Raven Blade: Bonds Renewed

By: Ryu Niiyama

She fights to hold back the grin that wants to split her face as the right cross connects solidly. Had she been anyone else it would have thrown her across the hallway and she's impressed with the power put behind the strike. She realizes that she didn't quite hide her mirth well enough as the other woman scowls up at her and grabs the collar of her shirt, jerking her inside. She allows herself to be moved even as she toes the door closed behind her.

She watches as the young woman paces in agitation, her eyes roaming over Sophie's body, in part to check for injuries and otherwise to enjoy the view. In anger the 2IC of the Crows was like Athena reborn and she wanted to bask in her glory for a little longer before she had to leave Gotham. Finally, Sophie had finished organizing her thoughts and the young mortal crosses her arms, glaring absolute daggers at her mildly amused guest.

"Training room. Now."

Sophie Moore owned the condo below her as well as it housed her personal gym. Curious, she followed the agitated young woman downstairs and she watched Sophie change her clothing, holding back a wistful sigh at missed chances. She was going to miss Sophie, and she regretted that she never acted on the charge of attraction that existed between them…no matter Sophie's reasons for ignoring it. No sooner than Sophie had finished tightening her gloves she turned and rushed the soon to be former agent, determined to let her fists ferret out her secrets.

Her eyes widened as she realized the Sophie wasn't holding back at all. She frowned, wondering what the other woman's plan was. Surely, she didn't think she'd be able to actually kill her, did she? She blocked and diverted as many moves as she could but a hook to her temple that she blocked, opened her up for the knee to her groin and a jab to the ribs. She grimaced, grateful that she wasn't male but appreciative of a combatant that didn't automatically dismiss such an attack on a woman as it bowed her just enough that she took the full force of an elbow as it crashed into her right eye. Staggering back and now actually annoyed she straightened up, removed her jacket and settled into a true fighting stance.

She wouldn't use her strength of course, but if Sophie Moore wanted a fight, then she would have one.

She had to give the mortal credit, she lasted longer than she should have and if they had actually been at equal strength and durability, she would have enjoyed pushing Sophie to her limits. But she could see frustrated exhaustion edging its way into the Crow 2IC's movements and she gave a brief, disarming smile before she swept Sophie, instantly straddling the mortal woman's prone form. Sophie huffed, trying to break her hold, and unable to move even a millimeter and finally the mortal lay back against the mat, panting as their gazes held. She felt the kick of desire, wishing that Man's World wasn't so restrictive, knowing that if Sophie had been allowed to accept herself, nothing would have stopped her from courting the beautiful mortal. She expected some sort of reprimand or threat even though Sophie was the loser of this contest, but the mortal's next words drew an amused grin from her instead.

"Damnit, you've been letting me win haven't you? Before… because you never used moves like that…Damn…"

If she hadn't been in love before…she certainly was now.

Letting out a chuckle, she moved away from the mortal, offering her a hand and delighting in Sophie's deceptive strength as she pulled her to her feet. "Well, I thought it'd be rude otherwise. You appeared to be rather serious." Sophie snorted and moved away, striding towards the nearby mini fridge completely oblivious to the warm gaze that was sweeping over her retreating form in admiration. Procuring two bottles of water, the Crow 2IC handed one to the other woman, fighting the jolt that skittered up her spine as their fingers touched.

"Efharisto."

Sophie nodded, the often seemingly unconscious lapses into the Greek language adding further credence to the suspicions that she had been forming since the attack on Elliot Tower. For a few moments, Sophie allowed herself a chance to let her eyes rove over her companion's perfect, powerful body; the light sheen of sweat making dark mahogany skin glow divinely under the florescent lights. A wink from mischievous umber eyes broke Sophie's train of thought and she let out a huff, turning away.

"I trusted you."

"You can still trust me."

Sophie bristled at the words and whirled back around, her fire no match for the calm patience within ancient eyes.

"You lied to me, to the Crows about who you are."

"Yes."

"So how can I trust you?"

"I use an alias yes, however my goal to help…to protect is sincere, Sophie."

"You lied… about who you are… you never gave me the truth" Sophie looked away again, the accusation as much as a strike against herself as it was against the beautiful, super powered being before her. A calm, assessing gaze watched as Sophie's demons came to bear once again, haunting her for missed chances and broken hearts. Gently, a hand as soft as silk but strong enough to level mountains reached out and caressed her arm, offering comfort and understanding. The gentle, matter of fact tones that had seen so many mortal lifetimes fall away, coiled about the Crow 2IC, soothing her.

"You never asked me to."

She waited for Sophie to face her, instantly holding her gaze and offering her sincerity. She would not offer up her secrets, but if Sophie asked for them…for her she would give her anything.

"What's your name…your real name?"

"Nubia. Nubia of Themyscira."

"Oh shit…I knew it…an Amazon…I didn't even know they had black Amazons."

Nubia got that frown that Sophie knew so well; the one that was somehow both amused and condescending, as if she couldn't believe that humanity had neglected to pass down its own history to new generations, and softly amused at the new wonder and strength that learning a sliver of that history could bring. The ageless Amazon couldn't help it, if she was going to have to leave Gotham, she wanted to soak up as much of Sophie Moore's radiance as she could. Unbidden, her hand moved from Sophie's arm, to cup her cheek briefly and then moving away before she let Sophie's beautiful dark gaze pull her in any deeper.

"It shouldn't surprise you really, there has always been a small population of African descent Greeks; trade and travel means people move and settle in new lands, build homes and families. Those from the countries of Africa traveled the world, unimpeded for a time once." For a moment, the Amazon marveled at the resilience of a people that had their culture ripped away, their bloodlines mixed and culled and still they picked themselves up and forged a new path. It wasn't the first time she'd thought this, but she felt that Sophie Moore would have made a fine Amazon. How she would have liked to offer to take her to Themyscira, to train her and watch her flourish even more brilliantly than she did in this city of darkness and corruption.

"Ok, that's fair. Why didn't you tell us…tell me you are an Amazon?"

"Considering the only other Amazon known to Man's world is Diana of Themyscira …I thought it best that I keep a low profile. I can go places she can't... I can join teams and causes that she can't. She isn't fond of it, but her position and fame leaves her aloof from the common people of this world sometimes. She must fight gods…I choose the battles closer to humanity."

Sophie's brow furrowed as she worked over Nubia's words, her analytical mind picking apart nuance and unintentionally hidden meaning. The mortal pinched the bridge of her nose as her eyes fluttered shut before an epiphany struck her like lightning.

"Wait, you said your sister was in town last week…your twin sister… but you just said the only other Amazon known to us is …Wait a second…"

Nubia panicked for a bit, blushing as she realized that she'd revealed more than she intended, bracing herself for the near worship that her sister engendered.

"Yes, Diana is my sister."

Sophie nodded as if she expected that answer, but she didn't look as star struck over the revelation as Nubia had expected.

"Yeah, you both twitch your nose briefly when you are trying not to laugh out loud. So, you are Princess Nubia of Themyscira."

Nubia blinked. Sophie had figured out that she was the sister of the current active Wonder Woman and she didn't have anything to say other than to comment on their similarity in humor. How surprising this mortal woman was, how refreshing and observant. Whenever she thought she'd figured Sophie Moore out, the mortal went and surprised her again.

"See, there it is…"

Nubia couldn't hold back as the floodgates opened and she laughed until tears rolled down her cheeks. Sophie merely stood there smiling, both pleased and understanding at the reason behind Nubia's mirth. She waited until the Amazon composed herself, watching as Nubia reached in her pocket for a handkerchief, charmed by this ageless warrior that could laugh so freely.

"I am shall miss you, Sophie Moore."

Sophie frowned at that; the pleasant mood broken as she realized that they had looped back to the reason for her anger with Nubia in the first place. Yet she only saw one solution, the most obvious and the most tactically sound. No matter the choices for her personal life, there was a reason Sophie Moore had risen so high within the Crows. A war was coming; the Wonderland Gang had declared the Crows the enemy and they would tear Gotham apart to dismantle the Crows. Field Commander Sophie Moore would not let that happen.

"I never said you were dismissed Agent Hamilton. I understand why you hide your identity, but you have been a loyal adjunct to the Crows for 4 years. I just renewed your contract. You're not going anywhere."

Nubia's eyes widened, her commanding officer's usage of her alias driving the point that she would have her stay, home. Chuckling softly, Nubia nodded and extended her hand. When Sophie moved to take it, she clasped the woman's forearm in a warrior's greeting instead. Sweet sienna eyes widened in confusion before settling into contented camaraderie as she realized the trust between them had been reforged…stronger than before.

"Very well, Moore. I suppose I owe you breakfast tomorrow?"

"Nope, lunch. We are getting burgers, good ones. Tomorrow morning though, training. 4AM. If you are late, I swear I'll find a way to break your arm."

All Nubia could do in response was laugh.

Still seeding things as I work on the main story but Nubia will essentially take the place of Tyler (no relationship…yet) and pick up the romantic part laid down by Julia Pennyworth in this little romp. I will keep as much of Sophie's history intact (since she was a footnote/litmus test character in the comics and is more fleshed out such that it is in the show) while knitting in Nubia and her mythos.

Just picked up Immortal Wonder Woman issue 1 and I am so excited that they put Nubia back as the bearer of the title of Wonder Woman and that they restored her as Diana's twin (annoyed that they put them as not speaking even if it was to set the stage for Nubia fighting alone) ; so I suspect that Diana will float in and out of this series/story as she tries to build a relationship with her sister. I'm trying to work in Nubia getting nauseous from future sight as that is too adorable for words.

Since the Main story is not done I'll point out that I'm using various versions of Nubia to craft this version. As such she does use the alias of Carolyn Hamilton as a nod to that version of Nubia.

R. Niiyama

1/2021