"Perhaps that is where our choice lies - in determining how we will meet the inevitable end of things, and how we will greet each new beginning."
― Elana K. Arnold, Burning
Beneath the Atlantic Ocean the war for Atlantis raged, as Arthur Curry led the creatures of the deep against his brother Orm and his Atlantean troops. This battle had consequences neither man could see, as they gained attention from the world outside the waves. Throughout the world, seismographs started to go wild, indicating a huge underwater explosion and earthquake, one of which belonged to Bruce Wayne.
Bruce and Clark were working on one of the many tractors in the large barn located behind the house, when Clark looked over at him and smiled, "Diana's here."
At the same moment an alert sounded on Bruce's phone, and he looked down. "Is Kara with her?"
"No, she's alone and from the sound of it, and she's about to land," Clark answered, his eyes falling to Bruce's phone. "Something wrong?"
Blowing out a deep breath, Bruce nodded, "a huge seismic event in the Atlantic, and my satellites are picking up a massive amount of underwater traffic in the same area."
"Arthur?" Clark frowned, "Do we need to head that way?"
Bruce nodded, "I think we do."
Placing his hand on Bruce's shoulder, Clark calmly said, "call Vic, we will go as a team, together, okay?"
Bruce nodded again, and pulled out his cellphone, tapping the app that the Cyborg had set up on his phone, "Hello Victor, I need you and the Flying Fox in Smallville." He paused as Victor asked a question, then answered, "we are headed to the Atlantic, a few hundred miles from the Azores." He shook his head, "you have two." Then he disconnected the call.
"Two hours? We'd better talk to Diana," Clark cocked his head towards the door.
Diana set down just behind the house in Smallville, her boots touching down gently in the soft tilled soil of Martha's fenced garden. She was greeted by the astonished faces of Eliza, Lois and Martha who were sitting around a small table enjoying one another's company and sipping fresh lemonade. "Diana?" Lois asked, as she stepped down into the yard, having been the first to recover from the princess' arrival.
"Hello, Lois," Diana beamed, her eyes falling to the small bulge under the other woman's loose fitting shirt. "How are you feeling?" Then, as if she couldn't resist, her hand fell to the bump, bringing a small smile to her lips. "It's so amazing…" Her eyes glazed over just a bit, as the sound of the baby's fast heartbeat reached her ears.
Lois grinned at the look on Diana's face, "you can hear her too, can't you?" Diana's eyes snapped open and she was about to drop her hand when Lois stopped her. "It's okay, really, Clark is the same way. Hope reacts to his touch just like yours-and she's so active."
"Hope?" Diana asked, feeling the movement beneath her fingers.
"Martha Hope Kent," Lois grinned. "He may not want to know alot about Krypton, but he does recognize the importance of her birth, and he is honoring his family with the name."
"Kara will be very excited to hear that," Diana responded with a smile. She turned her head as the barn door opened, a friendly smile coming to her face as Bruce and Clark made their way towards the four women. She frowned when her eyes met Bruce's eyes, "Trouble?"
Bruce nodded solemnly, "Sorry, I know you just got here, but something is going on in the Atlantic?"
"Arthur?" Diana asked, then smiled despite the worried look on Bruce's face, "Kara was with him."
"She may still be, so I guess convincing you to go now might be a little easier," Bruce coughed, trying and failing to hide a laugh.
Diana cocked her head to the side and smirked, "of course I'll go, someone has to watch after the children." Her eyes were locked pointedly on Bruce and Clark, and the three women behind her started to laugh.
Kara hovered over the spot where the two men battled, holding Atlanna in her arms and watching with interest and critiquing the fight in a harsh whisper. "He has a really bad habit of leaving his back exposed," she snapped.
Atlanna rested a rough hand softly on the Amazon's arm, smiling into the rain, "relax, Kara."
Below them Arthur started to spin his trident in large figure eight movements capturing and bending the water to his will, forming a shield that deflected blow after blow from his brother.
"He can shape water? Like Mera?" Kara questioned under her breath as she watched a smirk form on Atlanna's face.
"Not exactly. His gift only allows him to direct the water, using it for defense," Atlanna explained.
"Does he need a constant source of water? Could he and Mera work together? Is there a way he could use it for attacking?" Kara asked her questions in rapid succession, studying Arthur's movements even closer.
Atlanna studied him as well, her eyes scrunched in thought, "I suppose they could. No one has ever asked that question before." She tapped her finger to her lips, "perhaps you should ask Vulko, when you meet him."
Kara was about to ask another question, when Arthur disarmed Orm, forcing him back, sliding across the soaking wet deck of the ship they were fighting on. The king of Atlantis floundered a moment, reaching for his father's trident as he watched with fearful eyes as his brother leapt into the air, his own trident rising over his head. Orm raised his trident to deflect the blow, watching in horror as his father's weapon was shattered by the force of Arthur's strike. Orm lifted his head, begging for the final blow.
"Take me down Kara, now!" Atlanna requested. "Quickly!
Kara lowered herself to the battleground. Her boots settled onto the deck gently, and she lowered Atlanna to her feet, stepping back as the regal woman approached her sons.
Mera smiled as she moved to Kara's side, "you missed a glorious battle, sister."
Kara turned her head at the red headed woman's tone, "are you sure you are not an Amazon, Mera?"
Mera blushed at the compliment, "I can only wish, it would be an honor to be a part of such a wonderful sisterhood."
Kara turned, removing one of the captain's markings from her cape's collar, and pinned it onto Mera's armor, "now you are, and I would be honored to have you visit Themyscira, at your convenience, your highness."
Mera stood, shocked at the honor bestowed by her friend. She watched the interaction between Atlanna and her sons for another moment then whispered so low that only Kara would hear her, "we kissed."
Kara turned her head and asked excitedly, "before the battle?"
Mera blushed again, "no."
Kara got a look of confusion on her face, then her brow crinkled, "during the battle?"
Mera nodded, her blush getting even darker, and she spoke even lower, "yes."
"I love you and Arthur, Mera, but are you two totally insane?" Kara asked, shock and concern causing her voice to rise higher than normal.
"Kara…" Mera asked, when suddenly, the Amazon raised her hand.
"We have company. Bruce's aircraft and…" Kara's eyes got wide, and a huge smile came to her lips, "Diana?" Her smile and eyes grew even brighter as she shot into the air focusing on her princess' heartbeat.
The Atlanteans watched in shocked awe as the Amazon launched herself into the sky flying into the clouds.
"We have a bogey closing in from the surface, traveling…" Vic Stone said calmly from the pilot's seat. "It's gaining speed as it approaches, contact in five, four…"
Before he could reach the end of the countdown, he slammed the plane into hover mode, avoiding the approach of whatever the unidentified object was. Clark burst into the cockpit, almost ripping the door from the hinges, "stop, its…"
"Kara!" Vic yelped as she appeared in front of the cockpit window, her smile so bright he couldn't help but smile himself. He looked over his shoulder, "better let Diana know her friend is here."
Diana stepped through the door and saw the captain floating outside the cockpit, blue eyes shining brightly and her smile causing the princess' heart to flutter. Kara signaled to Vic to follow her down to the water's surface. He nodded, his own smile growing at the sight of his friend, and began the slow descent towards the surface of the Atlantic Ocean.
The smile never left Kara's face as she slowly lowered herself back to the deck where she'd been standing minutes before. Victor brought the aircraft to a stop, hovering roughly seventy-five feet over the Atlanteans and locked the autopilot.
The Atlanteans watched as four people exited the craft. Clark and Bruce landed first, then Victor and finally Diana's boots settled gently onto the deck and approached Kara warily. She could hear the whispers coming from the mouths of the Atlantean nobles, "Amazon!"
Her self control was tested to its limits as she approached Kara, her steps measured and her head held high. Then one of the Atlanteans looked at Victor and sniffed the air, "he's of the boxes, I can smell Steppenwolf's presence on him!"
Weapons were all suddenly pointed in the direction of the three new male arrivals and Kara and Diana turned, drew their own swords and shot through the soldiers, taking up defensive stances in front of Clark, Bruce and Victor.
"Two Amazons against the armies of Atlantis," Vulko snidely remarked. "You honestly think you can stand against us, and defend an agent of Steppenwolf, your highness?"
Diana stepped back, sheathed her sword and stepped to Kara's side, "not two of us, just one. Captain Zor-El will face as many troops as you can throw at her."
Kara tensed, "what are you doing? We do need their help?"
"Look at Arthur, he won't allow it. He is about to show them that he is a true king," Diana smiled. "Trust me, Captain."
Kara looked at Arthur, who had a huge grin on his face, and shook her own head, "I hate politics."
Vulko advanced forward, "I accept that challenge, Amazon." He stepped up to Kara, slamming his trident onto the metal deck. "Are you ready, Captain?"
A wicked grin rose to Kara's lips, "I hope you aren't attached to that weapon…"
The weapon spun, and Kara's grin grew even wider as she raised her forearm, snapping the trident in half and catching the head as it spun away.
Vulko's eyes widened, and he looked to his broken trident, "what are you?"
"Did you want this back?" Kara asked, a cold seriousness in her words. "I am an Amazon, a Captain of the Royal Guard and right now, you are threatening my family, my friends and MY Princess. So Lord Vulko? I would advise you to STAND DOWN!"
"You cannot simply be an…" Vulko started, turning as he heard laughter streaming from behind him.
"These people are my friends, my family, Vulko!" Arthur's voice bellowed, "I only let it go so far because I thought for sure that you would have enough sense not to attack." Fire flashed in Arthur's eyes, as he stared down his mentor, "are you okay, little sister?"
Kara smiled, sheathing her sword, "I'm fine, brother." Her hand found Diana's and she looked at Vulko, "I think I may have upset your teacher, though." She tossed the remaining piece of the trident at Vulko's feet. "I'd apologize, but you did swing first."
"Victor was created by the boxes," Arthur explained. "He is also responsible for their destruction. And Vulko, just so you know, she took his head. She brought justice for the deaths of surface dwellers, Amazons and your Atlantean brethren. She is a hero, they are all heroes, and you would do well to remember that they are my family."
A slow rumble started among the Atlantean troops, "Hail the King, all hail the King…" The chant grew louder, and the royals took up the cry.
Arthur made his way towards Kara and his other friends, Mera walking up beside him and resting her hand in his. "All hail the King," she purred and smiled into his eyes.
The members of the Justice League bowed their heads, and Kara curtsied sarcastically, her smile wide and eyes full of mischief. From the corner of her eye she saw Vulko approach Diana, holding out his hand, "I apologize, we are not a very forgiving people."
Diana leaned in, "I understand. We Amazons are much the same. Perhaps it is a curse of such long lives, we hold grudges and live in the past."
Smiling, Vulko nodded and moved towards Kara, "Captain?" He held out his hand, "I apologize to you as well."
Kara's bracer banged against Vulko's and she gripped hard, "I defend my people, just as you defend yours, no harm is done today and I don't hold grudges." She pointed to the two halves of the trident, "may I?"
Vulko handed over the trident halves, "of course, every warrior deserves a trophy from their victories."
Kara fitted the broken halves together, using her strength to shape and force them back together. Using Asti's lesson's she started to heat the metal, spinning the weapon around in her hand, controlling the distribution of heat as her invulnerable fingers shaped the metal into a smooth finish. She rubbed her hand down the shaft one last time, blasting it with her cold breath and smiled as she handed it back to Vulko, "a warrior deserves his weapon back. Does she have a name?"
Vulko smiled as he rubbed his hands over his weapon, "she is called Deluge. Th-Thank you."
A bright cylinder of light shot from the heavens, and a large bearded creature stepped out, surrounded by thousands of para-demons.
"I am Kalibak, firstborn to Lord Darkseid, and I am your death!" the man-thing threatened with a growl.
Kara drew Aotpo and heard Tarie sing as she left Diana's scabbard. "Arthur! You and Mera take his left, Diana and I will take his right, focus everyone else on the demons!"
"You heard her, take them down, Atlantis! Make them regret this day!" Arthur yelled over the sounds of the Para-Demons.
A group of demons strafed the guards surrounding his brother. Orm dove to the right, lifting one of the tridents and swinging it around, killing three of the creatures and driving back the others. He moved to his mother's side, and he yelled above the noises of the conflict, "I'll stand with you, brother!"
A large mace dropped to the deck, rattling the people standing there, with the exception of Diana, Clark and Kara. "Clark!" Kara whispered harshly, "Get Bruce off the deck, now, stop any demon that gets outside of three kilometers, and watch for any innocents inside the same area, please?"
Clark smiled and nodded and spoke to Bruce. Batman frowned, but nodded his understanding at Kara's suggestion and allowed Superman to fly him up to the Flying Fox. As he took his seat on the plane, he spoke into the air, "I'll cover the southern quadrant, Supergirl." He watched as she waved over her shoulder, smiling as he engaged the engines. Blasting through thirty or forty para-demons as he pushed the throttles to the max.
Kara, Diana, Mera, Arthur and Orm moved towards Kalibak, all holding their weapons at ready. Arthur swallowed heavily, "okay, Little Sister, how do we do this?"
"As a team, you, Mera and," she pointed to Orm, "you, use your strengths, Mera's magic and the distance the tridents give you, watch the mace and let me and Diana get in close."
"Why does the woman think she should be in command, brother?" Orm asked with a sneer.
"Because, little brother, she could rip your head off your shoulders as easily as you pick seaweed from the ocean floor," Arthur smiled intensely, turning away as Kalibak screamed and charged towards them bringing his mace down from a high arc. Kara jumped forward, her arm coming up, catching the huge weapon as it fell towards her head.
Kalibak smiled wickedly as the mace descended, watching as the blonde warrior approached her death. His hand fell and his eyes grew even larger, but it wasn't the joy of the death he thought he had caused, it was, surprise, shock as the small speck of a woman in Amazonian armor held his mace with one hand above her head.
"You think very highly of this weapon, don't you?" Kara asked as she held the weapon above her, squeezing the head and watching Kalibak's eyes widen with fear as she crushed one side of the mace like a child's toy.
"That was a mistake, child," Kalibak cried as he threw a fist at Kara's midsection.
Diana's hand caught the fist, twisting it sharply and listening to the wet POP!, as Kalibak's shoulder was dislocated "You will not place your filthy hands on an Amazon," Diana growled protectively as Kara blushed at the note of possessiveness in her princess' voice.
The bearded monster raised his arm to strike again, surprised when the teeth of two tridents trapped his wrist and a wave of water snatched the mace from his hand. He watched in horror as it splashed into the black water and started its slow descent into the depths.
Arthur struck then, his fist crushing Kalibak's nose, driving it flat and listening as it shattered. Black blood ran down the creature's face and his eyes filled with horror. "Tell your father that the king of Atlantis has sworn to protect this world, standing with the tribes of men and the Amazons of Themyscira."
Kalibak backed up a step, raising his arm to swing at the man before him. He swung hard and fast intending to crush his enemy. Instead he screamed and watched his own hand land on the cold, wet metal.
Kara growled, "you won't be raising that paw to anyone ever again, son of Darkseid."
Diana raised the point of her sword towards their enemy, "go home, little god. Run to your father, tell him to leave us alone."
Wrenching his dislocated shoulder, the giant reached out and snatched the sword, pulling Diana forward and wrapping his hand around her throat. Tarie slipped from surprised fingers, and Kara cried out as she watched her princess's eyes bulge with her feet hanging inches off the deck. The group found themselves surrounded by para-demons and Kara screamed in frustation. Diana continued to struggle, her vision greying as the great beast of a man squeezed tighter. Arthur and Orm pushed into the demons but their numbers were so great they couldn't make any headway. Kara wanted to use her heat vision, but with the monster whipping Diana about, she couldn't focus on hitting him without worrying that she would injure the woman. Mera saw an opening in the demon attack and acted as quick as thought, wrapping her magic around Kalibak's fingers, and forced them apart, dropping Diana to the deck. Diana dropped to the deck. Landing hard on her knees, raising her hand to her throat as Kara shot up and plunged Aotpo deep into Kalibak's chest, her eyes burning in rage as she continued to push, driving the sword deeper until the hilt was rested on his chest and she could stare into his dying eyes. "Nevermind, you murderous bastard, we will tell him ourselves!" She ripped the blade from his chest, dropping it without a care as she rushed to Diana's side..
Kara's face was tight with concern as she settled at Diana's side, the sounds of battle drowned out by the furious beating of the princess's heart. Her eyes were drawn to the hideous bruises forming on Diana's neck. Her fingers reached out timidly, to touch the woman's cheek, to hold her, to let her know how sorry she was that something had happened. "Diana, I-I am so sorry…" Kara stuttered, her confidence plummeting, her eyes filled with unshed tears at the thought that she could have lost someone so close to her. "Are-are you okay?"
Diana caught Kara's outstretched hand, as she wrapped her mind around the concern and pain in Kara's eyes. She moved her mouth to speak, but found the action painful and answered the question without words. She pulled the unsuspecting captain forward, their lips coming together softly. Kara's hands cupped Diana's cheeks and she closed the space between their bodies, deepening the kiss and listening to the soft sigh that escaped the other woman's lips.
The kiss broke as Tarie's blade cut through one of the remaining para-demons. Kara's eyes followed the blade, smiling as she realized it was being held by Mera. Mera smirked and rolled her eyes, whispering because she knew both Kara and Diana would hear her, "kissing in the middle of a fight? Are you two insane?"
Kara paid no attention to the Atlantean princess and Diana blushed brightly at the intense blue orbs inspected her. She eventually recovered, cleared her throat painfully and croaked, "heat of the moment." Then her eyes caught the captain's mark on Mera's collar, "you're not an Amazon?"
"Obviously," Mera responded as she held the sword out to Diana, confusion obvious in her features.
"You wear the insignia of a captain of the Queen's guard," Diana pointed with her eyes, pulling Mera down and swinging her sword from the ground as she stood, cutting down a demon as it attacked from the rear. "Were they a gift?"
Mera swallowed, "the-they are from, Kara?"
"You must mean a great deal to her?" Diana asked, just a note of jealousy in her normally even voice, which was coming back quickly as her healing abilities took over.
"We have had the chance to become friends, your highness," Mera responded, lashing out and trapping two demons inside water bubbles, collapsing them and crushing the two hideous creatures.
"Ah, a water witch," Diana smiled, her hand reaching up, grabbing her tiara and flinging at two of the approaching creatures, severing their wings and dropping them into the unforgiving ocean.
Kara smiled over her shoulder as she, Arthur and Orm held back wave after wave of creatures attacking from the air. "If you two are done, we could use just a little bit of help," Arthur quipped as a pod of Killer Whales emerged from the ocean, jumping into the air and catching twelve more para-demons, pulling them under the waves.
The five warriors stood in a circle as creature after creature attacked. The circle grew as Victor dropped from the sky and joined them, then Vulko and Atlanna. Clark returned as well, joined by Bruce and the Flying Fox. The group turned to face the final squadron of creatures, then watched in satisfaction as the demons were cut down by the Atlantean soldiers.
"Well that was anticlimactic," Diana said, seemingly annoyed by the sudden quiet that fell over the battlefield.
Kara's fingers found the princess' palm and breathed in as Diana squeezed softly, she peeked over at Diana's neck and saw the recovering bruise around the woman's neck. Without meaning to, she stretched up and rested her lips gently under the other woman's ear, kissing the spot where Kalibak's thumb had squeezed. She felt a soft shiver under her lips and pulled away.
Soft eyes stopped her from pulling further back, and Diana rested a finger beneath Kara's chin, pulling her closer. "Are you sure you are okay? Everyone is watching us," Kara swallowed.
"I am fine, my sweet, sweet Kara and I don't care," Diana whispered, a soft kiss finding Kara's lips, she pulled back quickly, "do you?"
Hunger flashed in Kara's eyes and her grip tightened on Diana's hand as she pulled the woman close and their lips met again.
Hours later, beneath the surface aboard the royal flagship, Kara and Diana stood with the rest of the surface heroes, inside a bubble of air, maintained by Mera's magic. Bruce and Clark stood with Vulko and a contrite Orm as they went over the battle. Victor stood with Kara, Diana and Mera, asking questions and looking around at the strange technologies of Atlantis.
"I should be out there, helping him," Mera frowned, looking through the water at the room they were in, as Arthur discussed the situation on the surface with the assistance of his mother.
Diana patted her arm, "he has to learn to deal with them on his own, Mera. And he has his mother to reel him in if things get too out of hand."
Kara smirked, "Besides you two can't kiss in the middle of this fight." Her mischief filled eyes and smiling face turned from her conversation with Victor.
Mera blushed, then raised an eyebrow, "you really want to scratch at that itch, Captain?"
The three women started laughing at their obvious private joke, while the cyborg simply stood and stared.
"I believe the Ocean Master may be correct," King Nereus said in defense of the recently crowned King of Atlantis. "Perhaps, an alliance with the surface dwellers and the Amazons is what is best for our kingdoms."
"What of balance? King Arthur controls the Trench dwellers and he saved the Brine Kingdom from Orm," inquired the young princess of the Fishermen.
"Xebel stands with him as well, he could have laid waste to the combined armies of all three kingdoms, yet he did not," Nereus spoke, surprising both Arthur and Atlanna. "If we are to send a representative to the surface, it needs to be someone with experience living among them." His eyes left Arthur and rested on Atlanna. "Queen Atlanna, you are the obvious choice, and as mother of the Ocean Master, any crimes that your husband accused you of are expunged."
"I-thank you, I am honored to be suggested, however…"Atlanna responded, but was interrupted.
"She has always argued for peace, and she has a connection to the surface. How can we be sure she has the seven kingdoms' best interest at heart?" asked one of the Xebel nobles.
"We can send Prince Orm with her, his interests have always been about protecting Atlantis." The Brine Kingdom growled, "and it could be a suitable punishment for the death of your father, your highness." His last words were meant for the young Fisherman Queen.
She looked to her mother, who nodded wearily, then back to Arthur, "the Fishermen would agree to this condition."
"And the Amazons?" the Xebel King asked, although he was certain who would be recommended by Arthur.
"Princess Y'Mera Xebella Challa," Arthur stated without hesitation. "She has gained the trust of both Supergirl and Wonder Woman."
King Nereus stared sharply at Arthur, "who?"
"Oh, right, sorry," Arthur stuttered a moment, "Princess Diana and Captain Kara Zor-El of Themyscira already trust her and she always keeps Atlantis' best interest at heart."
King Nereus stood up straighter at the compliment, "Xebel agrees."
The other leaders were quick to follow, and Mera was named Ambassador to Themyscira.
Back up on the deck, Victor spun up the engines on the Flying Fox as he and Clark took their seats in the cockpit. "What do you think they are talking about?" He asked as Superman took his spot and started to strap in.
Clark rolled his eyes, "politics."
"Not your favorite?" Victor smirked.
"Politicians are too intent on furthering their own goals, and less on the good of the people," Clark answered, staring out the window of the plane at his cousin and Diana. "She is an amazing woman."
"Yes she is, Diana…" Victor started, but Clark looked at him, stopping his answer.
"Not Diana. Kara. She's the reason for this," Clark swept his hands in front of him. "All of this."
Victor smiled, "that she is."
"Kara?" Arthur asked, "I need you to watch over my mother and Mera while they are in the US, please?"
Kara stepped forward, first bowing her head, then placing her hands solidly on Arthur's armor-covered shoulders, "of course I will take care of them. You need not ask at all."
"There are people that don't like-us," Arthur swept his arms around the group. "We have enemies-enemies we don't know."
Orm, standing to the left of Atlanna, "with these two women? Brother, I don't foresee any issues at all."
Atlanna and Mera were standing beside one another, leaning on one another's shoulders, arm crossed and both faces red with anger. "We are more than capable of taking care of ourselves, Arthur," Mera snapped.
Kara nodded her agreement, showing solidarity with Mera and Atlanna, then she looked into Arthur's eyes and saw the conflict of a son and a man in love, "I realize-it's not that…"
Kara shook her head and smiled, "Brother, relax." She paused for a moment and turned to Mera and Atlanna, "I think he is merely showing his concern for your safety, not doubt in your abilities."
Both women softened their stances, and approached the newly crowned king. Atlanna wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged tightly. "It is too soon for us to part my son. You must come and visit soon, as soon as you establish yourself among your people."
"I'm sure that the world governments will want to meet the leader of such a large portion of the globe soon enough," the large man responded with a smile. "Besides I'm sure you and dad could use a little time to catch up?"
Atlanna smiled brightly. "Bruce has already contacted him, he is meeting us in Smallville. We have a safe location to live there."
"That sounds about right for Bruce." Arthur frowned, "be safe, mother."
Atlanna nodded and backed away as Mera took her place. The small redheaded woman's arms slipped around Arthur's neck, "from traveling companion to Ambassador in a single day. Did you tire of my company?" Her words slipped out with a smirk and her eyes were full of mischief as Arthur's arms tightened and pulled her closer.
"Unfortunately, you became best friends with Kara, and," his fingers moved up towards her collar, "you have been drafted into the Amazonian military."
Mera fluttered her eyelashes, "everyone loves me it seems."
"Be careful, princess. Please?" Arthur begged, his hands resting protectively on her lower back. "You are irreplaceable to me."
"Is that a command, your highness?" She teased, then noticed the hint of seriousness in Arthur's eyes. She lifted up on her toes and whispered, "I will be safe, Arthur. Kara will make certain of that."
"No unnecessary risk," Arthur smiled.
"With me, you never know," Mera smiled as she pulled his head down and kissed him deeply.
Arthur stood and watched as the plane departed. Staring into the clouds long after it disappeared.
"Your majesty," Vulko spoke, as he set his hand on Arthur's shoulder, "we need to go, before the rest of the surface dwellers start to investigate."
"Very well," Arthur sighed, then turned towards the welcoming waters and dove down towards his kingdom.
The flight to Smallville was quiet and uneventful. Kara and Diana sat together, holding hands as each filled the other in on their adventures from the last few weeks. Eventually, Kara dozed off and Diana stood and moved towards Mera and Atlanna.
"Your majesties," Diana bowed.
"Princess, that is really not necessary," Atlanna smiled. "And before you ask, yes I know who you are: Princess Diana of Themyscira, only child of Hippolyta, Godkiller and reluctant hero."
Diana's shocked expression brought a smile to Atlanna's face. "How do you…"
"Your mother is a legend, even among the Atlanteans. And her sister, General Antiope, her exploits are held in reverence among our scholars," Atlanna interrupted. "We Atlanteans are not as long lived as Amazons, but one of my relatives was there during the battle when we captured the boxes. I even know of your current adventures, Wonder Woman."
"Spies?" Diana questioned.
"Information brokers, not spies," Mera answered, sharing a knowing smile with Atlanna. "We have people here on the surface, nobles that live among the surface dwellers and keep some of us abreast of the workings of this world."
"Some of you?" Diana crinkled her brow.
"You look like Kara when you do that," Mera laughed. "And to answer your question, there is a group of Atlanteans who prefer peace, instead of waging war on the surface."
"So you were preparing for the day when, what? The people of a Man's world found you out?" Diana asked.
"Exactly," Mera responded. "Now they will act as Queen Atlanna's intelligence network as she navigates this-new situation."
"The Amazons do not have that benefit," Diana frowned.
"You are wrong there, Princess," Atlanna answered coyly. "You have friends and allies that you have assisted in your travels."
Diana looked at Atlanna confused, which brought a smile to the woman's face, "I have no allies, other than this group."
Mera held up her hand, ticking off fingers as she mentioned names, "Asteria, Barbara Minerva, Maxwell Lord, the children of your World War allies, especially the young woman in Chicago, Etta Candy's great-granddaughter. You have created a network worthy of any intelligence service."
Atlanna smiled at Mera, then looked to Diana, "now you just need to make use of them, Diana."
Bruce picked that moment to interrupt, "sorry to interrupt ladies, but I just heard from the Secretary of State. He will be coming to Smallville in a few days to meet with all of you and help set up things with the United Nations."
The group broke up and everyone headed back to their seats. An hour later they landed behind the barn on Clark's property. They disembarked and were met by Martha, Lois, Eliza and Alex. Kara looked at the new arrivals but her eyes were glued to Lois's stomach and she scrunched her face up as she caught the unexpected sound of a quick heartbeat as it mingled with Lois'.
Lois smiled at the look of confusion on the young amazon's face, "Kara, meet, Hope."
At the mention of the name, Kara's eyes widened and her hand reached up to the emblem on her chest. She stopped moving and reached out hesitantly, moving them towards Lois' stomach. She stopped short of touching the other woman.
Lois saw the curiosity in the young woman's eyes, the sense of wonder that came with her ability to hear the heartbeat of the baby growing in her stomach. She caught Kara's fingers in her hands, and pulled the amazon forward, resting Kara's palms gently on her bulge.
Kara stopped breathing for a moment, as she felt movement beneath her hands. A solitary tear fell freely down her cheek as she blessed the child with Rao's protection. "Hope is a good name," she smiled wistfully.
