Roads
Gotham
Dinah heard the doorbell and went to open it. Ev had disappeared again, but Dinah knew she'd show up when she least expected her. As she glanced through the peephole she saw Clark standing on the other side of the door. It had been three days since they spoke in his apartment. Slowly she opened it, but blocked the way.
"Hi."
"Hi."
He looked really good she thought. Don't let it sway you; keep your focus she reminded herself. You're not some teenager with a crush.
"So what brings you to Gotham?"
She looked amazing, he thought. Don't blow this, he reminded himself, just tell her the truth.
"You."
"Oh."
She absently tossed her hair back and briefly looked him in the eye. She was tempted to move and let him in, but resisted the impulse.
"So?"
"I wanted to see how you're doing,' he offered.
"Fine. You?' She replied.
"Not so good."
"Oh? Why?"
"Cause I haven't heard from you in three days."
"Clark, I'm still thinking,' she started to offer, but for once he interrupted.
"Dinah, I know and I'm not here to pressure you, I promise,' he said. "I just wanted to say that I know things are crazy right now, but they won't always be. Just as I would never expect you to turn your back on Ollie, just cause we're dating, I would ask you to consider the same with me and Hippolyta. They're both people we slept with, but that's in the past. The thing is they are still our friends and if they needed that friendship we'd be there for them."
"That all sounds nice, Clark, but I don't think it's as easy as you make it seem,' she replied.
"It probably isn't,' he admitted. "I just feel like whatever this is between you and me is just starting and I'd like to see where it goes. With you it isn't about friendship, Dinah. I just wanted to say that. I'll respect your decision whatever it is."
He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek and then left. Dinah slowly closed the door and leaned against it. Her thoughts were just as confused as ever, if not more so.
Washington
Hippolyta raised her shield to block Giganta's attack. The villain growled in frustration. This wasn't going the way she hoped. She thought it would be easy to take out the new Wonder Woman, but with each passing minute that was proving to be wrong. Hippolyta was a fighter and perhaps a bit more bloodthirsty in her tactics. She knew her margin for error was much slimmer than Diana's.
Two weeks had passed since her initial foray into the heroic life and Hippolyta had learned a few things in that time. She wasn't as strong or gifted as her daughter, so had to rely more on guile and skill with weapons. The second thing she learned was actually the most astonishing to her, she liked it. While she always took her responsibilities as Queen very seriously, this new role offered a chance to use a completely different skill set. Hippolyta parried another clumsy attack by Giganta and drove her shield into the villain's calf. Giganta screamed and stumbled, Hippolyta took advantage of this. She pressed forward, taking the fight to Giganta. Using a car, she vaulted into the air, launching herself at Giganta, who lunged at Hippolyta and received a mouthful of shield for her trouble. Her balance was all off and she tumbled to the ground. Hippolyta gave her no quarter and a series of lefts and rights finished the fight.
Hippolyta stood over the fallen foe and could hear the gathered crowd cheer. She raised her sword to acknowledge them and gave a rare smile.
I'm a badass, she thought. I'm kicking ass and taking names, as the expression goes. Badass? Hera help me, this world is sinister in the way it creeps into your mind. Perhaps I should cut back on reading some of the magazines Donna had left around the Embassy, Hippolyta pondered.
As she worked with the local authorities to secure Giganta there was a sense of satisfaction. Victory tastes even sweeter when it came from one's own hard work and effort. That was the difference, Hippolyta realized. As Queen, she always had to weight the needs of the many before making any decision. It had been a long time since she'd just done things for herself. It was an interesting change. She was an individual again. She had the responsibilities of Ambassador, but they didn't take up all her time. She could explore some of the new world on her own. She could just be Hippolyta again.
It was strange, she thought. Her she was facing the prospect of her own demise, yet she was enjoying the time she had left. Was it still a noble sacrifice if she was enjoying it?
Metropolis
Clark tried getting through to Diana again, but was told she couldn't be reached at the moment. He left another message, just saying he was wondering how she was doing and hoped things were okay with her. As he hung up the phone, he felt a little silly calling her like that. She was the Queen now and probably didn't have the time just to catch up like they used to. She had the fate of all her sisters to worry about.
Still he wanted to speak with her. He frankly missed her. Of course when they did finally speak he would probably have to come clean about what happened between him and Hippolyta. That was one part of the conversation he was not looking forward to. Have to make sure there weren't any sharp objects around that Diana could use, he thought. He knew for certain he would get punched, probably repeatedly, but those magic swords he had to keep an eye out for.
Still he wanted to talk to Diana.
He'd promised Hippolyta not to tell Diana about the omens or prophesies, but with each day he was growing increasingly uneasy about it all. The whole idea of oracles and Fates was anathema to his way of thinking. He'd been raised to believe that you create your own destiny and nothing was written in stone. Fates change.
It was one of the reasons he had been so willing to offer a hand of friendship to Hippolyta. While he didn't believe in her Gods or Oracles, he saw how seriously she took it. He'd seen the same thing with Diana and out of respect for both of them he hadn't pressed the issue. He frankly doubted there was anything he could say that would sway either one of them.
It must be a terrible burden believing that you are going to die in the very near future. Hippolyta was convinced and had done all this to make it her fate and not her daughter's. Sacrifice like that had to be respected. Clark felt the least he could do was try and be a friend to her as best he could. The loneliness of the crowd and being the only one to know how limited your time was, must have been overwhelming to Hippolyta, he thought. As a friend, perhaps he could ease some of that loneliness just a bit.
He checked his machine again for any word from Dinah too. Nothing. In all the swirl of this confusion, finding her had been such a surprise. Dating her had been completely different than any other woman. He liked her confidence, among many things. The short time they'd been going on had shown him a world he hadn't thought he could be part of. He hungered for more of it, but he would take it slow. If she said no, then he would have to let it go, but he hoped she didn't.
Fawcett City
Mary lay on her bed in the dark, drifting between conscious and unconscious. It had been a rather turbulence two weeks for her. It seemed this new, more mature version of her also came with new powers. She had told anyone about them yet, fearing they would want to run more tests, probe and examine her. Everyone made her feel like she'd done something wrong, like it was her fault this was happening.
Billy was the worst. He had trouble even looking at her any more. He was always nervous and when they did talk, he was always asking if she wasn't sure this was Black Mary all over again. It was so frustrating and they would always end up arguing. Why couldn't he see she was still the same, even if she had changed?
Something else had started to dawn on Mary. This new, adult version of her was getting different reactions from people than she was used to. It was a little frightening at first, but it was also a bit exciting. She was used to boys being nice to her, but now men were paying attention to her. They didn't see cute, naïve Mary Batson, but a beautiful young woman. As she got more comfortable in her new skin she found this new attention wasn't always unwelcome.
It was as if she had finally broken out of the box everyone tried to put her in and she was seeing the world anew. They didn't dismiss her like they used to. People were paying attention to her now. She was beginning to suspect that part of Billy's problem was an almost unconscious realization of the changes she'd undergone. In his simple world, she represented thoughts and feelings he usually didn't have to deal with. Mary would catch him glancing at her when he didn't think she was noticing. She wasn't sure how to react to this and said nothing.
Sleep finally came to her tired mind and as drifted off, the voice came to her in a whisper.
"Mary."
It seemed all around her, tempting her, drawing her deeper in.
"Mary."
She opened her eyes and found she was standing in the desert. A full moon hung overhead and she could feel the sand under her feet. The wind whipped around her. She noticed she is wearing a black silk nightgown and nothing else. Something was eerily familiar about all of this. Fear gripped her, as she gazed out on the barren landscape.
"Mary."
"Hello?'
She called out into the darkness and at first there was no reply. She could feel her heartbeat pounding in her chest. The scene was reminiscence of another she had some time ago. It was just after she received Black Adam's power and was looking for someone to help her deal with those abilities. She had been used back then and that was what she feared was happening again.
"Eclipso? Is that you?' She calls. "Is this your doing?"
"Mary,' the voice said again.
"I won't be fooled by you again, Eclipso!"
"Good for you, child,' the voice said. "But we're not who you think we are."
Mary spun around and saw two figures shrouded in black cloaks standing on a ridge above her.
"Who-Who are you?' She stammered. She was frightened.
"Our names are not important, Mary, you are."
"What-what do you want from me?' She asked.
"Nothing."
"I don't believe you!"
She could tell they were both women from their shape, but other than that she could make nothing out about them.
"We are kindred spirits, Mary,' the one figure said. "We know what it's like to be forgotten and feared."
"We know what it's like to be blamed for things because of others fears,' the second figure whispered. "We are not alone and neither are you, Mary. Down through history women that were special have been hounded and blamed for all sorts of crimes."
"Witches," the first figure continued. "If a woman had beauty or special gifts, they would call her a witch."
"Or far worse,' the second figure added.
A series of images flashed through Mary's mind, women being accused of witchcraft, consorting with the devil, trials and persecutions, burning at the stake and countless other punishments."
"No! Its not right,' she sobbed, trying to close her eyes to the horrors.
"No, it's not, Mary, but haven't you experienced in first hand?' The first figure asked.
""You only wanted to help and do good, yet they stripped you of your powers without warning,' the second figure said. "You should have died from that fall, yet you survived but no one cared, did they?"
"No,' Mary whispered.
"They ignored you, forgot about you."
"Until you got power again,' the second figure said. "Then they noticed you again, but they feared you, as they always have women that are special.'
"It wasn't just men though, was it Mary?' The first figure asked. "Women tried to use you too. Eclipso first and then even after you lost your powers; Queen Hippolyta of the Amazons drafted you to help her. You showed your true spirit, bravely going to Apokolips and facing certain death to help, but what was your reward? Your powers back for a little while and then they forgot you again. Was there even a thank you, Mary?"
"No,' she said, shaking her head.
"No, of course not,' the first figure replied. "They were done with you, so they moved on and forgot you. Naïve, cute little Mary Marvel, just like her brother, they never grow up."
Mary looked at the two figures, unsure what to say. She had so many questions. Their words seemed to speak to something deep inside her. They had laid bare everything she had been feeling and going through.
"Did-Did you do this to me,' she finally asked.
"No, Mary,' the first figure replied.
"Is this Black Adam's power?"
"No, Mary, not Black Adam's or Shazam's, but your powers,' the second figure said. "Haven't you ever wondered why you never grow up, never get any older Mary? Billy is happy with it, but are you?"
"Yes, I've wondered and no, I'm not happy,' she admitted.
"You never grew up, because that's how they control you, Mary,' the first figure explained. "Oh, they might need you some time in the future and they'd give you the power back when it served their purposes, but then they would take them away again when they were finished with you. The Gods have made you a slave to their whims, Mary. They keep you as a child until they need you, never allowing you to grow up, become the woman you should be."
"It isn't right, Mary, but now it's changed,' the second figure said. "You've grown up."
"These new powers are a blessing, Mary,' the figure added. "They aren't from the Gods, but somewhere else, Mary. The Gods can't take them away like your old powers."
"Why?' Mary asked.
"You aren't the first the Gods have treated badly, Mary,' the first figured replied.
"Nor the first that have suffered at the hands of men, Mary,' the second figure said.
"You can do what we cannot,' the first figure continued. "They will fear you, but now you are strong enough to resist. Don't let anyone use you like they have again, Mary."
"Mary…" the second figure started to speak, but the wind suddenly grew violent. The sky turned black and lightening began to flash across the sky. A low howl began and soon it seemed to be rushing towards them. Mary stood frozen in her place, as the world suddenly changed again.
She was standing on a beach, but one unlike any she had ever seen. Bodies littered the powder blue sand, while others floated limply in the tide. Blood was everywhere. Something fluttered to her left and as she turned, Mary saw the standard, three black circles on a field of red.
"Mary."
The voices seemed so far away, yet she could still feel them touching her mind. She wanted to call out to them, but just as suddenly a hand reached out and grabbed her by the throat. Mary gasped as she was lifted off the sand. The golden woman was holding her, staring into her eyes. She was so beautiful, yet terrifying. She let out a growl and swiped her hand towards Mary's head. Mary closed her eyes and tried to scream but nothing came out. The golden woman's hand passed through her and the voices were gone. Hesitantly, Mary opened her eyes. The golden woman was just staring at her.
"كنت الألغام!"
The golden woman hissed and then tossed Mary aside. Mary gasped and closed her eyes, terrified. She landed on something soft and when she opened her eyes she was back in her bedroom.
"Holy Moley!"
Back on the desert dreamscape, the two figures were knocked back almost twenty feet and scrambled to right themselves. As they pushed back the cowls of their cloaks, they looked at each other.
Circe and Morgaine le Fey let the world change and they were back on the island where Circe was currently living.
"What the hell was that?' Circe explained.
"I've seen her before,' Morgaine replied. "She's the source of Mary's transformation, just like Mordred's. We stayed too long, Circe, she's aware of us now. That is not good."
"Who is she?"
"I don't know, but she is old, far older than anything of this world,' Morgaine said. "We must be extra careful not to connect with her again."
"I felt her power,' Circe whispered. "It was like nothing I've ever felt before. If that is inside Mary, then we have chosen the perfect weapon, Morgaine."
"If we are careful, yes."
"If we are careful,' Circe repeated.
"So do you think it will work?' Morgaine asked.
"Yes,' Circe replied. "The Gods forbid me to harm Hippolyta on Themyscira, but they didn't say anything about anywhere else. With a few simple manipulations of dreams and she came out to the world for me. With your help, I will finally get my revenge on her after all these years."
'And when she dies, I will get my revenge of the Princess, or should I say new Queen,' Morgaine added.
"If we manipulate our young friend just right, no one will realize it was us that put the knife in her hand,' Circe stated. "The Gods will be able to do nothing."
"Between Gods and men our plans have been stopped too many times,' Morgaine said. "Together, we will make them understand what it is to feel the wraith of those they have forsaken."
"Yes, sister and when the time is right we will teach even the Gods the error of their ways."
The two women looked at each other. Each had a mad excitement in their eyes.
"Yes, we will, if we are careful,' Morgaine offered.
"If we are careful, yes,' Circe said in agreement.
Gotham
Selina stepped into her apartment and knew he was there even before she saw him. Of course she wouldn't see him, he was always in the shadows. She tossed her handbag on the table and turned on the table lamp.
"You know you always give me grief about breaking in places and then you turn around and do the same thing,' she said. "I go to jail for it. Seems like a double standard, don't you think?"
"You could call the cops,' Bruce replied, stepping into the light.
"Right,' Selina replied dryly. "I can just imagine how that conversation would go. Hi, Gotham police? This is Selina Kyle. What's that? Yes, that Selina Kyle, uh-huh. I'm calling to report a break-in at my apartment. Yes, yes I know who it was it was, Batman. Hello? Hello?"
A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips for a moment.
"That's what happens when you get a reputation."
Selina put her hands on her hips and gave him a smile.
"So what brings you here, Bruce? Couldn't stay away from me?"
"Apparently not,' he said, moving closer to her. "Speaking of break-ins, we had one at the mansion recently."
"Oh, really,' Selina replied. "Any clues?"
"You could say that. Only one item was stolen, the jade cat."
"Liberated."
"Stolen."
"Maybe it was an inside job,' she offered. "Perhaps you should have given Alfred a raise."
"Funny."
"I thought so,' she replied, giving him a teasing smile.
"Are you ever going to learn to keep your little fingers off things that don't belong to you, Selina?"
"It doesn't belong to you, either,' she countered. "Besides, shouldn't you be out hunting the Dragon Lady or something?"
"Masami.'
"What?'
"That's her name, Masami,' he stated. "If you know what's good for you, stay away from her. As far away from her as you can."
"I wasn't planning on inviting her over."
"You've seen her and everyone else that has ends up dead,' Bruce said.
"But you'll catch her, won't you?' Selina asked. "I mean that's what you do, Bruce."
"Yes, but she's different,' he replied. "I know what's motivating her, why she's doing this. It hits a little close to home, but if I'm going to catch her, I'm going to have to think like her. I'm going to have to walk in her footprints, so to speak."
"Why,' Selina asked. Bruce was reluctant to tell her all of it, but did give her the basic background on Masami. He had to hand it to Selina; she was a smart woman and figured out pretty quickly.
"The Ruined Map,' she whispered.
"What?"
"It's a book I read by Kōbō Abe. The story is about an unnamed detective hired to find a man. He's given a map supposedly to help him, but as he gets deeper into the case he starts to have an identity crisis. As he descends into underworld of Tokyo, he starts to get lost and the story ends with the detective standing in the exact same spot the man disappeared from."
"And that's relevant how?'
"We each have our own map, Bruce, sort of a guidepost for who we are and how we live our life. The detective gets too deep into the other man's map and loses sight of his own. How did you put it? You were going to have to walk in her footprints? You walk in them long enough, Bruce and how do you know when they stop being her footprints and become yours?"
They stood there looking at each other, both pondering what she had just said. Selina finally closed the distance between them and kissed him.
"Be careful, Bruce, don't get lost in someone else's map,' she whispered.
He seemed to want to say something to her, as if it were just on the tip of his lips. She waited, but then his features changed and all the emotion disappeared.
"I have to go,' he finally said.
"Yes, I know."
He was gone in the next moment. Selina walked over to the window and glanced out at the night sky. She thought she caught a glimpse of him, but it might have just been a reflection. She turned away and started towards her bedroom to change and then stopped. Walking over to the painting on her wall, she moved it aside and opened her safe. The jade cat was gone.
"Damn him!"
Themyscira
Diana was in her chambers and not in a very good mood. She'd received several messages from the Embassy that Kal had called, but so far she hadn't returned any of them. Just the thought of him made her blood boil. Frankly she was a little afraid of what she might do if she saw him right now. He slept with my mother! That thought kept repeating in her mind and added to her anger. She was so confused.
It didn't add up, Diana thought. Putting aside Kal and ….. , well putting it aside, she thought, that still didn't explain her mother's actions. Something else was going on here, and she was determined to find out what. There has to be another reason, she just knew it. She'd started to piece together a timeline of what Hippolyta had done just before she made her announcement about the new tournament and there were some unusual things in her actions. Diana had tried to concentrate on figuring it all out but her mind was elsewhere.
Adding to her confusion was her night on the beach with Artemis. They had both drank more then their share of the magical wine, but that was only an excuse. She'd always looked upon Artemis as a close friend, even though she was so irritating at times. Would that night change things between them? What did Artemis expect to happen now? What did Diana expect to happen now?
It was all so confusing.
As her mind went round and round with all these mixed up thoughts, she didn't hear the knock at first at her door. It was the second or perhaps third knock that got her attention.
"Yes? Come in?"
"Your subjects are starting to worry about you, missing all these meals."
Diana looked up and Artemis was standing, leaning against the doorway.
"Artemis,' Diana said rather stiffly.
"My Queen." Artemis made a point of doing a formal bow for which she received a scowl. "Diana."
"I thought you were avoiding me,' Diana asked.
Artemis moved into the room and closed the door. She didn't look at Diana at first.
"I was."
"Why? Because of what happened on the beach?"
"Mostly," Artemis admitted. "I needed time to think."
"So since you're speaking to me again, I take it you're done thinking?"
"No, but some things are clearer,' Artemis replied.
"Would you care to share what you're thinking? "Diana asked.
Artemis moved into the room and dropped down into the seat across from Diana. She fumbled with her hands before finally looking at her.
"First, thank you for sharing that moment with me,' Artemis began. "Also thank you for not pushing me afterwards. I never expected that to happen, so I was confused afterwards."
"You weren't the only one,' Diana admitted.
"I know, but all these crazy thoughts were running through my head,' Artemis continued. "I had this horrible thought that everyone would start calling me the Queen's girlfriend or something. I would hate that."
"Thanks."
"You know what I mean,' Artemis protested.
'Yes, I suppose so,' Diana admitted. "I would point out, you would be the Queen's consort, not her girlfriend. There are rules about this with royalty."
Artemis looked up at Diana and saw she was joking. The two women shared a smile.
"Consort, huh? Well that doesn't sound half as bad,' Artemis replied. "Would I get a title? Would I become Princess Artemis? I'm sure Donna would love that."
"No, you wouldn't. I hate to even think of Donna finding out,' Diana said. "If she did, everyone would know."
"So you regret what happened between us?' Artemis asked. There was a hint of vulnerability in her voice, even if she tried to hide it.
"No,' Diana said with a shake of her head. "I will admit I was confused too. I'm not embarrassed, it's just I'm not sure what it meant to you and to us."
"What do you mean to us?"
"We were friends first, Artemis,' Diana explained. "Yes, even though you can be very irritating, I think of you as a friend. I wouldn't want this to change that."
"I'm not that irritating,' Artemis half heartedly protested. "You just need to loosen up some times."
"You're being irritating now,' Diana pointed out.
"No I'm not."
"Yes, you are."
"You are much too up tight for me." Artemis offered.
"Thanks,' Diana sarcastically replied.
"You're welcome,' Artemis said with a smile.
"So I guess we're agreed as special as it was, it was only a one time thing, then?"
"I suppose," Artemis replied. "Unless we're really bored or something."
"Artemis!"
"Well, as James Bond said, Never Say Never,' she offered.
"James Bond?"
"I watched some of his movies when I was at the Embassy,' Artemis explained. "Even though they were such deluded male fantasies, there was a lot of action in them. I prefer the Sean Connery ones, though."
Diana sighed and sat back, just looking at her friend.
"What? Don't tell me you prefer Roger Moore,' Artemis asked. "I thought you'd have better taste than that."
"No, Connery, but Daniel Craig is very good too,' Diana replied.
"Yes, I like the grittier tone of his,' Artemis agreed. "Although the titles of his are terrible; I'm not even sure what Quantum of Solace means?"
"Yes, I was lost on that one too,' Diana admitted with a laugh. The two women looked at each other and smiled. "So are we going to be okay?"
"I believe so,' Artemis said. "You are the Queen now and I'm supposed to be your adviser. I know you'd be hopelessly lost without my help."
"How did I ever get so lucky?' Diana mockingly said.
"Perhaps it is just another blessing from your Gods,' Artemis teased.
"Somehow I doubt that."
"So are you okay with what happened?" Artemis asked.
"Yes,' Diana admitted.
"So have I turned you away from men with my charms?" Artemis teased.
Diana gave her a look and then shook her head.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but no,' she replied. "Let's just say you've shown me there are more possibilities than I originally imagined."
"How so?"
"It seems men aren't the only ones I'm attracted to,' Diana admitted.
"Interesting,' Artemis replied. "We're not going to become stereotypes are we? You know what most think about everyone on this island, right?"
"I don't think anything about you is a stereotype, Artemis, well, except for your temper,' Diana teased.
"It's not that bad," Artemis protested.
"You keep telling yourself that,' Diana replied. "But it is offset by a gentle, loving and caring side."
"You've fallen for me,' Artemis said with a sigh. "I knew my charms were hard to resist, but now I see just how powerful they really are."
Diana gave her a snide look and Artemis grinned in return.
"So are you going to tell me what all this is?' Artemis asked, referring to the paperwork in front of Diana.
"I'm trying to piece together what happened with my mother,' Diana explained. "I believe there is more going on her than what appears."
"You mean besides her screwing Superman?"
Artemis received a withering glare at this statement.
"Is that an example of your charm?" Diana sarcastically asked.
"I was just saying,' Artemis fumbled to reply.
Diana took a deep breath to keep her temper under control.
"Yes, besides that."
"So why don't you tell me what you've found out and maybe I can help you,' Artemis offered.
"All right,' Diana said, getting up to show Artemis the timeline she'd worked out. She started explaining what she knew and Artemis stood up, listening and letting her eyes go over Diana's research. Just as they were really starting to get into it, there was another knock on the door.
"Yes?"
The door opened and General Phillipus and a company of palace guards, along with two of the Queen's secretaries came in.
"My Queen, there has been a tragedy,' Phillipus immediately said. "The Oracle is dead."
"What?"
"Some of her acolytes found her a short time ago,' Phillipus explained. "It must have happened over a week ago. We'll know more once Epione and her assistants have finished with the body."
"We must go at once, General,' Diana immediately said. "A death on Themyscira is not a common thing."
Metropolis
Hippolyta and Clark sat in a small restaurant having dinner. She was dressed casually and no one besides him even noticed how different it made her seem. It was a simple dress, but it complimented her coloring and figure. He did notice she received more than a few looks of appreciation as they entered. It was still hard to get his head around seeing her like this. He had this image of her as Queen of the Amazons in his head, yet the woman sitting across from him seemed much more real. There were subtle things, the way she carried herself, her manner of speech that gave away some hint as to her royalty, but most of the people in the restaurant saw only a beautiful woman having dinner.
For Hippolyta's part she was starting to notice different things about Clark. Most of her contact with him in the past was as Superman. She'd noticed he always seemed different than the other heroes, but now she was noticing it with him when he was just Clark Kent. Relaxed, that was the word that kept coming to her mind. Glancing over at him, she noticed he seemed totally relaxed. It dawned on her that he always seemed this way, except in battle.
She had met many heroes, both of legend and the modern ones, but he seemed different then they did. He never puffed out his chest or postured heroically like so many tend to do. Again she thought of the word relaxed, but that wasn't quite right. Cool, not in the standoffish way, but more of an attitude she realized. Again she wondered if reading the magazines Donna left at the Embassy was such a wise thing. Her vocabulary was certainly being expanded, but she wasn't sure that was for the good or not.
He looked over at her as he ate and smiled for a moment. They were both eating, so conversation was at a minimal. That word came to her mind again, cool. Yes, that was it he was cool. It made her take another look at him with new eyes. It wasn't something he did intentionally or an affectation, but something organic about him. As she contemplated what she knew about him, she suddenly realized why he seemed so.
If nothing can hurt you, you can afford to be cool. He never had to shield himself against the cold or flinch at a blow. The things everyone else has to deal with, the worries, the fears, the hazards and the accidents, he didn't. She was sure he had his worries and fears, but they weren't the physical kind that everyone else had. He was so human, yet so alien as well. To walk through life knowing the ordinary things that could hurt or kill everyone else didn't affect you must have been so liberating, she thought. You would have no need for false bravado, for posturing or posing; you could just relax and be cool.
It just added to his attractiveness, she thought.
They hadn't discussed or repeated what happened on the beach, but as Hippolyta looked at him, she had to admit she wouldn't be opposed to it. She didn't know how much time she had left before the omen came true, so the idea of making love with him again was very appealing. She felt the heat spread through her at the thought. She wasn't privy to the station gossip so she had no idea whether he was seeing someone else.
"So how's the salmon?' Clark innocently asked, not knowing what she was thinking.
"What? Oh, yes, the food, it's-it's very good, very good,' she managed to answer.
"I'm glad to hear it,' he replied. "I know you've had a busy day, but if you're not too tired, maybe we can see a movie and make a night of it?"
"Make a night of it," Hippolyta repeated. "Yes, I think I'd like that, Clark."
"Okay, sounds like a plan."
He flashed her a smile and she returned it. The phrase 'make a night of it' kept repeating in her mind.
Marionette
Vigilante and Wildcat sat with their backs against the wall of the adobe hotel. They were beaten, battered and bloody. As Vigilante reloaded his guns, he kept looking over at Wildcat. Ted was checking the shotgun in his hands to make sure it was fully loaded, but he could feel Greg's stare.
"All right, I admit punching the wolf guy wasn't the smartest thing to do,' Wildcat finally said.
"And?" Greg asked, finishing one pistol and moving on to the other, but still staring at Ted.
"And in hindsight, staking the vampire guy didn't help either,' Wildcat admitted.
"You think?" Greg sarcastically replied. "You managed in the span of one day to unite them in a common cause, Ted! Killing us! Shit, son, we got most of the creatures of the night gunning for us now!"
"You know, I never heard of werewolves using guns before,' Ted observed. "I mean what's the world coming to when vampires and werewolves are setting up crossfire?"
"Well, it's damn effective, let me tell you,' Greg replied. "I still say we should call the League and get some damn backup!"
"No, we're heroes, remember? How you going to feel if they send down Supergirl and she whips the floor with all of them in nothing flat,' Wildcat asked. "I don't know about you, but if we can't handle this, then maybe it is time for us to hang it up. That's what we're out here for isn't it? To find out if we're over the hill?'
"Well, yeah, I suppose, but that doesn't mean we have to be foolhardy about this,' Greg countered. "Hell, boy, everyone needs a little help sometime."
"I told you I already put in a call to a lady I met once,' Ted replied. "She'll be here as soon as she can and believe me she hates vampires. She's a hell of a looker, too, in a pale, bloodsucker kind of a way."
"Wait a second,' Greg protested. "Are you saying you called a vampire to help us with other vampires? Are you sure them there boys didn't hit you a little too hard on the head?"
"She's good people, you'll see,' Ted firmly said. "If we need help with vampires, Vampirella's the lady to call."
"Vampirella? Are you serious? She sounds like a stripper!"
"Well, her outfit doesn't leave much to the imagination, I'll admit, but she first rate at killing vampires."
"Well if you're calling in a woman friend, than so am I,' Vigilante said. "Maybe I'll just ring on Mari and see if she's busy."
As Greg pulled out his cell phone and was just about to make a call, but Ted just shook his head in disgust.
"Is that all you can think about, getting laid,' Ted grumbled. "We're in some serious shit here, damn it! Besides, she Justice League, remember?"
"I know! All right, I'll wait on the call,' Greg replied. "I just hope you're working on a plan, pardner, cause you're the one that got us in this! Need I remind you?"
"Oh, shut up and finish loading your guns, I think their going to attack again!"