Well, for those of you who know Paradice Island will know what comes next. For those who don't, oh the suspense. I hope all who's reading this story is enjoying it and I hope I'm not making my oc too much the main charater and shadowing the Titans. This chapter will be mainly on Hunt and Raven in truth because it made it easier to write with the Islands occupants. Also, when I do finish this story, I was thinking of maybe doing a pre sequel on how Jinx and Hunt met on the Four Swords and trained with Slade ect. Let me know if that would be somthing you'd like to read or not. Well, enjoy and happy reading.
"Evening lad," the old man said as he headed towards them.
"Hey," John smiled to him.
"So, are we all ready?" The old man smiled, sitting on his usual rock.
"Yes," Eric nodded looking happy.
"Where was it we was up to last time?" He asked thinking.
"The crew was ship wrecked on Paradise Island," Eric recalled.
"And then both Captain Hunt and Roy were captured," Phil said as he stacked a few logs ready for the night.
"Ah, thats right," the old man nodded. "That means that this part of the story was about midday the day after. What ever was in those darts was powerful stuff as they were out cold for 18 hours...
...Hunt slowly began to stir. Everything sounded so peaceful out and she was just so comfy. Her hammock never felt this nice before. Thats when she finally cracked open a eye. She wasn't in her hammock and most definitely not in her cabin. Both eyes opened to examine the room she was currently in. Everything was stoney and white apart from the tapestries hanging from the walls and the large golden vases holding unknown flowers. She sat up only to find herself in a bed and her own clothes replaced by a white gown with gold sleeves.
"What's going on?" She asked herself grabbing her head, her memories foggy.
"Your awake?" Raven said as Hunt turned to see the women sitting across the room on another bed.
"Where are we?" Hunt asked as she moved the bed sheets off herself.
"I don't know," Raven said standing. "I woke up not that long ago. Last thing I remember was you carrying me to your cabin."
"I... I can remember going hunting with Roy," She said thinking as she rubbed her head. "We need to get out of here..." she started before the doors opened.
In walkes a tall female with long blonde hair. Following close behind was two more women. They stepped in as the door closed behind them. Hunt stood up and took a few steps towards Raven's bed.
"Who are you?" Hunt asked. "Why are we here?"
"It's okay," the blonde said with a smile. "You're both safe here. I am Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazon's."
"Amazon's?" Raven repeated as she exchanged looks with Hunt. "You're real? The Amazon's exist?"
"Yes," Hippolyta nodded. "I suppose we have come to be but myth to those of Man's Land."
"Latly, myths have started to become the norm for me," Hunt said not looking as suprised as she usually would.
"Well, I'd like to welcome the two of you as our guests, " Hippolyta said with a warm smile. "It has been such a long time since we have had any. If you wish to dress, then my daughter, Donna, will show you round. Clothes have been left at your bedsides for you."
"Thank you," Raven said looking at the side table where neatly folded clothes were left.
"I hope the two of you enjoy," she said with a small nod as she turned to leave with the two women.
"Things just keep getting more and more unbelievable," Hunt said as she sat down on a bed and rubbed her temples a bit.
"At least the Amazon's seem friendly," Raven pointed out sitting on her own bed. "We could have been captured by cannibals or something," Raven pointed out as Hunt nodded in agreement. "I suppose we can be thankful Amazon's are real."
"You know what?" Hunt started, turning to face Raven. "The problem with sailors is there's so much superstition. Everything that happens has to be explained by somthing and you get to this point where you no longer know what's myth and fact. Alot of the men even believe that a women showering her breasts on board a ship in a storm ment the ship would stay afloat."
"Really?" Raven smirked.
"That's why I had to get that bloody figurehead of a half naked women attached to my ship," she said flopping back onto the bed. "Every time the winds picked up a little strong, the men would beg me to get my breasts out in fear of sinking. The thing cost me a small fortune."
"Sounds more like an excuse to perv on you," Raven smiled watching the Captain.
"I thought so too but after everything that's happened this past month, I don't know what to believe anymore," she sighed looking up at the ceiling. "Things never go smoothly, do they?"
"No," Raven agreed picking up the clothes thet were left. "But maybe our luck will start to change."
"Maybe," she said sitting up and looking at the door. "Luck for us right now would be that the Four Swords hit those rocks and nothing but bodies wash up. It would solve all our problems."
"Yet you don't sound like thats what you want," Raven said as she began to remove the gown and get dressed.
"Slade's ship can hold over 300 men," Hunt said. "That's a lot of wasted lives."
"But it would rid the world of a lot of bad men," Raven pointed out.
"A lot of those men arn't bad, it's just that thier following a bad man," Hunt said as she stood up and headed to her own clothes. "Not to mention they have Kori aboard."
"True," Raven said as she finished getting ready. "But we can't really help Kori or the Four Swords without a ship to warn them with."
The clothes consisted of a long, light blue tunic and sandals. Hunt was quick to get dressed as they both looked at thier attire. Raven joined Hunt as they headed to the door. As they exited the room, they found themselves in a town. The buildings were all white and clean with hanging baskets and flower pots filled with so many colours. The town was like a painting of perfection. Women were chatting and walking round in tunics much like the ones Raven and Hunt were wearing and some of the women were dressed in silver chest armor and helmets. The two looked round till one of the women presnted herself to them. Unlike the others, her chest armor was gold but she didn't have a helmet on. She had a short sword attached to her belt and golden cuffs that covered the bottom of her arms. With her stood two other females in silver.
"Hi, I'm Donna," she greeted with a small bow. "This is Karen and Tara."
"Raven and Alice," Hunt introduced.
"It's a pleasure to meet you both," Donna smiled. "I can't remember the last time we had guests here."
"Well I'd say those storms might make it quite difficult for people to come visit," Raven said as Donna smiled.
"Yeah, they've been protecting us from Man's Land for years," Tara said.
"Talking about Man's Land, have you seen my men?" Hunt asked as Karen and Tara exchanged looks.
"Your men?" Donna asked looking between Hunt and Raven. "You command them?"
"I'm thier Captain, yes," Hunt nodded.
"As a women?" Tara asked sounding surprised. "Women are in charge of men now?"
"Not often," Hunt admitted. "But in some cases they are."
"It sounds like Man's Land has changed quite a bit," Donna said thinking. "I need to talk to my mother. Karen and Tara will carry on your guide."
"We will?" Tara asked looking unsure.
"Yes," Donna nodded. "And once your done, bring them to the palace."
"Will do," Karen said as Donna left. "I guess well start by just showing you round town then."
Tara and Karen began thier tour as they showed them round. They viewed the stables, training ground and farms till they finally arived at the palace where the Queen lived. The building was one of the largest and smartest buildins there. They led Raven and Hunt inside where a feast was laid out on a long table. The Queen sat at the head with Donna to the right. Raven and Hunt was led to the left of the Queen and took thier seats.
"What do you think of our little bit of paradise?" Hippolyta asked as they began to eat the food available.
"It's lovly," Raven admitted as Hunt agreed. "I must ask though, how does a tribe of only women survive? I mean, how do you keep population up with no men?"
"I guess a lot of our history is lost in Man's Land," Hippolyta chuckled.
"I think it's more the case that it's been talked about so much that no one really knows the true story anymore," Hunt said eating some fruit. "I heard some say that you take and train women who have no family and future, like run aways. Others say you capture shipwrecked men and hold them as prisoners to mate with cause you can only give birth to females."
"Hold men prisoners to mate with?" Donna laughed before falling silent at her mum's stare.
"Although we do welcome women to join us," Hippolyta said looking back at her guests. "We don't populate as we do not need to. The only children that have ever walked on Paradise Island was my own, Diana and Donna."
"Well, how were they born then?" Hunt asked sounding confused.
"We were molded from clay and brought to life by the Goddesses," Donna said simply as Hunt stared at her for a moment, unable to tell if she was joking.
"So why don't you need to breed?" Raven asked.
"As long as a female remains on Paraadice Island, she becomes so much more," Donna exsplained. "We can die but just not easily as we can heal very quickly and take a lot of strain that a normal mortal can not."
"The oldest Amazon's such as myself, were originally created from souls of women who were killed by men," Hippolyta started. "The Goddesses blessed us with a second chance. As long as we remain on this island, we are faster, stronger and are unaffected by age."
"This Island makes you immortal?" Hunt asked as Donna stood up and picked up a large marble pillar to proove a point.
"Not immortal, but close enough," Donna smiled as she watched the shocked looks on Raven and Hunt's face.
"As women, you will also feel the benefits the longer you stay here too," Hippolyta said. "It only works on women though so those men will stay mortal."
"Those men?" Hunt repeated looking at the Queen. "You mean my men? You know where they are?"
Donna and Hippolyta exchanged looks before Donna finally spoke, "You must understand, man is forbidden to step on Paradise Island."
"What do you mean? What have you done with my crew?" Hunt asked firmly as she looked between the Queen and her daughter.
Some of the guards round the room took a step fowards but Hippolyta raised her arm to stop thier advancement, "they will have to proove thier worth by fighting our champion. Winning earns them thier freedom."
"Fighting against your champion?" Hunt repeated looking at the Queen. "Against an almost immortal Amazon? They wont stand a chance."
"It is the law of our people," Hippolyta exsplained.
"It is bull shit!" Hunt shot back as Raven pulled the Captain back down onto her seat.
"Look," Raven started in a more calm voice. "We came here because another pirate is on his way here looking for the Black Ocean. We need those men if we wish to stop him."
"The Black Ocean?" Donna repeated looking confused.
"There is no Black Ocean here," Hippolyta said simply. "So when this pitate gets here, he will be most disappointed."
"No Black Ocean? Then what about the map?" Raven asked as Hunt went for the penant only to notice it was gone.
"You mean this?" Hippolyta asked picking up the pendant and placing it on the table. "I was going to ask you how you came apon this. We give these out to our girls when they leave the island so they can find thier way back. There unique to us as they will only work for a women."
"What?" Hunt said as she looked at the pendant. "So what about the angel and demon? They open the prison."
"There are creatures that roam this earth that don't need reason to," Hippolyta said wish a shrug. "Like you said before, it's probably been talked about so much, that no one really knows the true story."
"So all this was for nothing?" Raven asked looking at Hunt.
"It sounds like it," Hippolyta said looking from the two. "Your welcome to stay here as long as you wish though."
"And my men?" Hunt asked looking at the Queen.
"If your men are worthy, the Goddesses shall save them," Hippolyta sighed, tired of repeating herself. "To not challenge them would be disobeying our Goddesses."
"Then let me fight in thier place," Hunt said as everyone looked at Hunt. "Let the Goddesses decide with just the one fight."
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Hippolyta asked sounding skeptical. "Our champion wont show you any mercy."
"Thats what I'm worried about," Hunt said looking up at the Queen. "Those men are good men. They have followed me without question and they respect me both as a Captain and a women. I can't let them die because I led them on a ghost hunt."
"Very well," Hippolyta said and stood. "You will face our champion in their place tonight, in the arena. You have till then to change your mind."
"I wont," Hunt said sternly.
"I believe you," Hippolyta nodded. "I have matters to attend to. I will see you all tonight," and with that she left.
"So, what now?" Raven asked looking unsure.
"If all goes well, I win back the crew, get the ship fixed and we leave," Hunt said leaning back in her chair with a sigh.
"And if you don't?" Raven asked not really wanting to hear the answer.
"You are still welcome here, Raven," Donna said looking at the two. "Our people will take you in as thier own..."
"...So Captain Hunt is going to go up against an Amazon Champion?" John asked as the old man nodded. "I can't see how she's going to survive. I mean, how will she even take her down if she's almost immortal?"
"Paradise Island holds a power that makes any women who steps forth onto the Island more stronger and faster," the old man exsplained. "Not to mentiin Hunt was an amazing fighter in her own rights. Slade had trained her since she was 15 and from leaving his ship, she had trained even harder ready for the day she'd face him in battle."
"So she won?" Eric asked.
"Well, the day passed quickly and before they knew it, Hunt was stood in the waiting room of the arena," he said as he carried on with the story. "They gave her back her pirate uniform and swords. Raven stayed with her untill it was time to go fight..."
"...Are you sure about this?" Raven asked as she sat at a small wooden table with Hunt. "I could go out there instead? With my powers I could..."
"I didn't free you from that prison to fight in my place," Hunt said looking at the women. "If your going to fight for anyone, fight for yourself. These are my men and I take full responsibility for them plus, I think Queen Hippolyta isn't telling us the whole truth. At least if I loose and Slade reaches the island, you'll be safe here with the Amazon's."
"What do you mean not telling the truth?" Raven asked with a raised a eyebrow.
"I don't know," Hunt admitted. "I've always been good at knowing when someone's lying and I've got the feeling she was."
"It's time," a guard called as they popped thier head through the door.
"Okay," Hunt said standing up and facing Raven. "No matter what happens, keep safe."
"I promise," Raven nodded and Hunt turned and headed for the arena.
As she passed through the stone corridor, she could hear the cheering of the crowd outside. Hunt drew her two swords and spun them round a few times trying to distract herself from the noise. She was use to noise in battles at sea but not cheering of crowds. So many people judging her hoping for her to either live or die all for a bit of entertainment. As she got to the mouth of the arena, the light blinded her momentary after sitting in the dark waiting room for so long. As her vision came back, she saw all the women sat a round the tall seating area, watching in. The arena itself was large but not outstanding. She could see the Queen sat at a stand with a seat each side of her own. Both empty.
"Allow me to introduce to you Captain Hunt who will be fighting on behalf of the men!" Hippolyta called out only to be greeted with the sound of booing from the crowd. "She will face Amazon's champion in a fight to the death."
The crowd cheered this time as the gate opposite opened and a figure stepped out. It took Hunt a few seconds to realise the figure was Donna. Donna had a small round golden shield and a gladiator type short sword. She was dressed in her gold armor and helmet. Donna advanced forwards as Hunt did the same till they met in the middle.
"I got to fight the Queen's own daughter?" Hunt asked not sounding very impressed with the idea.
"Against my mothers best wishes, yes," Donna said with a light smile. "Just so you know, I hate how our laws treat men. I only became champion so I could follow my sister off this Island."
"I would have allowed you to travel back with us if the ship was fixed," Hunt said looking at the Amazon.
"Apart from the fact that one of us has to die today," Donna said as both women shared a sad look.
They both took a few steps back and readied thier weapons. The crowd fell silent. Suddenly, a gong was struck signaling the start of the fight. Donna ran forwards and slashed down as Hunt side stepped but Donna lashed out her arm with the shield and sent Hunt flying several feet before hitting the floor.
"Jesus, she's strong," Hunt said in shock as Donna ran at her again.
Hunt quickly jumped to her feet and swords clashed. Hunt swung her other sword out only to be deflected by the shield. Donna swung again as Hunt used both her swords to block the attack forming them in a cross. Donna used her shield and tried to hit the Captain but Hunt was ready and quickly dropped to the floor missing the shield and kicked up hitting the Amazon in the stomach before slashing at the arm holding the shield. Donna took a few steps back to regain herself. The deep was deep and to the bone. She lifted her arm with the shield but the injury made it both heavy and painful. She removed the shield from her arm and readied herself once more. Hunt waited for a moment before taking a few steps closer as the fight started once more. Hunt, now feeling more at an advantage, started to lash out with her swords as Donna mainly blocked waiting for an opening. It came as Donna blocked one sword with her own then managed to use her wrist guard to deflect the second sword before kicking Hunt square in the chest. The force of the kick sent Hunt to her to the ground, dropping botg her swords. A usal kick would have hurt but a kick from an Amazon was like being hit with a sledgehammer.
"Jesus," Hunt gasped gripping her chest.
She managed to see her swords at her side and picked it up but the other was kicked away by Donna who had advanced towards her. Hunt tried to push herself up onto her feet but Donna kicked out the hand she was using for support and the Captain hit the floor once more. Donna advanced till she was standing over her and raised her sword up about to deliver the final blow till Hunt gripped the sword she had and stabbed it into Donna's lower leg, forcing it all the way through. Donna callapsed onto her knees, gripping the leg in pain. Hunt forced herself to her feet and grabbed the Amazon's sword and held the blade at Donna's throat as she looked up at her.
"I guess you win," Donna said as she felt the tip of the blade. "I guess I always knew I would die stuck on this god damb island."
"No, you wont," Hunt said looking up at the Queen who had stood up from her seat and was looking at the scene below with a panicked look.
"Your daughter for my men!" She called up to Hippolyta.
"What are you doing?" Donna asked looking confused.
"Why should I have to kill you when you don't even agree in this?" Hunt said but didn't face Donna.
"Cause it's the way of our people," Donna said looking from Hunt to her mother.
"Release my men and I'll spare you daughter!" Hunt called up to the Queen. The crowd shouting a mix of answers.
"Release the men," Hippolyta called after a long pause.
The crowd was a mix of boos and cheers, but the Queen's face didn't look too pleased as she headed off the stand. Guards started to advance into the arena as Tara and Karen helped Donna up who still had the sword sticking out of her lower leg.
"I hope you know what your doing," Donna said as she was helped up.
"Me too," Hunt smiled, holding her chest that began to feel very painful.
"That map," Donna said more quietly so not to be overheard. "Its not one of our usal maps. They are normal silver with a white glow. I've never seen one like that before."
"Thank you," Hunt said as Donna gave a small smile before being escorted from the arena. Hunt headed back through to the corridor she had entered the arena through only to be met by Hippolyta.
"How dare you embarrass me like that in front of my people," Hippolyta said as she stood in front of the Captain, blocking her way.
"You'd have rather me have killed her?" Hunt asked watching the Queen carfully, her chest feeling more tight.
"I'd have rather you not given me that option," Hippolyta said as Hunt raised a eyebrow. "Donna lost the fight prooving she is no longer worthy of being an Amazon. She's no longer welcome here."
"Then she can sail with me," Hunt said simply. "She told me herself that she wished to go to Man's Land anyway."
"She did?" Hippolyta asked suddenly looking upset more than angry. "Why? If she leaves, she'll become mortal."
"I don't know," Hunt said as she leaned against a wall. It started to become harder to breath. "Maybe... maybe to find... find her... sister?"
"Are you alright?" Hippolyta asked looking at Hunt as the Captain struggled to catch her breath.
"I... I can't..." she managed before hitting the floor and loosing consciousness...
..."what happened?" Eric asked looking worried.
"The kick from Donna had broke a few of Hunt's ribs," the old man explained. "They had puncherd a lung."
"So what happened?" John asked looking equally as worried.
"They took her to try and help her but since the Amazon's usally just healed thanks to the island's powers, they didn't have any doctors," the old man said as he put away his pipe. "Luckily the ships doctor was still alive so once the crew was freed, he was sent to help her after Raven had persuaded Hippolyta that a man was able to help. As for the rest of the men, they needed to get the ship fixed and ready to set sail. They knew Slade wouldn't be too fare behind and they had already lost a day so they had to haste but, that will have to wait till tomorrow."
"Really?" Eric asked. "Can't we just have five more minutes?"
"Afraid not lad," the old man smiled as he stood and picked up his cane. "Till tomorrow."
"Well, I guess we better call it a night too," John said as Eric nodded.