REALITY CHECK

CHAPTER FOUR

Donna Troy was in the study of the Amazon Embassy when Superman's arrival was announced by a member of the domestic staff. Donna bade the woman to let the Man of Steel enter and she stood up with a sigh. Gods, he had come all too soon. She had not expected him yet. Diana had warned her that he might come and Hippolyta had strictly told her to not give anything away.

Donna had been stunned when she heard of Diana's pregnancy but shock turned into sadness when she realized that her sister and Superman had been victims of circumstance. Or was it just the whim of the Fates? Donna wanted to believe that Diana had done the right thing for Lois and Clark and their marriage, but part of her felt that perhaps she ought to have just let Clark have a say in the matter. Diana had not expected, in fact, no one expected her to conceive, and what ought to have been a joyous circumstance was now a painful one, making matters even more complicated than they needed to be.

Hippolyta assigned Donna to take over the role of Ambassador. The excuse to the outside world was that Wonder Woman had duties to perform. No one, not even her allies, could argue that a princess did not have a duty to her people. As for their sisters, Hippolyta just said Diana wanted to return home and none would object to having their princess back with them.

The door opened and Superman entered. Donna smiled. "Hey, Clark. How are you?"

"Donna. I'm fine. You?"

"Trying to get my head around all these duties. It's so much stuff to read, people to call upon, functions to attend, speeches to give...How did she do it? Would you like something to eat? Drink?"

For once, he dispensed with pleasantries. He got straight to the point. "No, thank you. I need nothing. Donna, why did Diana leave?"

She blinked. "Excuse me?"

He came around to face her directly, his blue eyes penetrating. "Why did she leave so abruptly? Without even saying good-bye?"

"But she did say good-bye. You were not there that's all. You and Lois were in Mexico on holiday. There was no point in bothering you. And you know as well as I do, she is heir to the throne. The Senate and mother want her home for the time being."

He frowned. "I need to speak with her."

"Clark, you can't change her mind..."

"I don't want to change her mind. I know that if Diana chooses to do something there is a valid reason. I don't know why, I just need to ...," he paused and said sincerely, "see her. To make sure she's okay."

Donna schooled her face. She longed to take his hand and give it a squeeze. She felt a surge of guilt, lying to this man, who had been a good friend and ally to the Amazons, and wished she could tell him the truth.

She said lamely, "Well, I don't know what I can do to..."

He said abruptly, "I need to use your portal."

Donna winced inside. Oh no. Here we go. He wants to see her. If he takes one look at her he will know. Those darn super-senses of his would know.

There was something different about him too.

Superman looked at her. "Well?"

"You can't just go in like that. I must inform them and only if Mother allows it..."

"Then, please, by all means, do inform them and get your mother's permission," he riposted.

She looked at the determination in his face. Yes, he was different. She sighed, "Fine. I'll let them know you want to come through."

Hippolyta sat on her throne and schooled her expression to one of utter calm and queenly forbearance as Superman was ushered in. He walked towards her. Phillipus, the General of the Amazon army, stood nearby. Superman bowed to the Queen and inclined his head at Phillipus. "Hippolyta, Phillipus."

Formalities had been dispensed long ago. He was one of the very few of Diana's allies that Hippolyta viewed as an equal and not as just a mere man. He had risked his life on many occasions for Diana, Hippolyta, and Themyscira. They owed him respect. It also helped he had this very non aggressive, calm way about him. The tribes did not feel threatened by him despite him wielding power that could take out half the island with ease. When Donna had informed them that he wanted to see Diana they were not surprised. It was expected. They knew beforehand they would have to prepare to face him and had already rehearsed what they would say.

Hippolyta knew this man cared for her daughter deeply. She had seen it in his eyes many a time over the years. She also knew he had chosen to not pursue her for some unknown reason and ended up tying himself to a human woman. Hippolyta could not understand Kal-el of Krypton. He defied logic. No man or God could see Diana of Themyscira and not want her. It secretly relieved Hippolyta he proved to be the exception but she wondered at the bond between her daughter and this man. She used to worry that it was only a matter of time all that unspoken passion would explode and consume them both. But they had proven to be above it. It use to make her wonder if this deep kinship they shared was indeed the kind of love that all beings aspired towards. Unconditional love. Loving each other despite everything. Not needing to physically possess each other. The silent displays so much greater than words he or she could ever say.

She sighed. Gods, this would make what happened even more painful. They finally came together in Asgard under honorable circumstances, and then to have the heavy hand of Fate disrupt their happiness. Now matters made more complex by Diana wanting to preserve the status quo for his and this Lois' sake. Three thousand years old was Hippolyta. She had not gained her wisdom by not making mistakes. By Hera, she had made so many in her life time and suffered her share of pain! Diana and Superman were mere babes in arms in comparison. But this was their test.

"Superman, what brings you here?"

"Hippolyta, greetings. I came to speak to Diana."

"Oh, I see. I am sorry, Superman. You cannot see Diana."

"I can't?" His brows drew together.

"No. I know that seems odd and final but it's Amazonian business, you understand? "

Protocol dictated he bow and withdraw with good grace. Yet he asked gravely, "Why exactly can't I see her, if I may ask?"

Phillipus's brows rose as did Hippolyta's at such temerity. But it had been in done in such a way that she could not feel offended. The Queen replied, "She is partaking one of our Amazonian rituals. It involves fasting and prayer and seclusion. She is not even allowed to speak to me. It is a religious matter all sisters routinely go through as a means of purification and discipline."

He frowned. "Oh. I see. How long will this take?"

"It is difficult to say. Diana will spend some time as well with the priestess order at Delphi. That alone takes a while. I imagine when she is ready to return she will."

Superman digested this. It was simple. Diana was immersed in her culture and doing her duty and could not see anyone. He should go. Yet the compulsion to stay was overpowering. He tried to fine tune his hearing. To see through walls but found nothing. Hippolyta saw what he was doing and she compressed her own guilt in lying to him. Diana wisely was nowhere he could even use his super senses to seek her out. The magic on parts of the island was so thick Superman would never locate her.

Hippolyta said softly, "It will not be forever, Superman. Diana will return to the League in time. Please do respect her decision."

He took in a deep breath and nodded his head. "We do. Tell her we...I...send my regards. Goodbye Hippolyta."

The Queen of the Amazons watched him leave, accompanied by a guard to go back to the outside via the portal. She let out a sigh as the door shut behind him and waited until they were sure he was gone before she spoke. She looked at Phillipus who had been standing behind her silently. "Do you think he believed what we told him?"

Phillipus was the only other Amazon along with Donna that knew of the truth. She quietly said, "I cannot say, but he is obviously too well-bred and polite to say otherwise."

Hippolyta looked at her grimly, "I hope to the Gods we can keep this matter a secret. I feel badly having to deceive him. But the time is drawing near to tell the Senate. I dread what they may decide. I could not bear to see Diana exiled once again."

"He's gone."

Diana turned to see her mother behind her on the upper balcony of the sanitarium on the Healing Isle. She turned back to stare out to the sea. "Does he suspect anything?"

"Difficult to say with Superman. He seemed concerned and even dared to question me, but he accepted the explanation when I said that you have to do your duty."

Diana muttered, "Thank Hera."

"Diana, I have to take this to the Senate. I cannot keep it from them for much longer. It would be wrong of me to have you here under false circumstances. Zeus knows what they will say."

Diana turned to look at her "I know, Mother. And I will spare you that. "

Hippolyta frowned. "What?"

"I will not remain here."

Hippolyta opened her lips to speak. Diana stopped her. "Mother, the Senate may just decide upon exile. I know they love me but they have their duty to follow the rules. I will go before your hands are forced."

"Diana, they may not. They may decide you can stay...This was not your fault. It was beyond your control. The Nordic Gods played their part in this too..."

"What if it is a male child? How will the rest of my sisters and the Bana view that? What if Superman comes again? With his hearing, you are sure he will not pick up on whispers? "

"I..."

"See, you cannot tell what they would say. That he will not find out. But I would rather not risk it. This is my burden to bear. And I think it is better I am away from the island. If my enemies and Superman's enemies get wind of this child's parentage that could put everyone on this island at risk. Can you imagine what Circe would do if she found out? The mischief she would perpetuate?"

Hippolyta sighed. "Where will you go?"

"I have spoken to Julia Kapatelis, Mother, and she offered to help me. She said I could stay with her for as long as I needed."

"That is kind of her, Diana, but how will that keep this child safe? Is Julia still in Boston?"

Diana replied, "No. She is with Nessie in Greece."

"Greece?"

"After what happened with Vanessa and the Silver Swan, Julia took her home to recuperate. It will be better this way. Few may recognize or care for Wonder Woman in Kefalonia. They live in a small village in the mountains and from what I gather it is very isolated, peaceful, and quiet. Exactly what I need."

Hippolyta clenched her fists. "This was what I wanted to spare you! I knew this would happen. That you would get your heart broken. You should have listened to me, Diana!"

Diana turned and saw the pain in her mother's eyes, and she reached out to touch her. Her voice was soft. "My heart is bruised, not broken. How can it be when he never broke it? Mother, you know Kal. He would never willingly hurt me..."

"Then why are you keeping this from him? He has a right to know..."

"No. We have been over this. It would not be fair for him to choose. I, however, can. Mother, Kal and I were in a strange land for one thousand years and it was only natural we should learn to care for each...more than we already have. He was all I had to keep me tied to you and all I loved in a time of war and bloodshed. Gods, I was weary and tired of it, and the daily grind of battle would have driven me insane if I did not have him to turn to. He understood and never held it against me for taking him away from all that he loved. I can never hold what has happened against him. But Lois should not be subject to heartache. She did nothing. "

"What do I tell your sisters? You leave your post as Ambassador to return, then leave again. They will wonder ..."

"Tell them I have gone to live incognito into the world. To live amongst humans. They will not question that. It is what I did for a short time during my tenure as Wonder Woman. I will not be gone forever, just a little while. I will be back to visit when I can, I promise. Please give me your blessing so I may leave with a lighter heart."

Hippolyta felt her heart throb with pain as she saw the sadness but determination in Diana's eyes. Discipline, it was what they had drummed into Diana as a child, and here she was showing her mother in no uncertain terms that she was going to lived by it. Plus, she was always too stubborn for her own good.

The Queen planted a kiss on her brow. "The Gods watch over you, my daughter. I will be praying everyday for your well being and happiness. If you need anything,do not hesitate to ask. I will come if you need me."

Diana put her arms around her mother and held her tight.

"What's the matter, Smallville?

Clark looked up from his plate. He looked at Lois blankly. "Excuse me?"

She gestured at his untouched food. "You are not hungry? Come on, it's take-out, it's not like it's my cooking."

He dropped his fork. "I don't feel hungry actually."

She narrowed her eyes. "You? Not hungry? That is a misnomer if ever there was one."

He said heavily, "I ate at the satellite."

"So, since when has that stopped you?" She studied him intently. "This doesn't have anything to do with a certain star-spangled, swimsuit-wearing Amazon, does it?"

"What?"

"You've been acting like someone with his head in the clouds since we came back from Mexico, and the only thing that's of major interest that has happened is that she has resigned and gone back to her island."

His silence spoke volumes. She asked, "Why did she leave so abruptly?"

He shrugged. "I don't know, but something feels off. I can't put my finger on it."

"I see. Is that all? You feel something is off?" Her voice was edged with some cynicism.

"What are you implying?"

"Look, Clark, I have been very patient about your and Wonder Woman's friendship. More so than any other woman. You keep telling me it's only friendship and I want to believe that. But there are times I can't help but wonder if you think maybe that you missed out on something with her."

He said tiredly, "Lois, we have been over this. Umpteen times. I also married you, not her."

"You and she dated before us, didn't you? I mean it was all over the press."

"It wasn't like that at all," he replied. It was so untrue to even call it a date. He and Diana met up and no sooner than beginning a conversation they were transported to Olympus and had to face off with Darkseid. Any thoughts he harbored on dating her had been quenched by realizing how different the worlds they inhabited were, and something in him did not want to try and have it fail.

"So you say. I find after being so smitten by her that you would have one date then turn tail and run. You were able to turn off your feelings like a tap then,weren't you, Smallville?"

"Lois, you have had men in your life in the past. Even Lex Luthor, Bruce Wayne, have I ever questioned you about what you may or may not have felt for them?"

"Yes, but I don't hang out with Lex or Bruce and call them my bestest friend. I don't sulk if I don't get to see them."

Clark suddenly seemed to get irritable. "The affection I feel for Diana is based on years of built up trust and respect. If anything happens to her, it will make me feel concerned. It would be no different with Bruce or Lana."

Lois dropped her own knife and fork and leaned back. "She went back to her people for heaven's sakes. What more of an explanation do you want?"

Clark did not want to argue. It was in Lois' nature to needle and she did hate it when he shut down. But there were times a man needed space and quiet with his own thoughts. And God help him, he did not know why his thoughts kept running on Diana. It felt as if something was truly amiss but Hippolyta, even Donna, would never lie to him, would they? He got up.

"I need to get some air."

"Clark, we are not finished!"

"I did not start anything to finish, Lois," he replied in a very quiet but determined way, and dropped his napkin and pushed his chair back.

She started at him speechless as he actually, for the first time since knowing him, walked out during a discussion. Normally he would sit there and coax or apologize, trying to reassure her, until she finally gave in. It could be minutes or days. It depended how mad she was. But Clark never left her feeling as if the wind had been taken out of her sails and Lois Lane always got the last word in, no matter what!

"Smallville, get back here!"

But he was gone in an instant, leaving her fuming. She continued, knowing full well he'd hear her even if he were a mile away. "It's the couch for you, mister!"

He flew aimlessly, listening out instinctively as well for any signs of trouble. It was a fairly quiet night. It made matters worse. If only he could immerse himself in some action. Get his mind off Diana and Lois. Lois would no doubt give him the silent treatment again until he cajoled her out of her bad mood. He sighed. He loved Lois but times it felt like an uphill slog to constantly have to prove himself to her. Marriage required hard work and compromise his father had told him. He did not know why he flew out on her. He ought to have stayed but something inside him was not up to it all. He wanted space and silence. To go over his own thoughts.

He found himself flying towards Gotham instead of going back to the apartment.

Bruce was unusually at home and not on patrol, as he had to attend a function, but it did not stop him from going down to the cave to monitor the movements of Nightwing. He was sitting at the main console and had not bothered to change out of his tuxedo.

He saw Superman float in.

"I wondered when you would come."

Superman's brow rose but he did not rise to Bruce's baiting tone. He said calmly, "Then, if you expected me, you must know why I'm here."

"You're looking for a far more complicated answer to a simple explanation. She left because she is Princess of her people. Is that so hard to accept?"

"No. But I would accept it if she told me that was why she left. Something isn't right."

"Why? You think you are so important to her that she needed your permission before she does what's expected of her?"

Superman frowned. "This isn't about me."

"Of course it is. Stop deluding yourself. Your ego can't stand that Diana extended to you the same courtesy she has done to all of us. I suggest you get over it, Clark." He turned to look at him squarely. "As one friend to another, this thing you have with Diana. It's dangerous, Clark."

"How is being just good friends dangerous?" He was always quick to rise to battle anyone to dare suggest anything vulgar or impertinent. He just hadn't expected it from Bruce of all people.

"A good friend wouldn't look at another wistfully or for a second longer than he needs to when he thinks others are not watching. He wouldn't treat a work colleague with the reverence one would a goddess. He wouldn't be so afraid to touch her even though she frequently and unconsciously touches him all the time. He wouldn't seek her out first over the woman he promised to share his burdens until death do them part. He wouldn't be so eager to be the one to make her laugh. He wouldn't look so disappointed when he hears she has resigned to go back to her own people."

Superman folded his arms across his chest and his voice was dry. "The detective at work?"

Bruce looked at him darkly. "Clark, the League notices everything, and your behavior with Diana has always caused speculation. You know this. You have super-hearing. You have heard the gossip and they say, where there is smoke there is fire."

"Bruce, Diana and I have never...we would never..." he began rigidly.

Bruce turned his back on him and looked at the console. "I know now you wouldn't. Clark, you ought to go back to your wife. I bet she is waiting for you."

Superman said tensely, "I never expected you of all people to second guess my good intentions, Bruce. And don't tell me Diana's departure has not affected you too. I know you are not entirely indifferent to her either."

Bruce said coolly, "I'm no different to any other red blooded man on the League. Ask Wally or Arthur or Kyle the same question. We will admit to having the odd fantasy of the most beautiful woman in the world. It's not a cardinal sin. But you. I bet you never even let yourself imagine touching her."

The look on Superman's face made Bruce smile cynically. "You put that woman on a pedestal, haven't you? But I can imagine it is the only way you can get by."

He was right. The notion of even imagining Diana like a normal woman was irreverent. To fantasize about her would be as to defile something precious. Plus he had disciplined himself and took his marriage seriously enough to not go there. If anyone had asked him if he ever thought of Diana whilst making love to Lois he would have truthfully said no. She belonged to another realm. One of light and truth. There was a saying, however, what one never knew one never missed. Was ignorance truly bliss?

Superman said grimly, "The world thinks of me as the biggest boyscout. The man who would never kill but would be killed to save the multitude. A veritable messiah. The most docile and obedient husband. Loyal till death. Self-sacrificing. Having no dark side. A moral compass. It's a heavy burden to bear and it's Diana who keeps me sane. I won't deny that I care deeply for her and I will not apologize for it. I'm not ashamed of it. I have no illusions that I could ever be anymore to her than what we already are. And it means the world to me to know she is alright. That she is happy."

Bruce was silent for a moment. Only someone with a heart of stone would doubt the truth of those words but Clark needed a reality check.

Bruce retorted, "She's with her family, why wouldn't she be? Or are you so deluded to think you are that important to her existence? "

Superman's jaw clenched. "Hitting below the belt, Batman?"

"Hurts? Good. Look, I may not be the best man to ask for advice on relationships. I mess up all of my own after all but I would be a poor friend if I let you mess up your own."

Superman's expression was almost pained but he said softly, without a word of malice or rage, "I know what I have to do, Bruce. I always have. I wonder you still doubt my intentions .Goodnight." He flew out, leaving his friend slightly perplexed.

He sighed. Maybe he ought to have been gentler but there was something strange about Clark. He could not say what it was exactly but whatever it was it was more important for Bruce to jolt him to reality. Diana was gone and he needed to accept it. Bruce found himself wondering why she would leave without telling Clark goodbye. If there was just one person in the world Diana would have said good-bye to it would be him. Bruce rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Was it possibly Clark's instinct was right? Was something wrong?

Author's Note: Thanks for the review so far. All of them. It is interesting the many different opinions. And goes to show you in circumstances like this, what really is right and wrong? Do you consider Diana too wise to do what she does? What is wisdom? Is it revealing the truth no matter if it hurts people? Or is it weighing up consequence and doing the best you can do? For example, was Diana in JLA A league of One wise and brave or just arrogant and deceitful? Was she wise and pragmatic when she killed Max Lord to stop his manipulations of a mind controlled Superman? Or a murderer? Would Clark have dumped Lois if he and Diana had returned to their time-line with memory intact? Or would he have ignored all that happened much like he did in WW 141 when he and Diana lived a shared dream that was induced by Oblivion where they fell in love, got married and were expecting a child? One thing is for certain, there is no one right or wrong answer.