lest she jump to a conclusion that might be taken the wrong way.
From the latter she once found her resting her head on his chest when she stayed late into the night, she held him as she did so, naturally Alexa chose not question this as she did not have all the facts and for all she knew they could be lovers. Though that begged the question about Diana's relationship with the man, so she decided to place that thought aside until she was also more certain and had all the pieces in place.
As she thought of her friend she could not help but frown…
*I do hope the Queen is lenient with her, I would hate to see any of them hurt because of this, Aresia and especially Donna would suffer because of this.*
The league members, save Arrow, almost jumped at the mention of the amazon warrior turned bioterrorist. In all of this, they had forgotten about her, wondering how this would affect her, and her future choices.
She also thought how it would affect her, Diana was one of her oldest friends, and unlike many others she did not find any fault with her peaceful demeanor or love of knowledge. She had spoken with her once the Spartan was stabilized and understood her reasoning in bringing the men to the isle and could how much it hurt her to see them get hurt or nearly die in the case of the super soldier.
Sadly Artemis did not see it that way and was just looking for a reason to attack; given their rough past in regards to men she could not blame her sister, yet she also wished she let go…as she once read does who do not learn of the past are doomed to repeat the same mistake. She had no doubt that unless Artemis calmed down and let go of her hatred, it would make her into something she knew her beloved older sister never truly was. And that made her truly worry…
*And Aresia is even worse than her at times, thank the gods she isn't here, she would have a fit and I fear how Diana and Donna would react if she made any attempt on the men here.*
Arrow said, "You know call it a sixth sense, but I think that Aresia that she's mentioned is going to be a pain later on."
The other members glanced between one another and thought collectively, 'You have no idea.'
The redhead thought with equal parts dread and worry on what the adopted daughter of Hippolyta would do should she find out about this. She did not know all the details nor did she inquire, but it was clear to her that Aresia's hatred of men went far beyond the normal…and as much as it sounded off, a bit more so than her sister's.
For the moment she would leave such thoughts behind and focus on the present, and that was to replenish her stores of medicinal herbs. She used quite a bit on the Spartan and felt now would be a good time to get some more, that and the spot she went always gave her a sense of peace whenever she was troubled.
Of course it came to a complete surprise to her when she spotted the crimson clad speedster dozing under same spot she uses to read a good book. She saw that her presence hadn't woken the man up and left her wondering what to do, naturally her upbringing told her to leave but her natural curiosity told her to stay.
*He looks harmless enough and he is one of the men who helped fight Hades and watch over their wounded friend.*
She decides that she would go about her business quietly and try not to disturb the speedster, so with that in mind she sets down her basket and begins to look for any plants she can use for her healings balms. Occasionally she spares him a look and wonders what his life is like in man's world, how he obtained his powers what his views are on women.
She would soon get her chance as a moth passed by and decided that Wally's nose makes the perfect resting place. Naturally Flash reacts by grumbling a bit and shoos it away only for it to return and tickle his nose a bit, again he tries to maintain his hold on his blissful slumber but by the third time his nose reacts to the furry insects actions.
"ACHOO!" he lets out loudly that it startles his Amazonian visitor.
*GASP!*
This of course caught his attention and soon faced the sight of a very attractive redhead in a toga.
*Whoa! She is seriously cute! Quick, think of something awesome to say!* the fastest man alive thinks to himself…though what he does is…
"Um…Hi."
*Real smooth there Flash.* he sarcastically said to himself as he hung his head, he had a feeling he just pissed off his chance to know one of the Amazons here.
Flash facepalmed as he thought, 'Smooth Wally, real smooth.'
Everyone laughed a bit a Wally freezing up at a cute girl. Some of them wondered what would happen if he ever came in contact with a hot babe at a bad time, and how he would react. There would probably be a lot of meddling on their parts.
"H-hello." He hears suddenly, he looks at the woman and notices that while there is some reluctance she is more nervous than afraid.
*Well, it's a start I guess.* and with that thought in mind the Central City's champion relaxed as he tried to start a conversation with the Amazon before him. It also made him happy to know that at least someone among Diana's people did not have it in for men on general principle. Though he did worry on the fact that she looked like a younger version of the redhead who had one seriously nasty staring contest of wills with Diana.
In the library…
Batman and Superman were still in the vast library the Amazons had in their possession, while they did see many scrolls written in ancient Greek they also saw many contemporary books as well.
Superman and Batman looked around as they tried to distract themselves from the worry they each felt for the Amazon Princess and the Spartan. Clark was obviously more open about his feelings while Bruce maintained his stoic demeanor while going over every possible outcome. Some of them were not too positive but Bruce knew he had to take everything into account no matter how distasteful.
Finally Superman decided to voice his worries.
"What do you think is going to happen to her?"
Bruce did not need to ask as he knew just who Clark spoke of, he too worried about Diana's fate but he had to be realistic here, even if he too hoped that it would not be too severe. His read on the Amazons was already telling him that this was not going to end well for Diana, so he had to speak about it.
"That is not for us to decide Clark, we don't know their laws or how their isolation from the rest of humanity has affected their mindset. And they may be lenient given the fact that the threat of Hades release could be considered a factor, but at the same time we were the instruments of his release."
J'onn said, "He has a point. Many of them may end up blaming us for Hades nearly being released."
Clark reacted the way Bruce knew he would, and in truth he could not blame the Kryptonian.
"But we didn't want that to happen! We tried to stop Faust before he could release him."
"You and I know that but they don't, they were pretty much statues when we came here. All they would see is men arriving on the island with their Princess delivering the key to Hades freedom to a man who had them hostage."
The Dark Knight replied as he moved towards a bookcase before continuing even if it was hard for him to say it as they were talking about an ally of theirs.
"Add in the fact that they are a warrior like culture and were defeated by a single male opponent and you get a recipe for disaster. I can already tell that if even one thing was misinterpreted by them, they'll go on the warpath, with us as the targets."
Batman nodded with his counterpart, and so did the others. It was clear that a single misinterpretation due to their mindsets and years of isolation would lead to a great deal of violence.
"But they must have some sense of justice; the Queen seems to be fairly level headed and would approach this objectively."
The Man of Steel replied in turn with hope lacing his voice, but seeing his counterpart shake his head in a negative makes whatever faith in a positive outcome falter.
"She is also her mother and will be probably more than torn on what choice to make; does she make an exception of her daughter and earn the distrust of her subjects or make an example of her and show that no one is above the law? That's the kind of choice that can really test anyone Clark."
Bruce pauses as he let that harsh truth sink in to his colleague, as much as he would like to believe that they had the truth on their side in this case it may not be enough.
Flash said, "No matter what happens, I just hope this doesn't lead to a war between us and Amazons. I don't like the idea of mythological creatures rising from the sea and ground and ripping us apart."
J'onn said, "Sounds like what you humans call nightmare fuel."
"I am also worried about what has happened to the Spartan and what repercussions may come from what transpired."
Clark nodded a bit as he knew where Bruce was coming from.
"You mean that red energy field that surrounded his body and gave him greater strength?"
"Yes, that was obviously no natural occurrence and much too coincidental given what was happening at the time."
"A third party got involved then?"
Superman speaks it more as a comment than a question as he feels that is the correct answer.
"My thoughts precisely, whoever it was that intervened has interest in the Master Chief and given where we are and who we faced I have a fairly accurate idea of who it was."
*And if it is we may be facing someone just as dangerous as Hades if his intentions for the Spartan are less than noble.*
Everyone nodded. A being who was called the God of war having an interest in their comrade was bound to end poorly, especially for the man himself.
"We should wait on the others before we delve any further into this, they will need to know as well."
Superman added as he feels the whole team should be involved in this discussion as they needed to prepare for the worst, Batman agrees to this without question and both resume going over their plans of how to help Diana. Even though he was being cynical about the whole thing, Bruce wanted to make the situation as less painful as possible for everyone.
With the Master Chief…
The Chief rarely experienced dreams, years of being in Cryo or on the field of battle, dreams were a rare thing for him and most of the times he did not desire them but sadly they were the one thing he could never escape as he dreamt and remembered…
Dream sequence…
"John!" He hears a woman behind him call out his name; feelings of warmth and love radiate from her as he sits on a beach as he turns away from her and watches as two Pelican's fly through the skies.
"When we grow up, I am going to marry you Parisa." He says to a soaked young girl who smiles at him after pulling her out of a river.
"Oh didn't see that coming," Flash said.
Wonder woman asked, "And old friend of the chief before he was brought in by the UNSC?"
The girl must have been heartbroken when the John was kidnapped, mistaken for dead, and left her. She idly wondered if he would have followed through with that promise when he was a boy, and married her when he became a man?
"Eagle!" He yells as he catches a coin that would irrevocable alter his destiny and the woman who changed his life.
Flash said, "That must have been when he learned of his extraordinary luck. The guy would probably end up getting kicked out of Vegas."
"You don't win until your team wins." His trainer CPO Mendez teaches him after failing to cooperate with those who would become his closest friends.
Lantern said, "His training with Mendez."
He sees his fellow Spartans line up as they prepare for the next phase of the program, the augmentations. Elijah-010 looks back at him and gives him a reassuring smile.
Now he sees machines and doctors operating on him, his body is wracked with great pain, a cry comes from his left and he sees Elijah as he body breaks free of his restraints and spits out…then he flatline's and life slowly fades away from his eyes.
Everyone shuddered at the sight of the machines and augmentations. No doubt the pain was excruciating, especially since it killed and crippled many who underwent the process.
He wakes up with start, his body feeling strange, his eyes trail over the scars he is covered in and looks for the rest of his squad…only there are too few than there were originally.
Now he is in bandages and sees many coffins ready to be committed to vastness of space, he keeps wondering where he failed them. What could he have done to make sure they all came back together…even if part of him knew that they were gone.
He recalled the question he asked Chief Mendez, his father figure, about whether the lives of those who did not make were wasted or spent. He never got an answer…
Lantern clenched his fist for that.
He is fighting a group of ODST's, they are no match for him and he kills two and cripples another. He recalled how he tried to stop it from coming to this, and how this eventually caused bad blood between his brothers and sister and the ODSTs. And he recalled the guilt of killing them…they could have helped in the war than just being sent to the morgue…all because of him.
"Oh, I remember that ass kicking," Lantenr said, "Too bad it lead to so much bad blood."
He is now being fitted with the MJOLNIR; it will be the final phase of the program that marks them as the men and women who would be humanities sword and shield.
The Covenant ship is growing smaller as Kelly clings to him as they leave their best friend to die…his eyes reflected on his visor show they were a mixture of sorrow and fury.
He is now fighting the Covenant, his fellow Spartan and he fall out of the sky like angels of death as they meet the enemy head on and slaughter the invaders as they push the Elites back.
He meets Cortana for the first time; it would be a friendship that would see him through many trying times.
Everyone smiled as they saw the two friends turned almost siblings first meeting.
He is on the Halo, fighting Covenant, Flood and Guilty Sparks' sentinels.
He is own High Clarity, laying waste to the opposition as he seeks to cripple the armada heading towards Earth. Cortana will not be joining him…
The Gravemind has him and the Arbiter in its sick clutches, he has no choice but to team up with them if he is to prevent the array from firing.
He must leave his friend behind to stop the invasion.
Wave after wave of Covenant soldiers fall before him as he fights way on the Forerunner Keyship to stop the Prophet.
He is found by the Arbiter and Johnson after literally crash landing on Earth, there is still a fight to be won.
He feels relief as Cortana come backs from the brink and together they face the challenges to come.
His anger knows no bounds as Spark betrays them and kills Johnson; he will never break his promise to his departed friend.
He sees the new armor and ship before seeing the body of Miranda and requests her to be brought back.
They defeat the Covenant loyalists who threaten Earth.
He sees their arrival on this Earth and all the heroes, the invasion and his joining of the League.
"Oh yeah, now we're getting into the recent stuff," Arrow said, "With everything that's happened. I'm surprised that he's not gone crazy."
Batman said, "It shows just how much fortitude he has."
He sees his time helping Diana, feeling at ease when she is around like when it was just him and Cortana as well as getting to know her as a person.
He feels protective of Barbara after helping her get back her life from all the hardship she had dealt with.
He finally sees his battle with Hades, and all he feels is hatred for the god who had hurt his friends…for they were indeed his friends.
The last image he sees is Diana screaming his name as he is being dragged into the gateway…then nothing.
End dream sequence…
With those final images his eyes snap open, a light sheen of sweat covers him as his heart steadies back into a slow rhythm and his breathing relaxes. He stays that way for a few moments as his mind finishes recalling all he saw…and the emotions that came with it.
*I hate it when that happens.*
He thinks to himself as he wipes away the grime from his eyes, though once clear they look around the small room he is in, if he were to hazard a guess they were still in the home of the Amazons from the looks of things it is then that his ears pick up the sound of Moonlight Sonata coming from a TACPAD next to his bed.
Flash smiled said, "And sleeping beauty awakens."
Lantern said, "About time."
That brought some of the more pleasant memories he had on Reach during training, Dr. Halsey's office would often have this type of music playing and most of the time he had found it soothing.
*Must have been Cortana.*
He thinks warmly as he knew his friend would go out of her way to do this. And for that he was thankful, something to ease his mind was more than welcome after what he had been put through.
He took a moment to enjoy the music before removing the covers and sat on the edge of the bed, his body showed signs of stiffness making him wonder how long he'd been out.
*No armor, but at least they left me some clothes.*
He thinks as he spots the cargo pants and gray T-shirt., he also gave thanks he still had his boxers on to cover up his modesty. Nudity may not be much of an issue to him given the times he went into cryo before he got his armor or the communal showers they had on board their ships. But he severely doubted that a society of female warriors would condone him walking around in his birthday suit. That was like, in the words of some of his fellow UNSC military personnel, carrying a neon sign in enemy territory that said 'Here I am, shoot me'.
Diana said, "Oh, they would od a lot more than just shoot him."
Flash said, "Yeah, I'm not touching that one."
He slowly got up and began to stretch his body to lose the stiffness while he thought back on what he had gone through in the past battle. In all honesty this was a first for him since facing gods, ACTUAL Gods, was not something one could simply ignore given where he is from. But given the fact that he did indeed faced the Greek God of the underworld he was not exactly sure what to make of that.
*And then there is this Ares character, if he is indeed THAT Ares, what could he possibly want with me? Ugh what have I gotten myself into?*
He chose to leave that thought for later as he needed to focus on the now, as he continued to get his body loose he spotted a nearby mirror, his caught sight of his latest's scars where Hades spears had struck.
He slowly approached the mirror and traced the one near his heart lightly with his hand, the memories and feelings he got from touching the wound were still fresh and all the more potent. The anger at seeing Hades so casually using the two women to get him into place to kill him, the acceptance that he would give his life for them so as to defeat the mad god and the sorrow he felt about how his passing would hurt his friends both old and new.
*But we won…that's all that matters, we stopped him.*
He says to himself to maintain his calm, he would only be lying to himself if thinks such an event had not shaken him, but he let his training take hold and used it to maintain an air of detachment. His trainers and his experiences taught him well on focusing on the fact that he had survived and the enemy had been bested. And the fact that he helped save his friends and team mates made the new scars acceptable,
Though he had no doubt that if they got back to the UNSC, there were going to be a lot of raised eyebrows if he told them that he got these from spears made of infernal magic from a God.
His musings soon came to a halt as the door to his room slowly opened and revealed both Commander Keyes and the Queen Hippolyta as they turned to look at him, years of training made him immediately salute the Commander despite his current state of dress. He KNEW he was going to get a lecture later, but he decided to not let that bother him.
"Oh you know a guy is confident in his body when he's not even embarrassed about being nude in front of two ladies," Flash said.
Diana said, "Just be lucky none of the royal guards are there. They would find his confidence insulting, and would no doubt cut it off."
Every male, even J'onn, crossed their legs at that remark.
"Commander Keyes."
He greeted Miranda with his usual; neutral tone, though he did not know how to formally address the Queen yet. Miranda just chuckled at the man's adherence to protocol even when he was down to his skivvies so to speak and saluted him back. As for the Queen she merely kept a calm air about her which was a good thing in his mind.
"At ease Chief, no need to stick to formalities given your lack of clothing as well as having her highness here, I suggest you finish admiring your latest beauty marks and get dressed while I alert the others you're awake."
*Cortana, Barbara and Diana will flip when they hear the news.*
And with that thought she stepped outside leaving the Queen and the Spartan alone. This was going to be worth seeing when the three in question got to see that he was indeed on his feet.
"My apologies for my state of undress your…highness…"
He says reluctantly as he had never dealt with nobility besides Aquaman, and that was an odd experience given how he had snapped at him after putting Stewart in line. In this case however, at least he was assured that Hippolyta was more diplomatic than the Atlantean so he should do the same as well.
"…I was not aware of my surroundings."
"Given the fact that we did not knock I would say it was our fault, besides I recognized the look on your face as you looked at the scars, I too have had my moments where I see my own and get taken back to the past and lose myself to memories."
'And a great deal there are,' Diana thought.
Hippolyta replies with a tone that spoke in all honesty and seriousness to the man, though she had to admit he was an oddity given his large size and pale scarred skin. Not in a deformed and ugly way though since despite the scars, he was hardly malformed or disfigured.
John had finished dressing while he went over her words, feeling she would understand he added something to the conversation.
"No one can afford to lose themselves in the past though, you learn from the past but you can never go back and change things and deep down you can't help but feel that some choices mustn't change despite the hardship that came from them."
Memories of battles long since passed and all the hard choices he made came unbidden before he forced them away, he made those choices that determined the fate of many lives and there was no going back to change them.
Everyone nodded and they all knew that they had made mistakes and their carried those scars, but those scars all carried a learning experience. Something they all knew too well.
"So very true warrior, you speak of experiences best left unsaid Spartan a trait I can relate too."
The Queen replies as she is a bit surprise the man would have such a profound thought as she did not picture one who called himself Spartan could grasp such a concept.
*Then again times have changed, perhaps we are simply too behind in the times to realize this fact.*
They were both quiet now, and seeing as the perfect opportunity to address her curiosity about the Spartan and her eldest daughter.
"Spartan, what precisely is your relationship with my eldest daughter?"
Diana resisted the urge to groan and rubbed her forehead as a few snickers rose up from her friends.
John thought it over a bit before replying seeing no harm in telling her.
"It is strictly professional when we work at the detective agency or on assignment with the League."
"What is this detective agency you speak of and what is it like when not working together?"
John was a bit confused by her second question, but again he saw nothing wrong with it. He kept in mind that unlike her daughter Hippolyta had not learned of the modern world and its uniqueness compared to the past.
"The agency is where people come to us to help them find lost objects or people; or sometimes we also are hired to spy on people who are suspected of being doing something suspicious by their lovers or spouses. We also protect people on rare occasion. As for how she and I interact outside of our regular duties we are…friends I suppose you can say."
"I see…"
The queen supposed he was being truthful, despite the pause she sensed no deceit in him. That in itself was very interesting for her as she moved to his next question.
"…and how do see her as a person?"
Diana thought, 'Please just stop.'
John thought long and hard on that one, he went over all his interactions with her both within the League and when they were under their "civilian" personas. Once he organized his thoughts on the question, he spoke to Hippolyta.
"She is a very unique woman, she is very kind and compassionate person, and she holds certain innocence about her when it comes to the world at large despite all that we have taught…I find it somewhat refreshing. When she fights she is very brave, self-sacrificing and noble when she comes to the defense of the innocent, I find her to be someone I can trust to watch my back in a fight."
Hippolyta could see he was being very truthful about his words towards her daughter, she felt a measure of pride in that, she was glad that despite the circumstances of her leaving Diana still represented their people with such a noble heart. And the fact that the Spartan held her daughter in high regard as she did him, showed that the relationship between her daughter and this man was actually a good one. Something that she felt must be remembered in the possible future.
"May I ask you something your highness?"
John asks the ruler of the warrior women calmly.
"Since you were kind enough to answer my questions you may."
John thought about what he wanted to ask and when he was done, he spoke.
"I realize that Diana has broken rules regarding my male colleagues being on your homeland, what will happen to her?"
"She must be judged accordingly, regardless of her intentions she must be judged."
*No matter how much it breaks my heart to do so.*
Diana remembered the sorrow in her mother's eyes as she was banished from Themyscira. She honestly hoped that such a scene wouldn't happen here.
Hippolyta sighed deeply at that as she knew that no matter how it went, it would hurt deeply to exile Diana. However, John's response was something she did not expect.
"I see…is there anything we can do to prevent that, something my allies and I can do as a form of penance in her place since we are the offenders so to speak?"
Flash said, "Should have seen that coming. Place bets on if she gets banished or not."
Flash was then bat slapped by Batman, and then super speed slapped by both Diana and Superman.
There were so few moments in her long life the Queen can honestly say she was shocked….this was a new one. From the man's tone and the serious look on his face she could tell he was being honest. He actually wanted to help Diana find a way to atone for her actions through their law so that in the end she could be given the option to return home. That was truly something that intrigued Hippolyta and she made that clear to John.
"Pardon my question but, why would you do such a thing? You have risked your life for a people who see you with distrust, done so for a complete stranger and then you risked an eternity of torment to push Hades back into Tartarus…why?"
She was subject to another surprise from the man answer immediately.
"Because that is my purpose."
Diana said, "That is true. It is his job, and the one thing he was made for."
Flash said, "It makes you wonder just what his world would have been like if the Spartan hadn't come to be."
Before she could further inquire they were interrupted by the arrival of a very joyous AI, who proceeded to tackle the Spartan, and his companions plus surprisingly a very flushed Alexa and curious Donna.
The latter she could understand given she was probably curious about the people her sister brought, though the former was lost upon her.
*And why is she so flustered?*
The answer to that question? Well…
Flash said, "Oooh, embarrassing moment time."
Flashback…
Although it started out a bit roughly Alexa and Flash had begun to warm up to one another and converse more easily. Alexa found his stories of life outside the island fascinating and he in turn enjoyed hearing speak about her life on the island. Right now he regaled her with one of his earlier encounters with his Rogues.
"So then while Cold is babbling at my Uncle who he has at his mercy since he got a shot in with his freeze gun, he doesn't see me tie his belt with a rope connected to a flag pole, half way through I get his attention and he goes 'Who the hell are you?!'…"
Flash pauses as he makes sure he still has the redhead's attention as he tells her about the time he first faced Captain Cold with his Uncle as Kid Flash, which she finds very entertaining.
"So I simply go 'I'm Kid Flash!' and faster than he react I start dragging the rope before he can even get a shot off and his face goes 'Oh no', of course I made slight miscalculation and he ends up slamming into the pole with his manhood first."
*SNORT*
"Ha ha ha ha, o-oh goddess! That is so…!"
Flash burst out laughing and said, "Oh, I remember that. At least Wally sint fumbling over his words and embarrassing himself."
Lantern smirked and said, "Just like his mentor used to do?"
Flash said, "Yeah just like…hey!"
A new round of chuckles went up."
Alexa simply can't resist laughing at that image she pictures of that.
"I knew you like that story, not one of my proudest moments to be sure but it was one of my funniest, I swear Cold couldn't stop talking in a high pitch voice for weeks."
That only brings out more laughter from her, something he is glad for since he wanted to break the ice and show her he wasn't that bad.
*Man does she look stunning when she smiles.*
Flash whispered, "Let the shipping begin."
He privately thinks to himself and he was not lying about it either. Sure the Amazons were gorgeous but they hardly smiled with the exception of Diana. So to see another Amazon laughing and smiling was very nice…even more so when he was the one who made said Amazon smile and laugh.
Once she gets her laughter under control the Amazon healer can't help but think back on everything her people were taught about mankind.
*He isn't anything like what we dealt with before we came here, perhaps man has changed.*
Diana allowed a smile to spread on her face as she heard her sister think that. At least some of her sisters' minds may be changed, but that might lead to problems as well, such as civil war.
"Goddess I haven't laughed so hard in ages."
She speaks as she wipes away some tears.
"Well you should, you look great when you're happy and besides life is far too short to mope around or it is for me since I am not the one who is immortal."
He adds in the since Diana told them a bit about her homeland. Sure the idea of immortality was tempting to people, but he had a feeling that immortality was not always a good thing.
Lantern said, "I think so. I mean, remember what happened when Superman supposedly died. Savage survived the end of the world was forced to walk the world alone for centuries."
"Well despite that I wish I could see what it is like out there, I envy Diana for that."
"Well who knows, maybe one day you'll get to leave with her and take a look and if you ever land in my neck of the woods I know some great places in Central I know you would love."
Although she did not understand the phrase he said she did understand his offer and smiled at the gesture, though it dimmed a bit as she knew that leaving Themyscira was not as easy as many thought.
"I don't think that will ever be possible Flash, we aren't exactly allowed off the island and even if we were I don't think my sister would approve."
She was a bit downcast as she said this when one faces the fact that her sister would never allow such a thing. Artemis would go completely berserk at the idea and would do who knew what if that ever happened.
"Hey, someone once said that nothing is impossible just improbable, so I say that you just have to believe it can happen. Now as for your sister, which I can openly admit scares me in ways I will never describe…"
He mock shivers at that and gets a giggle out of her which was a victory as she had been really downcast only moments ago.
"…all I can say is something my dear ol' granny Flash use to tell me; sometimes you have to let people you care about go so they can find their own place in the world."
*Man, how long has it been since I thought about that? I think it was when the Titans broke up, which reminds me I should really visit them when I get the chance.*
Everyone blinked. The Titans split up? How does that happen?
Alexa for her part took in those words and gave them some serious thought while Flash decided to add something to his.
"But in any case, if you ever do leave the island, you can look me up and I will give a personal tour of Central City's best spots. Trust me the place is great, we have good parks, malls and museums and libraries since you told me you like to read and learn so much."
She had to smile at his enthusiasm as he spoke of his city.
"Well with an offer like that how can I possibly refuse?"
She replies with a warm smile the crimson speedster can't help but mirror.
Flash chuckled and said, "Wally got a new girl. Let's hope he can keep this one."
Arrow whispered, "Let's hope that Artemis doesn't find out."
It was at that point the Flash's communicator came on, Flash realized this could be the news they were waiting for and immediately heeded the call.
"Flash here; please tell me it's some good news?"
-It is Flash, he is awake and moving right now.—
Flash felt all the worry and tension he had held onto fade away with the Commander's words, he may not have interacted with man much but to the hero Central City John was the kind of hero the world would need in dark times much like his surrogate grandfather was needed in WWII.
"Oh thank God, I was starting to think he would never wake up."
-Don't even go there Flash.—Miranda rebuff lightly as she too felt the same.
"I'll be there immediately." He says as gets up, hearing the others replying with the same intent, but then he spots Alexa looking at him curiously and an idea comes to mind.
"It's about the Chief; they say he is awake and moving." He says to her as he offers her a hand.
"That's wonderful, I am sure your friends are more than happy to hear that."
She felt genuinely happy for them all that their comrade was safe and healthy once more, it was one of being a healer, seeing one of her charges make it through after such a harrowing encounter.
*Much better than the ones who can't be saved.*
She thinks with some sadness as memories of friends lost come to mind. They might have been immortal, but that did not mean they were invincible.
She notices he is still waiting on her to take his hand, and though she should be reluctant she does not hesitate to do so. He is not like her sister portrayed men as, and she is thankful for that, their past history with men was not kind so she is thankful there are those who give hope for a better future.
Her musings are interrupted when he hears him speaking to her.
"I'm sorry I was distracted, what did you say?"
"I said you should come with me, you were one of the people who took care of the Chief, and he will want to thank you."
"I don't think…"
"Trust me, it is no problem, you have my guarantee and it's not like you won't alone since Diana will be there."
She slightly bites her lower lip as she thinks it over.
"All right, I will." That earns her a brilliant smile from him, one she can't help but mirror.
"Now don't take this the wrong but I have to carry you, all right? I have no intentions of touching you in any inappropriate spots…scouts honor!"
"What?"
Flash said, "It doesn't' work if they don't know what a scout is, Wally."
Lantern said, "At least your hotshot sidekick knows not to do anything stupid."
"I mean I give you my word."
"Fair enough."
And with her consent he gently picked her up bridal style, he was pretty sure her face was red as her hair at that point.
"Here we go!"
And no sooner does he say those words he is off as fast as his namesake implies and a loud scream that followed.
End Flashback…
Flash said, "Well that explains why she's all flushed. Probably should have given her a warning first."
Alexa swore she had left her stomach back in the meadow; still she composed herself as she stood before the Queen and her daughters as well as the saviors of the island.
"Are you all right Alexa? You look a little pale."
Donna kindly asks her friend.
"O-oh I'm fine, just a little winded."
She replies, than spots Flash looking a little ashamed for not giving her fair warning, she just smiles at him to reassure him and thankfully that helps as he smiles back at her. Her attention is drawn back to the man of the hour; he was somewhat intimidating what with his size and presence, though the others seem very at ease in his company.
Right now he was being dotted on by Barbara and Cortana as they made sure he was 100 percent. The genetically altered woman was shining a light in his eyes and asking if he felt any pain and disorientation with his vision, while Cortana made scans to check for any lingering trauma on his body the nanites might have missed. Unlikely but she wasn't going to take ANY chances with her protector and friend.
"I feel fine, sore from being in bed so long but fine."
"I'll be the judge of that J-Spartan, I don't how the full story but I saw lots of blood and holes in your armor so…"
She trailed off there, she didn't need to remember the worry she felt when she saw how badly wounded he was.
"On that note…"
Batman interjects as there was an issue that needed to be addressed urgently; he knew this was going to come up anyway so better to deal with it now than later so they could plan for the future. He was pleased that at least they did not lose John to Hades, but he felt that they could not wait for too long.
"…what was the red energy field that surrounded you and…empowered you further? You were practically at Superman or Wonder Woman's levels if the wounds you inflicted on Hades were any indication of your newfound strength."
Flash said, "And of course Bats gets right to business."
"Not to mention it brought you back from the brink of death."
Superman adds somewhat reluctantly as he noticed the others, save Batman's, discomfort. He too was not comfortable seeing him nearly die and while he was happy he survived, the energy was cause for concern for him even if he was being optimistic.
"And nuked the nanites, which is a feat in itself you big lug. And don't try to sugar coat it either even if that is not your style."
Cortana ends.
"It did what?"
The Spartan asks as he was caught off guard by that last comment.
"They were totaled Chief, nothing left."
"He didn't say it would do that…"
John mutters softly with a pensive, though Superman naturally heard him.
"Who?"
Seeing as everyone, including the Amazons, was giving him expectant looks he decided to tell them about his ordeal.
"When I was…indisposed…"
He says as he can clearly tell they do not like to be reminded how close he was to dying
"…I was practically fading out, and then I was approached by the god of war Ares."
"Ares?!"
Lantern said, "Oh, that could be a problem. If they find out your have some connection to Ares it is not going not going to end well."
Practically all the Amazons yelled save Alexa who simply gasped at the mention of him. Any Amazon knew all too well who Ares was and what he enjoyed doing all the time so any mention of him was bound to be of concern.
"Yes him, he said that he would heal me and grant me power to fight on even ground against Hades in exchange for a meeting if you will at a time and place of his own choosing."
"But why? Why would he do that?"
Diana asks as it makes no sense, the god was not someone you could say believed in their cause, he would be more of a hindrance.
"He said it was because if Hades won war would take years to flourish and he couldn't have that."
"Of course he would say that."
Donna spat, clearly in full knowledge of the god's reputation for conflict and his love for it.
"But why come to you Chief? What does he care if you were to live or die?"
Miranda asks a question they all find themselves wondering about as well; even if it sounded harsh they had to agree with the need to ask. They did not like the idea of a Deity of Ares' reputation being interested in the Chief so it was necessary that they find out just what this meant.
"According to him, I was keeping the legacy of his most favored alive; I think he meant the ancient Spartans."
"Interesting, though few have been our dealings with him he never expressed such an interest in anything or anyone other than causing strife and chaos for his constant lust for war. It's even rarer to find him interested in mortals."
The Queen spoke as she thought that over before setting it aside for a later time.
"Should we plan for this guy?" Flash openly asks.
"No, despite his reputation he did not cause me any harm and he did help us even if it was for his own benefit. I do not know what exactly his intent is for me so I will be cautious, but I gave my word to him so I have to see this through to the end."
"But Chief…" Diana began to speak with some worry.
"Diana, please trust me, I know I am going in blind with this but a deal is a deal…we just have to be ready in case things go south."
*Which is a very likely scenario from what I'm hearing, best not dwell on it now.*
"Prepare for the worst, but hope for the best," Flash said, "A creed we all live by."
With that thought in mind he decides focus on another need he currently has and hopes he can at least relieved them of their worries, he may not be good when it comes to being social like he was with his fellow Spartans but even he could tell he needed to defuse their worries.
"Is there anything to eat by any chance?" He asks as he is hungry.
"Oh right, we should get you fed, can't have my newly promoted officer starve on me."
Miranda feels embarrassed that they had neglected to ask if he needed anything.
"What?"
He asks in surprise as he honestly was caught off guard by her comment, earning a chuckle from her as well as some questioning looks from the others.
"I'll explain on the way that is if your highness would permit us a guide."
The Commander respectfully requests.
"Of course, Alexa please show them the way and tell the others to prepare some food for our guests…"
Hippolyta says to the redheaded healer before taking a deep breath before speaking again
"…Diana please remain, we shall rejoin your companions in a moment."
It did somewhat surprise her that most of the men, save the one dressed in black and the Spartan who both merely tensed for but a moment, gave her worried looks.
Diana blinked and began to look nervous as she thought her banishment would be coming.
Diana in turn gave them a reassuring smile, with that they slowly left, the Spartan being the last one to leave though not before gently placing his hand on her shoulder and nodding as if to convey everything would be ok.
She said nothing but returned his gesture before turning to face her mother; she noted that Donna remained in place next to her.
"Donna perhaps…"
Her mother began to speak but was cut off.
"I would like to stay mother." Her youngest replied as she held her sister's hand.
The Queen knew there would be no budging her once she set her mind to it.
"Very well Donna, but be warned I will not tolerate any nonsense, I want to hear from your sister why she broke our laws despite the dangers, is that clear?"
Diana let out a breath she didn't know she had been holding as she realized her mother was just looking for answers.
Getting a reluctant nod she pressed on towards her first born to begin.
"I did what I thought was right, I brought them here because I truly believed they could help me save our people."
Diana replied calmly despite the apprehension she felt. It was clear to Hippolyta that Diana meant what she said and it made her feel some extra measure of pride. But she placed that aside for now as she needed to know more.
"Our people or me?"
"You are our Queen; therefore I had to rescue you as well."
The elder Princess replied with no hint of being untruthful. Hippolyta felt bittersweet pride at this, sweet to know that her daughter never lied to her, bitter to know that even if she was happy, she still had to do what would break her heart.
"Even if it would risk the release of Hades as it almost did occur when the sorcerer obtained the key, a key you gave him if you recall."
The was steel in the Queen's voice as she spoke, it hurt her to do this to her daughter and more so the look of outrage her youngest gave her with the small pang of regret on her oldest showed before she composed herself.
The league winced at the tone. They had a feeling that there would be a good amount of resentment for nearly releasing the god of the underworld.
"We underestimated Faust's powers, I have failed in that regard as well as nearly allowing Hades to be freed…but I still stand by my decision, and I had to save our people, save you…"
She looks at her mother with determination as she speaks
"…I am prepared to face the consequences, but I do not regret my actions." She continues before either of her family can speak.
"I have spent many months in the world of man, and though I have seen much that gives credence to our thoughts on the cruelty and callousness of men yet I have also seen much that proves the contrary…the men I have brought with me is the finest example of this."
"They are brave, honorable and self-sacrificing individuals who give of themselves freely for others, who would lay down their lives for strangers…as you witnessed yourself."
The Queen knew what Diana was alluding towards; a man would give his life for someone he did not know and make a deal that could very well destroy him to keep fighting to stop a menace that would bring ruin and devastation.
"Because that is my purpose."
*Those were his words.*
Hippolyta thinks as she remembers the confidence he projected when he spoke them.
"Watch out, Diana," Flash jokingly said, "It looks like the chief is making an impact on your mother."
A supersonic slap met the back of his head, but he thought, 'It was worth it.'
"They are all gifted in many ways and choose to use their gifts for the defense of ALL humanity, I am proud to stand by their side for when I came to man's world I knew nothing, but they and others offered me friendship without expecting anything in return."
As she spoke both mother and sister looked at her with both growing interest and shock, they both wondered how much she had changed away from the homeland.
"I realize that even though you are my mother, you are also my Queen and as such you must do what you must for my transgression…"
At that point she stepped in front of her mother and embraced her, and despite the seriousness of their conversation she could not help but hold her child in her arms as she continued to listen.
"…for that I am truly sorry mother, for I know this is causing you pain but I had to do this. Everything that I am, every bit of good in me comes from you. When I fell you were there to catch me, when I succeeded you were there to praise me, when I faltered you were there to drive me. I could turn my back on my people to save the world, but do not ask me to do the same to my family for that I will never do."
That comment finally broke down the wall the Queen had erected to hold back her feelings from all this turmoil, she burst into tears and hugged her daughter back with as much love she could convey soon joined by an equally emotional Donna.
"Oh my sun and stars, no matter what happens I am now and always will be proud of you."
Arrow said, "Oh man, right in the feels."
Hippolyta says through the tears. It was possibly a good thing that none of their sisters were here to see this. It was hard enough to do this before her only offspring, but to do this in front of her subjects would really hurt her deeply. It was…acceptable at least that here they were able to be a family and have their own time together.
"I love you mother as you as well Donna, nothing will change that."
They held themselves that way for a few more minutes until they reluctantly pulled away, Diana and Donna soon left to join the others leaving the Queen behind to mull things over.
She knew that the choice would be hard but she was comforted by her daughter's words.
*Perhaps here time away from the island is for the best, it has taught her much we have lost over the years.*
And with that thought in mind she left to join them, still praying for a solution that would not make her lose her child but now with a renewed sense that she would not be alone when the time came as her allies stood with her.
Later at the grand hall…
The Queen arrived to the sight of the heroes conversing over a meal.
The Spartan and his mechanical friend were mostly speaking on how to modify the armor of the Spartan to combat supernatural threats, with the one dressed in black called Batman and his counterpart Superman offering the aid of two experts they knew in the mystic arts a Zatanna and Dr. Fate.
Arrow said, "You guys are still going to put out word to recruit them, right because I don't think my guy Constantine is a team player."
Superman said, "Fate may be a loner himself, but I could see him working with us."
Batman said, "I believe the same can be said for Zatanna."
The Commander was speaking with Diana and Donna, from what she could hear Donna was asking more about the outside world. The wonders of youth she thinks as she recalled her younger days and the wanderlust that came at that age.
She spotted the one called Flash and the Martian speaking with Alexa, the healer riveted in place as the latter spoke of his people and home world, where she detected a hint of melancholy in his voice but also a certain sense of comfort in sharing his peoples history, all the while the younger man would chime in with a joke that brought a smile to their faces.
For some reason she smiled at this, perhaps there was hope for the Amazons to reintegrate themselves back into the world.
Unfortunately it was at that time that Artemis appeared and she did not like what she was seeing, if her scowl was anything to go by. The Captain and trainer of their forces made a straight beeline towards her leader, though she spared a glance at her sister chatting with the men who made her scowl all the more noticeable.
Diana said, "And so it begins."
"My Queen, I heard the Spartan has finally awakened."
She spoke with slight contempt at the man, that did not escape the attention of Hippolyta and she knew that this was going to be a problem. She had to keep herself focused on diffusing this situation before it got out of hand. And she gave a silent prayer of thanks that Aresia was not here. Having her AND Artemis in the same room was asking for trouble.
"He has, I had your sister bring him and his companions here to eat after being in repose for so long."
"Will they finally leave our home afterwards?"
"Artemis, please conduct yourself accordingly, they have done nothing to warrant such hostility."
By this point the League and the UNSC crew's attention was on the duo. They knew that this was a tense situation and right now it seemed that the fuse has been lit. Only question was would the people here have some way of defusing this.
"For how long? How long until they decide to push their good fortune and try to get us to supposedly see their virtues and then stab us from behind when our backs are turned?"
Artemis might not be glaring at the men, but it was clear just who she was talking about.
The Queen knew this would happen eventually, she understood why the woman was acting this way, she was one who still carried the scars of the past and remained constantly weary of men. Understandable but still somewhat taxing for the monarch who was trying to persuade her from doing something foolish…she was sadly too late at this point though.
"Their Spartan weakling is healed, let them take him away from our home and let us be rid of his ilk so we can get back to our lives."
"Oh she did not just go there," Flash said, "Cortana is going to be pissed."
Superman looked somewhat annoyed as he said, "And who is she calling a weakling? Does she really think that she could have fought against Ares herself?"
Diana said, "Unfortunately, knowing Artemis, she is confusing confidence with arrogance."
Batman thought, 'Been there, done that, paid for it.'
That was naturally a barb aimed at John as she had heard of the battle between him and Hades. And she heard the rumor of Ares getting involved so she felt that the victory the Spartan had was nothing more than fluke, and therefore he was weak in her eyes. Never mind the fact that she had not faced Hades herself in combat unlike Diana and Hippolyta.
"Weakling!? Oh you did not just go there."
A now angry Cortana leapt up from her spot on the table despite her protector trying to appease her, she wasn't the only as Diana, Miranda and Barbara also took offense for the man.
"What of it? He does not seem capable of besting a god without assistance, what chance would he have against our warriors? The only notable with about him is that he takes orders from his betters."
Artemis looks to Miranda as she says this with a victorious smirk. That angered Miranda naturally but she was more composed and experienced that letting someone get under her skin. She had dealt with worse things that a woman with a temper and a chip on her shoulder, regardless of the fact she was like Diana.
Batman said, "Good thing she calmed down. Losing her temper now would result in some serious problems."
"I don't know whether to beat you or shoot you but you listen here, where we are from he is a hero who helped save humanity, he has fought in far more battles against things that would give you nightmares. He is better than me is ways you can't even begin to understand, the only reason he follows my orders is because he is a good…no a GREAT soldier."
"Humph, I will believe when I see it for myself…"
As soon as she spoke that an idea came to her and she knew that this was best option to make her point clear.
"…in fact, let us see how great your soldier is, I challenge you to a duel Spartan!"
Diana rubbed her brow in frustration. Seeing that he just woke up he was in no condition to fight.
"This is utter nonsense Artemis, he has just awoken after healing, and he should be resting not settling any petty squabbles you have."
Wonder Woman chides as she did not want to see him get hurt, Amazons were much stronger than they appeared to be due to the enhancements the goddesses gave them, and though she knew that the Spartan was more than a mere man he was still recuperating and it would be unwise for him to be in battle too early since his healing was not yet finished..
"Can he not speak for himself? Where is your honor and pride Spartan that you allow others to speak for you? Or perhaps you know that a woman knows best."
Flash said, "You know…if it were any other man, that might have worked."
Diana said, "Correct. Given the modern age, she would be surprised to see what respect women wield, and how man's mindset has changed over the years. Though male pride can still blind some."
The redheaded Amazon smirks as she believes a blow to the man's ego will get the desired results. Unfortunately for her, this particular train of thought was archaic in the eyes of the Spartan as he was a student of warfare ever since he was a child and grew up alongside his female Spartans who were as capable if not more as him. John proved this by merely looking at Artemis with a very calm expression that surprised the women who didn't have a chance to get to know the man yet.
"I have no need for either, they are meaningless in the field of battle, all that matters there is that you kill your enemy before he kills you. Pride and Honor mean nothing in the field of battle when the enemy comes for your death. I have nothing to gain or lose by facing you miss, I have nothing against women as many of my Spartan sisters are better than me in certain areas and that gave us a tactical advantage over our enemies so I am not afraid to let a woman take charge when the mission shows that she is more capable than I am."
Many grinned. No doubt that would throw some of them for a loop.
"And unlike you, they do not let pride blind THEIR judgment and make them look like petulant children, compared to my Spartan sisters, you are nothing."
"Oh…burn!" Flash said.
Diana winced and said, "That's going to set her off."
That surprised the warrior women present except Diana who had previous knowledge of the female members of his group who excelled in speed, marksmanship and stealth over his own abilities. She had seen them in the records and on occasion John spoke highly of them when they were not on a mission.
They knew that while in ancient Spartan society did not allow women into the military they were hardly delicate lilies since they were shown how to defend their home in case of an attack, but clearly this new breed had changed. The idea of female Spartans not only fighting in the front lines but being in charge of their male counterparts was utterly new to them all.
Artemis for her part tried to rally herself to show her people did not need men to save them but it was Miranda who beat her to the punch.
"You know what Chief, you have my express permission to go ahead and kick her sorry ass, maybe that will shut her up and show Spartan's can kick ass anywhere and anytime."
Flash declared, "Public humiliation. Time to know that pain in the ass of her high horse."
Diana nodded. Artemis was in dire need a very big piece of humble pie, as they said.
Now it was the Commander's turn to smirk at the look of outrage in the face of the Amazon, something Barbara and Cortana mirrored. One did not have to be a genius to know that seeing the redhead brought down a peg or two was VERY appealing to them. John on the other hand was not yet convinced since he was technically not in the mood to fight someone who was not his enemy.
This reminded him a bit too much of that incident on the UNSC Atlas when he was fresh out of augmentation. However, that was soon balanced by the fact that as an Amazon, he knew that Artemis was tougher than the regular person if he put Diana into account. Still, he wanted to be absolutely sure that this was the right course of action.
"Commander?"
"Do it Chief, show her whose boss." The feline/human hybrid rallied.
"Yeah, no one bad mouths my Spartan and gets away with it."
"Then it is settled..."
Artemis speaks with confidence she can show this upstart his place "…I will see in the ring of honor, prepare to taste defeat at the hands of your better Spartan."
"Kick her ass!" Arrow and Flash said at the same time.
And with that she walked away to prepare herself.
The Queen just sighs in frustration yet feels this should happen if only to have it done in a controlled matter than let it stew, and she was curious to see how the man fought outside his armor.
"Alexa? Donna?"
"Yes my Queen/Mother?" Both stand at attention.
"Prepare some healing salves as well as alert the other of the duel and to prepare the arena for the bout."
Anybody want to be on how long it takes to beat her?" Flash asked, with a smirk.
Nobody took any bets, but they had a feeling that Artemis would come out of this injured, but, hopefully, more openminded.
Later in the arena…
News travelled fast of the duel between the one called Spartan and the Captain of the Guard Artemis. It seemed every Amazon had come to watch the bout, many were quite eager to see the best fighter on the isle show how the Amazons surpassed men in the fighting arts, though they did not realize that the Spartan was no mere man.
Both participants were down on arena floor, both outfitted with leather gauntlets and greaves on their arms and legs so as to minimize the damage. Artemis appeared quite confident she could show up the man before her while John simply stared on with an apparent detachment when in reality he was already going over what his opponent's possible advantages and weakness could be.
Diana thought, 'This is going to be interesting to watch. Let's see how well the Spartan fights without his armor.'
Diana had informed as he got ready that the rest of her people did not share her gifts given that it was enhanced by the armor she wore as well as granting her a flight ability, but that did not mean they were as strong as average women since they boasted an increase by at least a factor of ten.
John assumed that placed them slightly ahead in terms of an augmented female Spartan, but having spared with Kelly, Fred and Li, one of which was faster than him and the other two better CQC fighters gave him the necessary experience to handle this situation and not have to hold back.
In the center of the stone steps used to sit the crowd was the Queen's spot where she, Donna, the League and the UNSC crew would watch from. Hippolyta stood before the crowd and soon silence came as they waited for her to speak.
"This is a duel of honor, no interference shall be permitted and it will be done until one participant can no longer battle or surrenders. There shall be no killing allowed whatsoever, now are the participants ready?"
She asks the two below who nod yes to her.
"Then let the duel…BEGIN!"
As soon as the word was given Artemis rushed in to strike, halfway there she jumps to deliver a roundhouse kick that Chief blocks with his palms, grunting a bit as the force behind the blow was considerable giving credence to Diana's warning. He responded by pushing her leg away and she in turn tried to use the momentum gained to do a leg sweep only for the Spartan to jump back before delving back in while sending a right hook to her mid section which in turn is blocked with her left form arm as she tries to a hook of her own with her free he blocks in the same manner as her.
Both broke away from one another and began to circle each other.
*Hmm, he is strong enough to withstand my blows but my speed and agility will see me through this.*
Lantern said, "I doubt that."
Arrow said, "Ditto."
She thinks calmly as she once more resumed her attack only this time she would focus on speedy strikes instead of powerful blows.
She started off this time with series of punch combinations, starting off with her right then left and right once more, as she expect the Spartan chose to block the blows with his forearms and therefore left him open as she feinted throwing another left hook…
*If he ducks I can grab him for knee thrust to the head or if he blocks use the chance to grapple him and toss him onto the ground.*
She plans with cold, calculating precision as she saw him duck down; as quick as she could she grasped his head and used her strength to bring it down while thrusting her knee up. However she had underestimating the speed by which the large man could move as he brought up his hands to block the strike, followed up by him powering out of her grip while bringing his hands up to clap them over her ears with a lot of force to make her shout out in pain and surprise….
"Gah!"
This immediately disorients her and allows the Chief to grip her by the shoulders and drive his knee into her stomach…
"Guh!"
The force of which knocks the air out of her quickly and leaves her open to be judo tossed onto the ground. This catches all the spectators by surprise as they are caught off guard by the quickness of the strikes from such a large man.
Diana smiled and said, "Just because an opponent is big doesn't mean he is slow."
Miranda nods in satisfaction at his attack and more so as he backs away while keeping his eyes on the Amazon. Normally he would have continued the assault, but Commander Keyes had given him a set of orders before the fight commence to get a point across.
"In the beginning be on the defensive Chief, we need to show them that you aren't like the males of their past, make her look bad by making her become the thing she is accusing you of, make her the aggressor and once that is done wait for my order to take her down. Also keep you nanites off; let's keep this fair, I trust you can take her own regardless of what she throws at you."
Batman nodded and said, "A good strategy."
Diana said, "No better way than to make sure that the accuser winds up becoming the accused."
Back to the fight Artemis rose after getting her head in order, though her emotions were another thing as she was most assuredly rattled by how quickly he countered her attack.
*It was luck! Nothing but pure luck! I can beat this mere man!*
Lantern said, "t looks like denial isn't just in Egypt."
Flash and Arrow winced before the scarlet speedster said, "Dude, even I think that was bad."
With that thought in mind she rose, though she kept her eyes on the man who simply stared back while maintaining a loose boxing stance.
"You will pay for that, it will be your only strike you weakling."
She all but snarls at the Chief who simply stares at her neutrally as he kept himself focused on defeating her in this fight with maximum focus. Her attempts at psychological warfare in his view were totally archaic and impractical, heck even the Grunts back in his reality could taunt better than the redhead Amazon.
Once more going on the offensive, this time she struck with a left-right kick combo followed by a back spin punch, the Chief for his part once more blocks the kicks with forearms and ducks under the punch, unfortunately Artemis chooses to sacrifice power to quickly slam her knee into his exposed face.
Any satisfaction she may have felt from that was marred with confusion as she did not hear any cries of pain come from him. In fact he was right back up as if nothing and resumed his stance once more and despite the bruise forming did not seem the least bit pained by the blow; this irritates the Amazon greatly as she had been eager to hear him cry out in pain, Artemis wastes no time to charge into the fray once more.
"It's going to take a lot more than just a knee to the face to make him cry," Superman said.
John had been surprised by the strike but it did not have much power behind it so he recovered quickly and decided to carry on with the plan. Seeing her charge in once more, no doubt to capitalize his momentary distraction, she sends jumps slightly into the air spinning as she does a perfect butterfly kick he rolls under before goes into a combo himself starting off with two right straight punches followed by a left hook.
She blocks the first punch, dodges the second and ducks under the last one while trying to counter with an uppercut; John however sees this coming dodges to the right while reaching out for her shirt and pulling her in while rearing back his free hand to slam his fist into her stomach. She sees this coming and instead drawing back she slams her head into his, not one of her smartest moves as given the procedure done to give him a more durable bone structure it feels like she just slammed into a marble column. She gasped in pain from the impact as she had not expected the man to be this hard headed, literally, it now made some sense to her why he did not cry out from the knee strike.
It got worse when the Chief grabbed and followed through with his previous tactic and punched her in the stomach hard…
"Guh!"
And as she was reeling from that strike he spun around and clotheslined her that she fell hard on the ground once more, and as before he backed away as she lay there. John went back into his defensive stance
As Artemis lay on the ground she was slowly becoming more enraged by this whole affair evidenced in that as soon as she stood she launched herself at him with a series of punches as well as kicks to the body, but all her attacks were sidestepped, blocked or countered. He was able to counter her moves with seemingly no effort…making it seem that all her best attacks were utterly worthless before him.
And through it all the man said nothing...nothing! All the time they had in this fight he had not reacted to a single thing she had done during the duel. He was calm, focused, and utterly unreadable! It angered her that he was like this as she landed several more blows which he countered and soon blossoming areas of pain were felt on her body once again. This was becoming a situation that she was losing control over and the idea of this man beating her in her own home and in her own arena was maddening and also...frightening.
*No, I will not lose to this man! Never again shall they prove themselves our masters!*
Flash said, "Whoever said time heals all wounds never met these ladies."
Superman said, "Scars never heal and the past has clearly began to heal."
It infuriated her that she was being driven to such a situation as she had planned to end this quickly, However the whole bout now was taking longer than she had thought possible as the man before her was methodically taking her apart. It galled her as she recalled the hardship she and her fellow Amazons had to endure with their desire to live free from the arrogance, greed, and cruelty of men towards women.
The memories of how she and her sister Alexa had to deal with the actions of the men, the abuse men heaped on her sisters and her own biological sister Alexa as well as herself and she vowed she would NEVER let it happen again. She was angry and violent towards men since they had done much against her and her kindred already.
Even if she disapproved of her sister's scholarly ways she loved her sister regardless and she would never let any man try to use her for their own dark desires, or any other Amazon sister for that matter. She would rather kill them with her bare hands than let them worm their way into their lives again as Hades had done to their Queen once and Hercules had attempted that same thing as well and that only made her all the more determined never to let any man state that he was better than any of her people, least of her herself.
She grits her teeth in anger at her memories of what men had done to her people and that drove her on to beat this so called Spartan. She knew of the Spartans of course and while she had some measure of respect for their treatment of their women, it was outweighed by her contempt for all men, and that fuelled her desire to defeat the Spartan II.
"ARGH! DAMN YOU!"
She cries out as once more she stood and entered the fray. John was not concerned as he began to play the game once more blocking, countering, and evading before unleashing his attacks. Artemis once more unleashed several punches and tried a fast kick to his head. John dodged that kick and quickly lashed out a kick of his own on Artemis's own leg at the back of the knee to knock her down to her knees in pain where he landed a fast series of punches to her face and chest, knocking her back down and instead of finishing her off, the Spartan backed away and was ready for another attack from the Amazon who was getting more enraged.
As the battle raged on between Artemis and John, it became apparent that things had pretty much changed. The once cheering Amazons who had cheered their Captain to defeat the so called Spartan and show the weakling that the Amazons were better had now fallen silent as the fight continued.
Their belief that this would be an easy win for Artemis was dying inch by inch as John methodically and patiently countered, evaded, and blocked each of her attacks. Already the battle had raged for nearly an hour or so and yet the Spartan was STILL holding his own as well as giving just as much back with results as while he had injuries Artemis had many of her own injuries, something NONE of them had expected.
The only ones who were cheering were obviously Barbara, Cortana and Miranda, with the former two being very vocal while Miranda nodded her approval.
They did not care if the Amazons glared at them with the marked exception of Diana, Donna, Hippolyta, and Alexa as the Spartan had more than proven himself. Their glares meant nothing to the trio as they were cheering happily as John was showing the arrogant Amazon just what a bad idea it was for her to pick a fight with for the Amazon royal family they could not help but watch in amazement at how the fight progressed. Diana was aware that John was no slouch in a fight, but seeing him stand toe to toe with Artemis, and not only counter her but hit and injure her was impressive indeed. Donna was wide eyed at how this fight turned out and it seemed that her big sister's words towards the Spartan proved to be accurate. Hippolyta herself was impressed even though she was not happy on how this turned out as she could see how the Spartan remained utterly calm and focused in the entire fight.
"He has a true warrior's focus."
She said as she observed the way he held himself and reacted accordingly, she could tell he was on the defensive for some reason but that begged the question…what happens when he goes on the offensive? That very question made her all the more eager to learn the warrior aspect of the man who her eldest child held in high regard.
"How...how can he do that? He just recovered from healing and is in a fight now, yet...he is not only able to fight my sister, but counter and hit her with such skill?!"
Alexa commented next in surprise at what she was seeing as John continued to fight evenly with her was the one who answered as he observes the fight with his keen analytical mind as he tried to predict what moves the two fighters can use on one another. "It is more than just a possibility because he has had more than ample reason to be that good."
"You are talking about his battlefield experience, right?" Bruce nodded in agreement at Clark's answer as he too had an interest in seeing how John fought with someone who was technically stronger than he was without the armor that further enhanced him.
"Precisely, we all know what he went through ever since the war he fought in, as well as the enemies he fought with in that time frame, I'd say he has more than enough experience in the field to adapt and adjust to his opponent's abilities."
Diana said, "That is true."
Batman said, "I think there's another factor. Artemis hasn't been in a real battle in ages. The last time she fought was with Faust, and her mentality that he would be easily beaten because he was a man worked against her. They have had centuries of peace and training, but not practice outside of a controlled environment."
Lantern said, "I'm with the bat. There's no use practicing a skill if you can't use it."
Flash nodded at that and replies as he continues to watch his colleague fight on.
"Yeah, I mean the Chief's been fighting for three decades non-stop against well...monsters. And if you fight monsters like the ones he has for nearly three decades with little chance to rest, then you have to be tougher than anyone alive."
This got the attention of all the Amazons nearby with the marked exception of Diana as she alone among them knew the enemies her friends referred to. The alien coalition known as the Covenant and eventually the parasitic Flood, both of these factions of non human beings were truly evil and vile foes that showed neither mercy nor quarter when the Spartan fought them until the Separatists sided with the UNSC.
She gave a sad look at John as she recalled how close to death he came numerous times against those foes and understood just where he had become that capable. The Covenant had numerous races that were more than able to surpass humans in physical abilities, even Spartans like John, so John had to adapt and learn every time and even more so when forced into close combat with them. And then there was the Flood which were merciless and relentless so there was another experience he had to adapt to in order to survive. All of this from the very age of fourteen, it was clear to her now just how capable her friend and trusted ally truly was in something like saw that look on her eldest's face and spoke to her.
"You know about this war that the Spartan and his allies took part in Diana?"
Diana looked at her mother along with her sister and Alexa and nodded.
"Yes...but it is not my place to tell mother. Ask them if they will tell you and our sisters, or show you with the aid of his friends as it is their tale to tell."
"I will as this might make him easier for me and possibly your sisters to understand. I can bet they will wish to learn more as I have no doubt the sight of him fighting equally to Artemis has been an eye opener."
Flash said, "You think that's an eye opener? Wait until they see the Covenant."
Hippolyta had no idea how true that was as at that moment several deities were also watching, with one deity utterly pleased at the sound beating the Spartan was unleashing on the arrogant redhead Amazon, while two others were not too pleased with the beating they were witnessing.
As for the combatants themselves, each had their own thoughts as the bought dragged he dodged yet another punch from Artemis, John quickly evaded the blow and countered her attempt to follow up with a kick of her own and landed an elbow strike to the stomach and landing a double palm strike to the same area, before he landed a roundhouse kick to her head. Artemis barely blocked it before he moved down to use a sweep kick to knock her down before he moved back to a defensive stance.
"ARGH! THE GODS DAMN YOU TO THE INFERNAL PIT!"
He hears her cry out with growing frustration and fury. He might not be saying anything, but it was clear that his actions were speaking much louder than any words that could come out of his mouth. He however was not going to react as he moved into a ready stance for her next round of attacks. John had followed through with his order and allowed her to make the first few moves. This allowed him to get a feel of her fighting style, which he confirmed was ancient Greek era Boxing mixed with grappling of the Greek Era or rather Pankration as he recalled his history lessons. Since she and her fellow Amazons were pretty much living in an island still living in the ancient times that was to be expected.
*Not very smart though, more modern combat techniques and machinery could overwhelm them under the right commanders should they ever get involved with the rest of humanity in a warlike enviroment.*
Diana couldn't help but agree with the statement, as she had believed tha tiwth modern technology and the right leader behind them, Themyscira would fall.
After he was done understanding her fighting style, he quickly began to counter her moves. It soon became obvious to the Spartan that while her prowess in this style was great, she was too used to the style. The moves were all the same as the methods used by the ancient practitioners of the style, showing she lacked creativity in the use of her formidable abilities as well as a grasp on modern counters and Artemis, John had been schooled in a variety of combat martial arts during his time as a Spartan; the training in CQC was very extensive for a reason. When the UNSC became the military, scientific, and exploratory arm of the UEG and all of the nations' militaries were melded into one force, all of their combat methods were taken in, including the various methods of hand to hand combat used by regular and Special Forces military. This ranged from Krav Maga, Savate, Sanshou, Eskrima, Karate, Judo, Aikido, Sambo, Systema, Muay Thai, KAPAP, Modern Army Combative, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, SCARS, and more.
This combined system used by so many military units from all over the world naturally created what could be considered one of the most comprehensive close quarter's combat systems in human history. Most would think that in the era that John lived in, the idea of UNSC military personnel using hand to hand combat would be unheard of, but of course that was the view of naive people and those not familiar with military history.
From ancient times to modern day there would always be a situation that drove soldiers to fight in close to the enemy. In the modern era, this became more prominent, namely in situations where ammunition became scarce, guns were either damaged or lost, soldiers were caught off guard, they were forced into pure urban combat, or stealth was considered critical thus forbade the use of firearms.
John and his fellow Spartans were trained extensively by Mendez in the CQC training regimes tailored for their Program and therefore got a more intense variation of the program itself. This intense training as children and coupled with their recovery from augmentations, actually made them some of the most skilled close combat specialists in their realm.
And though he was no master like Li, Will, Fred, Sam, Cal, and others in the field of CQC, he was still very capable. And no matter how much time was available to him, he always trained and updated his skills and experience, and the same went for the other Spartans. This was what contributed to the reputation of the Spartan IIs being invincible and peerless masters of when one considered the Covenant races, John had PLENTY of practical experience, opportunities, and incentives to put his abilities to the test and improve them.
The Kig-yar (Jackal) might not be the most physically robust at first glance but their agility made them dangerous in close combat, even more so with their crystal knives and swords, with their Skirmisher brethren being tougher and deadlier in close quarters when needed.
Yanme's (Drones) could always attack in swarms, lift unwary humans into the air to either drop them from height or tear them apart without any chance of fighting back.
Sangheili (Elites) were muscular, tall, very agile, and tougher in terms of pain tolerance to regular humans. Factor in their boosting this with their armor harnesses, training, weaponry, intelligence, combat adeptness as well as their martial culture. Even the lowest ranking Sangheili is very skilled in the art of war with their highest ranking members being the most talented, experienced, and dedicated fighters with numerous kills to their name and rank. He fought many and every encounter was just as dangerous as the last.
Jiralhanae (Brutes) were twice as powerful in terms of strength and pain tolerance to both Sangheili and Spartans and when in their berserk states were able to slay even Mgalekgolo in combat alone. Coupled with their cunning, intellect, and brutality this made them brutal foes, and like their hated rivals, even the lowest ranking Jiralhanae was not to be underestimated, even more so for the highest ranking ones.
Mgalekgolo (Hunter) were simply put 'living breathing tanks of destruction'. John recalled his first fight with them long ago and how he had to fight with all he had to kill them when he was sent to rescue some surviving cadets from Korbulo Academy. They were utterly relentless, even more so if one of the pair were slain. Took a huge amount of fire, and were utterly deadly at any range, thus fighting one hand to hand with no weapons was considered by many, even among the Covenant as utterly impossible as well as suicidal. From his own vast experience he knew it was not impossible, as he was the first and perhaps last human to ever fight and kill a Hunter pair without back up and live.
Everyone shuddered at the Chief recalled these various enemies he has fought and killed. This only cemented his skills and experience as a warrior.
Nearly three decades of fighting such foes ever since made John into what he is today, for to survive as long as he had, he had to constantly adapt, improve, and train to maintain his edge.
Thus in some way, one could call his skills, as the result of "evolution through battle" and this was Artemis's weakness, and in turn Diana's as well unless he further helps her as he did when they instructed her in firearms. They were undeniably very well trained and had centuries of experience, but all of it had been here on their home island or during ancient conflicts. They had no other opportunity to put those skills and abilities to the test and against a wide array of foes as he did and thus had no other reason to improve, learn new skills, and grow stronger. Until Faust's attack, they had never faced any new foes that truly pushed them to breaking point again and again.
He had, and for three decades as well, he had been tested MANY times and survived it all… and now Artemis was going to receive the full result of his experience, and all it would take is the word of a woman who he held allegiance to.
For Artemis this was not how she had expected this bout to turn out, in the initial fight, her sisters cheered her on without any hesitation with the only exception being Diana who was still not the least bit pleased at how this turned out. But she did not mind that at all as she had every intention of defeating this weakling Spartan and showing to him that she and all Amazons were his betters, and proving that he was nothing more than a man who was only good at following orders. She heard about his empowerment by Ares and that served to only make her more determined to humiliate and defeat him. It had worked out a bit at first...but now it had changed sisters who had cheered her own without restraint earlier were now utterly silent, with the only ones cheering being the artificial woman, the human/animal female, and the Spartan's leading female officer. They were the ones who were now cheering for the Spartan and he was proving himself to be worthy of their cheers as he landed blow after blow to her. And once she was knocked down, he merely moved back and was now waiting…daring her to come and attack him.
It was here that she finally realized that the whole time she thought that this was going to be an easy victory as she had hit him; he had been studying her way of fighting, allowing her to hit him only to test her abilities and skills, and now he was...he was besting her! Countering every blow she threw, every attack, every hold, and every lock she attempted was countered and whatever blows she used before that hit him now no longer could the idea of this man being able to best her drove her on to defeat him but even she had to admit that the way the man fought was remarkable as he somehow conserved his energy very efficiently and used only enough to deliver maximum force with little effort. Yet even in her angered state, a part of her that loved the thrill of battle was rejoiced to finally fight someone who could be this difficult to overcome; it was actually something of a bonus to know that it was a man she was fighting.
"So she's mad at him and she's excited to have a powerful opponent," Flash said, "That is crazy."
Batman thought, 'It almost sounds like her mentality is similar to Bane's or Deathstroke's."
While she fought him she also began to wonder just how did he become this way, clearly he was no normal man to have lasted this long, the comments made by his companions, his commanding officer, and Diana, had seemed unimportant. Now she was curious on what made him like this and that was something she would find out but only after she had finally defeated him in this fight. How was this man able to stand up to her and injure her despite the obvious differences between them?
She knew she was stronger, more agile despite her height but this seemed to apply to him as despite his size he was just as quick and nimble, his blows just as strong and heavier. He made no cries of pain or boasts when he struck her, what was he?!
Just past the one hour and a half mark the Commander decides it's time to end this.
"Dang…talk about staying power," Flash said, "He's going to make some lucky lady happen if he gets past the underdeveloped lady loving part."
Arrow said, "Unlike you Mister fastest man alive."
Instead of getting angry Flash said, "Oh like I haven't heard that a million times before. If you're going to insult me and my name, come up with something original."
"Chief!"
She calls out, silently giving thanks to the fact that the other Amazons are silent by the spectacle they are seeing, of course this draws everyone's attention to her. That includes both combatants below.
"Shut her down now!"
"And another one bites the dust," lantern said with a grin."
The Chief turned back to the battered Amazon who was definitely caught off guard by the Commander's order, his own body was bruised and battered but he still ready to heed the order. In the time it Artemis to finishing processing the words said by the woman her attention was snapped back to her opponents as she heard him run towards her at great speed that belied his size. He was not as fast as Flash or Superman to be sure, but for someone as large as him, only Batman could come close to the speed at that distance.
*By the gods!*
Was her only thought as she dodged a right hook followed left and then back spin kick to her stomach, unlike before the Chief followed after her as she jumps back to avoid the kick. John was not the kind to let an opening go, he was taught many lessons, and one was 'A good defense, is a good offense.' Knocking down your enemy before he or she could react was always an effective way to end a fight.
This time he struck with left fist straight to her face which she batted away and tried to counter with kick to his head, Chief ducks under the kick and goes for sweep kick but she back flips at the last minute. She lands first before he can get into position and sends another kick that slams into his chest that throws him to the ground. She leaps high to try and stomp his stomach but he rolls out of the way before standing once more. John was calm still and quickly decides to unleash his full potential and he quickly launched a flying knee strike that connected to Artemis's chest, sending her back in a cry of pain.
This was soon followed by him landing a double attack with a kick to the side followed by a rising side kick to the head, and it took all of Artemis's speed to block, though barely. John however was boosting it with his full strength, so the pain that came due to the impacts was hard to resist. But before she could react, John moved at high speed and shattered her defenses with a descending elbow strike that landed on her shoulder. The blow made her scream in pain as John landed on the ground while he was calm and focused.
"AAAAGGGGGHHHH!"
The Amazon had no time to react as the Spartan was already on the move. John goes on the offensive with series of punches and kicks that pelt the Amazon who is desperately tried to rally herself against the onslaught.
She had better speed and agility but his blows were powerful and every time one would connect it felt as if an iron hammer was striking her, which wasn't so far from the truth as the process used to grant Spartans with near unbreakable bones also added weight to their blows along with the iron dense and hard muscle they were gifted with. So even when out of the armor, their blows were known to be able to shatter bones, rupture organs, or in the case of some VERY unfortunate Insurrectionists, near decapitation when hit in the right spot and with the right amount of force.
Finally John found a way to end this fight, he struck with right high kick to her face she blocked, followed by left-right-left punch she either dodged or blocked. He sidestepped a right hook followed by a left uppercut and he then repeated the same pattern as before with the same results, however it was on the third try that his plan became evident as he started with the kick that cause Artemis to bring up her arm to block by reflex…and this is where it went wrong for her.
She expected his kick to strike her block; unfortunately he pauses midway and sent the kick to her exposed thigh…
"Gah!"
She cries as she feels pain shoot up her nerves as the kick was loaded with still considerable power in the blow, this left her open for a kick to the face…
"Guh!"
This followed by the same leg kicking her other side with his heel that made her spat blood over the ground while disorienting her and dropping her to one knee…she did not stay that way long as a fist smashed into her wounded left side followed by two more rapid punches that hit her in the chest and then the face at the same time, causing her to spit out more blood in pain and once down John went to end this bout by grabbing her in a choke hold.
Artemis felt his arm snake around her neck yet could nothing as his strikes had left her dazed, once he secured the hold she began to trash about in a desperate bid for freedom; however in her desperation only hindered her as he tightens the hold to make sure she cannot break it. He also was able to get himself in a position that allowed him to use the least amount of energy to hold his position while being able to hold her in the choke with reduced effort. The choke hold and method he used was the perfect position for him to make maximum use of leverage, position, and body mechanics.
She can her fellow Amazons cry out to her, to break free or demand her aggressor to free her, the last ones go largely ignore as he keeps the pressure then he says his first words since the match started.
Everyone, except you know who, cheered at the victory and John taking the Amazon down a peg.
"Yield."
John speaks calmly and neutrally despite the strain to keep the woman down due to his injuries and her still lingering strength.
"N…never…gah."
She rasps earning herself more trouble as John decides to take it further as he calmly increases the strength behind the hold as much as he can without trying to snap her bones or to cause more damage than is already being done. He was supposed to make her yield, not kill her outright.
The idea of surrendering to this man gives her some strength to fight back but she is not in a good position, all she can do is try to hold out and find a way to escape. But sadly it was not enough as finally the lack of oxygen is too much and she blacks out. John made sure to apply only enough pressure to knock her out cold and it worked well.
Finally he steps away from her prone form and orders his nanites to begin healing him, meanwhile all Amazons are shocked at the outcome of the duel, and it wasn't until their Queen spoke that they were broken out of their stupor.
"We have a victor!"
Cortana and Barbara made no attempt to hide their cries of approval for the Master Chief, while Miranda, Batman and surprisingly Flash nodded in approval and while the rest of the League were glad it was over. They were not happy that this had to happen, but at least it was over and they could tell that John had defeated his foe without resorting to fatal moves.
Diana said, "If he had resulted to fatal moves, there is no doubt that my sister would be dead."
Flash said, "And that would be a huge can of worms we do not want to open…ever."
They soon went to join them with Alexa and the royal family trailing behind, Alexa making it a priority to help her sister while trying to think of a way to defuse her anger once she regained consciousness. She had no doubt in her mind that once she recovered, her sister would explode at the fact that she lost to a man.
"Well done Master Chief, I hope you didn't get hit too much because of my orders."
Miranda comments as she can see his bruises starting to fade, much to the surprise of Donna who was not aware of the technology that helped heal him after his battle with Hades. It made sense that she would not know since she had only arrived recently after all and only her sister knew of the technology.
"Not any more than I did during the war ma'am."
He replies before turning to see Alexa attending her still unconscious sister. He looks to Barbara and spots her carrying a medical case, more than likely in the event he required anything to help tend to him if needed.
"Barbara, do you have more nanites in that case?"
Barbara looked at her savior and somewhat secret crush and was worried that there might be some lingering damage that the nanites he had in his body might have missed.
"Yes, do you require any?"
"No, but please administer them to her…"
He nods towards the unconscious woman while the other Amazons were surprised by this act of kindness.
"…despite everything she is not an enemy so there is no reason why we cannot be diplomatic and show we are reasonable."
Flash said, "Yeah, that makes sense. The last thing we need is the amazons holding a grudge."
Diana said, "Plus, this show of mercy will help show that he is not vindictive, as many of my sisters are…unfortunately."
Barbara wouldn't have minded letting the uppity Amazon heal the normal way, with all the aches and pains involved for the arrogance and foolishness she revealed. But it was the Chief who asked her to help so she complied. She calmly kneeled next to the sisters and opened her case to get what she needed.
Alexa had seen her work before but never got around to ask what it was she did to help heal the man who had just bested her sister.
"What is that?"
""Well what I have in my right hand…"
The Cheetan woman replies holding an injector with a clear liquid.
"…is a painkiller called polypseudomorphine, it helps numb pain without its predecessor bothersome aftereffects or addictive nature. And in my left hand…"
Holding another injector with pinkish liquid.
"…is filled with millions of sand grain sized machines called Bio-Huragok that will speed up her healing like the ones in the Spartan only this will be flushed out once they done healing her since this are a trade secret of the Commander's crew and the League. Last thing they want, including me to be sure is this being abused by others if they got their hands on it."
Alexa understood the concept enough to forestall any further questions and watched as the woman first disinfected the area where she was to injector her and then administered the necessary doses of morphine followed a minute later by the nanites. And already the effects were seen by her and the others as Artemis's wounds were now healing and began to fade away.
Flash said, "Behold the mighty greatness that is modern and future medicine."
Barbara personally preferred not to do this, but John asked for her help and so far she could see that unlike her obvious sister, Alexa was calmer and less of a hard case so she might as well be nicer to her.
It was not immediate but they noticed her breathing had eased and the bruises and small cuts begin to fade and heal, much to the Amazon's amazement at seeing the process first hand.
"Goddess that is amazing, is it some form of magic?" the redheaded healer asks the woman.
Lantern said, "When in doubt, bring in magic."
"Heh no, just really advanced technology though some people do say that any science that is advance enough those border on it, though I never put much stock in that hocus pocus stuff."
"Considering we are on a hidden island, inhabited by tribe of warrior women who were once thought as mere myths…uh no offense…" Cortana adds as she looks to the Amazons apologetically before continuing "…and the Chief kicked the ACTUAL god of the underworlds ass!" She adds that last part with some excitement in her voice, until Flash intervenes.
"Ahem."
"What now?" the look of exasperation that comes from dealing with the crimson speedster is all but noticeable. All she gets is an expectant look before looking at the League, which immediately tells her why he is crashing her high.
"Fine! The LEAGUE kicked his ass, there you happy?"
"Very." Flash replies with a wink at Alexa, who can't help but giggle at the interaction. He just had this way to make people happy, she thinks to herself. The Chief just chuckles at their interactions as he knows how much it galled her to have Flash one up her, still he could tell they were friends even if she wouldn't admit it.
His attention was brought back as he felt a hand on his shoulder and looks to see Diana by his side.
"Are you all right?"
"I am fine, the nanites have fixed almost everything and the pain is gone." He replies earning a relieved look and smile from his fellow League member. Something that did not escape the notice of her sister or mother as this only served to make them all the more curious as to what was the exact nature of the relationship between them.
Flash said, "I'm still wondering how they are going to react to finding out she is interested in him."
Diana said, "She respects the Spartan so her reaction should be controlled."
"Will Artemis be out long?" The Queen asks as she is concerned by the state of her Captain.
"She will be fine and awake in a few minutes."
"Then Diana please bring her back to the main hall, there are questions I wish to ask your companions and I am sure she will wish to be present."
"Yes mother."
Diana carefully held the woman's over her shoulder, Donna helped on the opposite end and soon the group was off.
On Olympus…
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Ares was utterly ecstatic as he was literally holding his sides in absolute laughter as he witnessed the end of the fight. He did not give a care in the world that Athena and Artemis were right next to him and utterly angered and glaring at him. When they came to see the bout between Artemis and the Spartan, both of his sisters were willing to state that even without their power and support, Artemis would win this fight against the Spartan, he was not convinced and replied that the Spartan would win.
Lantern said, "Pride comes before the fall."
They both snorted and warned him that his powers would no longer help the man, but he replied that he had no doubt that the Spartan hardly needed his aid to put the pompous Amazon in her place. That enraged the two Goddesses and they dared him to watch the beating the man would get, he nodded and watched.
And now he was vindicated yet again! The Spartan truly was worthy of his praise and the legacy of his chosen.
"Well, it seems I win this round my dear sisters." And watching their glares he laughed once more, while others quietly chose to stay very far from the two.
Back with the others…
After making their way to the main hall, where Artemis awoke in a less than stellar mood after realizing she had been defeated, they were all seated with the Queen at the head of the table.
"Now that we have had a chance to calm down…"
Hippolyta says while giving Artemis a warning look to not press the issue any more than she already had.
"…I would like to ask you three some questions."
She ends while looking at Cortana, John and Miranda.
"I take it you wish to no more about our origins?"
"Yes, though I am interested in how the Spartan came to be as well, you surprised many of us with your abilities in combat and clearly you have seen much of it that I am curious."
"Well given what he was meant to do and the enemies he has fought during the war it's not surprising he has that much experience."
The A.I replies with a bit of melancholy.
"We can't tell you everything that is classified but will give tell what we can, Cortana do we have any holo emitters? It would be easier to show them as we spoke."
"Looks like the queen and your sister are about the crash course on the Spartan's history," Flash said.
Lantern said, "This is going to be a serious wake up call."
"In the Pelican's weapon storage, Flash if you would please do the honors, their marked by the way so you can't miss them and the code is 456825."
"Be back in a tick…"
And with he dashed away, and 10 seconds later he was back with four emitters and cheeky smile "…delivery for Cortana. Sign here please."
She took the devices from him while rolling her eyes at his antics, calmly setting them up for a good clear picture and hooking them up to her systems so they can see her memories…as well as some footage she got from the Chief's armor.
"Well now that we have that we can begin, the first you should know your highness is that we…"
She points at herself, John and Cortana.
"…are from another reality, what that means is that we come from a world with similar history to this one. Except with some exceptions, the most noticeable is that your people and people like Superman, Flash, certain alien species as well as others who exhibit superhuman abilities or fight crime do not exist in our reality."
That caught the women not in the know like Diana for a loop.
"We don't exist?"
Donna asked with some bewilderment lacing her tone.
"No, the Amazons are myths in our reality as are the Olympians and other supernatural beings, I know this may come as a shock to you but it is the truth."
"They do indeed speak it mother, I have witnessed their reality through their records…it is both fascinating and…tragic given what occurred there."
Flash said, "To be honest, with the massive civil war, I don't think they would have survived with technology advancing and how powerful some of those weapons were."
Lantern said, "Yeah, against a MAC round they probably wouldn't have stood a chance."
Diana adds sadly at the end, getting questioning looks though Miranda continues as they will get to THAT part soon enough.
The holograms come to life and begin to show the history of their humanity as they began to ascend to the stars.
"Our humanity's ever growing sense of expansion and adventure if you will, led us to turning our prospects to the heavens, this had the benefit of uniting all of humanity in the pursuit of this goal and set the foundations for the UEG or United Earth Government; the ones in charge of dealing with politics that come with governing Earth and her colonies and the UNSC or the United Nations Space Command; the military and exploratory arm of the UEG, in charge of humanities defense and locating suitable worlds for expansion."
Images showed as governments united with one another as well scientists working around the clock to develop new technologies to make space travel easier and safe. They also saw the dedication of the people to one day go beyond the confines of their world.
"Incredible."
Alexa let out as she was awed by the drive and passion the humans of this reality showed, she was not alone as the other Amazons were feeling the same.
Flash said, "And let their minds be blown."
"Sadly with the expansion and unifications of Earths governments and militaries all merged into one there where bound to be those who would rebel and try to topple it to make way for their own ideals."
The opening shots of the Frieden-Koslovics-UEG war soon came on and with it the brutal space battle and devastating ground assaults.
The devastation that came after the rainforest war was truly disheartening to the women, such needless destruction and loss of life.
"So much death…" Alexa muttered sadly.
The League all gave her a look of sympathy as they felt the same way when the first saw the destruction.
"It took some years and the return of old school tactics but in the end the united forces won and defeated both groups, now a new problem arose in the form of over militarization, lack of resources and damage assessment."
Images now showed the unemployment and recession where many struggled to get back on their feet after such a grueling war.
"In time colonization was once more taken up and with the invention of the first translight engine we began to forge ahead into the stars to create our own vast empire."
Ships of all sizes and hundreds of worlds appeared as the Amazons witnessed the prowess the humanity of the UNSC crew come from. They watched how they selected the best of brightest of their people, men and women alike to help found new homes and new worlds to call home. And they watched as cities rose from the planets that were amazingly clean and modern yet good to look at.
"Truly your people have come far Commander Keyes to have reached such a level of advancement."
The Queen comments as she finds the daring of the people to be quite admirable despite the dangers such an expansion would entail.
"Human nature is like that, we usually charge in headfirst and consequences be dammed…"
*SIGH*
Miranda let out tiredly as she got to the part she hated.
"…but some things still keep getting carried over in each generation. In time we controlled around 800 worlds, divided into what were the inner and outer colonies, and with such a vast plethora of worlds many issues arose that sadly could not all be dealt with immediately or ever."
She looks to the Queen as a reference.
"You must have run into this type of situations before correct, trying to balance the needs of your people, determining what was needed and was wasn't."
Superman said, "All leaders have to do that. Unfortunately for some, their needs mean much more."
Images of Mongul and Darkseid immediately came to mind.
"Yes, it is not always easy to give everyone what they need or want to maintain order; some days are harder than others." Hippolyta replies with reluctance as there many days like that when she first took the role of leadership. It was never easy to rule and live on the land and she had at times had to deal with issues that she disliked.
"Imagine what it would be like with a population of billions."
Cortana adds, even if her kind were there to help they were not miracle workers and sometimes human nature confused them to no end.
The Queen grimaced at the thought of that.
"At first it was simply peaceful rallies and protests, nothing too serious…but then things got worse, hostilities grew and then…"
The Commander couldn't help but grow quiet as the images showed the event that sparked the interplanetary war and the birth of the Insurrection as Haven was engulfed in nuclear fire.
"What in the name of the gods was that?"
Artemis couldn't but whisper at the terrible sight of a massive crater where a city once stood.
"A civilian nuclear warhead with low destruction yield which normally would be used for asteroid mining, at the time, most likely that one was made into a military grade version."
John replied neutrally, though seeing the questioning looks he simplified his explanation
"…imagine an explosive so powerful it can wipe out every single person on this island in an instant and you could do nothing to stop it."
Everyone shuddered slightly at the image. Diana shuddered the worst as the destruction of her home being destroyed filled her mind.
The women shuddered at the thoughts of such a weapon before they realized they were seeing the results of its use.
"How many…?"
Alexa simply could not finish the question in light of the loss of life.
"Died? Initial estimates said 2 million with more to follow in the fallout of the radiation and toxins released into the atmosphere. 8 million would suffer from third to fourth degree burns, cancers, tumors, radiation poisoning, and the city was rendered lifeless and uninhabitable for centuries. "
"I think I'm going to be sick."
They heard Donna say in disgust, Miranda sympathized with her but still continued.
"From there it was a fight to pacify the colonies and stamp out the Insurrectionists before more lives and resources were lost. However as more military reactions grew in accordance with the enemies tactics more dissention rose from colonies not yet aligned with the rebels. Day by day, the UNSC and UEG were looking at interstellar civil war."
"To prevent a full out civil war a new radical idea took place."
Cortana adds before looking at John since he had more than ample knowledge and firsthand experience in regards to the program and its predecessor.
"Before I came there was a preceding program to the one I was involved in, it was called the Orion program or it sometimes called the Spartan I project by some. The objective of this program was to enhance soldiers using a series of chemical and surgical procedures to make them more effective in the field."
"And did they?"
The Queen asks with curiosity lacing her voice as she wondered what benefits the soldiers would have been given as well as how this related to the man before her who dared to face a god.
"Yes, they became smarter, faster and stronger than the average soldier. 300 were part of the original program and were sent to retake a station that was captured by rebels; they succeed with only one loss."
"However time and unexpected side effects soon forced the closure of the program while the surviving soldiers were left to retire or rejoin the ranks. Their legacy however lives on in the training given to a division of our special force called the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers."
Images now showed the actions of the elite soldiers whose unorthodox insertion methods and hardcore attitude who earned the nickname Helljumpers. Cortana made sure to show that it was not an all-male group seeing as there were women in the group. And it was clear that these women, officers and enlisted personnel were all battle hardened and willing to go into hell itself as there were literally a thousand ways for them to die.
"By the goddess! They're mad!"
Artemis couldn't help but yell at the sheer idea of entering the field of battle in such a way.
"Well they have to be a little crazy given what they did."
Lantern said, "Jumping feet first into hell."
Flash said, "It looks badass, but it is scary."
Cortana smirks as she speaks; though the relationship between Spartan's and ODST's was always cold she still had to respect their commitment to their duty. Not to mention she recalled Melissa McKay, one of the few ODSTs who actually had a cordial relationship with the Spartan IIs.
*Except for that asshole Silva, thinking he was better than John, the nerve of that guy!*
Everyone made a mental note to look up Silva when this was done.
"Things were looking bad for us; we couldn't just hand over that many resources and show that we couldn't handle the rebels…" Miranda began.
"It would undermine you, show you as weak." The Queen adds.
"Not in those words but yes something along those lines, it is in this part of our story where the Chief comes in."
The Commander ends with a look towards the man.
"During the conflict, one of the UNSC's most brilliant minds, Dr. Catherine Elizabeth Halsey developed a new program based of the Orion program; she called it the Spartan II program. It was far more radical than the first due to its subjects, enhancements and the dangers involved."
"What do you mean by its subjects?"
Alexa asks as she found it odd he said it was more radical because of him and his fellow soldiers.
This was the start of a subject that the League found morally reprehensible regardless of the results. Superman, Batman, J'onn, Flash, and Diana were still unused to such a method to fight the rebels that involved John and even if they knew that he had accepted it, they were still unhappy for it.
"When the Orion soldiers were sent back into the population, some had families or started their own families. The Children of these super soldiers carried within their genes genetic traits that made them stand out from other children. This was also coupled by the fact that even before it began, the colonists of the past were already the best of the best of humanity, and they had been given passive enhancements as part of the colonization efforts."
"Naturally Dr. Halsey was aware of this and went to find them and test these children if they were viable for the program, originally there was supposed to be 300 but due to budget constraints it was reduced further, I was one of the children selected for the program, the first actually."
*SCOFF*
"And what was so special about you?"
Everyone groaned in frustration, as apparently the woman hadn't been knocked off her high horse just yet.
Artemis snarks in open disdain as she was still reeling from her defeat at the hands of the man. The Queen gives her a warning glance while Diana, Barbara, Cortana and Miranda scowled at her. No doubt annoyed that even after she lost fair and square, she still had the nerve to be insulting.
John however did not bother with her snarky comments as he had dealt with worse and he focused on completing what he had to saw.
"I was a head taller than most children, and had better reflexes as well as being more proportioned than a child my age."
"And very lucky."
Cortana added.
"Indeed."
Diana confirms.
Flash said, "Again…seriously, get this guy to Vegas. He'd clean it out or be blacklisted from every gambling house in a few hours. He'd probably make billions."
"In any case…" John cuts off as he does not believe it would be prudent to have Cortana say her 'reason' for his luck, not when things seem to be finally cooling down with the Amazons, especially Artemis
"…once it was confirmed I was a viable candidate I was covertly taken and replaced with a flash clone so as my absence could not be discovered, and taken to Reach."
It was easy for the Amazons to spot the frown and scowls on the faces of the League as well as the look of shock in Cheetah's face when he mentions that part and Donna chose to ask the why of it.
"What is a flash clone and why does it upset your allies when you speak of it?"
"Medical science in our reality discovered a way to create perfect matches for organs and limbs lost in accidents or in this battle in relative periods of time. If someone lost and eye or needed a new heart a copy was created."
"However…"
Cortana interjects as she knew that this was going to be hard to speak of.
"…to create a full person is very long and very illegal, hence why the program was so secret in many of its aspects, and also due to the fact that the clone is created so quickly, it's body is highly unstable and would die in a manner of days or weeks."
A creeping realization than struck the warrior women once they heard that, still Alexa voice a question they sincerely hoped would subside their growing discomfort.
"Then why create this…clone? Why would they not simply ask his parent's if he was to serve such a vital role like the Spartan's of old who sent their young to get strong before joining their military."
"The world doesn't work that way anymore, times have change and what was done was viewed as unethical and illegal despite the benefits that would soon come from the program itself. The clone was needed to ensure no one would ask questions about my absence when it dies, essentially I would never see my family again and they would never know what truly happened to me. By all rights, all they would know was that their son died young and they would bury him."
Everyone felt a wave of anger and sorrow come over them as they remembered that the man had been taken from his family and turned into a soldier.
Barbara now connected the dots of why John was so disconnected from humanity, why he struggled sometimes to interact with people…their military wanted living weapons not regular grunts and they did it by not only singling out those with the traits they wanted but creating clones to replace them after kidnapping them and to really make it worse, the clones died, making the families think their children died while in truth their children were being molded into living hardware!
She had done a lot of bad things in her life but made sure never to harm bystanders in her crimes, especially children. She would not allow herself to lose what was left of her humanity and give her former employer the satisfaction of fully destroying her and her soul.
*But this…good God, what kind of monsters would do that to children for Christ's sake?!*
"Then…then what about you? Did you not seek your family once you were old enough?"
The redheaded healer asks once more as she still reels from the fact that the man before her was cheated out of a loving home and family. The mere thought of being cut off from all of your family and wit them knowing that you were alive…not dead was appalling to the gentle hearted Amazon healer.
"By the time I had reached adulthood I could no longer remember my parents, occasionally I can recall my mother smelling of soap and that she loved me, or my father feeling proud of me for some reason but I can't remember their faces anymore. The closest memory of my mother was her calling me when I was playing with some toys in the sand near a beach on my home world, but when I turned…she had no face."
Which was the truth, when he encountered Parisa on Earth he was tempted to reveal himself but it only is detrimental for morale and he could not alter the past. He had accepted his calling and the duty of defending humanity and if he were honest with himself he was glad to have met his Spartan brothers and sisters as well as forming his surrogate family with them. And despite everything, he would never stop considering Mendez and Halsey as his father and mother figure respectively.
For the Amazon's it was a different story, in times of old the warriors of Sparta while not allowed to be with the families until completion of their military training and acceptance into the ranks, they were never denied that luxury, But what they were hearing now was more than disconcerting.
Diana said, "What he went through was much worse."
For Donna and Hippolyta family was something to be treasured, when Diana went missing it hurt them deeply just as much as the impending judgment. For Artemis and Alexa, who had gone through so much before coming to the island, the idea of being denied such a basic yet fulfilling aspect was something they could not wish upon anyone.
Artemis was humble enough to admit that what this woman, this Halsey had done was cruel even to them. In their society all of them were trained warriors but not a single one was a forced conscript.
John continues with his story.
"In the end 75 of us were chosen and taken to the fortress world of Reach."
Cortana had images show the planet in all its glory before the Covenant came.
"It's so beautiful."
Donna could not help say, the lush green forests and clear blue oceans really gave off a sense of peace and tranquility, hard to believe it was a military world.
"It was here where 75 of us with me included were trained to become Spartan's by a select group of trainers led by this man…"
The image showed next the hard features of CPO Franklin Mendez.
"…he was the chief trainer for the program and in many ways we saw in him a father figure, he was tough but fair with and pushed us hard to overcome our limits, he taught me much about duty, honor and teamwork. He was a veteran Marine of a number of missions and despite his age, he was as tough and as strong as steel."
His voice held the deep respect and admiration he had for the man, Artemis had received the same for her sisters after they were done with their training under her.
Lantern smiled at the sight of the soldier. He reminded him so much of his commanding officer when he was in the army.
"Dr. Halsey stood at the other end as she made sure we were well taken cared off in regards to our education, medical and dietary needs…she was in many ways our mother figure despite the deep seeded guilt she developed for what was needed for the end of the Insurrection."
*That was nice sentiment coming from her.*
Barbara bitterly said to herself, her opinion of the doctor was still less than stellar but held her tongue as she knew it would not score points in the Chiefs favor to bad mouth her.
"As our training finished we were very close to one another, we saw each other as family, and I was made the leader of the squad at Dr. Halsey's behest before we moved to the next phase of the program….the augmentations."
"Augmentations?"
The resident healer asks curiously wondering if that was the secret to how he was capable of facing her sister in combat.
"It was a series of procedures designed to make us better than we were already, though it was not without costs."
Now Cortana showed the augmentations procedures in all their "glory". The pain suffered by the men and women and the agony as their bodies were being transformed was amplified to the Amazons, The Amazons, now convinced that these people lost their childhood the moment they were chosen, knew that the horrors they saw were all too real to be fake.
They cringed as the saw some die in agony as their bodies rejected the augmentations in various forms, some had their bones sticking out, some died of heart attacks and other equally painful ways, they saw how one actually howled in absolute horror and agony as he coughed out the augmentation fluids and blood as he died.
"Oh goddesses above have mercy…"
A few members winced, and some felt bile rise in their throats as they saw and heard the augmentations. It was grating to their ears.
The Queen whispered as she hoped it would end; no human being should suffer and die in such a manner. She looked to see that her family was affected deeply, even more so for Diana who had seen this. It was also clear that the others in the League were not the least bit pleased to see this again.
"In the 35 of us survived, 12 were crippled and the others died."
There was a touch of sorrow in the Chief's voice; he didn't like to remember that particular aspect of the program since he still believed there was something he could have done for his fallen brothers and sisters.
"I…I am so sorry for your loss." Alexa says as it is in her nature to be kind to people.
"It is in the past, nothing I can do to change that or bring them back no matter how much I want to."
Was all he says to her, he was grateful though.
"What happened to you and those who survived?"
Donna asked as she hoped changing topics would help ease the unease some of them felt at seeing so many of them die.
"We were to adjust to our new abilities and once we did…we became something more, something humanity would rely upon in the coming conflict."
Images now showed as Kelly ran at speeds a cheetah would envy, same for Barbara herself, Sam and Jorge bench-pressed three times their own weight, Li, Cal and Fred sparred in a way that had Batman nodding in approval due to their focus and creativity and Linda who shot in ways that not even the best sniper in the world would think possible.
Hippolyta and Artemis took note of the female members and approved of what they saw, though they did find it odd they would be also called Spartan they couldn't argue that they would have made welcomed additions to their group should they ever existed here. The respect and camaraderie the male Spartans showed their female counterparts now made them realize why John held women and Diana in high regard
Lantern said, "There is no place for sexism here or in the army. The woman you looked down on may just end up having your life in their hands by the end of the day."
Diana smiled at the Lantern's words.
"Once we adjusted to our new abilities we were sent out into the field to deal with the Insurrectionists…we were successful for the most part since our training allowed us to handle many different roles. From sabotage to assassination missions we were seen as a very effective combat unit…then everything changed."
"Changed? How so?"
The Queen can't help but asks.
*SIGH*
"What we are about to show you is one of the darkest hours of humanity in our reality, I have to ask because my conscious won't let me be at peace otherwise, do you truly want to see the war we spoke of?"
Miranda asks with a serious look on her face, one that caught the Amazons off guard.
Artemis naturally refused to show weakness and spoke up.
"We have seen and experienced much before we came to our home, we do not shy away from anything that threatens us."
Flash said, "Oh, she is going to regret saying that."
"You will this time, I guarantee it."
Miranda spoke before looking towards the Queen who nodded. Taking a breath Miranda gave Cortana and the Chief the go ahead…and braced herself for an unpleasant trip down memory lane.
Cortana brought the image of Harvest before it was glassed.
"This is or rather was Harvest; it was one of our more productive agricultural worlds that produced plenty of foodstuffs for the surrounding colonies."
They took note of how she phrased the "was"…they soon learned why.
"It went dark all of sudden, no transmission or reason for why, a ship was sent to investigate that never returned. We sent a small group of three ships to investigate; this is what they found…"
It was rare for any Amazon to be stunned into silence, but what they were seeing had no words to describe the sight of a lush and green planet reduce to nothing but seas of fire and lands of glass as well as once large buildings reduced to charred ruins.
Superman clenched his fists. Everyone grimaced as they were reminded of the beginning of the Covenant war.
"What…what happened?!"
Donna could not help cry out in shock and horror as the sight of the world being turned into a nightmarish place like Tartarus was too shocking to her.
"They happened."
Was all the A.I replied as she showed the image of the Covenant vessel left to take out any stragglers or nosy visitors, this was followed by the message that started 30 years of bloodshed.
"Your destruction is the will of the gods… and we are their instrument."
"That is when it all started…the Great War."
Miranda said solemnly to her captive audience. The League was quiet, they saw what the warrior women were about to be shown and this time they would be strong because their comrades needed that as they showed their most painful moments once more.
Everyone saw the horrid memories of the great war and how much death and destruction had followed.
From then on the flow of images and sounds that came showed the Amazons the horrible truth behind this war that made it far more different than any they had ever been involved with in their long lives. It wasn't a war about ideals; about resources, about glory, about territory or domination…it was about survival. The right to exist and live as a race.
They were told how this Covenant, a conglomerate of alien races united by religion based on an extinct yet extremely advanced civilization called Forerunners, were hell bent on the destruction of humanity for supposedly desecrating holy relics.
Each race served a purpose they were well fitted to, from the martial Elites to the lowly Grunts, each one with the exception of the Huragok were part in the genocidal campaign.
The women watched the clashes of both fleets in rap attention, their hearts cried out for the poor souls lost as the aliens superior weapons proved too much. Any victory was hollow in the face of so much death and destruction. They also bore witness to the ground battles where the men and women of the UNSC fought with bravery born of desperation to save so many of their people from the relentless assaults of the Covenant.
At some point Donna and Alexa could bear no more the sight of innocents being mercilessly slaughtered and in some cases devoured and found refuge in their mother and sister respectively as they hide their faces in the chest as they were held.
Everyone grimaced at the sight of the humans soldier's being eaten.
Diana moved to hold her sister as well and wished she had the foresight to remove her from the room. Donna was trained like all Amazons but she had never seen war, seen it in all it hideous and bloody glory, until today and she hoped she would come out stronger for it.
As for Artemis, and by extension Alexa, they had both seen war and all its ugly truths but this? This was a whole new level of brutality the likes no Amazon had seen, hence she could forgive her younger sister's moment of weakness as she too wished to see an end to the horrors being shown to them.
*But you won't, you were warned and your damnable pride wouldn't let you refuse, and now you will bear this.*
Flash said, "I should brag right now, but I'll be honest, I do not like the sight of this anymore than I have to."
Her conscious chides.
As for Hippolyta she remained steadfast, she accepted the consequences of asking for the story of the Spartan and his allies and she would now bear witness to his life.
Throughout all the images the part of her that was both warrior and Queen cheered and cried for the victories or losses of the women AND men who fought for humanity's survival. She bared witnessed to many acts of bravery and sacrifice…she found the event known as Cole's Last Stand particularly emotive as in a single act that was worthy of song and remembrance he showed at the cost of his life that their enemy was not invincible, that against all odds they could be beaten back.
His final words struck deep withing the warrior women as he stood defiant against the odds to the bitter end.
-Listen to me, Covenant. I am Vice Admiral Preston J. Cole commanding the human flagship, Everest. You claim to be the holy and glorious inheritors of the universe? I spit on your so-called holiness. You dare judge us unfit? After I have personally sent more than three hundred of your vainglorious ships to hell? After kicking your collective asses off Harvest - not once - but twice? From where I sit, we are the worthy inheritors. You think otherwise, you can come and try to prove me wrong. —
And when he had lured them to the gas giant and after they were unable to harm him, he sent this message before meeting the end.
-Is that the best you can do? Watch what one unworthy human can do! —
*Such courage, may he find his place among his people greatest heroes in the afterlife.*
Diana said, "He would get more than jus ta song in his name. He would probably get a statue or a temple."
And the ground soldiers were just as brave as they showed this in the ferocity with which they fought, when their guns ran empty the used them to club the enemy, then they would use their knifes until they dulled with the blood of their foes and finally they tried to kill them with their bare hands if they had to just to make sure the enemy paid for their slaughter and they did so to save as many innocent lives as they could..
Then there came the Master Chief and his brethren, the images showed her why Ares considered them a legacy to his most favored. Once they stepped onto the battlefield the odds shifted in favor of the humans as the Covenant juggernaut was stalled in the face of these relentless warriors who in face of defeat and death pressed onward and sowed fear into the aliens ranks.
The massacre of Draco III exemplified this quite well, the Spartans were just as merciless as their enemies as they avenged the fallen, she could see no emotion but their actions showed their rage as they cut down their foes regardless of numbers.
The Amazons then saw the event that mark the end of the war…Halo.
The fact that ancient race built such a thing astonished them, but then they saw reason for it as the Flood came onto the scene, truly they were far more monstrous than the Covenant as they devoured both living and possessed the dead. The Queen could not help but look at Miranda with sadness as she saw the fate that befell her father; truly he was a good man and did not deserve that fate she would openly admit. He never gave the Flood what they desired the most and in the end, he died a hero worthy of song and praise in her mind.
Everyone nodded in respect for the noble man who refused to break in the end.
The Chief, now seemingly the last of his kind fought on, leaving Cortana, meeting the Gravemind, fighting wave after wave of Covenant forces as the ship he was own headed for the home world. Truly this man was blessed by the gods to have survived so much, what had been done to this man and what he endured... No Amazon could possibly do, so how does he do it?
*Because he has to, because no one else would, for that is his purpose. To be a sword and shield of his people while at great cost to himself, I see it now.*
Hippolyta thinks as she spares him a look and sees a man who should have broken a long time ago or perhaps he had indeed been broken and yet re-forged into something more than what he once was, something unparalleled to anything the world of man had ever seen.
Lantern said, "I'm not going to lie. All of this would have broken anyone else."
By the end they bore witness to the final battle and the secrets hidden from both the Elites as well as the role humans played as the inheritors of the Forerunners, something that lead to great schism in the Covenant along with the betrayal of the Prophets. Needless to say the warrior women were shocked humanity would ally themselves with their enemies, but as they pointed out the Flood and the Halo's would kill everything if not stopped.
Everything culminated in one final moment as the Chief, Arbiter and Cortana escaped the Ark as the Halo began to power up. So much death and loss yet it was over, humanity survived thanks to many brave soldiers and one man's refusal to yield in the face of adversity and death.
"Once Cortana and I landed in the Forerunner home world, my armor was repaired while she was upgraded and the Monitor revived the Commander. We faced one more battle before landing in this reality and the rest is history."
John ended his tale of all that had happened to them.
Barbara looks at him and feels her heart ache for her benefactor, in her mind no person should suffer what he has, yet he has done so and what's more he still tries to move forwards because there is no going back for him…only pain and sorrow is in his past.
She resolved herself to change that, her feelings may be driven by a childish crush but he deserved some happiness.
Flash said, "Oh, looks like the reformed woman is falling even harder for the big guy."
The Amazons stare at him in a new light for how could they not? It was just the same as when the League first heard of their origins and for moment they are silent as they don't know what to say, finally Artemis asks a question on all of their minds and that on occasion the League wish to ask but don't for fear of bring up bad memories.
"How do you do it? How can you possibly be sane after all that?"
John knows why she asks that, who wouldn't, Miranda has the same problem but not to his degree. It was probably the one thing about the space based navy he envied, they knew about what was happening on the ground bet never got to see it in all its terrible glory.
"I don't know, I just do, that is all I have ever done because that is all that is needed. When everything around you is chaos and people depend on you to lead them you must put aside your emotions and make the hard choices, you must choose who lives and who dies…something Chief Mendez taught me was that it is acceptable to spend the lives of the men under your command if necessary but it is not acceptable to waste them. I never saw myself as a superior being no matter what others said about me, to me, I am a soldier who does his duty because it is what is expected of him."
Flash said, "Yeah, imagine this guy if he ever got a superiority complex. I don't think things are going to end well."
John face took on a sad look then, something that worried Cortana since she knew the normally taciturn man rarely did unless he was caught in his memories.
"That doesn't mean I have the luxury of forgetting, I am burdened by the knowledge that every life I spent is on me, I am the one who gave the orders that lead to the deaths of hundreds of soldiers, good men and women and I will bear that weight for to do otherwise is disrespectful."
As much as she hated to admit it, Artemis could not help but agree with him, she had done no less with their warriors and she knew the Queen was the same. But she could not deny this man had gone through much worse and lived to fight on and that…that earned her respect.
However before any further words could be exchanged the sound of clapping came seemingly out of nowhere. They all look for the source and soon found it as in the entrance stood none other than Ares himself with a smile that said this way leads to madness.
"AND THAT IS WHY I KEPT YOU ALIVE SPARTAN!"
The unmistakable and surprisingly joyful voice of Ares rang as he made his way towards the group.
Everyone was immediately on edge as they saw the god of war had made an appearance.
"Guards!"
The Queen shouts while standing at the ready for a conflict, her daughters following suit while Artemis pushes her sister behind her. The League and UNSC crew was not idle as Superman, J'onn and Flash were ready to move, Batman had his hands on his belt and going over strategies, Barbara had transformed and had her claws out, Cortana mirrored her halfway with one hand in the form of a blade and the other a cannon that hummed with power and Miranda pulled out her sidearm.
The room was soon filled with the sound of armored clad women drawing out swords and spears and making a rough line between their Queen and the god, who simply smirked at the show of "force".
Diana saw that this would not do much to deter the god of war, especially if he decided to attack them.
The only looking at him without suspicion was the man he had come to see.
*Time to win a bet.* Ares thinks with a sort mischievous glee at one upping her sisters.
"NOW, NOW HYPPOLITA, FOR ONCE I COME IN PEACE AND NOT TO CAUSE STRIFE."
"That is all you cause Ares, your kind is not welcomed here."
The Queen spoke with a tone that made it abundantly clear he was not welcomed in their home.
"HMM TRUE I USUALLY AM NOT AN ADVOCATE PEACE BUT I AM HERE BECAUSE I AM OWED, I HAVE COME TO COLLECT ON THE SPARTAN'S END OF OUR BARGAIN."
John stepped up despite the quiet protests of his comrades and stood before the god of war.
"Talk."
Ares smirked at the way the man stood before him.
*He knows what I am yet stands tall, oh I do hope he would take what I am about to offer. But if not, then it matters little, this should be fun!*
"STRAIGHT TO THE POINT EH? I LIKE IT WHEN WE CAN GET DOWN TO BUSINESS AND AVOIDED ALL THE PLATITUDES AND NICETIES. HOW DID YOU LIKE ME GIFT?"
"It served its purpose, what are you getting at?"
"WOULD YOU LIKE TO WIELD IT AGAIN ON A MORE PERMANENT BASIS?"
Flash said, "Again, the idea of an Ares controlled Spartan is very scary to me. Anyone else?"
Everyone nodded.
That got a reaction from everyone except the man who was being asked as he knew there would a catch.
"What are you playing at?!"
Diana could not help but shout, she would not be letting the warmongering god sink his fangs into her friend after all he suffered. The mere thought of John who had endured so much to be in the hands of Ares as his personal weapon sickened her and she would NEVER allow it to happen.
"PLAY? I AM PLAYING AT NOTHING MY DEAR SWEET PRINCESS; I AM MERELY OFFERING HIM POWER BEYOND HIS WILDEST DREAMS…AS MY AVATAR."
Ares replies with dark smile.
"Ok, what do you mean you want the Chief as your avatar?" the Chief's A.I partner asks with disbelief. It was clear that the mere idea of this God taking over John was abhorrent to her.
"EXACTLY WHAT IT MEANS LITTLE DOLL, I WANT HIM TO BECOME MY CHAMPION ON EARTH."
John got between his old friend and the god; he gave the deity a stern look as the last one to call her that ripped her arm off and cemented the fact that he never wanted to hear someone call here that ever again. Wonder Woman was of the same mentality as she flanked them while keeping her mother and sister in view.
"Do not call her that again ever Ares, I may not have my armor or that power but I will not allow any disrespect towards her or my companions."
John was very serious about that, he wouldn't allow such mistreatment to happen to his oldest friend on his watch regardless of who he had to face off against.
Ares was more amused than irritated at the man's words and actions, something not lost on the others.
"THERE YOU STAND BEFORE ME PRACTICALLY DEVOID OF WEAPONS AND ARMOR, EVER DEFIANT AGAINST THE ODDS PRESENTED AGAINST YOU. OH YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH I MISSED SEING THAT IN TODAYS MILITARY, ALL RULES AND REGULATIONS, BACK IN THE GOOD OL' TIMES YOU DIDN'T NEED THAT SO MUCH AS MAKE SURE YOUR ENEMIES WERE NICE AND DEAD."
Ares says casually before giving the Spartan a serious look.
"BUT THEN AGAIN, YOU WOULDN'T BE THE MASTER PIECE OF MILITARY PRECISON YOU ARE NOW WOULD YOU? THAT DOCTOR OF YOURS COULDN'T HAVE DONE A BETTER JOB THAN WITH YOU AND YOUR BRETHREN; SHE CAPTURED THE VERY ESSENCE OF THE OLD SPARTAN CREED, HENCE WHY I WANT YOU TO BECOME MY CHAMPION ON EARTH."
Lantern said, "As much as I don't like to agree with the war god here, he has a point. A lot of military action comes with a lot of red tape, especially if there are politics involved."
"What could you possible offer him that would make you think he would take that offer?"
Miranda spat as she did not like the look the…being before them gave the Master Chief.
"OH I CAN GIVE HIM PLENTY, WHATEVER IT IS YOU DESIRE…WEALTH, POWER, WOMEN."
Diana clenched her fist as the memory of that phrase dug deep.
He says with no amount of remorse as he looks in the direction of the Amazon with a look they are familiar with from the days of old.
"I said leave them out of this…"
John rebukes calmly, despite his growing ire at the god's attempt to sway him, before continuing.
"…I don't need any of that, we still have money left from both our arrival here and the percentage we receive for our tech exchanges, whatever power I wield is only for the defense of humanity and my allies and I will never force a woman in a compromising position or take away their freedom as if they have no say in the matter."
That last comment boosted his standing with the warrior women with the noticeable cases being Diana and Barbara.
"LET'S NOT MINCE WORDS SPARTAN SHALL WE? DO YOU TRULY BELIEVE THAT YOU WILL EVER BE MORE THAN WHAT YOU WERE BRED TO BE? YOU ARE SOLDIER, YOU ARE SOAKED IN THE BLOOD YOUR ENEMIES, WAR IS THE SEA YOU SWIM IN, AND IT IS YOUR ONE TRUE HOME. IN PEACE YOU WILL NEVER FIND ACCEPTANCE, JOY OR LOVE, IN TIME THESE SO CALLED HEROES WILL SEE YOU FOR WHAT YOU TRULY ARE… A TRAINED, BRUTAL AND MERCILESS KILLER."
Ares ends with dark smirk gracing his features that is removed when Barbara interjects.
"That's a lie!" Cheetah screams at the god as she bow stands before John.
Flash said, "Wow…wait to take initiative."
"OH? AND WHAT DOES THE PRETTY LITTLE PUSSY HAVE TO SAY?"
"He is more than just a soldier! He didn't have to offer me anything when he was free after he was rescued, he didn't have to save me or offer me a second chance but he did. He is a hero, he is my hero and I will be dammed if I will let you compare him to some sick sadistic monster like you! And I will be twice as damned if I am going to let you turn him into your personal lap dog!"
"I stand with her Ares…"
Diana spoke up as she stood next to feline/human hybrid
"…he is more than a warrior; he is a savior, a champion. When all others fell to despair or loss in the face of extinction he stood defiant and rallied others and his brethren with his courage and determination. When all others cowed against the odds he rose to the challenge and won, I say this to you now and by the gods watching that if I had to choose between 100 of my peoples finest warriors and him I would choose him for those reasons alone and consequences be dammed!"
That sent a ripple of shock in the Amazon as they practically could feel the strength behind the Princess's words.
*Has this man truly made such an impact in you my daughter?*
Flash said, "Oh I am so glad the fans aren't seeing this. There would be shipping madness."
Her mother thought in surprise at her bold statements.
"HUMPH, HOW AMUSING, AND TO HEAR THIS FROM YOU BOTH. AND WHAT OF YOU SPARTAN? WHAT SAY YOU? I OFFER YOU MORE THAN YOU CAN EVER POSSIBLY WANT, WILL YOU THROWAWAY SUCH AN OPORTUNITY TO BECOME MORE THAN YOU ARE BECAUSE SOME DO GOODERS THINK THEY KNOW YOU WHEN IN REALITY YOU ARE MORE LIKE ME THAN THEM."
"We are nothing alike Ares, I am no blood lusting warrior who revels in useless and pointless slaughter, I am a soldier dedicated to my duty and all the burdens that come with it, I made many hard calls and done things than no regular soldier should ever do for the protection of humanity but I am no warmonger and murderer but more importantly I do not need or want what you offer."
"I and my Spartan brethren were trained to be humanity's sword and shield it is in that we find our purpose and one I shall continue to do for as long as there is life in me to do so. I have fulfilled my end of the bargain, I have heard what you have to say and I…respectfully refuse, please leave us be or their will be trouble. You may be a god, but I am not going to back down from you even if death will claim me here and now."
Everyone nodded at the soldier's words. They had a feeling that he would reject the god's offer.
John's tone broke no argument; he would not budge much to the relief of his League colleagues and UNSC crew.
Ares stared long and hard at the mortal who had refused him and started to chuckle…and as it went on he laughed harder much to the confusion of those present.
"OH HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN SINCE YOU MORTALS HAVE MADE MY DAY, OH WELL I TRIED; BESIDES I JUST WON A BET THANKS TO YOU. ISN'T THAT RIGHT SISTERS?"
From seemingly thin air Artemis and Athena appeared with no evidence shown as to how they did so or for how long. All of the Amazons immediately bowed in respect to the two who were part of their patron goddesses
From what they gathered Artemis was livid at her brother for apparently winning some kind of wager, Athena on the other hand was looking directly at the Spartan in a curious manner, as if to decipher the man who would reject such an offer.
*But why would he? I saw as did the others his origins yet he would refuse such power? And the way he stood for the cat creature and the Amazon Princess…clearly he sees them as allies and equals…have I been wrong to judge him so quickly out of mistakes from the past?*
Flash said, "Huh…it looks like the Amazons aren't the only minds being changed here."
Her thoughts were put on hold as her sister cried out at their brother.
"YOU CHEATED! YOU HAD TO!"
Lantern said, "Not all of them."
"AND HOW MY DEAR SISTER, DO YOU COME TO THIS CONCLUSION? DID YOU SEE ME WOVE SOME MANNER OF SPELL? DID I USE GUILE OR SUBTERFUGE? DID I NOT TRY MY HARDEST TO HAVE HIM SEE MY WAY WITHOUT THE USE OF FORCE? I SPOKE THE TRUTH AND MADE NO EFFORT TO HIDE MY INTEREST, HE SIMPLY DIDN'T TAKE MY OFFER OF HIS OWN FREE WILL AND THAT PROVES WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT, I DID NOT CHEAT."
At that point it all clicked for the League and UNSC crew about the motives behind Ares apparent attempt of recruitment for the Master Chief.
"You mean to tell me you just did this to win a bet?"
Flash thought, 'To be honest, I can see these guys doing something like the gods from God of War to win a bet.'
Miranda asks making no attempt to hide her incredulity in the face of these new facts.
"WELL IT ACTUALLY STARTED AS NOTHING MORE THAN A SHOUTING MATCH BETWEEN MYSELF AND MY SISTERS ABOUT WHY I INTERVENED ON THE SPARTAN'S BEHALF. WHICH WAS TWO FOLD, I DO RESPECT THE FACT HE KEEPS THE SPARTAN LEGACY ALIVE AND YOUR COMRADES DID NEED THE HELP IN CONTAING OUR UNCLE...THEY OF COURSE SEE IT AS ME HAVING SOME ULTERIOR MOTIVE WHERE THERE IS NONE, I SIMPLY WANT THE WORLD TO KEEP SPINNING SO WAR CAN FLOURISH."
Ares replies with surprising honesty in his voice.
"Of course…"
Cortana mutters with disgust obvious in her synthetic voice.
"…man the myths about you guys is true, you don't give a damn about mankind do you? Their just play things for your own sick amusement."
The AI sneered at the two gods while some of the Amazons did not like her tone towards the goddess except for Diana who cast a worried glance at her friend and surprisingly the Amazon Captain named after silently agreed with the artificial being as in her experience the gods never helped unless it benefits them.
"IF I WANTED THE OPINION OF WORTHLESS OBJECT LIKE YOU I WOULD ASK FOR IT."
Artemis sneers at the A.I who flinches at the insult, something that does not sit well with the Spartan (and the others including Diana) as he moves to place his hand on her shoulder before giving the goddess of the hunt a glare.
Superman winced and said, "Good thing the metal men weren't there. they would have probably tried to clobber her for that."
"LADIES, CLAWS IN…"
Ares chimes in despite his amusement at the conflict between his sister and the mortals; he takes notice of his other sisters' silence and decides to move things along
"NOW THEN I BELIEVE IT IS TOME TO COLLECT EH ATHENA?"
As much as it galled her to lose to her brother she would honor the terms of the bet.
"WHO?"
"HMM, WHO INDEED, WHY NOT…"
Ares eyes fell on the Spartan who was still confused the nature of what they were dealing with
"…HIM."
"WHY AM I NOT SURPRISED?"
The goddess of justice sarcasm was all too clear; still she approached the soldier and stood before him. Her quandaries about why he would willingly not take the offer for power forgotten before she focused on him.
He seemed so unassuming; she wouldn't believe him to be anything special when compared to the many men whose named had been relegated to myth by mortal man such as her beloved Odysseus. But she had been present when his story was told, albeit out of sight from the perceptions of the mortals and their machine.
His was a story filled with loss, tragedy and sacrifice…much like her favored mortal, and much like him he got by with courage, wits and cunning in his fight against his otherworldly foes for his peoples survival.
*And as much as I do not wish it, that has earned him my respect.*
"HEAR ME MORTAL, AFTER YOUR BATTLE WITH OUR UNCLE HADES I AND MY SISTER ARTEMIS WERE CONFRONTING OUR BROTHER FOR HIS ACTIONS, AT ONE POINT HE SPOKE OF HOW YOU WOULD NOT SEEK MORE POWER IF YOU WERE OFFERED IT, WE CHOSE NOT TO BELIEVE HIM AND MADE A WAGER. ONE I HAVE LOST, THE PRICE IS I GRANT A REQUEST TO AYONE OF HIS CHOOSING AND SO HERE YOU STAND, WHAT WOULD YOU ASK OF ME?"
"If I were to ask that you send our ship, myself and my crewmates back to our reality would you be able to?"
Everyone gasped. These were gods they were dealing with and they did need to get back to their dimension. Could this work?
He asks as he sees nothing wrong with attempting to ask, her offer however quells any hope of returning.
"NO, IT IS NOT WITHIN ANY OLYMPIANS POWER TO DO SO SINCE WHERE YOU COME FROM IS BEYOND OUR VIEW AND REACH."
The goddess replies with some pity for the people who wished to return to their home.
John didn't let that deter him, he knew it was a long shot and but still he needed to ask, best to exhaust all avenues than to no try at all. With that done he moved to something he felt she could do, something within her power…he just hoped it didn't backfire.
"Before I give you my request, I need to know what will happen to Diana?"
"BY AMAZONIAN LAW, SHE WILL BE BANISHED REGARDLESS OF CIRCUMSTANCES BEHIND HER BREAKING THE LAW OR HER STATUS AS PRINCESS, NEVER TO SET FOOT ON THEMYSCIRA EVER AGAIN."
Diana hung her head. A part of her hoped that something would change, but it would appear that it wouldn't.
Athena replies seriously and no hint of pity or remorse for what she is saying, for that is the law.
"Then I ask that you offer her a chance to atone and be able to come and go as she pleases, to see her family and her people.
Diana almost gasped. It would seem her banishment was going to be rescinded.
Of all the things everyone present could think a man like him could ask for only those who truly knew him could see why he would ask for that. Athena and Artemis were not one of those so their surprise was quite visible and could not help but ask…why?
"YOU COULD ASK ME WHATEVER YOUR HEART DESIRES, YET YOU ASK FOR THAT, WHY? WHAT IS SHE TO YOU THAT YOU WOULD PLACE YOURSELF IN SUCH A POSITION, FOR ALL YOU KNOW I COULD FORGET THIS WHOLE AFFAIR REGARDLESS OF THE CONSEQUENCES."
"She is a brave and honorable woman who does more good for her people and you by working alongside the Justice League than to remain here."
That was simply his reply.
"HOW DO YOU THINK SHE HONORS US AND HER PEOPLE BY WORKING WITH YOU?"
Artemis was the one who asks the question on the Amazons minds, including Diana who was frankly beside herself as she could not believe just how far John was going for her.
Everyone had to resist the urge to roll their eyes as they saw the goddess acting childishly as she refused to let go of her own grudge.
"It is true that women still fight for the right to be seen as equals in today's society, many cultures still cling to old traditions that limit their actions in the world…but you cannot deny that every so often one comes along to shake the foundations and makes her mark in history as she brings change."
"Diana is such a woman, as she fights alongside the world's greatest heroes she shows women everywhere that they have the strength and courage to rise and achieve the same greatness she does. She is their beacon of hope that they can make a difference in a society that says they can't and that they never will, by doing this she honors her people by teaching the rest how to stand up and she honors you by bringing justice to the world she has sworn to defend. It will not be an easy road to be sure, there will be many who would try to degrade her work, and there will be those who wish to place her in a false light. But she is the one of the few I know who can do it with the courage and will."
The princess smiled at John's honest words.
John spoke with honesty, determination and most of all truth, his words reached deeply within the goddess of justice and wisdom. It took a few tense moments where all waited on the words of the goddess but in the end she spoke.
"DIANA OF THEMYSCIRA, RISE AND STAND BEFORE ME."
She orders the princess who obeys diligently.
"YOUR CRIME THOUGH GRAVE WAS JUST, HOWEVER LAWS EXIST FOR A REASON AND YOU BROKE THE LAWS OF YOUR PEOPLE…"
Athena's words were stern and with a hint of steel in them that made the warrior woman bow her head in shame, that is until she felt it being gentle pulled up by her goddess
"…BUT SOME RULES MUST BE CHALLENGED FROM TIME TO TIME, AND THIS IS ONE OF THOSE, ALTHOUGH I AM NOT PLEASED I DO UNDERSTAND WHY YOU DID IT AND THE SPARTAN'S WORDS ARE FILLED WITH TRUTH, THEREFORE I SHALL HONOR HIS REQUEST, KNEEL DIANA."
Diana did as her goddess asked with all her friends and allies bearing witness.
"DIANA, YOU HAVE PROVEN YOURSELF A VALIANT AND JUST WARRIOR, FOR THAT YOUR ATONEMENT SHALL BE TO CONTINUE AS A CHAMPION IN THE WORLD OF MEN, TO INSPIRE YOUR SISTERS WHO HAVE YET TO RISE AND SHOW THAT THEY TO ARE EQUAL TO ALL. DO THIS DIANA OF THEMYSCIRA AND NEVER SHALL THE SHORES OF YOUR HOMELAND AND THE BONDS YOU HAVE FORGED HERE BE TAKEN FROM YOU…NOW RISE MY CHAMPION AND GO FORTH INTO THIS WORLD WITH MY BLESSINGS AND OUR GIFTS."
With that said the goddess touched the red star that rested on her tiara and released her armor and lasso's full potential. Diana stood feeling invigorated and lightened as the burden she had felt ever since the battle with Hades had ended. The Princess turned towards her smiling mother and sister and rush to hold them with the knowledge they would not be separated by miles of ocean and land.
Diana, while feeling some small amount of jealousy, was glad to see that her counterpart go to still see her sister and her kind.
"I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SAY AMAZON'S THAT PERHAPS THE TIME HAS COME TO LET THE OLD GIVE WAY TO THE NEW."
Everyone blinked at the sound of that.
Athena continued as she looked towards her sister, who in turn gave her a quizzical look.
"I ASK THAT IN ORDER TO FURTHER HELP THE AMAZON NATION GROW STRONG IN THIS NEW AGE, FOR VOLUNTEERS TO GO WITH THE PRINCESS TO MAN'S WORLD AND LEARN WHAT THEY CAN TO TEACH THEIR SISTERS OF BOTH THE GOOD AND THE BAD THEY CAN FIND IN ITS SHORES, WHO SHALL HEED MY REQUEST?"
*This must a red letter day for shocks actions and news for my people, who would heed such a request after so long a time I wonder?*
Hippolyta thinks to herself as she looks at the faces of disbelief in her guard and daughters.
A similar look was on Diana's face as she saw her people begin to move past their past and into the future.
Athena's sister was also in shock at what her sister was asking; however se saw her mouth "I will explain later" so for the moment she held her peace.
Alexa was for the most part wondering if this was her chance, she gave Flash a discreet look and saw him wordlessly say "do it" with a smile and a wink at her. She couldn't help but feel nervous despite the confidence he seem to have in her.
*Do I dare to do so? Oh what would Artemis think of…no, no I have to try, this may be my only chance. All I learned, all I have seen…I wish to go beyond this land to learn more of the world.*
"My lady…"
She immediately felt all eyes were on her as the words left her mouth, which only made her more nervous but also more determined as she had made the first move, so she must move forward to see this to the end.
"…I would like to take you up on your request; I wish to see what lies beyond our shores and to learn how to better heal and treat our wounded and what knowledge there is to gleam in the modern world."
That surprised many while making Diana smile at the fact that she was no longer alone. Hippolyta knew that this was going to happen at some point due to Alexa's inquisitive nature, and in truth she was pleased to know that Alexa had made her choice. But naturally not everyone was happy with that idea.
"NO! Absolutely not Alexa, it is dangerous and no place for one such as you!"
Her elder sister chided her just as much as she could; it was easy for anyone to feel her worry for her only sister. There was no way she was going to let her sister be exposed to the dangers of the world of men, no matter how much it changed.
Lantern said, "You can tell this is mainly out of concern for her sister. Essentially, it's like someone you know moving out of the house."
Many of them could acknowledge that. When he first moved to Metropolis, he go calls from his mother almost daily, despite being near invulnerable.
Alexa took a breath before looking at her sister with what appeared to be calm yet understanding look, one that caught Artemis off guard but still did nothing as she let her youngest sibling hold her hands gently like they so many times in the past.
"Then come with me."
THAT caught Artemis off guard completely as this was the last thing she expected to hear from her sister.
"What?!"
"Come with me Artemis, perhaps it is as you say but think for moment, what if you take what you learn there and teach our fellow sister so should they desire to venture out they will not be caught unprepared?"
Alexa reasons knowing this was the best way to convince her sister, however the goddess she was named after decided to add her two cents.
"THAT'S NOT A BAD IDEA NOW THAT SHE MENTIONS IT, IN FACT I APPROVE OF IT AND SUGGEST YOU ALSO GO MY DEAR IF ONLY TO WATCH OVER YOUR SISTER AND LEARN WHAT YOU CAN."
"My lady? I don't…I mean…who would train…"
"Now Artemis you do enough for us…"
Her Queen chimed in
"…and there are plenty of veterans and former students of yours who know your teachings by heart, I urge to take this opportunity if not just for your sister but so that you can also aid my eldest should she need it as well as guard my youngest."
Diana said, "That would be a good idea. She at least knows that her position as a trainer will be taken care of."
What the alternate queen said, then completely registered and asked, "Wait…what!?"
She ends while directing a look at Donna who gets a bad case of whiplash as she turns towards her mother with a look of absolute shock on her face.
"Mother?"
Both daughters look at her like she grew a second head.
"As much as I know about the risks of this venture, I also know there will be benefits to you Donna and deep down I know you would have the same wanderlust I and your sister Diana have had for some time. Besides your sister Aresia will still be here to keep me company as you know she prefers to stay with us than venture out."
*Not to mention she would be livid once she knows men were on the island and her sisters went out. I will have to explain it to her delicately and hope for the best. This will be risky but I will do my best for this to work.*
Donna was practically beaming and hugged her mother in joy.
"WELL ISN'T THAT TOUCHING..."
Ares sarcastically let out as all this love and happiness was sickening to him, so he decided to leave after doing one more thing for the Spartan
"Oh great way to ruin the moment jerk," Flash said rolling his eyes.
"…NOW I HAVE ONE MORE THING TO DO SPARTAN BEFORE I LEAVE YOU, HEPHAESTUS!"
In a burst of fire and smoke the smith of the gods appeared, grumbling at Ares for bellowing.
"YEAH, YEAH I HEARD YOU; DON'T GET YOUR SKIRT IN TWIST."
"I TOLD YOU A THOUSAND TIMES, IT IS A TUNIC NOT A SKIRT!"
This drew a couple of snickers from everyone present. Though, Bats and J'onn didn't show any response.
The god of war bellowed as he caught Athena and Artemis snickering as well the crimson clad Flash and Cortana doing the same.
*Oh he will pay for that!*
Hephaestus ignored the glare he got and focused on the Spartan.
"IS THIS THE ONE?" He asks his brother who calms down a bit.
"YES, DO YOU HAVE THE ITEMS I REQUESTED?"
"YEAH, JUST GIVE ME A MINUTE…"
He replies as he hobbles over to the Chief who remains ready in case of anything
"…HMM, YOU GOT A GOOD STURDY BUILD ON YOU, LET ME SEE YOUR HANDS."
John gives the god a look then turns to the Commander who reluctantly nods at him to do so. He shows his hands to the god who takes and gives them a cursory glance.
"HMM, NICE AND STRONG, SEEN A LOT OF WORK THEY HAVE. YOU EVER GET TIRED OF THAT DETECTIVE WORK GIVE ME CALL, I COULD USE A MAN LIKE YOU IN MY FORGE."
"…I will see." John replies at the odd offer.
Diana said, "With his strength and tolerance to pain, he could work well in a forge."
For some reason, she found herself imagining the man shirtless and covered sweat, forging a sword.
"WELL GOT WORK TO GET BACK SO NO TIME FOR DWADLING." The smith says as he reaches behind him and produces a object wrapped in white cloth "…HAD TO ADD A LITTLE SOMETHING AT THE LAST MINUTE AFTER WATCHING THEM IMAGES OF YOU FIGHTING, NICE ARMOR BY THE WAY, YOU EVER LOOK TO GIVE IT AN OVERHAUL OF THE DIVINE KIND GIVE ME HOLLER."
Flash said, "Oh, I want to see that so much."
And with that said he removed the cloth to reveal a sheathed sword and shield…though at first glance they were no mere objects.
"TAKE'EM, THEY'RE YOURS NOW."
John felt mesmerized by them and did so slowly, grasping the hilt of the sword first, he let out a gasp when he felt something surge in him when he did.
"OH GOOD IT WORKED."
Hephaestus comments casually with a satisfied smile, he always did love when his creations lived up to his expectations.
"What worked?" J'onn asks as he looks at the Spartan still holding the blade, which for some reason he feels it gave off some sort of power when grasped it.
"THE SWORD AND SHIELD ARE IMPRINTED TO HIM NOW, ONLY HE CAN CALL UPON IT, LET OTHERS USE'EM OR CALL IT AWAY LIKE THAT SUBSPACE HIS ARMOR DOES TO STORE THINGS. ALSO ONLY THOSE OF HIS BLOOD CAN USE IT SO UNTIL HIS LINE DIES OUT I RECKON IT WILL GET SOME GOOD USE, PULL OUT THE SWORD AND TAKE A LOOK AT THE BLADE."
John did so slowly, taking note that blade seem to hum as he pulled it out; once revealed he could see it was no ordinary sword, if his history lesson did not fail him it was a Spartan Hoplite sword except that it was pitch black like onyx and had an golden like engraving running along the length of the blade; sic vis pacem, para bellum (If you want peace, prepare for war) it said. On the pommel instead of a cylindrical base there was a filled circle the same color as the blade and with the logo of the Spartan program an eagle with its wings spread clutching thunderbolts in its left talons and arrows in the right in the same color as the engraving.
He turns to look at the shield and sees it is also pitch black as the sword except the logo it carries is of the UNSC with the same coloring as the engravings. The Eagle with outstretched wings towards the sky, with a shield over it and the Earth below and a banner crossing it and three stars at its side below the wings of the Eagle, on the banner it read: Valorous sunt semper vigilantissimi (Valorous are the ever vigilant).
Arrow let out a loud whistle. As a bowman, he could understand and see fine craftsmanship when he saw that.
John hands the sheath to Cortana, who along with the League, the UNSC crew and the Amazons approach to see the objects in wonder, and grabs hold of the shield with his free hand. He gives a questioning look at the god when he feels no weight on his arm or lack thereof; in fact he can't feel it on the sword as well.
"I SEE YOU FINALLY NOTICED, THAT THERE ISN'T YOUR REGULAR METAL, THAT IS 100% PURE ADAMANTINE. VIRTUALLY INDESTRUCTABLE AND I MEANT IT. YOUR KRYPTONIAN BUDDY OR MARTIAN COULD WAIL WITHOUT YOU FEELING ANY SHOCKWAVE ON IT ALL DAY LONG AND AT BEST CRACK IT, SAME GOES WITH THE SWORD HOWEVER THEY DO SELF REPAIR ANY DAMAGE THEY DO INCUR INCLUDING IF THEY SHATTER OF COURSE IT TAKES MORE WHEN THAT HAPPENS SAY A DAY GIVE OR TAKE."
Everyone whistled as they heard that. The sword and shield would be great against any supernatural foe. They also imagined what would happen if they managed to integrate the metal into his armor.
"Why would you give him this?" Flash asks in curiosity.
"I REQUESTED IT FOR HIM, EVERY SPARTAN EARNED THEIR SWORD AND SHIELD THROUGH YEARS OF ARDOUS COMBAT AND HE IS NO DIFFERENT. THOUGH I DO REQUEST YOU DO NOT LET IT SHATTER TOO MUCH, I HAD TO GIVE THE SHATTERED REMAINS OF KING LEONIDAS SWORD AND SHIELD TO KEEP IT AS CLOSE TO FORM AS POSSIBLE."
Ares spoke before his brother could reveal it himself…however, that revelation took one of his kin off guard.
"WHAT?! BUT YOU PRACTICALLY HAD THOSE IN A SHRINE!"
His sister Artemis cries out in surprise while Athena nods quietly.
"I DEEMED THEM WORTHY TO BE USED AGAIN BY SOMEONE WHO COULD GIVE THEM A GOOD USE. NOW SINCE I HAVE HAD MY FUN I BID YOU ALL GOOD DAY, I HAVE WARS TO IGNITE AND I MUSN'T DWADLE."
And with that said he vanishes into thin air.
"I wish they wouldn't do that."
Cortana mutters as it drives her sensors batty.
Flash said, "Yeah, plus it is kind of rude to vanish like that."
Flash made a not so subtle glance Batman, who decided to just into the usual bat slap.
"WE TOO MUST BE OFF."
Athena said as her sister nodded in agreement and left as if never there, though before the goddess joined her siblings on Olympus she gave Diana a reassuring smile before leaving.
"If we ever do make it back home I don't think anyone will ever believe that happened."
Miranda says in huffs as this day utterly exhausting.
"I don't think we will ever forget this either."
Flash said, "That's a good point. They wouldn't forget because it is so crazy, and nobody would believe them unless they arrived in their world themselves."
Clark added as this surreal even for him who had seen plenty of strange things in his life.
"Indeed, though I think it best we take the good that has come out of it and leave it at that."
The Martian replies with his colleagues and allies nodding in agreement.
Diana then spares a look at John as he looks at the sword and shield given to him, he looks up and sees her looking at him and she can't help but gratefully smile for all he has done for her this day. He simply gives a small smile back and nods to her in return, silently conveying how glad he was that everything worked out for her and her people in the end. She turns back to her sister and mother still wearing that same smile all the while thinking…
*Thank you John…for everything, one day, no matter what I will repay you for all that you did this day. This I vow on my honor.*
And now a new chapter in the Amazon's would begin, but one where they would not be alone and perhaps one in which they would grow from with a new and brighter outlook in life.
As the episode ended everyone looked at each other.
Flash said, "Well that was a change of pace."
Diana said, "At least my counterpart wasn't banished from Themyscira."
Arrow said, "Wait…you were banished? Dang."
Diana said, "Yes, but it seems that my sisters will be coming into man's world. I just hope that they don't go back to old habits."
Batman said, "There is also the effect this will have on Aresia, if any effect."
Arrow said, "I don't think I get this Aresia girl. Is she really that bad?"
Diana sighed, "She was an Amazon from man's world. She saw men as the source of the world's suffering and used a special germ she created to destroy them all. It was so powerful that every male, even Superman and J'onn were effected."
Arrow snapped his fingers and said, "I remember that. We had to lockdown hospitals and had to prepare for a plague we thought was coming. What happened to her."
Diana said, "When her plan failed, she went down with the ship. She is presumed dead."
Flash said, "And if there is one thing we do know…nobody around here stays dead for very long. I mean look at Superman."
Everyone nodded at this. They all wondered what would happen if this exposure to man's world would push Aresia past her hatred of men, or only make it worse.
Cut! Okay, everyone let's get this over with and go. I know none of you are going to read this. see you all later.
