"So, you're an Amazon?" Clark asked incredulously. "An Amazon Princess at that." Diana nodded and raised one brow.
"What's your story?" She asked in turn. Clark smiled sheepishly and struggled for words.
"Well, ah…you see…" He stuttered and dodged saying anything real. Diana shook her head and continued to stare at him.
"Look I told you my secret, only fair you tell me yours." She stated in a flat tone. Clark flushed pink and held his hand out toward the truck.
"Maybe we should go back to my house and talk there." He suggested. "I'm sure my mom and dad would want to know about you and your mission."
Clark was trying to keep things on a need to know basis. This strange young woman was not a meteor freak and not like anyone he had ever met.
Diana thought for a moment about his suggestion, should she trust this odd boy? Truth be told she could do with a night under a roof, maybe they had a room she could sleep in. Decision made, she climbed into the truck.
Clark breathed a sigh of relief and walked to the driver's side.
Martha Kent smiled when she heard the truck pull up, Clark was later then he'd said he would be. She walked to the door and saw that he was not alone. However, the dark haired girl in the passenger seat was not Lana. Her husband came up behind her.
"He finally home?" Jonathan Kent asked with mild disapproval. Martha nodded and pointed to the other teenager approaching the porch.
"I think the reason he is late could be explained shortly." She replied. Clark smiled wide at his parents, giving a small wave.
"Hey! Sorry I'm late, but, ah…well let's go inside." He said before letting the statuesque girl pass him.
"Mom, Dad this is Diana." Both Kents looked at the striking young woman. She gave them a respectful nod and a small smile. Martha led the girl into the kitchen as Jonathan gave his son 'the eye'.
"I'll explain in a minute, Dad. I'm not sure if I can make sense of it myself." Clark answered the unasked question. Jonathan grunted and followed his son into the house.
Martha had situated herself and Diana in the kitchen at the butcher-block counter. Clark set his book bag down and stuffed his hands in his back pockets. All four people looked from one to the other, silence sitting heavy for a moment. Diana broke the silence first.
"I suppose I should begin." The girl said looking at Clark. The boy shrugged and sat on an empty stool.
"As Clark said, my name is Diana. I come from a ancient line of Amazons, my ancestors settled on a secluded island in The Mediterranean Sea." She said in a steady even voice. Jonathan's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. Martha looked stunned but didn't say a word. Diana ignored Clark's chagrined look and continued.
"We call itThemyscira, Paradise Island. It was awarded to us by the Gods. My mother, Hippolyta, is Queen of Themyscira. Many years ago, she fought with an old enemy. She won, and sealed the foe in an urn, placing powerful spells on the vessel to protect it."
She paused for a breath and gauged the reaction of her audience. The elder Kents were wide eyed and gape mouthed, Clark smiled encouragingly. Diana took a deep breath and carried on.
"A party of, I believe you call them researchers, discovered the isle where my mother hid the urn. They pillaged the shrine and took the vessel. It is vital that I find the items taken from the shrine and return them too their resting place. Before anything dreadful happens." Jonathan found his voice at last.
"Dreadful? Like what?" He asked bewildered. Diana made a pained face.
"If the enemy is freed from the urn she will cause great destruction." She explained. Martha was confused, she tilted her head and looked at the girl.
"This enemy is human?" Martha asked. Diana's face was skeptical.
"She was once, but she has achieved immortality by her magic and her alliance with the God of War, Ares." Diana leaned on the counter. "Her name is Circe." Martha's eyes grew even wider.
"The witch from Greek Mythology? How is that possible?" She looked at her husband, Jonathan was dumbfounded, at a complete loss for words. Clark nodded resignedly.
"I told you I had trouble making sense of it." He said getting up. He walked to the refrigerator and pulled out a pitcher of cranberry juice. Gathering glasses, he poured some for himself and Diana. The girl took it with a quizzical look and went on with her story.
"Circe made a pact with the goddess Hecete for her magical skills, but it's her devotion to Ares that gives her the edge. If she is let out of that bottle before I find it I am not sure I can best her." She admitted with worry. Martha's mother instinct kicked in and she began to bustle about.
"You came all the way from the Mediterranean to find this on your own. Why you and not your mother?" She quarried making some sandwiches. Diana sat up straight drinking from the glass, her eyes wide at the new taste. Clark watched her with a sly smile while Jonathan continued to try to make sense of it all. Diana set the empty glass down and grinned.
"That was divine. What do you call it?" She asked nodding when Clark offered her more.
"It's cranberry juice." He said chuckling. The girl smiled and turned to Martha.
"You ask why I am the one here, Mother is no longer the Champion of The Amazons. She must stay and rule our people. I am the new Champion, though still in training." She explained before drinking the second glass of juice. Jonathan managed to form a coherent thought.
"So it's a job passed from mother to daughter?" He asked smiling in success. Diana shook her head.
"No, a tournament was held to determine the new Champion. Mother forbid me to enter, but I disguised my self and entered anyway. As you can see I won." She gave them a bright smile that dazzled both father and son. Martha set a dish of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in the center of the counter and laid a hand on the girl's shoulder.
"Do you have anywhere to stay while you are here?" The kind woman asked.
"No, I arrived in town today, following the trail of the urn. I would have moved on if Clark and I had not… run into each other. " She answered with humor. Jonathan looked at his son, questions in his eyes. Clark held his hands up, ignoring the fact that he had a sandwich in one.
"Dad, she is amazing, she stopped a truck with her hands!" He responded, neatly deflecting the attention from him self. Jonathan turned back to the girl, who was sniffing a sandwich with uncertainty.
"Stopped a truck?" He repeated. Diana shrugged.
"It was out of control and headed for a fuel station. I am sworn to protect, I did what my duty demands. The Gods gifted me with talents and skills beyond that of average mortals." She clarified. "I mistook Clark for an agent of Ares, I regret my rash conclusion and actions." She inclined her head to the boy. He smiled shyly and took a large bit from his sandwich. Martha cocked her head at her son, piecing the threads together.
"You fought each other?" She asked, aghast. Clark got defensive.
"She started it!" He cried pointing at Diana. The girl nodded in agreement.
"He is correct, I did throw the first blow. What I do not understand yet is how he took it and was able to fight me to a draw." She pinned the boy with her blue gaze. Clark looked from her to his parents and back. Swallowing the last of his sandwich, he hung his head.
"I'm not an agent of Ares, but I am… an alien." He replied resigned. Martha and Jonathan watched Diana's reaction. The girl looked fascinated.
Her eyes roamed over the substantial frame of their son. Her face showed interest and curiosity. Diana appeared to be thinking deeply, taking a bite of the suspect sandwich without thinking. Something occurred to her.
"Arisbe told me, before I left the island, that I would meet a grand warrior from a great distance while on this quest." She said in a soft voice. Clark stared back at her in disbelief.
"She said this warrior would be one of my most trusted allies in years to come." Her eyes were bright as she stared at him. Clark was uncomfortable under her gaze, he looked to his father for help. Jonathan watched the exchange with trepidation.
"Who is Arisbe? He asked quickly. Diana pulled her gaze away from Clark and focused on his father.
"She is the greatest seer on Themyscira. She told my mother that the thief would come and take the urn, but mother thought she misread the signs." Diana rolled her eyes and tasted the food once more, she found it quite delicious. Martha looked at Clark, thoughts forming in her head. Before she could voice that question Clark had an idea.
"Mom why don't we let Diana stay here while she is looking for this vessel thing?" He hoped his voice did not give him away.
"Maybe she would like to take a shower or sleep a little." He gave his mother a pointed look, praying she would catch his drift. Martha looked at him and nodded.
"Absolutely, there is no way I am going to let you sleep outside on a cold night!" She said trundling the girl off to find her something to sleep in.
Jonathan watched the women leave and turned slowly to his son.
"It's Lex isn't it?" He said in a hard tone. Clark sighed.
"Yeah, I'm sure he has the urn. However, I want to talk to him before I tell her. She hits really hard." The boy said rubbing his jaw. Jonathan squared his shoulders.
"Son, it's not your job to save Lex from his misdeeds." Jonathan's voice switched to lecture mode. Clark held up his hand in supplication.
"I know dad, but I don't think he knew what it was when he took it. He told me I could come by and see it tomorrow, so I'll go talk to him in the morning." Jonathan's face dropped and he fisted his hands on the counter.
"You mean to tell me he has that thing here, in Smallville!" His voice was getting louder. Clark cringed and stepped closer to him.
"Yes, but please let me find out what he knows before we tell her, Dad." Clark pleaded with his father. "I really don't think he knows what it is." Clark said softly. Jonathan sighed and nodded ruefully.
"On one condition, if you can't get that thing from him, you tell her right away. Lex has a bad habit of bringing trouble with him where ever he goes. I don't have to remind you that magic can hurt you." Clark nodded and patted his dad on the shoulder.
"I promise Dad, but I don't think we have to worry. Diana did say it was protected by powerful spells, she told me there is only one way it can be opened that will let the witch out. I doubt even Lex could figure it out in one night." He said confidence returning. Jonathan looked uncertain.
"What if this urn was just smashed open?" Jonathan asked.
"It would bounce." Diana replied from the door. Both men looked up and saw her standing there in a pair of flannel pajamas that were far too big on her.
"The spell has been woven to protect the vessel completely. It can only be opened if royal blood is spilled on the seal." Jonathan looked slightly relieved. Clark smiled and gave her a humorous look. Diana blushed prettily.
"I was too tall for your mother's things. She said I could borrow these from you. Do you mind?" She gave him a timid smile. Clark felt the warmth in his face and swallowed hard.
"N-no, I don't mind at all." He stammered. Jonathan turned away from the teenagers and grinned.
1111111111
Circe was contemplative as she stood before the bathroom mirror. Lex was asleep in the bedroom behind her, completely under her sway. She smiled at her reflection, pleased with how well she faired during her confinement. There was a real benefit to being immortal, it was so good for the skin.
She slinked out of the bathroom and explored Lex's vast walk-in closet. She was frustrated, Hippolyta had done a thorough job when she imprisoned Circe. The clever Amazon had divided the witch from her major power, putting it in a separate artifact. Leaving the Witch with little enough to bend mortals to her will and affect her surroundings. Without the bulk of her power, she could not exact her revenge, do any damage, or even get herself out of this backward little town. She would have to rely on this ambitious young conqueror to unite her with her magic.
She ran her fingers down the row of lavish clothing, silk, linen, cashmere, wool and other costly fabrics hung on the racks. Finding nothing she liked she walked back out. Not that she needed real cloths, she could summon whatever she wanted.
She padded across the thick carpet to a small table near the window; on the table were several glossy magazines.
She picked up one and thumbed thru it. The men's magazine proclaimed advice on business, fashion, health and sex. The lurid advertisements gave the Witch a good example of what women where like in this century, at least what men thought they should be.
Her full lips spread in a wide smile as the purple energy crackled around her, transforming her muslin garb into tight black leather. Running her hands over her new attire, she purred deep in her throat.
Men were the same no matter what century it was, easy to control and good very for few things. Still this Lex was a difficult nut to crack, it had been a very long time since she had such a fight to control a man. Maybe she would keep him around for a while, it appeared he was a rather powerful man in this age, had to be if his blood had broken the spell.
The sun began to crest the horizon, sending mellow beams across the dark carpet. Circe looked out the window observing morning breaking over Smallville. Yes, it was good to be back, and she had much work to do.
11111111111
Clark dressed and went down for breakfast. He found Diana and his mother in the kitchen.
"Greetings, Clark." The Amazon said brightly. "Did you sleep well?" she smiled while placing dishes on the table. Martha smiled at him from the stove. Clark nodded and claimed a stool.
"Yeah thanks. D-did you, Diana?" he said accepting the glass of juice from her. The girl smiled.
"Yes, though mother says I could sleep on a rock and not know the difference." She laughed an almost musical laugh that made Clark laugh as well.
Martha smirked into the pancakes she was making, thinking Lana could have some real competition in this girl. Clark's smile got a little wobbly as he tried to think of a reason he should leave her here for a while.
"So, I ah, have to go, ah, run an errand. So ah, when I get back we can try to locate this energy path thingy. Ok?" he said finishing with his dazzling smile. Diana looked at him slyly but still humorous.
"Alright, Clark. But you do not have to help me, I can find the bottle myself." She said taking the plate piled with pancakes from Martha. She looked at Clark sitting there watching them and cocked her head and one brow.
"Are you hoping to be served like an Anthropos on his throne?" she queried sarcastically. Clark looked at her with confusion.
"Athrop…what?" he said not getting the hint. Diana sighed and rolled her eyes. Martha chuckled again and cleared a space on the table for Diana to set the plate down.
"Anthropos, dear. I think it means a king or ruler." Martha was almost mocking in her mirth. Clark's eyes widened and he blushed as usual.
"Oh, I didn't mean too…Sorry." He said fumbling for the rest of the serving plates and the bottle of syrup.
Martha had never seen her son fumble except in the presence of kryptonite, but he was a clumsy teenager with this girl. Diana caught the plastic bottle of maple syrup before it hit the tile floor. Clark blushed even deeper and quickly set the dishes out and sat down once more.
Breakfast was a fun but harrowing experience for Clark, he didn't know why she made him feel so goofy. Well, she was beautiful, that's just a fact. Clark thought to him self. And there was something alluring about a girl as strong and as indestructible as he was. Clark felt the vividly hot flush run up his neck. Finishing his breakfast, Clark sped his dishes to the sink and kissed his mom on the cheek.
"I'll be back as soon as I can." Clark said before super speeding out the door. Diana sat with Jonathan and Martha blinking for a moment. She looked from one to the other and sighed.
"Is your son always so…abrupt?" she asked. The Kents nodded in unison.
"Oh yes." They both said laughing. Diana shrugged and smiled.
"Well I guess now I know what mother feels like." She chuckled.
11111111111111