PARADISE
CHAPTER 12
Superman flew to the Embassy. There was a portal there that would transport them to Themyscira in seconds.
He was met by the two Ambassadors who represented the tribes,Phythia and Nehebka. They had been alerted by the League about Wonder Woman's condition.
Phythia ushered Superman in,looking at Diana's unconscious form,with the sword of Devastation still protruding from her ribs."Come quickly. I have informed the Queen and they wait
for you beyond."
He met with Nehebka,who was already,opening the door to the magical island."Go quickly,Superman."
He was met with a blinding light and felt himself standing on the middle of what appeared to be a large marble dais. The room itself looked familiar;as part of the Senate Chambers.
Looking up at him was the Queen of the Amazons,Hippolyta, and the General of the Amazon Guard, Phillipus. Behind them stood palace guards and familiar faces in Artemis and the priestess, Penelope.
Hippolyta surged forward."Superman!Oh thank Hera!How is she?Diana,my child."Her hands touched the smooth cheek with fear and concern.
Before he could utter a word,Phillipus took Diana out of his arms and said urgently,"I will take her at once to Epione,Majesty."
Hippolyta nodded,"Yes,yes,let us go."They turned away. Artemis looked at him with a cynical look."Well,you brought her. You'd best leave now. Your kind are not exactly welcomed here."
Penelope rebuked her softly,"Artemis,for shame. I am sorry,Superman,for her rudeness."
Superman said calmly,"Think nothing of it. I have done what I came to do. All the League will appreciate is if you would keep us abreast of..."
He was interrupted by the Queen of the Amazons turning before she exited the large chamber. "Penelope,please show Superman to the Royal Palace and offer him refreshment whilst he waits." She looked at the Man of Steel."I presume you will want to wait to hear of my daughter's condition as it progresses?"
Superman,well versed in the art of diplomacy,did not blink. He inclined his head."Thank you ,Your Majesty."
Hippolyta nodded and was gone.
Artemis was speechless. Penelope tried to hide a smile."This way,Superman."
The last time males of the League had come to the island was years ago,when they fought Faust and Ares. To see Superman once more was enough to cause some rumblings of disapproval, especially in the women of the Bana-Midghall tribe. They knew that he had perhaps saved the Princess' life but why had the Queen let him stay?Couldn't she just say thank you and send him on his way?Did she have to entertain him?
The Themyscira Amazons were more tolerant. They generally didn't give him suspect looks and viewed him as one would a guest,not an intruder. They had not forgotten the League saving them from Ares.
Penelope led him to a semi-circular sitting area. It overlooked a courtyard and was used by the Queen to have private audience with her peers or familiars. It was,like the rest of the palace,cast in pure marble and had large uncovered windows. Superman sat down and servants came with trays laden with fruit and delicacies.
She poured him a type of cordial from an ornate pitcher.
He thanked her and took the goblet."Where are they taking her?"
"To the Isle of Healing. Epione is our chief healer. She will help her, I'm certain of it."
"Healing Isle?It isn't on the main island?"
"No. It is a smaller island,west of here."
"I could have taken her. Flown her quickly..."
Penelope smiled."Yes,but so can we. A chariot drawn by winged horses was already waiting outside. And General Phillipus is as protective of the Princess as the Queen herself. She was her mentor and teacher growing up. I wish I could stay but I am due at the Temple. You must not leave here unless you have been given permission. There are armed guards outside the door."
He said wryly,"You're aware that couldn't hold me if I wanted to leave?"
She smiled."I know. It's more to soothe our own paranoia. There are some books on the table there; feel free to have a look.""
She left him. He sighed and reached out to pick up a fat volume. His brows rose. It was the writings of the great Socrates. He smiled."Ah,Bruce,what you wouldn't do to get your aristocratic mits on this."
Diana opened her eyes hours later. She was lying on a bed of finest silk and the ceiling and friezes overhead looked familiar. She winced as she felt a sharp ache in her ribs and back.
A voice said,"Ah,you're awake."
She focused. In the low lantern-light,she saw Epione. She let out a tiny sigh."I'm at home?"
Epione smiled."Yes,your Highness. Do you recall how you came to be here?"
Diana said daze,"I was injured. Devastation. She stabbed me."
Epione gestured to a short sword on the far table."Yes. That's the offending weapon. Had its blade been bigger...Well,it was good fortune you had Superman with you. He brought you home."
She blinked and asked huskily,"He did?"
"Yes. He came via the portal at the Embassy."
Diana struggled to sit up. Epione raised her pillows."Wait,let me help you. Whilst you have great recuperative powers,you are not invulnerable. Your have had the healing ray but still need to keep to your bed."
Diana sat up,holding the sheet to her nude body. It felt uncomfortable when she breathed and she could feel a large bandage around her ribs. She looked at the healer and whispered, "She allowed him access?"
Epione said amused,"Not only did she allow it,he is still here."
"What?" she gasped and coughed.
"Here,drink this,"ordered the woman,helping her to a few sips of some sort of elixir.
Diana cringed at the smell,but obeyed. She looked out the window. It was daylight when she had fallen. Now she could see the lamps burning and the night sky filled with stars.
She asked,"Where is he?"
"Your mother has him in the palace. She sat here for two hours but I sent her back. It's no use her staying to watch you unconscious. Especially when she has affairs to run. I must say,she's being very tolerant of him. The senate isn't exactly overjoyed at his presence. They're waiting to hear when you waken."
Queen Hippolyta went so far as to dine with Superman. It was not only out of diplomatic protocol that she did this to show her gratitude but it afforded her,as a curious mother, the opportunity to ask about her daughter's life and work with the League.
"A secret identity. I will never understand why she must have one. It makes little sense. Couldn't she change the world as she is?"
Superman replied,"Yes,but she felt hindered by Wonder Woman. The view from above isn't always a true one. Ordinary humans cannot connect with those who seem like gods to them. And to be honest they shouldn't have to. Because they cannot understand what we face. But we can try to see life through their eyes."
Hippolyta frowned."You're one of the most powerful beings on earth. Almost as strong as a god of Olympus. Why must you do that?"
He replied,"I am a farmer's son,ma'am."
Hippolyta looked taken aback."A farmer's son?Diana said you were of alien origin!"
"I was. I am. When my world was destroyed,I was sent to earth as a baby. My ship landed in a mid-western farm. I was reared by a farmer and his wife."
"I don't understand...You carry yourself like a royal. You speak with authority and confidence. You command respect in your world..."
Superman smiled,almost amused,"In my world farmers' sons can be all that you describe. It does not mean because I helped my father sow wheat I would automatically be a coarse ignoramus. Your Botanists are very learned,aren't they?"
Hippolyta flushed."Forgive me,I had not meant to sound so judgmental. We Amazons pride ourselves that we accept beings for what they are,and that all are equal."
"You don't accept men ."
"You know the history of the Amazons?"
"Diana explained it to me. Whilst it is tragic,isn't it extreme to blame an entire world for the actions of a few?"
"Can you understand what it is to be violated,humiliated,and betrayed?And by one you thought you felt strongly for...even loved?Of course not. Men took advantage of our good- is difficult for us to trust your gender."
"We are not all selfish and brutal."
"So my daughter keeps telling me. She has argued with me on many an occasion defending the men of the Justice League. I cannot feel so trusting. I pray everyday that she is not made unhappy,and returns to us."She looked gravely at him."And I hear what you are saying ,Superman,but Diana is my heir. She is as much as Themyscira as I am. How long can she cavort in your world and play at being one of you until duty calls?"
He looked sombre."She would never neglect her duty,but she is the future and the future is always full of hope. And what is to stop her from changing the status quo when she is Queen?You know she will."
Hippolyta looked at him,bemused,impressed,doubtful. Before she was able to reply,there was a gentle knock on the door. Hippolyta looked up. It was Phillipus.
"Majesty,the princess has waken. Epione reports that she will make a full recovery."
Hippolyta's eyes lit up. She whispered a thankful prayer. Superman exhaled beside her.
"I will be with you,General."She looked at him."I must go."
He said,"So must I. Thank you for your hospitality,Hippolyta. Will you say to Diana...that I send my regards."
Hippolyta gave him an enigmatic stare as they stood together."Wouldn't you like to come back and do that yourself?"
Superman looked surprised."I...come back?"
"Yes. I will send word via the Embassy when Diana is stronger and up to receiving visitors."
He bowed."Thank you. Good-night,Your Majesty."
She indicated to a guard to escort him back to the Senate Chambers where he could port out. Phillipus looked at her a touch perplexed."Why in Hera's name would you...?"
Hippolyta mused,"I think, Phillipus, that is the man that my daughter pined for those years that she was home."
"Superman?"
"Yes,Superman."
"But she barely said a word about him!"
"It's not what one says,General,but what one does not. Phythia says Diana is courting a male from her city;but I am more suspicious about this one."
"The Senate will wonder at this,my Queen. This softening of position."
"Diana has been at logger heads with me for the last five years about changing the rules. I know we can't just open up the island like that but we need to discuss the idea of some integration."
"Some will say the Embassy is enough."
"He made a valid point tonight. I could cling to the old ways for an eternity if I live...but Diana,she won't...He seems to know my child better than I know her."She sighed."Let's go."
Two days later Diana was able to sit out and walk around the room. The call came to Clark Kent as he sat at his desk in the Planet.
The phone rang. It was J'onn. "Kal. The Embassy has contacted the League. The Queen has sent for you."
Clark put down the phone and looked across at Lois. She was on her computer. She looked up and seeing his face,grimaced,"What does the League want now?"
He said quietly,"I'm going to Themyscira to see Diana."
Lois knew of Diana's close call and that he had taken her home. She did not wished anything bad to happen to the woman but she wasn't exactly overjoyed at the news that Clark was returning to check up on her.
She asked casually,"You'd think the League would send a physician to check her out..."
Clark stood up."It's not up to the League,but Hippolyta herself."
Lois made a face."Well,don't take too long. You promised to cook me dinner tonight."
He smiled, and left. Lois returned to her work but found it difficult to concentrate.
Diana was lying on a divan out on the terrace in her own apartments. She had been moved from the Healing Isle that morning to the Palace. The late afternoon sun warmed her cheeks where she now laid. She closed her eyes,listening to the sound of the sea and the winds rustling the trees. She was at peace.
She did not hear him being let into her apartments by a guard. Nor did she hear his boots on the marble floor. It was perhaps because he floated rather than walked. He came around to stare down at her,as she laid half asleep. Her hair was loose and she wore no tiara. She wore an ankle-length, white tunic that was hitched under the bust with ribbon. She was bare footed and one hand rested near her head on the pillow,whilst the other hung negligently over the side of the divan.
Superman's shadow fell over her and she instantly felt the warmth of the sun diminish on her skin. Her blue eyes fluttered open.
Diana felt her heart skip a beat. She had not expected to see anyone from the outside,much less him!"Kal?What are you doing here?"
He smiled down at her,his blue eyes soft and almost caressing."Hello,Diana."
She sat up and gestured for him to sit."Hello...come...sit...I don't understand how you came to be..."
He sat at her feet on the end of the divan. He explained,"Hippolyta has been very accommodating. She said I had an hour with you. To make use of it since it'll be a while before I come back here again. You look better."
"I'm better. Epione estimates I'll be back in action in two days. How is everyone?"
"Worried about you. But relieved after today. J'onn is doing Doppel-ganger duty for you. He's okay with the teaching aspect but dodging Adam Butler is a bit more challenging."
She looked rueful."I'm sorry. I wish I could have spared him that."
Superman chuckled,"I think he tried to kiss him yesterday."
"What?Oh merciful Minerva,what did he do?"
"He was very matter-of-fact when he spoke to me but I believed he did what any decent shape-shifting telepath could do. He made him kiss the nearest woman to him,and it turned out to be your old History teacher!"
Diana began to giggle."Oh no. Poor Adam."
"I believe Mrs Holmes was rather impressed."
"And the girls at school?"
Clark filled her in on the latest news of the school,and Boston. It was almost like old times,the ease which they chatted together. Perhaps it was the influence of the island itself.
He added,searching behind his cape,"Before I forget,I have this for you."He produced her lasso."You dropped it during the battle."
She said wryly,"Left it is more like it. She was so strong. Kal,thank you for saving my life,again."
He handed over the lasso and their hands connected. He suddenly asked bluntly,"What's happening to us,Diana?"
She was never the sort of woman to act coy. She only sighed as she took the lasso."Change."
"What did Lois tell you that morning?"
"What makes you feel Lois...?"She looked awkward.
He cut her off."I'm no fool not to realize that your attitude towards me changed after that day you two were on the farm. And I know Lois is insecure about you. I mean,who can blame her .Even after coming out of death's grasp,you're...radiant!"
He got up and went to the balustrade and stared out at the horizon. He sounded troubled ."I ought to be thankful for it. Your putting our relationship in perspective. John said you're making it easy for me. Then why am I not gratified?Why is it that I can't accept this...change?I must be a jerk..."
Diana whispered,"This is dangerous ground,Clark."
He turned and looked at her."You're in love with Adam Butler."It was a flat, wooden statement. It was as if he was reminding himself of the way things had changed.
She countered."You're in love with Lois Lane."
He came towards her and she found her heart was thumping. Her hands pressed against his chest as he raised her to her feet. She gulped,"Kal,this isn't right."
"What's not right is that you nearly expired in my arms and till this day I don't even know what I want from you. I t can't go on like this."
It was getting harder to breathe."I know,but... it's not like we are back on Smallville all those years ago when things were simpler ...when there was no one to hurt..."
She put her hand to his cheek. She had touched him many times,but today it never felt so painful to him. She felt tears fill her eyes as he murmured,"This is hard." He gave into temptation and turned her palm to his lips. Diana shivered."I know."
It was standing like that,heads leaning in close,eyes locked,that the Queen came upon them."Ahem."
Blushing, Diana pulled away."Mother."
Hippolyta maintained a calm demeanor."Superman,it is time."
Superman moved away from the princess. He bowed."I thank you for permitting me to the Island,Majesty."
"Let it not be said that the Amazon people are not aware of what they owe to those who have risked their lives for them and saved their Princess. I send greetings to the outside world and your League."
He nodded."I thank you."He looked at Diana."Good-bye Princess."
"Good-bye Superman."
The Queen turned to her daughter after he had exited."Well,what was that about?"
Diana gestured in an almost pleading manner to her."Don't .Not now."
Hippolyta looked at her face. It was so resigned. So wan. So strange to a mother who had never seen such pain etched on her child's face,that she reached for her shoulder.
"Diana,child,do you want to talk of it?"
"There is nothing to talk about."
Hippolyta sighed."I see you feel for this man. More than you would admit .But in the long run,it may be better for you. Passion is deceptive. It can lie. It doesn't last. You may lie with a man and still he may not love you..."
"Mother,you don't understand...Kal and I have never...not in the manner you mean"
She looked taken aback."Then how can you even know?"
Diana sighed and turned to walk back inside her rooms."One just does."