Raven Blade

By: Ryu Niiyama

Chapter 6

Sophie groaned into the heated kiss, her fingers tracing the delicate jaw of her beloved Amazon, Nubia responding with a sweet suckling of her tongue. Never had she known a lover like this, a lover that put so much of herself into even the barest meeting of their lips, let alone the torrid exchange that was currently melting Sophie's brain to mush. It was so strange, they had been together for nearly five years now, and Nubia still touched her like it was the first time; like she drove the Amazon to the limits of her restraint and then shattered them. The beautiful woman let loose a needy moan as she turned them both, easily lifting and pressing Sophie against the nearby wall, the two of them barely beyond the entryway of Sophie's condo. They'd been stoking this fire between them all day, a rare shared day off meant that they spent it together. Morning training had led to more than one erotically charged pin, while catching an early morning play and then lunch and a quiet drive upstate interspersed with heated glances and soft touches had insured that their passion would easily boil over the second they were truly alone.

Sophie let out a mewling whine and pressed her hands against her lover's strong jaw and soft raven coils as she felt Nubia's questing tongue thrust into her mouth. Suckling the other woman deep inside, the police commissioner ground against her lover and the Amazon let her hands blaze heated trails along Sophie's body. Nubia pulled back, suckling at Sophie's lower lip before focusing her attentions on the mortal woman's neck and jaw, grinning briefly at the giggle of delight that followed her ministrations. Sophie was growing impatient, the fire that Nubia was building was too great, spiraling out of control and threating to consume them both. To her great dismay, Nubia's phone chose that exact moment to ring.

The Amazon froze and looked up, dark umber eyes meeting Sophie's as she looked positively contrite and remorseful. Even though it felt like she would fly apart, Sophie nodded and her lover set her to her feet. As the newly elected Police Commissioner, Sophie Moore knew what it was to be on call and she recognized that particular ringtone…League Business. Sophie didn't quite understand the logistics of it, but Nubia served both as an active member of the Justice League in another universe and as an on-call member for the one here.

"Batman there had better be an inva…Sister? What…did she not say why? I see. I shall answer the call. Thank you, be well Diana."

Eyes full of pain, Nubia turned back to Sophie and reached out to her, taking her hand and cupping her cheek. "Beloved Sophie, I must take my leave. I've been summoned to Themyscira. The Queen's decree." Sophie leaned into the hand the stroked her cheek, concern chasing away the passion. "Is everything alright? Your mothers?" Nubia shook her head in response. "I do not know, agape mou. However, the fact that Diana was not summoned also leads me to believe that Hippolyta and Philippus are well. Perhaps this is some routine mission. Do not fret, dearest one; I will send word as soon as I can." The Amazon leaned forward and offered one sweet kiss in parting before moving to the door and exiting the condo.

"Be safe, Nubia."

The next day, found Commissioner Moore at her desk working through paperwork. She was considered a people's politician insomuch that she wasn't a politician at all and that didn't sit well with the wealthy elite or the good old boys club. Which meant that she often fought an uphill battle to change to system, but she'd earned her victories and everyone in Gotham knew that she had friends in high places. Batwoman, Batwing, Batman and the occasionally seen Red Hood worked with the Commissioner and she had the Justice league on speed dial. As such no one was crazy enough to try to kill her, despite her push to clean up Gotham PD, and no was particularly surprised when Wonder Woman walked into the precinct and strode towards her office with familiar steps. The League member knocked lightly and waited until she was granted entrance before entering the office and closing the door.

Half the precinct immediately rushed to see if they could hear what was going on from behind closed doors.

"Commissioner."

Sophie looked up at the familiar tones of Diana of Themyscira's gentle voice and she reached into her desk drawer and pulled out a remote. Pressing a key, Diana immediately noticed she couldn't hear anything outside. Sophie smirked at the perplexed look on her lover's sister's face. "Courtesy of Wayne Tech's R&D division." Diana chuckled and nodded. "Luke Fox is a prudent man. How are he and Jace getting along?" Sophie winced a bit and groaned at the question. "Well they haven't killed each other yet, and they do work well in the field, but there is family drama with those two."

"Yes, I do understand that. That is why I am here actually."

Sophie stood, concern awash upon her face. "What is it? Is Nubia ok?" Diana held up a hand, forestalling further questions even as she was proud to see that her sister was so loved. "Yes, she is well…however…She has been recalled to Themyscira. She may not return to Man's World without a Royal decree." Sophie sunk into the chair, like a marionette that had its strings cut, nearly missing the furniture as numbness spread through her. "…what?..." Diana grimaced and moved forward to reassure the woman that had become like a second sister to her. "She is not in danger Sophie, but it is…an internal matter." Sophie didn't look soothed by the reassurance and the Commissioner ran her fingers through her dark hair, the strands recently beginning to gray. Wounded, the Amazon rushed forward and knelt at the mortal's side, placing a hand on her knee. "I am still Themyscira's emissary, Sophie. As such I am allowed to maintain contact with the island. I swear to you, I will act as your messenger. The two of you shall not be entirely parted so long as I live."

Sophie looked up and she could see the similarity in the cut of Nubia's eyes in Diana despite the difference in hue. She could see the pain that racked the Amazon and was grateful for Diana's concern. "How long will she have to stay…?" Blue eyes shuttered closed and Wonder Woman looked away. "I…do not know…and the mortal world is so fleeting…" Sophie heard what Diana wouldn't say. With their longevity a short time was relative. Nubia could just as easily return and find Sophie long dead and dust or she could return tomorrow, no one knew for certain. There as a choice that would have to be made…would Sophie wait, perhaps for the rest of her life, for her dutiful beloved? Or would she tender a fond farewell and move one with her life? She knew that Diana came to ascertain her answer. Sophie thought of her own mighty Amazon and a smile curved her lips.

"Tell her that I love her. Tell her that she has my heart for life."

Wonder Woman smiled and rose, placing a warm hand on Sophie's shoulder to give it a gentle squeeze. "I will relay your message gladly, Sophie. Thank you." Knowing that the mortal would need time to process and to grieve, Diana turned and quietly exited the office. Sophie Moore was grateful for the sound proofing as she allowed herself to morn and loud, racking sobs lurched from her grief-stricken form.

Commissioner Moore didn't allow her pain to impact her beyond the half hour she allowed herself to sob openly. Afterwards she dove into her work working several hours past her shift. When finally she could hide behind her work no longer, Sophie Moore rose and began the solemn trip back home. She supposed the worst part was that she was not allowed to grieve with anyone else. She didn't want to bother Jordan and her sister was not aware of Nubia's superhuman nature as she knew Sophie's partner as Carolyn Hamilton. Her mother, while speaking to her, avoided any conversation that revolved around Sophie's personal life, either inordinately focusing on Jordan's instead or changing the subject entirely. The old wound still hurt but it had scared over. Sophie had long since accepted that this was the best she would ever get from her mother. So long as her lover was a woman, her mother didn't notice that Sophie was happier than she'd ever been and safer as well and she didn't want to give her mother false hope by telling her that "Carolyn" had left.

Sadly, she entered her condo with dread haunting her steps, the once warm place now large and foreboding. It was strange, both she and Nubia were too strong willed and busy to cohabitate, but they spent so much time at one another's homes that they might as well as been. Nubia hadn't wanted to antagonize Sophie's mother either, knowing that if she knew that Sophie was staying with her female lover that she would not visit. Now all Sophie could think about the time wasted. Their lives were dangerous enough and the thought that they had spent nights apart when they could have been together, now burned her with inadequacy. The guilt overwhelmed her to the point that she almost didn't hear the tell tell zipline of the bat grappling gun. Still, she'd learned long ago that not every person with sky line access to her balcony was a friend and she leveled her gun at the balcony doors. The sight of Red Hood landing gracefully, bearing what looked like two bottles of Jack Daniels in hand set her at ease. Smirking, the Commissioner moved to the balcony doors and opened them, allowing the vigilante to stride in.

"News travels fast with you lot. Two bottles? Really?"

Red Hood chuckled and reached up and removed the armored helmet that signified her code name. Kate Kane's viridian eyes grimaced as she set the whiskey on the nearby counter and placed her helmet next to it. "I've got Tequila as well. The second Jack is from Ryan. She wanted to stop by first, but I fought her for it. She and Mary will likely be by tomorrow."

"It's Wednesday night, Kate. Heartbroken or not, I can't get drunk and go to work tomorrow."

Kate smiled a crooked, sensual smile. The like that reminded Sophie that despite her wearing Circe Sionis' face, that she was still Kate Kane underneath…mostly. "Come on, I do remember you and I completing an obstacle course run totally shitfaced." Sophie snorted and held up one hand, waving Kate off. "Correction. You were shitfaced…I'd only had one drink the night before." For a moment, Kate's eyes grew distant…dangerous, a common reaction when she didn't remember something correctly and it was as if the Circe persona was dropping the act. For the one thousandth time, Sophie was grateful that Kate had the foresight to understand that since her brainwashing had not been removed with Enigma's codeword she and Circe would always be jousting for control. Circe was under lock and key, but that didn't mean that she'd ever stop trying to escape or sticking her hands through the bars. Had she stayed at Sophie's behest all those years ago, Sophie would have been in constant danger, never knowing if the woman she went to bed with was the same woman she woke up beside.

"Hmm, right."

If it were any other still half brainwashed person, Sophie would be worried. Yet Circe had long abandoned any desire of causing Sophie harm. She wanted Kate out of the way most certainly, but what she wanted from Sophie didn't involve pain. At least not non-consensual pain. Sophie waited for Kate to regain full control, although as sharp verdant eyes ghosted over her home, she knew that the clever detective could see all the little things that announced Nubia's presence. Kate turned and sauntered forward and Sophie tensed as her former lover reached out and took her hand. "I'm here now Sophie, We won't leave you…we will stay. Let us in…let us love you…" Sophie looked away briefly and the dyed blonde gently grasped her chin and moved forward, the intent to kiss her clear. Sophie didn't move, but she kept her body language hard, unaccepting and the vigilante paused before backing away, her eyes clearing. "I'm sorry Sophie, I came here to help, I didn't mean to…" Sophie nodded, keeping the plurality of Kate's language to herself. That was the one flaw with Kate's attempts to imprison the Circe persona. The permanent snakebite hit worked so long as the alleviation of Kate's guilt meant that she and Circe were not on one accord…but when they wanted the same thing…imprisoned or not, their personalities began to act in tandem. Which was dangerous since Circe Sionis would do anything to achieve her desires.

"It's alright Kate. I'm just glad to have a friend that understands." The words were true, but they also served as a reminder that whatever they'd once shared as lovers was long gone. Not matter what Circe or Kate wanted.

The blonde nodded, getting the message loud and clear and she moved to sit on the couch. "Then as a friend, let's talk. Do I need to go kick some Amazon ass for you?"

Sophie threw her head back and laughed long and loud, feeling for the first time like everything would be ok.

Eventually.

Time marched on and Commissioner Moore maintained her steady and somewhat lonely battle against injustice, crime and corruption in her city. It was hard work but she was slowly rebuilding the reputation of the GCPD reminding the people that they didn't just have to have faith in the guardians of the night. Every week Wonder Woman personally delivered letters from Themyscira and accepted any that Sophie had to give to her as well as spending time with her "little sister". Nubia's words were like an oasis in an endless desert. Her beloved spoke of the beauty of her island home and the prosperity of her sisters, but she mostly spoke of her love and longing. Sweet, honeyed words that lightened Sophie's heart and gave her strength, sensual, passionate words that inflamed Sophie and left her wet with yearning.

Today she would meet with Diana in her home as usual to deliver her letters and she felt warmth fill her as she longed to hear from her beloved Nubia again. She entered her home, knowing that she only had a few minutes before her friend would come calling upon her and she moved to the back, stripping off her gun and putting it into her safe and pulling her hair out of its bun. She didn't think she had enough time to remove her slacks, although her shoes were easily kicked into her closet with a practiced move that landed them upright on the shoe shelf. Instead, she changed into a loose fitting blouse, comfortable enough to wear around the house but modest enough to entertain company in. Finally reached for the letters on her nightstand, much like Nubia she wrote a new one every day, desperate for that connection to her lover. A soft thump let her know that her guest had arrived and she straightened and smiled as she heard the balcony door open and close.

"Just a minute!"

She heard no response from Diana, but she knew her friend was comfortable in her home and had most likely taken a seat. Rushing out, to greet her, Sophie's smile fell and her letters tumbled from slack hands to clatter softly to the ground at the sight of her guest. Clad in gold, navy and ivory with a mighty sword sheathed at her hips, her armor gleamed in the moonlight, like a siren come to seduce her away.

"Hello, agape mou."

Nubia wasted no time as she flew forward, careful to float above the forgotten letters as she swept Sophie into her arms and plundered her sweet lips in a kiss. For a moment Sophie thought she was dreaming, after all she had dreamed and longed for this moment for years, yet the reality was more glorious than she could have imagined. Nubia floated them backwards with easy confidence, never once letting their lips apart, holding Sophie securely in her embrace, even as she let her hands roam. When the backs of Sophie's legs encountered the softness of her bedspread she sat down upon it, Nubia easily moving with her. For many long moments they were simply content to kiss and caress, remapping and affirming bodies that they had only been able to embrace in their dreams.

Nubia pulled away finally, reluctantly, her hand moving up to cup Sophie's cheek even as she looked into her eyes like a woman that had been given new life. For a time all Sophie Moore saw was her lover's face, yet she forced herself to focus on the entirety of her and her roving gaze froze when her eyes alighted upon the crown that nestled atop Nubia's beautiful mane. Nubia had not been allowed to tell Sophie why she had been summoned home, but Sophie could easily see the end result. Swallowing to chase away any bitterness, Sophie smiled jubilantly at her beloved. "I see congratulations are in order, Your Majesty." Something dark chased its way across Nubia's gaze and the Amazon surged forward carefully, kissing Sophie until the mortal's toes curled. "No, not here. There is only one title I claim between us, agape mou." Inwardly Sophie smiled, hearing the bitterness that Nubia likely never noticed. The sad tale of her mothers had more of an effect on Nubia and Diana both. Humble women by nature, the Amazon twins balked at any title that would separate them from their love, not wanting to follow in Hippolyta and Philippus' example.

"Of course, my love." Nubia preened, relief flooding her and she began to move forward again, only to pause at Sophie's hand against her clavicle. Sophie swallowed and looked away briefly, blinded by her lover's unchanging beauty while the years and hard work had put grey in her hair and glasses upon her nose. Even more the reality of the weight of that crown hit the Commissioner like a brick and she bit her lip in worry. "Sophie? What troubles you, dear one?" It seemed strange, just a week ago, Sophie Moore lived on the words of her lover and had felt more sure in that love than she did right now with Nubia standing before her. "Why are you here, Nubia? I would think that a Queen would not be able to leave her realm often." Nubia exhaled softly but she didn't move away, instead she knelt at Sophie's feet. Confused, Sophie watched as the Amazon pulled a diamond and sapphire necklace from her side pouch and held it out in offering to her mortal beloved. While the Amazons lived simply, Themyscira was a land of plenty and Diana and Nubia both had access to untold wealth and power.

"Come with me. I entreat you, agape mou."

Sophie smiled, at the simple request, knowing that after years of daily letters, Nubia needed no grand speech to tell Sophie what was in her heart. For a moment Sophie let herself wonder and dream: the veritable paradise of Themyscira with Nubia ruling with wisdom and fairness a love that would last until Sophie's last breath. Yet to have it she would have to give up her own fight for justice, would have to abandon her family and friends. Themyscira did not allow for many to travel to "Man's World" and she knew that if she left Gotham, Nubia would want her safe by her side. She thought of the fight she waged and how much more still needed to be done, the new scars and bullet wounds from attempts on her life once the crime element and the lawfully corrupt alike realized she couldn't be bought. She couldn't abandon Gotham, not when her city still needed her. No matter how her heart longed for things to be different.

"I love you, Nubia…but I can't. My place, my fight is here."

For a moment, Nubia's gorgeous, expressive face flickered with pain, and she looked away briefly, gathering herself. When she turned back, her dark gaze shimmered with unshed tears, but she smiled all the same. "You are a warrior, to the quick, agape mou. I can not ask you to abandon your fight. But perhaps you would let me offer you respite?" Sophie watched as her taller lover rose and placed the necklace on the nearby nightstand, and then removed her crown to sit them side by side. Holding out her hands, Nubia waited for Sophie to take them before pulling her to her feet with a kiss. "Have you eaten?" The mortal shook her head in the negative and Nubia gestured to the nearby ensuite. "Go, and attend to yourself beloved. I will take care of the rest." Enchanted yet somewhat fearful, that she would find this to be a dream, Sophie hesitantly walked into her bathroom and drew a bath. Normally she would take a shower but she needed the time to think and to relax.

When she emerged from her bedroom, dressed in lounge wear she noted, that her letters had been moved and on the nearby counter, scrolls that served as Nubia's letters sat waiting for her perusal. Soft music filled the space and the delicious scent of whatever Nubia had managed to knit together out of her groceries made her stomach rumble. Nubia had removed her armor and blade, the ivory chiton and navy apotygma flowing about her body like a gown. Nubia gestured to Sophie to sit, bringing out a plate piled high with food and setting it before her lover. "Here, dearest Sophie, sit, eat and tell me of your days. Let me hear the sweetness of your voice which has been denied to me for so long." So she did, even though they shared as much as they could in letters, Sophie and Nubia spoke of all that they missed, all that they'd endured apart. When finally their meal was complete and cleared away, Nubia moved forward and pulled Sophie into her arms, looking upon her as if she were a woman that had been locked in darkness and now had her first true glimpse of the light. "Sophie…" The soft whisper was punctuated with the blissful meeting of their lips, and Sophie moaned as her hands roamed the muscular perfection of her lover's body.

Moaning at the feeling of her beloved's touch upon her after so long, Nubia's hands went to the collar of her lounge shirt and with little preamble she ripped it down the middle. Sophie pulled away slightly with a squeak. "I liked that loungewear set. Don't rip the bra." Nubia chuckled and with deft hands undid her lover's undergarment, sighing in sensual pleasure at the sight of beautiful breasts set free. For a moment, Sophie felt fear, concerned at the weight of the years apart and her mortality at it was the sound of Nubia's languid moan as she gently nudged Sophie onto the sofa and warm, strong hands freed her of her ruined and open clothing. The delicate chafe of Nubia's soft but sword calloused hands as well as the silken fabric of the chiton made the mortal woman arch exquisitely within her lover's embrace. Nubia wasted no time, her lips moving to kiss and suckle at the elegant column of her beloved's neck even as her hands moved to cup and caress breasts that fit oh so perfectly in her grasp. Hunger roared unchecked as she languidly made her way down Sophie's torso to take a sweet dark nipple between her lips, both women sighing at the sensation.

Nubia could bear it no longer as she teetered between urgency and languid delight, running her hands beneath the waistband of Sophie's pants and undergarments, guiding them from the silken legs that she craved. "Oh Sophie, even Aphrodite pales before your beauty." The words were punctuated with soft kisses and warm nuzzles as Nubia seemed intent on devouring every inch of her lover's gorgeous skin. Sophie giggled as even the arch of her foot found worship under her Amazon's touch, the would be goddess deriving pleasure from just the sight of her, let alone the feel and taste of her. Despite being fully clothed, Nubia's moans and whimpers matched Sophie's in need and intensity. When warm fingers entered wet suctioning heat, womanly and divine both women let out a cooing moan that echoed into the night. Nubia watched her lover's face as she began to thrust with languid forcefulness, enraptured by the delight and ecstasy she saw there. Yet it was not enough; she had been without this woman for too long, she needed more…everything. Sophie drew a shuddering breath as she felt Nubia's lips place a gentle kiss upon the curls of her mons, a loving ritual that the Amazon never failed to perform, no matter how inflamed with desire she was. She moaned as a strong hand easily positioned her thighs over powerful yet delicate shoulders only to ascend to a scream as the feeling of Nubia's mouth upon her was like molten steel meeting cool water.

Nubia was both a giving and generous lover as well as a selfish one. Her mouth and her fingers commanded climax after climax from Sophie with little reprieve, until the Commissioner lay spent in a heap of delicious lassitude. Sophie was dimly aware of being lifted and carried to her bed, Nubia carefully placing her beneath cool sheets. She moaned at the soft feeling of her glasses being removed and the sound of them being placed in their case nearby. The Amazon Queen stepped away long enough to remove her own clothes, before slipping into bed behind her lover, pulling her close and nuzzling into her soft hair. A lover's embarrassment stole over Sophie, especially at the feel of turgid nipples and molten wetness at her back and buttocks, but soft strokes over her flank and gentle whispers of love soothed her. "Shhh, dear one. We have the rest of the night. Rest now…let me watch over you Sophie." After perhaps an hour of two of dosing, Sophie awoke, relived to feel strong arms about her and strong legs intertwined with her own. The Commissioner pulled the nearest of her lover's hands to her lips and kissed each of the fingers lingeringly, delighting in the sensual gasp that sounded slightly above her. Sophie turned in her lover's embrace and pressed the Amazon onto her back beneath her and she paused looking down upon Nubia with loving possession lighting her gaze.

"My turn."

It was rare that Sophie Moore slept in, but she supposed she couldn't be faulted for doing so after such a wonderful but sleepless evening. She turned and froze as she realized that she was not only alone but had likely been so for some time. A quick glance to her nightstand found the crown of the Amazonian Queen gone, but in its place lay a letter an envelope and a rose. The diamond necklace was also still there glittering brilliantly in the morning light. Sophie sighed softly and reached for her glasses, before rolling over and picking up the letter.

'Dearest Sophie,

I shall not say goodbye, for I know that you and I are destined for one another. This is merely a temporary parting. Do as you must my love, fight for those that can't fight for themselves, and when your battle is done I shall come for you. I long for the day that holding you close is no longer a stolen moment, but know that you are always in my heart, my thoughts, my dreams. Fight well my little warrior, and know that I await the day that you stand by my side as my Queen-Consort. My love to Jordan and your family, and my love to you always.

Athena guide you and Hera keep you,

Forever yours…Nubia'

Sophie brought the rose to her nose with a soft sigh even as tears began to fall unchecked. Placing the letter aside so that it wouldn't get wet and she reached for the envelope. With a wet snort and a roll of her eyes she found inside a note which simply read 'to replace those fetching garments that I ruined.' and she counted out 20K inside. Despite living in "Man's World" even longer than her sister, Nubia had no real concept of money. Being ageless and talented meant that she could easily amass wealth that no living human could make in a lifetime, but being a super powered Amazon guaranteed that money was no object. Sophie usually donated the majority of extra money to the community centers that Jordan managed while sending some home to her parents. Knowing she would need to stop by the bank later the woman rose and began to shower and get ready for her day. While late for her standards, she still woke up with enough time to make it work an hour early. Moving to her kitchen, the Commissioner paused as she noted that breakfast was set in the oven on warm, and that a crystal vase with two dozen roses decorated her countertop. Sophie pursed her lips, deciding that she would also stop by the jewelers and pick up a pair of earrings to send with her next batch of letters in a week. Like her sister, Nubia wore simple adornments but the Amazon did have a fondness for ear jewelry.

Chuckling softly, the Commissioner tucked into her breakfast, carefully reading one of the letters that Nubia left her in exchange.

It was going to be a beautiful day.

While Bruce Wayne is back, he is functioning as CEO, leaving the Batman mantle to the current Batman Jace Fox (Luke's brother) and I figured since Kate is still technically broken, she would make a great Red Hood (more anti heroine than pure heroine). Ryan is still Batwoman in this series.

Just counting down until Nubia and the Amazons comes out.

10/2021

R. Niiyama