Chapter 3: Evil at the Door
THUD!
Mrula, the island sculptor swatted her hands in front of her face to get rid of the dust and dirt that flew from the square piece of granite that was dropped a dozen feet from her. She didn't bother looking up to measure it's size as it already blocked the mid morning sun. The culprit for this was nowhere to be seen and that was expected of him as he needed to be elsewhere. All that she heard of him was the boom in the sky.
"Kal, there are two hundred eggs in total." Marietta, one of the poultry farmers pointed at the two baskets. "Bisa will give you a cart full of farm needs." Two muscular arms covered in black suit and bracelet of submission picked up the baskets and left the farm blowing Marietta's tunic up. "One of these days you are going to get yourself in trouble..." She muttered in annoyance as she straightened her clothes and wiped of the dust.
Bisa, one of the city traders accepted the baskets with great glee. "The cart is behind the shop Skyboy. Don't tumble it like before..." She warned.
These weren't his assigned duties, actually he had none. So he decided to work as a handyman to whoever he can. He didn't ask for anything in return but he wasn't left empty handed either. Eggs, small statues, rice, flour, clothes...the list went on.
The next was a mission with the City Healer to a nearby village. He couldn't say he wasn't excited as he had been going out on journeys for the past two years since his graduation of sorts. And each of them were very educational.
Five years went by since a Kryptonian made his home among a nation of women who had suspicion for all men but him. The years have been kind to him as no longer was he a scrawny boy, now there stood a man, in his late teenage years with a chiseled and sun-kissed physique that often distracted the younger population of the city as well as some matured ones. His hair was left to grow and it reached the lower back where it was kept in a long braid. His attire changed a little as he wore a few light armour above his suit and on his right shoulder, the Amazonian symbol.
Although not a warrior at heart, he learned what they offered about combat. But he was more inclined to less violent activities and served as a handyman in all fields. This particular service has taken him several days North into the heart of a dying tribe of forest dwellers who's numbers have diminished due to abduction and enslavement. The village, even though there were only eleven small huts and a five feet wall made from bamboo and other shrubs, now mostly constituted of young boys, old women and less physically attractive women who were left alone as they failed to come into the standard set by the slavers.
Kal worked with the wall as the tribe refused their offer to Themyscira so the very least he could do was make a wall that could keep the aggressors long enough so that everyone could escape through the secret tunnel he digged and cemented with wood and fire.
"Kal-El!" The call came from one of his companions who have accompanied him and Epione in this journey to the North. The teen turned to look at the girl who now seem to have forgotten why she has come and openly ogled at the half naked man.
"How may I help you, Sandra?" He asked with a smile snapping the girl out of the spell.
A look of embarrassment came as she fidgeted before clearing her throat. "Lady Epione has requested your presence immediately." She ran without turning to look.
He raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Strange are this world's women." He shrugged lightly and followed. On the way he gave focus to the sound of the his Tribe's chief Healer's voice. She was in that part of the forest where they have found some disease curing herbs. Without much delay he reached the woman who was crouching next to something. "Milady, you called?"
Upon hearing his voice, Epione looked over her shoulder and gave a nod. "Come and have a look Kal. Have you seen this before?" She wore a utility outfit which consisted of; a maroon battle skirt and an armoured leather top with the Amazon's signature bracelets. To accomodate the man, she scooted a bit to the side.
"What is it that-" Kal's question was shut midway. There was a small hole dug into the ground inorder to make a trench around the village but the digging stopped three feet deep as something square and metallic poked out of the dug ground. He looked over to the Healer. "Have you tried moving it?"
Epione shook her head. "No, Thaliya and Mallory struck it accidentally while digging and this box has knocked them on their back. Do you think it came from your world?" She asked curiously.
Kal shook his head. "It is not Kryptonian I am sure, but this definitely is not from Earth either. I will collect it and investigate it at home." He reached to the box but stopped to look at the woman who was once again fixated her gaze on the strange object. "Lady Epione?" He called.
"Huh? Oh sorry." She got up and took a few steps back before nodding at the Kryptonian that she was ready.
With a calming breath, he touched the surface of the box. A pulse ran across the area upon contact and soon he dug his other hand into the mud to get a better grip and pulled it was a red jewel like material in the middle and it glowed. He saw the light leave and the device shutting down. He turned to the Healer and gave a nod.
"There is something very wrong about this... contraption." Epione stated as she came near to observe it at a better angle.
Kal gave a frown as he looked at the box. "I agree. But we must keep it a secret. Otherwise there might be consequences." He warned.
Epione gave a nod. "I shall report it to the Queens about our findings and will ask those two to swear their silence till we understand further." She said as she looked over to the two women who discovered it. They gulped at the look of the Healer and gave a nervous nod. The reminder of the day was spent digging trenches and planting edible flora.
Two of their seasoned warriors were asked to stay back incase of an attack. Themyscira was expanding and the actions of the people who lead it have reached the ears of the rich and poor alike. Most of the powerful people being proud men, had their ire targeted at Hypolyta and Antiope while the much more neutral but traditionally raised common folk who were men and the bread winners of their household had their reservations. There were already false propaganda by the male rulers and politicians about how the Amazon whores tricked the men into being slaves and stole husbands and sons. About how they captured innocent young girls and turned them into one of theirs.
It only added to the flame that now there was a male resident in the city of women. There was a strong opposition in the city itself about his existence even with the support of both Queens and some of the top officials such as Phillipus and Epione but Kal-El proved his loyalty to his adoptive tribe with his actions and discipline. Even with amazing strengths he helped in the most gentle jobs from plucking flowers to picking eggs. He assisted in almost all areas including battle strategies and farming.
There were more men allowed to trade although it only numbered a dozen a month. But it was progress and the Queens were more than happy as this was their mission. To bring peace without the interference from caste, creed, colour and gender.
Their convoy slowly arrived at the city's impregnable walls and moved towards the gate, the gazes of the sentries followed their moments as they passed each one. Infront of the large gate, all of them stopped. The guard looked down from her tower and spotted Epione in the front on her white horse.
"Lady Epione." She bowed before asking. "Are there any others?"
"None." Epione answered calmly. The gates soon began to open. The heavy gears rolling could be heard by even a normal being. The world isn't as safe as one believe nor how much they want to change and till the day peace arrives, the gates of Themyscira will open to only those who she sees fit. "Kal-El." Upon hearing his name, the rider in the far back part of the convoy rushed his horse to the front. He wore a travel cloak and leather bag that had the box strapped on to his side. "Get refreshed and arrive at the Palace. I will get my things in order and meet you at noon." Kal-El gave a quick bow and took his horse to his hut.
As a healer or a Chief Healer in this case, one is usually meant to stay in the city at all time. But she was Amazon, no matter her job and she is meant to do her part in helping the world outside the walls. The Amazon's who went on with their regular life bowed upon seeing their Healer who returned the gesture with a wave. Once at the docks leading to the Healing Isle, she tied her horse and got on the canoe and rowed to her work place.
Her students were very competent and that was the main reason she allowed herself out of the walls in the first place. But they were still young and feiry and may end up doing some mischief. "Cassandra," She called the first of her disciples who was making more disinfectant potions.
"Milady." She stood up and smiled.
"Where are the others child?" Epione asked in suspicion. There was a nervous look that shook the other woman who began fidgeting trying to recall her practiced lines. "They wandered off again, haven't they?" She asked with a sigh. "You do not have a lying bone child, don't try."
"Uh oh. No...yes...Melinda and Glenda have left to see the new additions from Man's world in the market..." And soon the beans came spilling. Although nothing of the horrendous scenario she expected happened and these minor acts can be punished with suitable small chores. Soon she finsihed her business there and left when it was near noon.
Arriving at the palace, she saw Kal-El sitting in the bottom stair. Now dressed in brown pants tucked into his leather boots and a shirt that was tied up at the hip complete with gloves. He still held on to his Kryptonian habit of showing as little skin as possible. "Kal-El, have you been here for long?" She asked as she walked past him, prompting him to stand and follow her.
"No, milady." He held the bag under his arm. "But while I was here, I managed to find a few developments, a tribe of nomadic invaders have attacked our auxiliary towns. Phillipus has lead a division of the cavalry to the east."
Epione raised an eyebrow in surprise but showed no other reactions and simply gave a nod. "Then it is taken care of. No man has ever been able to defeat Phillipus in battle." There was a silence after that comment and only their footsteps were heard.
"..."
"Except you, but you are from the stars, so it doesn't count." She let a smile form at the side of her lips to which Kal let his own small smile to be allowed.
"Epione. Kal! It is very nice to know your journey was safe." Hypolyta cheerfully got up as the two bowed. "But things aren't looking too good in the East." A frown came over her face.
"My Queen, if you wish, I shall-" Kal got up and began but saw her shake negatively.
"You may be gifted to possess powers like the Gods but one must fullfill their duties." There was no use in further argument with her and in a way she was right. What if he suddenly loose all that he gained? What if he was immobilised? Wouldn't their fighting spirits be simply crushed?
"Of course my Queen." He bowed once again.
"Hypolyta. Epione. Kal." Antiope walked in followed by one of the court advisors. "Quite a full room today. Anything in particular?" She asked with a smile.
"Indeed my Queen." Once again both Epione and Kal bowed at the arrival of the second Queen. "But it would be wiser if we talk amongst those who don't hold prejudice." Epione sharply suggested while looking at the advisor. The city was changing but many still held blind hatred to all men and no matter how much Kal-El tried to prove his place, he was rejected by some.
There was a tense silence before the advisor herself took the decision to excuse herself from the man's presence, which by the way was enjoyed by the other three women in the room. "My Queen. My Queen." She bowed to both the Queens and left.
Without delay Kal laid the rag covered item on the floor and opened it. "Lady Epione found it while on our mission. It is not from this world and not from mine either, I can attest that." He looked up to the faces of the two women who had terror in their eyes.
"Great Hera... Antiope...is that...?"
Antiope was the first one to make a move. She kneeled down and looked at the sides of the box. Her face turned grim as she looked back up to Hypolyta. "I am afraid so Lyta...it is a Motherbox..."
"We must seal it away!" Hypolyta ordered, panic nearly visible in her eyes.
"My Queen, may I leave to the armory below the this room? I would like to ask my parents about this." He asked, trying as hard not to sound too impatient. All he received was a nod. Thus he left the three women to deal with the strange box which seemed to have become their world to them. He knew asking the two would be a great mistake and a waste of time in the condition they are so he has to do his own investigation.
The armory door was opened by the special guards who gave a simple nod as they closed the doors behind him. "User detected. Kal-El identified. Good evening." The squid like machine floated in front of him as it scanned and greeted him.
"Please awaken my parents." He instructed the robot.
"Hello my child, how can we be of assistance today?" Jor-El asked as he and Lara appeared in front of him.
Kal got went to the ship and activated a screen before drawing an exact replica of the cube down to the marking he held moments ago in the Queen's Throne room. "What can you tell me about it?"
"It is..." There was a pause in the artificial intelligence before they looked at him seeking confirmation. "Are you sure that you want to know what it is?"
Kal gave a firm nod. "The people of this city who has treated me, a stranger and a male, well for the past five years have concerns over this object. They seemed to be... worried of it. I wish to know in order to prepare if something threatens my people."
Jor-El smiled. "You are slowly becoming what we could never be Kal-El..." He gave a wave and a holographic screen appeared. "It is called a Motherbox by the planets and people who had the ill-fate of see it. While Kryton has never been in contact with it, one of our auxiliary planet was. It was a long time ago before Spacefaring was prohibited. Hordes of beastly creatures called Parademons were transported by these boxes." He said.
"Transportated? These are used for such? And who lead such an attack, surely the Universe knew of our military's strength." The son of Krypton looked at the hologram skeptically.
"It isn't that simple my son." Lara began. "We usually dealt with armies and monsters that had some form of basic Instinct that let them know of danger...but these creatures...their only instinct was to serve their master... Darkseid."
"There are many Motherboxes my son. They are not just a transport medium, they are much worse. Parasitic, mind invasion, altering the molecular integrity of the very planet...a few of the technology that we used were salvaged from that war." It wasn't until evening when he left the lower levels and went in search of the Queens.
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From Olympus, Eris watched the scenes from her viewing pool, Hypolyta has ordered her most elite soldiers to guard something very fascinating. Something her dear brother would be pleased to know. But more than that, she saw a man in the nation of women. Well a few, but one in particular caught her eye more. She gave a mock sigh of defeat. "Ah, we were too busy whoring and drinking to be up to date on what has been happening to Olympus' dear messengers..." Or someone knew and chose not to speak. It doesn't matter now. Besides she wasn't going to be the one publishing this news around. Oh it is too tasty to be handled by someone with a broader mind for the reason that things maybe solved without strife among any. "Oh brother dearest." She called in a singsong fashion.
"You know I am watching Eris." Ares spoke from behind her seat. He stood tall and straight. His eyes calculating the scenes. "And do not worry. You will get what you want when I have done things my way." He removed his helmet, a grin stretched over his face as his eyes undressed the Amazon Queens.
"Wonderful!" Eris cheered before taking another sip from her goblet. She watched him disappear before looking back into the pool. "For a boy you are quite built." She mused as she looked at the Last Son of Krypton.
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"So they have also attacked you." Hippolyta had her chin on her palm as she sat on her chair in. Antiope, Epione and Kal sat next to her.
The information was concealed from the rest of the city but precautions were being taken. Barracks were once again filling up and the military swung into full force although none except a few knew about the reason. As far as the Amazons were concerned, there were already proxy wars being fought and it would only be a matter of time before a full scale war will be declared against Themyscira.
"My Queen if what you and Kal-El are saying is true then we will be outmatched severely." Epione voiced out her concern.
Antiope thought outloud. "I wonder...do the Gods have a plan? Afterall they were there..." She looked at Hypolyta.
"I understand what you are implying Antiope, but the Gods have refused to answer our prayers for the past ten years..." She sighed in defeat and leaned back.
"My Queens." Epione stood up. "I shall take my leave if it is alright with you. The Head Healer being away from the Healing Isle when she is in the city will not be a good thought." She bowed to which both of them gave a nod while Kal stood up and bowed. With that she left the room leaving the three to discuss. Kal watched Antiope trying to suggest strategies and Hypolyta dismissing them after finding a flaw. Seeing the two powerful women like this made him realise the importance of secrecy in this matter. After how would the others respond if their Queens are already like this?
"My Queens." He called, interrupting the two in mid argument. "If I may?" He politely asked. Hypolyta gave a wave and Antiope nodded. "What I am about to say may sound bizzare but I have a plan. Not to fight, but to prolong the fight." He saw their interested gaze.
"Go on." Antiope urged.
"The Motherbox is composed of codes...high technology. It's not active now or maybe the power is slowly replenishing and it will be active and send signals. I can seal it with my technology but from my parents, it is clear that the Motherbox will break the seal after undoing it's codes. Although it isn't permanent as I said, it will give enough time as my technology will constantly rewrite the seal codes until it is fully destroyed." He hoped they understood and he was right, although they didn't get word by word meaning, they were aware of his meddling will help in buying more time.
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A few weeks passed since the events involving the Motherbox and everything seemed to cool down among those who knew of it's existence. Kal-El walked on the shallow river with a fishing sphere. He stayed as still as possible and let the Trouts venture close before stabbing them one by one. His abilities were increased fast and he was always alert about it. After he doesn't want to freeze a lake again or blow away trees with a sneeze. Phillipus excelled in training him gain control over his newfound powers by her highly sensitive training which included fishing to handling eggs. He dislodged the fishes from the stick and into a leaf bucket.
SWISH!
He raised his right arm and calmly caught the speeding arrow. The arrow burned his palm with an intense heat, causing him to drop it and the container into the river as he held his palm with the other hand. His gaze immediately shifted in the direction of the arrows orgin and was met with the sight of hundred of arrows rapidly approaching him. Kal jumped of the water and dodged the arrows that were faster than any he had seen before in this island. The Amazons were by far the best he has seen in sports but the way this attacker was sending him arrows, the Amazon's looked like child's play.
"Mark me impressed." A feminine voice spoke from the treeline as the arrows stopped. From the treeline, the silhouette of a curvy woman stepped out. The Kryptonian's eyes immediately scanned the attacker. She was six foot, which gave her the same height advantage as him. Her apparel consisted of a knee length cream tunic with golden trimmings. A quiver was strapped behind her with a familiar bunch of arrows and a bow in her hand. Her sharp eyes which were that of a hunter caught his.
"Who are you?" Kal stepped forward carefully and out of the water.
The woman didn't answer, instead she analysed him from her spot a few more seconds. And when she finally spoke, it wasn't her name. "A mortal with strength and speed that can place a challenge to the gods. Fascinating indeed."
Clearly annoyed, the teenager asked, this time more sharply. "I asked you-" But he was cut off.
"I heard the first time mortal." The woman, now annoyed, narrowed her eyes. "I am the Ruler of Mountains, the greatest hunter, the Virgin. I am Artemis, daughter of Zeus." There was a thundering feeling in the atmosphere as she revealed her identity, as if the King of Gods himself was approving the words.
Although there was no reaction from the Kryptonian, which bothered the Goddess a little. "Is there any particular reason why you have come here? Or have I intruded you?"
Artemis remained stoic although her first thought was to show him she was offended by his lack of respect. "No. You have not intruded me. I merely wished to know who this man Hypolyta have allowed to remain in the city."
Kal shrugged. "Yes well, you have seen him. What else do you seek?"
"What I seek will come in due time, but I must ask you the same, what do you seek among the Amazons?" The Goddess slowly circled the Kryptonian with calculating eyes.
He looked over his shoulder. "I do not seek anything. Themyscira is my home and I am loyal to my Queen."
"Hypolyta? Is she not a little too old for you?" Artemis mocked.
Kal narrowed his eyes and followed her movements. "What does that mean?"
He saw her laugh. "Don't tell me you have not thought about disrobing her and bending her over to claim her as yours. I know how men think, no matter the age." She smirked as he remained silent.
A few seconds passed and she saw the boy let out a breath. "It may sound bizzare to you..." He began. "But the concept of acknowledging one as your mother and not lover exist among those who live in this world." For the first time in his life, he felt like grinning with sadism at the anger that was shown on thr Goddess visage. "Ah...how would you know when your pantheon goes around raping, philandering and commit incestuous relation-" He raised his arms just in time to catch the knife that flew at him. He could feel the tip of the blade touch his right eyebrow when it closed and opened. And there was no Artemis in sight.
Meanwhile in the city, a different scene was about to be unfolded. Ares looked down at the women conducting their daily lives in peace and harmony. A snarl broke out of his lips in disgust. "These whores have been bettering the world..." He clenched his axe. "Stealing my wars..." He quickly controlled his anger that threatened to go against his better judgement and attack them directly. A grin came over his face. "Let us see what I have to prepare for..." In a dark purple gold blur he vanished and reappeared inside the walls. "Rise my slaves. Heed my voice and destroy Themyscira." He raised his arms as the earth shook around him.
Clawed arms shot out of the ground and creatures began to crawl out. Minotaurs with broken axes and missing or rotting body parts emerged and began charging into the population. Following them were winged demons and other malicious creatures slayin in battle or presented to him as gift. The screams of the people soon reached him as the fight began.
The Amazons were quick on their feet after the surprise wore off. But due to half of their military absent and the remaining half in units across Themyscira, resulted in casualties. The minotaurs swung their axes wildly, knocking several women and men while cleaving some in half. The Amazons quickly responded by using their skill and coordination to immobilise and destroy the undead.
The second wave which came to support the minotaurs were the flying humanoid demons that snatched whoever was in their reach. And the fight being in the market made the archers grounded in fear of more casualties.
During the chaos, the soldiers accidentally missed a flying demon go further in to the city and landed on the roof of the school. It sunk it's claws into the stone roof and ripped it off to reveal the children huddled in a corner with their teacher standing with her blade drawn. "Come and taste my blade foul creature!" She charged at the demon and leapt at it, swinging her weapon to behead it. But in a sign of intelligence, the demon dodged it and swung it's caw at her which was blocked.
Turning to the children as she fended of the demon, the teacher shouted. "Run! Find help!" Just as they were about to move out, the wall exploded and an ace slammed into the ground. A deafening roar was heard as the Minotaur turned to the children. "NO!" She turned to get in between the minotaur and her students but gave the opportunity to te demon she was fighting to slash it's claw across her back and sever her left arm. However this did not stop her from continuing the fight as she gave her own roar and blocked the axe aimed for her students.
They were cornered and with the wall and the monsters blocking their path it was obvious the only delay was how much longer the teacher could stand with vast amount of blood she has been losing steadily. "Children." She softly said as her vision blurred. "We are Amazons...we shall never surrender!" She swung her sword one last time, only for it to be swatted away by the Demon. The minotaur raised it's axe to deal the final blow, only for the axe and it's arms to be missing.
The Amazons watched in awe as in another whoosh of wind the axe cleaved both the armless minotaur and the demon in half. Their resident male stepped out of thin air and dropped the axe before running upto the teacher and evaluating her wound. She winced as he touched the wound left by her missing arm. "I am going to close the wound." He told before rubbing his palm together fast. He pressed his open palm into the wound and the woman screamed in agony. He looked at her and said. "This will have to do for now, I need to help the others." She gave him a nod.
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Another great conquest was accomplished by the great army of Herakles. It was after all Zeus' blood that flowed through his veins. There was no man in history or the present that could stand up to him in terms of strength. Cities have fallen, the wives and daughters turned into their entertainment, boys forced to be their soldiers. It was Ancient Greece after all. The fabled Demigod sat on a boulder that used to be the head of a King's statue as it laid in the middle of the plaza. His mind wandered and occasionally looked up into the sky.
"Come Herakles. You are missing out the company of these lovely ladies by stargazing on that rock." A tall muscular blonde haired man called out the great Demigod as he walked by him with two beautiful women under either of his arms.
"Theseus my friend." Herakles smiled and got up. "None for me today. My mind is elsewhere and I do not think I'll be able to appease any of these lovely companions." In truth, if he were to take a woman to bed, his distraction could cost the girl her life like once before. His men was allowed to have their share of women but unfortunately, the sum total of women and young girls were less than adequate. So they will have to share. Herakles smiled even though he heard the screams of children scream as the were forced into womenhood. Theseus walked away with his catch, leaving the champion to his devices.
"Hello brother." Herakles eyes narrowed as he turned to the newcomer whom no one but he saw and heard.
"Ares." He growled, his muscles tensed. "Why are you here?"
"Oh I am hurt little brother. I thought we were making progress in our relationship." Ares removed his helmet and placed it on another boulder. "Nice job you have done here." He chuckled darkly.
"I tire of your small talk. Speak what is it you want or leave before I take up my sword." Hercule clenched his sheathed sword.
"Oh no need. I am simply here to tell you about the Amazons being awarded to have the Golden Griddles." There was silence from his younger sibling and a sinister smile crept over the God of War's face. "They are now the undefeatable champions of Olympus on Earth."
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