Ch7-Meet and Greet…

Dressed and feeling more refreshed than he had in a long time, Kal exited his quarters and found Diana monitoring their descent as their entered the planet's atmosphere. Even from behind she looked magnificent, dressed in the traditional garb of Amazonian royalty, although her choice of the flowing black Grecian gown was not a color she typically selected. He allowed his gaze to drink her in, from the intricate mass of soft midnight black curls that she pinned atop her head and confined by use of a single braid, the golden accents located at the gown's shoulder, to the ever present Amazonian vambraces and golden lariat around her waist, and finally to the authentic Amazonian sandals that graced her feet. He knew there was no more fortunate being in the universe that the straps of her sandals, for they were wrapped around her toned, bronzed calves. Damn. Again his mind wandered back to his solo interlude from earlier. While he was initially shocked that he could do something like that so easily while thinking of someone he considered to be his best friend, he was happy when he realized that it happened as natural as breathing. He decided not to think too much about and enjoy the release for what it was. He hadn't realized how tense he'd become since his break-up with Lois. He shook himself in an attempt to gain some semblance of pride before his best friend realized he was in the room.

"I was wondering when you'd decide that you'd done enough moping around." She joked, her back still to him.

He chuckled at the remark, but not before thinking of how much huskier her voice sounded. Before he could comment on that, she turned to face him full-on. Sweet Rao, the view's better from the front! Unconsciously, his eyes travelled in a path opposite to the one enjoyed from behind Diana. He began at her impeccably beautiful feet and progressed upward. He decided that this was one of his favorite looks for her as his eyes followed the slit that seemed to go on forever up the side of her dress. His gaze lingered at the expanse of exposed knee and partial thigh for a moment before continuing past her slim waist, over her generous bosom. He took his time as he got to her face, the face that could launch a planet full of ships, and stopped once he reached her eyes. Soft, pouty lips led to a regal nose—although he always told her it was "cute as a button". She never got the joke. Finally, he reached her eyes. Of all the things he loved about her, her eyes would always win out. They had the effect of stopping one's breath or giving them life, at the same time. For him, it was both. He felt as if he died and was reborn in her gaze every time. He completed his scan of her in less than a second, thanking every deity in existence for his speed and photographic memory.

Upon turning, Diana had meant to hurl another quip at her friend in an effort to mask her arousal at his appearance. However, any coherent thought fled her mind as she took in his appearance. She immediately noticed that gone was his signature red and blue, instead he opted for the black and blue Kryptonian suit, minus the cape. From the black boots to his sculpted thighs and tapered waist, she nearly swooned at the noticeable bulge in his form fitting pants, her mind instantly transported back to the scenario from earlier. She gulped as her perusal continued over his unearthly abdominals and over his perfectly sculpted chest, the Kryptonian House of El's family crest proudly displayed there in vibrant blue. Reaching his face, she was reminded of when they first met. She'd thought him a God from parts unknown, or at the very least, an angel. Those perfectly proportioned lips, strong jaw line, high cheekbones, and his eyes. They were so devastating in their intensity. Although she tried to hide it, his eyes never failed to take her breath away. Finally, she considered his stubborn forelock. It was something she always associated with Kal. To others, it would seem a slight imperfection to have the hair out of place, but on him, it reminded her of what drew her to him initially, his perfect imperfections, his humanity. She sent a small prayer to her deities, her Olympian family, for granting her the ability and speed to observe him undetected. Or so she hoped.

They exchange between the two lasted no more than a few seconds, but both were riveted from the intensity of it all. Something was changing between them.

"Black?" They both asked, simultaneously; both chuckled at this.

Diana inclined her head, indicating he should speak first.

"So… black, huh?" She nodded in response. "It's different, but I must say, I like it on you."

She narrowed her eyes, slightly amused by the sparkle his eyes held. Was he issuing a challenge? She accepted it without hesitation. She held his gaze with her own.

"And what exactly is it that you like?" She responded, her voice throatier. Truth be told, she was surprised by her own flirtatious tone. Where in Hera's name did that come from?

Kal was temporarily thrown; when had they begun to play this way? Recognizing the challenge she threw back at him, he decided he rather liked this game. He took slow, deliberate strides towards his friend, intending only to call her bluff. This time, he allowed her to see his appreciative assessment of her appearance. However, once he was well within what most considered acceptable personal space even for them, he found his words died in his throat upon locking gazes with this woman. Damn, those eyes. The air around them seemed to crackle with electricity, the hair on his neck standing on end. To her credit, Diana kept the cool, indifferent façade in place, even as she breathed in a scent that was all Kal. Where did this…this…swagger come from? Just when she thought she'd buckle from the intensity of the moment, Kal broke eye contact, his line of view shifting just over her shoulder.

"We've got company." He indicated the viewfinder behind her.

Allow me to introduce myself…

The moment over, Diana turned to face the screen before her, nodding as she saw the impressive fleet of ships which met them, though whether to be their captives or benevolent guides remained unknown at the time. The warrior in her had no choice but appreciate the effective and efficient formation, as well as the obvious discipline of the fleet. She felt Kal reach around her to the communiqué, responding to the beep which indicated a transmission was requesting permission to get through; in the process, his wide chest brushed against her exposed shoulder lightly. Unsure of whether the contact from him was intentional or not, she endeavored to keep the shiver that threatened to overwhelm her at bay. Upon hitting the button, the viewfinder then became a monitor through which a soldier, presumably the commander, spoke to them.

"Halt. You will be escorted from this point by the Zyphonian guard. Identify yourself." The dark haired main spoke briskly, his intense grey gaze brooking no argument.

"Well, isn't he direct?" Diana whispered sarcastically.

Kal nodded his agreement and responded, his voice resonating with confidence. "I am Kal-El of Krypton, and this is Princess Diana of Themyscira. We represent the people of Earth and would request an audience with your leader to discuss an urgent matter."

Slight recognition flashed in the man's eyes at Kal's use of the word Kryptonian. He bowed his head briefly. "Then allow us to escort you as our honored guests to meet with the Prefect."

Ten minutes later, Kal and Diana were allowed to port the Javelin amongst the massive fleet of Zyphonian ships. Presently, they were given a royal detail to escort them to an impressive palace. Although not as aesthetically appealing as the Themysciran palace, Diana could appreciate the detail and obvious care with which the palace was constructed. Kal followed closely behind her, closer than would be socially acceptable in most cultures, but normal for the two. For some reason, he felt somewhat less confined just setting foot on the planet; also, being so close to Diana helped to deter some of the ogling from those around them. Some. He noticed some of the soldiers on their escort detail glancing at Diana at every opportunity. One even had the nerve to emit a low whistle of admiration. Kal could feel his ire rising. Diana slowed her gait as they reached the palace doors, feeling the heat off Kal's body as he stopped behind her. They watched as the grand doors opened to reveal a green-eyed male of considerable size and stature, a scythe of sorts in his hand. His hard gaze softened considerably upon resting eyes on Diana, but resumed some of their earlier flint once he saw Kal behind her. Kal did his best to return the favor, smiling inside when he noticed the man backed off some.

He gave them a curt bow, "The prefect will be most anxious to meet you. We do not get many visitors. Follow me." With that, he turned on his heels and strode away.

Diana and Kal followed behind, somewhat confused that the royal guard remained behind; their impressive stature and lines slowly obscured by the closing doors. A soft glow emanated from deep within the grand hallway and Kal felt the urge to place his hand at the small of Diana's back. He went with the feeling, feeling a slight tremor go through himself at the contact. Diana thanked Hera she was at the fore, as Kal would not see her close her eyes in pleasure at the feel of his hand on her. She fought valiantly and succeeded in silencing the moan that wanted to escape her lips. The air within the palace felt…heavy…sensual, if that was possible. The soft lighting, and the subtle scent of spice coupled with the whisper of a seductive drumbeat was a perfect storm of temptation. Diana was startled by the warm breath at her ear.

"Dangerous." Kal's voice was a soft, seductive complement to everything around her.

She turned her head slightly towards his warmth, "What?"

"The black makes you look dangerous. That's why I like it."

She was truly dumbfounded and could not string together a sentence if her life depended on it. Again thankful for her positioning, she turned away from him, allowing the blush to creep over her entire being. Fortunately, their escort stopped short upon reaching another set of impressive doors, using the heel of his scythe to announce their presence via a gong-like structure to his right. After a beat, the doors opened and both Kal and Diana's senses were overwhelmed with the exorbitance of the sensual atmosphere. The scents, the lighting, and melodic music all emanated from this hall. The scene reminded Kal of a sultan's harem; intricately designed pillows were everywhere, nearly every inch of them covered by a body of some sort engaged in all types of sensual acts. Apparently, debauchery reigned supreme here. Oh, right, hedonistic culture, he though, having the decency to blush at the scene, stepping beside Diana. Diana, ever the embodiment of regality and composure, kept her eyes trained straight ahead, seeking out the Prefect. She located him at the center of the room, surrounded by various colors of beauty, his gaze locked on her and Kal. Inwardly, she cringed at his lascivious gaze as it washed over the both of them; he drank deeply of the goblet in his hand, stopping only to sprinkle some type of powder in the drink. His eyes widened once they rested upon the Kryptonian shield on Kal's chest. His demeanor changed abruptly. Wiping his mouth, he snapped his fingers.

"Enough…I said enough!" He yelled when his earlier protest garnered no response from his harem. "Leave us, all of you."

All participants in the room immediately ceased all acts and left without haste. Their earlier guide remained behind.

"That goes for you, as well, Qryn." He regarded the faithful guard to his left.

The man tightened his grip on the scythe and remained unmoving. It appeared he would protest, then, thinking better of it he bowed his head curtly before leaving them. Their host rose gracefully from his seat atop the lavish pillows. Taking his time, he gave them his back as he retrieved his robe to cover his bare chest, then tying his free flowing chestnut hair into a ponytail. With his hair pulled away from his face, Diana could see that he was a striking vision. He had a regal nose and high cheekbones, his goatee framing a strong mouth. She then regarded his eyes, finding no real warmth in their dark mahogany color. He then gave them a proper bow and greeting.

"Forgive me for the earlier show of…poor taste. When they alerted me of your presence, they failed to note I would be meeting such dignified guests. I'll be sure to have the whips used on the offender," He rubbed his chin, deep in thought. "On second thought, they'd enjoy that too much. Yes, I will have the whips brought out but not used. Muuuuch better." His eyes danced at the prospect.

Kal cleared his throat, getting the man's attention, "That won't be necessary. I assure you we have seen far worse in our travels."

"Just the same, action will still be taken against the transgressor. Imagine, a Kryptonian in our presence and they forget to make that fact known. I'm sure this display of blatant hedonism and lack of discipline must have been offending to your sensibilities, sire." Kal raised a brow at the use of the title and the mocking tone. The man turned his full attention to Diana. "And you, you…magnificent creature. I must apologize as this is not the way a king would prefer his queen be introduced to him."

Diana scoffed and had no time to respond before Kal was speaking, "Queen?"

"Certainly, you have brought her here as barter for whatever assistance I can give. And I will give willingly, so long as she does." His voice bordered on obscene as he teased his bottom lip with his tongue.

Diana could feel the sudden rage vibrating off her friend. She placed a hand on his forearm to still him. Kal was amazed that the Amazon Princess could remain so calm at the affront; he was feeling borderline murderous at the comment!

"While that is a flattering offer…forgive me, we did not get your name?" Her delivery was smooth, belying the rage she felt. The only reason she remained so calm was that she knew how much this meant to Kal, even though he did not behave as such. Strange.

The man before them took another bow, "Zyphonius…Zyphonius Xi-On, formerly of Krypton. Now, Prefect and ruler of Zyphon-Xia."

"You're-you're Kryptonian? A direct descendant." Kal spoke through his shock at the revelation.

"That I am, sire. Last surviving true Kryptonian on this planet. We began as a band of twenty, escaping our dying homeworld to this then-barely inhabited planet. Along the way, we …procured several others seeking refuge and shelter from their own home worlds. Sadly, my brothers in arms died shortly after siring a new generation of offspring. 'Tis only I that remains." Zyphonius explained in a rehearsed, bored tone.

"Why do I get the feeling you are using the term 'procure' very loosely? As in you kidnapped those people." Kal challenged, clearly agitated. He also had the sinking suspicion the Prefect had something to do with the deaths of his Kryptonian comrades. It appeared he became more and more agitated as he remained in the man's presence. Diana tightened her hold on his arm, trying to bring him back. She exhaled a sigh when she saw him briefly close his eyes and release a pent up breath. He was at least trying to gather himself.

If he noticed the agitation, the Prefect gave no indication. He gave a nonchalant wave of his hand as he approached a table in the far corner of the room. "Kidnapped? That would be laughable if it wasn't such a gross miscalculation. Did it appear that any of those you saw wanted to escape this planet? That they are held against their will? All I see are individuals wanting to satisfy their baser needs. They were all too willing to assist us in populating this planet…ah, it appears I am now the one at a disadvantage. Your names?"

Sensing in the tense set of his jaw that he would not reply, Diana interjected. "I am Princess Diana of Themyscira and this is Kal-El of Krypton. Why do you keep referring to him as sire?"

At her question, Zyphonius raised an amused brow. "You mean you don't know?" Neither gave a response, the man called Kal-El just seemed more agitated. "The House of El is a royal crest. They were the scientific advisors of the ruling house of Krypton, Xi-On."

"Which is why you presume I would offer my friend for your services, oh benevolent ruler?" Kal narrowed his eyes, his fists clenching and unclenching.

Diana gave him a quick sideways glance, noting the sarcasm dripping from his statement. What in Hades' name is wrong with him? She again faced their host.

"Ah, yes. Forgive my earlier blunder, as it seems that is not the case now." He looked intensely at Diana. "Unless…it is?" He asked hopefully.

"It isn't." She replied coolly.

He actually appeared deflated at her response, but he recovered quickly enough.

"Then could I interest you in libation or sustenance?" He indicated the buffet style spread of food and drink at the table before him.

"You'll have to excuse us for declining, your Highness." More sarcasm from Kal.

Diana decided the sooner they finished their business on this planet the better. "Prefect, we have come requesting information, and also in hopes of forming an alliance."

His interest piqued, the Prefect inclined his head as he sat at the table, indicating she should continue.

"We are aware that you're planet was visited a short while ago by a band of individuals-"

"Ah, yes. That unfortunate band of imbeciles, from some planet called Erp. Ranting about forming some alliance. I can't say I paid them any heed, but then again, they did not have such a beauty to offer to sweeten the pot."

Hearing the knuckles crack from the pressure of Kal's enclosed fist, she continued. "Earth. Planet Earth. It is Kal-El's adopted home and we fear these individuals may be making plans to attack and overtake the planet. We are emissaries from a group of warriors whom protect Earth, known as The Justice League."

"Ah, I've heard of the exploits of this League, mainly as it pertains to Green Lantern Corps. In either case, we are not interested in joining a war that is not of our own making. We believe in experiencing the joys of existing, not striving to end said existence. Escaping from Krypton was a blessing, I'd always thought the planet was too mechanical. I mean, we were all flesh and blood, yet the entire planet walked around like androids, choosing to not enjoy in the basest of pleasures. Why should I let a body as divine as mine go to such waste?" His meaning was not lost on Diana.

"So you would hear turn a deaf ear to our petition for help in lieu of…physical satisfcation." Kal stated through clenched teeth.

" Your statement implies we are cold, and unfeeling. We are merely uninterested."

"We would ask that you reconsider, as the war could reach your planet, even given its distance from our own. Having an ally in this war would not be unwise." Diana implored, more for Kal's sake that her own.

"Princess, the heavens above would have to part for me to involve my people in someone else's war." He rose from the table, a study in fluidity. "If not the heavens, then maybe your heavenly thighs."

"Enough!" Kal shot around her like one of Zeus' thunderbolts, effectively upending the Prefect. A cloud of red, sparkling dust rose from the impact. Kal shook his head free of the offending particles, pulling the limp form of the Prefect closer. "You don't ever get to speak to her that way, understand?"

Diana gasped at the rage she could feel rolling off him in waves, even from across the room; his voice was pure venom. The Prefect was momentarily dazed. Shaking the cobwebs free, he grinned even while in Kal's grip. "Ha! You possess such strength! Tell me, is from the yellow sun that orbits your Erp?" He inquired, oblivious to the murderous intent of Kal.

"It's Earth, you moron!" Kal railed, picking the man off the floor by his throat.

Diana sped onto the scene in an instant, trying to reason with her friend before he killed the man. For that, no matter the reason, Kal would never forgive himself. What had gotten into her friend?

"Kal! Stop, please! Kal!" Her pleas fell on deaf ears and she was unable to physically pry his hands from the man's neck. Has he gotten stronger here?

Kill. Kill him. No one disrespects Diana, Kal's inner demon raged, his vision fully clouded in red. Diana, too, would have noticed the red pulse in her friend's eyes if not so focused on his hands at the other man's throat. As the three continued in their deadly dance, Diana could hear the strained voice of the Prefect, "F—focu-focus…"

She turned to him then, "What?"

"M-m-make him focus on-on s-s-something el-else…" The man's breath grew weaker by the second.

What? What is he talking about? Focus? Diana tried to puzzle out the man's meaning, but came up with nothing. Her breaths came as rapid as his did, for she feared Kal would truly kill the man. She again tried to pry his hands away to no avail. She panicked as she could literally see the life draining from Zyphonius. Later she would look back on this as a WTF moment, but Diana acted without thinking. She grabbed Kal's face in both hands and kissed him with all the fear and passion she felt in that moment. As the kiss went on, she could sense that he had dropped the Prefect, instead his hands finding a resting spot in her hair on her hips. It seemed his channeled all his earlier rage into passion as he took control of the kiss. Intending only to break his concentration and free the man, Diana found she could not pull herself from the kiss. Her eyes closed of their own volition as she felt Kal moan into her mouth. He used his tongue to coax her mouth open, re-introducing their tongues again for the first time in nearly ten years. The brutality of the kiss transformed at that moment, Diana could feel the change in Kal. His body was no longer tense with murderous rage, but the passionate way his mouth made love to hers while his hands gripped her did not waver either. She felt her own passion double at this, gripping his hair with both hands, pulling away from him teasingly as she continued to suckle his bottom lip. Instead of simply ending the kiss, Diana brought her nose against his sensually. Kal showered short pecks on her full, kiss-swollen lips, reveling in the feel of her bosom heaving against his own. The kiss seemed to go on forever until they finally disengaged their mouths, their foreheads touching as they attempted to recover from the intense moment. Kal drew lazy circles on her back as they both tried to steady their breathing. Diana was afraid of opening her eyes for the regret and admonition she felt she might see in his gaze.

"Don't shield your eyes from me, Diana. Please." His voice was like velvet against her ears. He stroked her ear softly with his fingers, effectively sending more shivers through her frame.

She slowly opened her eyes to find Kal looking at her with such intensity it made her stomach tighten. Even as Zyphonius cleared his throat loudly behind them, they remained in their lover's embrace, breathing as one. The Prefect stumbled back to the table, throwing himself into the chair he'd previously occupied, grabbing the nearest cup and gulping down its contents. Once done, he grabbed another and repeated the motion. Only after his third cup did he stop, his earlier spunk having returned. He cleared his throat more confidently then, addressing his guests.

"I thank you for saving my life, Princess." He rubbed his throat gingerly. His words served to break their trance, Diana extracted herself from Kal's embrace. She turned to face the Prefect, Kal moving his arm possessively around her waist as his gaze remained on her. Mine.

"Please accept my apology for my friend, he's…not normally like this." She responded. She'd simply done what had to be done for a friend. That's all. So why have eagles replaced the butterflies that are normally in your stomach when Kal touches you?

Zyphonius waved off the apology, "No. Accept my apology for my behavior. I suppose it was deserved. Sometimes I let my standing as Prefect go to my head. But my answer remains the same."

"Understood. We will depart, then, if you do not mind." Diana wanted to get Kal out of this place as soon as possible. At Zyphonius' nod, she and Kal turned as one, her hand encased within his warm one. One finely manicured brow rose at Kal's act. She turned back to Zyphonius briefly. "Zyphonius?"

He stood, "Yes, Princess?"

"Please, never, ever, come to Earth. Kal will be there for a very, very long time and I may not be able to stop him next time." She hated to resort to the veiled threat, but if it was the only way to save these people from a destined destruction, she would do it. For Kal.

He nodded, grave understanding in his features. "Princess, please accept my apologies. Your friend should be okay in a few days."

Puzzled, Diana nodded quickly as she and Kal exited the room.