AN: Based on events from the episode "Maid of Honor." I own nothing of DC.

JL: The Newest Recruit

Part Eight

Maid of Honor

"Kent! In my office!"

Clark jumped to his feet at the irate sound of his boss, Perry White. "Coming, Mr. White." He rushed to Perry White's office. Perry stood at his door cantankerous as usual. Perry went to his desk as Clark stood at the door. "You wanted to see me, Chief?"

"Close the door, Kent."

This can't be good Clark thought as he closed the door. He couldn't be getting fired. He just printed the article of the Justice League taking care of the prison break of Copperhead, Solomon Grundy, Shade and Volcana.

"You're a good reporter, Kent and you've done some great work but the Daily Planet, isn't just a paper for Metropolis. It's global so I think it's time I send one of my best reporters out in the world. I want you to be the Daily Planet's newest Foreign Correspondent."

He wasn't getting fired. Clark was relieved by that, but Perry was still getting rid of him. "Well, uh, I'm humbled, Chief but I think it's best I stay in Metropolis."

Perry wagged a finger at Clark knowingly. "I knew you were going to say that. You're like a loyal dog, Kent. You're laid back, comfortable in your surroundings and set in your ways."

"Uh, thank you?" Clark said awkwardly.

"You're a young man, Kent. You're single. You don't have any roots like family. You should be out there living life and I think you will get a lot more out of it traveling the world." Perry White opened his drawers lifting papers inside as he searched for something.

"I think I live a lot here, Chief. Living in Metropolis with Superman around, is anything but boring. There's always something new happening. You never know if some new villain will show up or if one of Superman's foes will come back." Clark knew what Perry was looking for. His box of cigars. He seem to always misplace it. He looked through the desk and found the box. "Last drawer on the right in the corner in the back."

Perry looked up. "What?"

"Your cigars."

Perry pulled out the last drawer and found his box. He wondered how Kent knew that. "That's true about Superman but Lane's got his stories. You should go after stories featuring Wonder Woman."

"Wonder Woman?"

Perry pulled out a cigar and closed its box. He bit off the end and lit his cigar as he said, "The story you did on Wonder Woman was the second best selling paper next to Lois' first story on Superman. Right now, Wonder Woman is part of a world tour. Not only are her books selling off the shelves but her speeches of peace are drawing large crowds. When she was in London, she drew forty thousand people. They were all standing in the rain listening to her speak about peace and how humanity can help one another. She gave you an interview once, Kent. Get another one."

"But I was so lucky the last time," Clark said.

"Then get lucky again," Perry ordered. "Wonder Woman will be in Paris the day after tomorrow speaking at Place de la Bastille and at night she will be attending some art show party off the Champs-Elysees."

Clark was wondering how he would explain his presence to Diana and Bruce in Paris. Now it looks like he would have a legitimate excuse, but he still had play off his reluctance. "But Perry--"

"Now, Kent, I know you like talking yourself out of something great but I won't let you this time."

"But Perry--"

"Kent, you're going to Paris and cover Wonder Woman and that's final." Perry White handed Clark the media invite to the art show party. "Don't forget to fill out an expense report and if you can get Wonder Woman to allow you to accompany her the rest of her tour, that would be even better."

"But Wonder Woman's tour is expected to last into November," Clark mildly argued. "That's three months."

"It'll be no different than reporters traveling on a presidential candidate's private plane during an election year," Perry said. "Only this will sell more papers and give people more of an inside look into who is Wonder Woman; make more women want to be like her or men want to date her and all that."

"I don't know if Wonder Woman would even agree to this, Perry. It's really a far fetch idea."

"At least try, Kent. You're the only one Wonder Woman has given an interview, too," Perry suggested. "She might respond to you and your suggestion. Put on that country boy charm and sell yourself."

Clark's shoulders slump. "I'll try, sir, but I don't think it will work." Clark left Perry's office and smiled.

****

Clark felt out of place as he was surrounded by wealthy businessmen, heirs and local French celebrities. They were all around him gossiping and chatting about themselves, their business instead of the art around them. Many were also talking of the imminent arrival of Wonder Woman.

"Susan, where have you been all my life!" A flamboyant voice followed by a distinctive laugh cut through Clark's ears among the rest of the guests. He turned, looked through some people and saw Bruce Wayne flirting to a pretty blonde.

Bruce saw Clark and excused himself from the blonde. He made his way to Clark holding a champagne glass in his hand. "Clark Kent, you're a long way from Metropolis."

Clark flashed Bruce his press pass. "I'm here on business."

Bruce smirked. "Of course you are. Is that the excuse you're going to tell her?"

Clark hardly looked amused at the teasing he was getting from Bruce. "You know what's stranger than you not talking in a gravelly voice? You smiling. Perry White is testing me as a Foreign Correspondent."

"Metropolis is your home, Kent. You're not doing this because your boss' orders. You're doing it to be near her." Bruce drunk some of his champagne. "Give it up and admit it, Kent."

"Admit what?"

"You want Diana and you want her bad."

"Isn't it you who wants Diana?" Clark returned the question. "Flying her to New York City for dinner, flirting with her, and dropping big cash so Diana can live comfortably in Boston?"

Bruce laughed. "Great. Throw the question back on me. You are so jealous it's pathetic, Kent. I was lavish with her to protect my identity. I'll admit I was having a little fun at your expense, but you're the one who mentioned Diana wanting to live on Earth and needed finances, and I am very generous with my money. You know that." He was earnest as he said, " I'm a lot of things but I do not go after the woman a true friend of mine has interest in even though he is involve with another woman. Unlike you, I am not a lovesick errand boy."

Even though this wasn't the place to have this discussion, Clark needed to make some matters clear to Bruce. "First of all, I'm not jealous. Second, Diana is a friend and I have Lois." Bruce rolled his eyes. "I'm committed to Lois," he said again. "Third, I'm not a lovesick errand boy."

Bruce scoffed. "When Diana first arrived in this world, someone bought her plenty of clothes and it wasn't Green Lantern, Flash, Hawkgirl or me."

"You expect her to walk around in the same clothes all the time?" Clark asked.

"I bet a few of those pieces of clothing includes specific sleepwear."

"She has to sleep in something," Clark explained.

Bruce chuckled. Clark had an answer for everything. "You went to Diana's place to check on her plants while she's on tour. "

"You heard that?" Clark asked. "I mean, Diana's concern about them and friends do check on friends places while they are out of town." Bruce chuckled again. "It's the truth."

"I bet you cleaned out the fridge, too," Bruce teased.

"She hasn't been to her place in weeks and bad food needs to be tossed." Bruce laughed even louder and Clark sighed wishing he never started this conversation.

All teasing came to an end when there was a sudden rush of the crowd and flashes of lights to the center of the room. "Looks like your girlfriend is here," Bruce commented. "And she's surrounded."

Clark looked through the crowd of people surrounding Diana. "She's overwhelmed."

"Someone should help her out," Bruce suggested.

"Yes… someone." Clark stared at Diana. She was beautiful in her black gown but also vulnerable as the swarm continued to surround her. Clark kept an eye on Bruce, wondering if he was going to be the person to help Diana out.

Given how Clark felt for Diana, Bruce knew there was no way *he* was going to rescue her but it would be fun letting Clark think that. Bruce took a stepped forward and paused as he felt a cold chill on his right hand. He looked down and saw see his hand and champagne glass frozen together. As Bruce struggled to free his frozen hand he saw Clark making a beeline towards Diana.

Diana was momentarily speechless as several men and women crowded her, asking questions about Themyscira, how it was like living with men for the first time and her personal life. Diana wasn't sure how to respond to the onslaught of questions.

"May I have this dance?"

Diana saw a hand out to her. Knowing the voice, she looked up and saw the face of Clark Kent. "Yes!" Diana eagerly took his hand and let him lead her away from the crowd.

"You didn't tell me you were going to be here," Diana said.

"Business. Do you know how to dance?" Clark asked.

"Besides Themyscira dances, I can do the waltz and tango."

"When did you learn that?" Clark asked curiously.

"Sometimes when there was nothing to do, J'onn and I would watch the TV to understand life on Earth. We came across a dance channel. It was fun."

"Oh," Clark said and wondered why he didn't know this. He lead Diana into the waltz.

"What do you mean you're here on business?" Diana asked. "You live in Metropolis."

"*You're* the business. My boss wants me to get a follow-up story with you."

Diana smiled. "I bet you didn't resist taking the story."

Clark didn't answer as he suddenly thrust Diana in an unexpected turn. Diana spun awkwardly and couldn't collect herself before she was pulled back to Clark. It would've been halfway smooth if Diana's right foot didn't get caught between Clark's. Clark could've easily caught it but he let her foot tangle with his and the two went crashing to the floor.

Cameras were flashing over Diana sprawled all over Clark. Bruce who was still trying to free his frozen hand, witnessed it all and shook his head. This will be all over the papers in the world. Probably how Clark wanted it. Even he couldn't help but be amused by it all.

Diana was the first to rise and help Clark to his feet. "Are you all right?" Diana asked him.

"I'm fine," Clark said and shielded her from the cameras as he lead her off the dance floor. "Sorry about that."

"It wasn't your fault," Diana said. "My foot got tangled in yours."

"I did throw you," Clark said. "I thought you knew the turn."

"I did but it was so sudden." Diana was going to say more but she smiled seeing another familiar face. "Bruce?"

Bruce winced as he finally yank the glass away. He force a smile as he approached Diana and gave her a chaste kiss on both her cheeks while smiling smugly at Clark. "Diana. If I had gotten to you first, I assure you I would've been much smoother on the dance floor."

"How unfortunate," Clark remarked sarcastically.

"You said you had business here, Bruce." Diana grinned. "Legitimate or extra curricular?"

Bruce frowned. "Extra-curricular?"

Diana winked at him. "Don't worry about it." That cause Bruce to look at Clark who looked impassive.

The glass ceiling above them shattered and four men in green suits dropped down on ropes. Diana, Clark and Bruce saw them capture a young pretty blonde and began taking her away.

"I'll take this," Diana said.

Clark and Bruce watch as Diana single handedly rescue the young woman and beat up the men who tried to kidnap her. "Nice to sit back and watch someone else be the rescuer for a change."

"At least we don't have to make an excuse for disappearing," Bruce agreed.

After the rescue, Bruce and Clark stepped outside the building to see Diana talking with the young woman she rescued. "Who is that woman?" Clark asked.

"Princess Audrey of Kasnia. Spoiled rich child. Complete party girl. You'll love her," Bruce said sarcastically.

"Thanks," Clark said. He saw Diana get in the car with Princess Audrey. "Where's Diana going?"

"Probably clubbing with the princess," Bruce remarked. "Princess Audrey is known for that and little else."

"Diana? Clubbing?" Clark's eyes widened.

"I'll keep an eye on Diana if I were you," Bruce warned. "Audrey isn't the best influence. I've got other business going on tonight and I might need your and Diana's help."

Bruce left Clark going in his limousine. Clark looked off in the direction Diana and Princess Audrey left and decided to take Bruce's advice.

Diana sat uncomfortable in the backseat of Princess Audrey's limo with bags of clothes the princess bought for herself and her personal bodyguards opposite her and Audrey. Diana allowed Audrey to buy her a dress in return of her own getting damage in the battle with the men trying to kidnap Audrey. Audrey was a mystery to Diana. She was almost kidnapped and instead of wanting to find the person responsible, Audrey wanted to shop and shop and shop.

Diana patted her lasso she kept with her around her hip. After her talk with her mother during Aresia's attempt to kill all the men on Earth, Diana learned how important her lasso was and it was not a gift to leave lying around. Diana was tempted to use the lasso on Audrey to finally get her to talk but Diana promised herself not to use the gift of Hestia's lasso on the innocent. Audrey was a spoiled rotten princess but she wasn't a criminal.

"You know you're right," Audrey said, admiring a diamond necklace she purchased.

"Are you finally going to let me help you find out why those men tried to kidnap you?"

"I meant about the dress," Audrey said. "You can get away with scarlet, even with the gold belt and lasso combo and that crown on your head. Not the most stylist accessories with that dress, but I bet you can get away with anything."

"Audrey," Diana said a little frustrated.

Audrey sighed, "I don't know. A lot of people are upset about the money we are putting into the International Space Program."

Now we were getting somewhere. "That project's making your father a very popular world leader."

"Someone forgot to tell that to the peasants back home," Audrey remarked as she put the necklace away. She took out her compact from her purse and reapplied her makeup. "Anyway, my fiancé is running the whole thing. I really don't know much about it."

"You haven't said much about him," Diana commented. "I find it strange you would want to attend so many parties before you get married. You make it sound as if marriage will take your freedom away."

Audrey smirked, "You really were isolated from reality." She looked her new face over. "What's to say?" Audrey said closing the compact. "An arranged marriage to a dreary older man."

Diana was starting to understand. Arrange marriage was a strange custom to her. It bothered her really. She didn't like the idea of a woman forced to marry someone that wasn't her own choosing. "You don't love him?"

Audrey laughed. "Nah. He's a little too old and serious for my taste."

"And you're willing to give yourself to a man who doesn't love you?"

Audrey didn't seem to mind. "Hey, that's the way the world works."

"It doesn't have to be. You can marry someone of your own choice."

"Maybe, but who cares? I'm getting a fabulous engagement party, lots of expensive gifts and until I marry, I'm going to party as much as I can."

"I wouldn't recommend partying," Diana said. "Whoever attacked you will come after you again and staying in the public eye with several people around you only exacerbates the problem."

Audrey smirked, "Not with you at my side. Aren't you going to be my bodyguard or are you going to let the bad men attempt to kidnap me again?"

Diana frowned. Audrey was a princess but she didn't have the class and grace of one and was certainly not above blackmailing. "Even I do continue to guard you, your bodyguard won't let you do anymore partying."

"Please," Audrey scoffed. She pressed a button on her car door and wall came up in the car blocking Audrey's guard from her. "I've been ditching my guards since I was on my father's knee." She winked at Diana. "Keep up if you can!"

Audrey climbed out of the car and jumped in another taxi and jumping out of that one into another taxi with Diana keeping up. While they were in another taxi going only Hera knows where Diana shook her head. This was completely silly.

"I allowed you to get away from your bodyguards," Diana said. "I will protect you but we are not going to anymore parties. It makes you a target and bring on unwanted publicity."

Audrey pleaded. "Oh, come on. Don't you go clubbing when you're not being a superhero? The music. The people. The bump and grind. It's so much fun."

Diana thought of the night she went with Flash at Studio 21. "I've tried that. It wasn't for me."

"Well, what do you suggest I do for fun? You will grant me that, won't you? I'm giving my life away to a man. I need to have some fun before I marry."

Something told Diana her idea of fun wasn't Audrey's idea of fun.

"While you're thinking of something fun for me to do, you can fly me around Paris and give me a real thrill!" Audrey said.

"Fly?" It would be much safer than going to clubs. "We can do that."

"Stop the car!" Audrey ordered. Audrey dropped the cab driver some money. When they got out of the cab, Diana put an arm around Audrey and flew into the sky.

"Whee! This is so much fun!!" Audrey sighed happily enjoying the feeling of the wind flowing through her hair and dress.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Diana asked.

"Yes. Take me to the Eiffel Tower!"

Diana flew Audrey to famous iron tower. Audrey sat on the ledge looking out at the city gently swinging her feet happily enjoying herself. Audrey noticed Diana wasn't looking as if she was enjoying herself. Her eyes were searching the skies for trouble. "Wonder---y'know that's such a handful. I can call you Diana right?"

"Of course."

"Diana, don't look so serious. No one's going to attack us way up here in the sky."

"Oh, no, it's not that. I saw a friend just before we landed. He seem to be keeping his distance. I thought he would want to help you."

"A boyfriend checking up on you?" Audrey asked with interest.

Diana shook her head. "No, it's nothing like that."

"Do you have a boyfriend?"

A slow smile curved the corner of Diana's lips as she said, "No."

Audrey wasn't buying it. "A beautiful woman like you? That is a sin itself. What about Superman?"

"Why would you suggest him?" Diana asked.

"Why not? He's the most handsome one that League of yours."

True but given that he had someone, Diana was accepting that she and Superman could only be friends and it would be foolish to think beyond that. "Superman is a friend."

Audrey saw Diana looked sad at that confession. "You like him don't you and who wouldn't? He's cute. He's strong. He has a lot of virility I bet. Take a chance and tell him how you feel."

Diana became flustered, "Audrey--"

Audrey carried on, "If he was my future husband, I would have no regrets marrying him. I'll do it tonight. "

"I wouldn't say such things, Audrey."

"Why not?"

"He's coming towards us and with his hearing, I'm sure he heard you."

"He is?" Audrey looked in Diana's direction and saw something coming towards them. "Sweet."

Superman thought he should lag behind and follow Diana and Audrey but given what Bruce said about Audrey and what he witnessed earlier, Superman decided his presence would put an end to any of Audrey's games. "Wonder Woman, I saw what happened earlier."

"You saw?" Audrey questioned. "I didn't see you at the event, darling. I would've spotted you. Are you spying on Diana? Keeping an eye on your sweetheart?"

"Audrey!"

"No," Superman said. "Wonder Woman isn't my sweetheart. She's a friend."

Audrey rolled her eyes. "Sure, darling." Audrey looked from Diana to Superman. "So two of the world's greatest heroes are protecting me? I must be special." Audrey looked Superman over. "You are much cuter in person, darling."

"Um, thank you," Superman said uncomfortable.

"Guess I should make you work for protecting me." Audrey jumped off the Eiffel Tower. She laughed in pleasure at the feel of free falling. Superman beat Diana to the punch and caught Audrey. Audrey put her arms around Superman's neck and cooed. "You must get this a lot but I love the feel of your hands on me."

"I think we should take you back to your home," Diana announced suddenly.

"Why?" Audrey pouted. "The fun's just starting."

"I think you had enough fun tonight," Diana told her.

"All right," Audrey gave in. "But only if Superman flies me back."

Superman gave Diana a regretful shrugged. Diana only smiled in understanding.

After dropping Aresia off at her home she was renting during her stay in Paris, Clark and Diana flew to the hotel room Diana was staying in. Diana took off her shoes and walked to her closet. "When do you have to fly back to Metropolis?"

Clark looked around the room. Naturally, Bruce's people would book Diana with the best room in the ritziest hotel in Paris. His room only had a bed and bath and not a sitting room and private bar and fridge like Diana's. His room could also fit in hers. "I was going to leave tomorrow afternoon but I could stay longer if a story's involved."

Diana placed a nightgown on the bed and began slipping off her dress. Clark immediately turned his back on her. He was getting a case of deja vu as he thought back to when Diana first undressed before him. She was naïve then. Now, he thought she knew better. "Diana, you know there's a bathroom to change in."

Diana looked at the bathroom in question and shrugged. "You're my friend, Clark. I'm comfortable with you." Diana slipped her nightgown on. "I am not ashamed of my body."

"That's not the reason," Clark mumbled.

Diana stared at Clark. So noble, so kind. If only…. Diana stopped herself from going further down the road. Diana went around to face Clark. "Let's have lunch together before you return to Metropolis," Diana suggested. "You haven't gotten that follow up story for your paper."

For a second, Clark couldn't speak. She was wearing a nightgown he purchased for her. He never imagined how well suited it would be for her; how it would define the curves of her breasts and hips. He fail to see how low cut it was. "Um…" Clark focused on her face. "I haven't gotten the story but there's more to it than that."

"What do you mean?"

"My boss wants me to accompany you the rest of your tour and report it to the paper."

Diana's face lit up and she hugged Clark. "That's a wonderful idea! It's sometimes lonely to travel by myself. I'll be glad to have you with me."

There was a flutter of the curtains near the balcony and the two turned to see Batman standing nearby. "Am I interrupting anything?"

Clark released Diana and took an awkward step back. "N-no. No, you're not. It's not what you think."

"Of course it's not," Batman remarked sarcastically. He noticed Diana slipping on her robe to cover herself. How convenient she does this for him and not Clark he noted.

"Diana was keeping an eye on Princess Audrey and I helped her," Clark rushed. "Someone was trying to kidnap her."

"You should be careful with the circles you occupy. Both of you."

"If you're talking about Princess Audrey, she's spoiled rotten, but she's sweet in her own way," Diana said. "She can be as Hawkgirl would say, 'flighty' but she knows her responsibilities."

Batman wasn't buying it. "Right. Several hours ago, I captured a burglar part of a sting stealing classified weapons from Star labs among other places."

"Who was this burglar?" Clark asked.

"He's a Kasian Special Forces Officer."

Diana and Clark exchanged looks. "Audrey wouldn't knowingly be involve. She can be deceptive but not *that* deceptive."

"Maybe, but it wouldn't hurt if you ask her," Clark suggested.

"Audrey is having her engagement party tomorrow night. She's invited both of us, but Superman declined." Diana looked to Clark. "You can come as my guest Clark Kent. They wouldn't deny you if you're my escort. With both of us on the inside, I can talk to Audrey and Clark can look out for anything suspicious," Diana suggested then thought. "Of course, there could be three of us on the inside." This time she was staring at Batman.

"What?"

Diana approached Batman. "All three of us trust each other. Superman knows who you are behind the mask, Batman. You know Superman is Clark Kent. I see no sense in hiding the truth any longer." She placed her hands on Batman's cowl. "I know who you are Batman and I promise to keep your secret, Bruce Wayne." Diana removed the cowl to reveal Bruce Wayne. He didn't look angry or shock as she expected. He was very calm at having his secret exposed.

Bruce stepped back and put his cowl back on. "No thanks. I'll stay on the outside."

Batman turned to leave when Clark blurted. "I'll give you a ride back to your hotel." Batman didn't argue as he appreciated the lift. Besides he had a few choice words for Clark.

"You told Diana I was Batman!" Batman accused Clark once they left Diana's hotel.

"I didn't tell her. She found out because of your constantly flirting with her as Bruce Wayne. She saw through your façade and suspected you were hiding something. She's not like the other women you flirt with, Bruce. She's smart."

"But someone tipped her hand off to me." He glared at Superman. "What did you say?"

"She wanted to know why I defended you when you came down on my reluctance to help Darkseid. I only told her you have a hard time dealing with lost and I might've mentioned your parents."

"Might've?"

"All right. I did."

Batman glowered at him. "This is payback for my teasing, isn't it?"

It wasn't but Clark wasn't going to tell Batman that.

****

With Diana as his date, it wasn't hard for Clark to get in the mansion Audrey was using to host her engagement party. While Diana was upstairs talking to Audrey, Clark mingled among the dignitaries from several countries and local celebrities. Again, not his crowd at all. No one talked to him which was good. It allowed him to watch out for anything suspicious. So far, no one was a suspect to the weapons being stolen from Star labs until his ears heard a familiar voice.

He turned and saw Vandal Savage talking to a Kasian officer. Impossible. Superman last battled him when he traveled back to World War II. Vandal Savage should've been dead but he looked as young as he did then. Clark moved to the buffet table separating himself from the guest and whispered to Batman to his commlink. "Batman, Vandal Savage is here."

"Vandal Savage?" Batman was aware of him since Superman and the others told him of their excursion to World War II. "Have you told Diana?"

"I will after I talk to you. You better find out all he has been doing since World War II."

"Warn Diana," was Batman's response.

In Audrey's bedroom, Audrey hurriedly slipped on her evening gown. "I'm so glad you've decided to come, Diana. My security told me you brought a date. A reporter from the Daily Planet?" Audrey scoffed. "Why did you do such a thing, darling? Why not invite Superman? Surely you could've talked him into coming."

"Superman is busy and I promised Mr. Kent an interview," Diana explained. "He's on a short scheduled, but I'm not here to talk about that. I want to talk about you, Audrey. I'm concern you're getting involve in something you don't know about."

Audrey looked herself over in her full length mirror. "Oh, I know what I have to do. I'll get married and push out an army of heirs. It's not hard to understand at all."

"It's not that. Last night, a Kasian Special Forces Officer was part of a sting to steal classified weapons from Star labs."

Audrey stopped admiring herself in the mirror and looked at Diana. "And you think my father ordered the theft? My father wouldn't do such a thing. I know him."

She might not know her father as well as she thinks Diana guessed. It's not a surprised for a father to be part of something the wife or even the children didn't know about. "I'm sorry if I upset you, Audrey, but I had to ask."

Audrey smiled cheerily. "There's nothing to be sorry for. We all have obligations." She looked sad for a moment as if thinking about the man she would have to marry and didn't love. "Come." Audrey grabbed her hand. "Let's me introduce you to my future ball and chain."

"Diana, it's Superman," Clark called in Diana's earpiece.

"I'm here," Diana answered.

"Something wrong?" Audrey asked.

"League business," Diana told her. "Go ahead, Superman."

"Diana, Vandal Savage is in the room."

Diana was floored. "He is? How is that possible?"

"Batman is looking it up right now."

Diana looked to Audrey. What should she do? "Should I get Audrey out of here?"

"What?" Audrey said.

"Not yet," Clark, "but be on your guard."

"Diana, what is going on?" Audrey demanded.

Diana took her hand off her earpiece. "Stay close to me Audrey. There may be a battle downstairs."

"What are you talking about?"

"A monster the Justice League fought is downstairs. I don't know how he survive our last battle but the Justice League fought him in World War II. He was a Nazi War Criminal. His name is Vandal Savage."

Diana expected shock from Audrey but instead she laughed and laughed heartily. "Oh, Diana, your information must be misplaced. Vandal Savage isn't an evil man. He's my fiancé."

"Come again?"

Audrey laughed. "Come. I will introduce you to him."

Diana allowed Audrey to lead her to the ballroom where the guests were. As she and Audrey entered the ballroom, Diana searched for Clark and saw him keeping an eye on things. She knew her information wasn't misplaced. Clark was in the past with her. He knew what Vandal Savage looked like. He would never get his information wrong.

"There he is," Audrey said pointing to her fiancé. Audrey touched his back gently and Vandal Savage turned to face Diana. "Now tell me, does he look like a Nazi War Criminal, let alone someone who was around during World War II?"

"Yes," Diana said firmly. "He looks exactly like the man I saw in World War II."

"You must have me mistaken for my grandfather," Vandal said smoothly. "I am Vandal Savage III." He held his hand out for Diana to shake. She refused.

"Diana, don't be rude," Audrey admonished her.

Vandal pulled his hand back. "I understand. My grandfather was an evil man.

"Evil man is only a compliment to what type of person Vandal Savage is."

"Was," Vandal corrected Diana. "I've dedicated my life to good works. It was the only way I felt I could restore my family's loss honor."

"The resemblance is uncanny."

"Our genes are rather insistent. Excuse me." Vandal gave a kiss to Audrey's check, bowed before Diana and left.

Diana looked at Audrey who was upset at Diana for her remarks to her fiancé. "I apologize if I upset you, Audrey."

"You seem to be doing a lot of apologizing lately," Audrey remarked bitterly.

Diana knew it was her cue to leave. "Excuse me." Diana left the room and soon felt Clark on her heels. "He looks just like him, Clark."

"I know. It's hard to believe he's an actual descendent."

They both saw Vandal entering the courtyard talking on his cell phone. "I'll talk to him," Diana told Clark. "We'll meet up soon afterwards. I don't feel comfortable staying here any longer."

"I know the feeling," Clark said. He found another exit and flew over the castle beyond detection as he listened to Diana speak with Vandal Savage.

"How insistent are those genes, Mr. Savage?" Diana asked.

Vandal closed his phone and turned to Diana. "Meaning?"

"Your grandfather was an ammunitions expert."

"He was ahead of his time in many ways."

"Does that run in the family as well?" Diana asked.

"No. Kasnia interest is in peaceful space exploration and I love Audrey. I wouldn't do anything to harm her."

"I don't believe you," Diana said.

"What are you saying?" Vandal asked. "That I am my grandfather. I am over a hundred years old."

Diana unhooked her lasso. "There's only one way to find out for sure."

Vandal took a step back. "What are you going to do with that?"

"I'm going to make you tell me the truth," Diana told him approaching Vandal.

"Diana!" Diana and Vandal turned to see Audrey entering the courtyard. She went to Vandal's side. "Diana, what are you doing?"

"Audrey." She knew how this must look. "I'm sorry but I need to know if your fiancé is who he says he is."

Audrey stepped in front of Vandal with her arms stretched as if to protect him. "No! I will not let you use that on my fiancé. I think it's time you leave, Diana."

Diana could easily push Audrey aside and put the lasso around Vandal but she knew she couldn't. Instead, Diana hooked her lasso back on her belt and flew away. She met Clark above the clouds and they flew back to Paris together.

"He's lying," Clark said.

"Which part?" Diana asked.

"Everything. When he said he love Audrey, he was lying. When he rebuffed the accusation of being over a hundred years old, he was lying, too."

"How can you tell?" Diana asked.

"In his heartbeat. Something's going on, Diana. Let's meet Bruce in his hotel room. He should have something."

Back at the mansion, Audrey was apologizing to Vandal for Diana's behavior. "I'm sorry about Diana, Vandal. I thought she was fun. I like her and all but her behavior tonight was uncalled for."

"It is not your fault, Princess. You have such a trusting nature." And a foolish one at that, Vandal thought wickedly. Vandal's cell phone rang. He answered.

Audrey watched Vandal's expression turn grave as he listened to the conversation on the phone. When he closed his phone, Audrey asked. "Vandal, what's wrong?"

Vandal act saddened as he delicately told Audrey. "It's your father, Audrey. He's suffered a stroke."

Audrey gasped. "No." She embraced Vandal for comfort as she digest the information. "Cancel the dinner. Send everyone away. I want to return home immediately."

"As you wish, Princess," Vandal said. "Might I suggest we not let the press know why we're leaving so suddenly or the conditions of your father until you see him yourself." Audrey nodded in agreement and Vandal grinned wickedly. This way Wonder Woman or anyone from the League won't get in the way of their plans until it was too late.

****

In Bruce Wayne's hotel room, Diana and Clark stood over Bruce as he sat at his desk typing furiously on his laptop. Diana and Clark were no longer wearing their evening attire but were dressed in their heroic uniforms. They all were expecting something to happen and soon. Bruce was still uncomfortable with the fact Diana knew his secret but he couldn't do anything about it now and he trust she wouldn't tell.

"I think Princess Audrey's fiancé is the Vandal Savage Diana and I faced in World War II, and if I'm right, a lot of the pieces will start to make sense," Clark said.

"I had J'onn send me all he could on Vandal Savage: birth certificates, school records. It checks out but we all know papers can be forged," Bruce added.

"Vandal Savage also look hesitant in letting me use my lasso on him. If Audrey hadn't shown up, I would've. I don't trust him."

"You shouldn't." Bruce said. "Look at what we've got: a Kasian operative stealing military secrets. Kasnia spearheading an international space station."

"It could be a cover to set up a weapons embargo they're supposed to be under," Diana suggested.

"If this is the Vandal Savage you two faced in the past, this could be the start of something big," Bruce said. "Much bigger than what he tried to do in World War II."

Clark saw something on the television from the corner of his eye. A reporter was standing in front of Kasnia's royal palace. "Something's going on."

Bruce grabbed the remote and took the television off mute. "…..sources have confirmed earlier tonight the King of Kasnia has suffered a serious stroke."

"Serious and convenient," Bruce remarked.

"Thirty minutes ago the private plane of Princess Audrey and her fiancé landed and upon learning the grave condition of her father, Princess Audrey has announced she and her fiancé will marry tonight."

A strong gust of wind blew behind Bruce. It whipped papers across the room and Bruce had to hold his laptop on his desk so it wouldn't blow off, too. He looked back seeing Clark and Diana gone. He knew where they were going. "I guess I'll meet them there."

It didn't take long for Superman and Wonder Woman to arrive at Kasnia's Royal Palace. With his hearing, Superman could hear the sounds of the wedding march starting. "The wedding's starting. Remember the plan, Diana."

Diana nodded. "I know."

Within half a mile from the palace they were met with Kasnia's defense forces. From the look of the air team it looked as if they were expected. General Vox, Vandal's right hand man in a green suit and a voice box over this throat, flew out of the castle on a jet pack along with several jet fighter planes.

General Vox opened his mouth and sonic waves were released through the sound box on his throat. Diana swerve to avoid it while maneuvering to protect herself from jet fighters firing missiles.

Diana landed on top of a jet fighter, ripped open the glass shield and pulled the pilot out of the jet. The pilot pulled his parachute and landed safely.

Superman was also busy with three jet fighters on him. One jet fighter shot a missile on him. Superman caught it and crushed it in his hands while taking direct attack from behind. When he turned his attention to the other jet fighters, Superman sliced the wings off each jet with his heat vision forcing the pilots to eject.

While Diana was disassembling another plane, General Vox, shot his sonic waves on Diana. Diana clamped her ears as the painful sounds radiated over her. The pain was so strong, she couldn't focus and fell off the plane. General Vox fired another blast of the sonic wave until Diana crashed into the ground below. Superman saw this and before Vox could damage Diana's ears again with another blast of his sonic waves, he cut through Vox's jet pack with his heat vision.

General Vox crashed to the ground lying unconscious. Superman was going to check on Diana when a kryptonite net was fired from the remaining jet fighter, catching Superman. Once wrapped in the net, the jet fighter fired a missile on Superman. Superman took a direct hit and crashed into the ground. He lied still.

When Diana crashed on the ground, she was surrounded by a ground team armed with guns and hi tech weaponry. They fired bullets and lasers on her. Diana deflected them with her bracelets until she was able to duck for cover under a tree. Diana pulled the tree from its roots and used that as a shield as she rammed the ground team into a nearby stream.

As Diana neared the palace, she saw Superman being carried inside trapped in a kryptonite net by Kasian forces. Diana started to go after Superman but she remembered the plan. Diana made her way to the wedding hall and was met with a tank blocking Diana. Diana twisted and dismantled the tank and used that to break through the palace walls right into altar.

Guests looked on shocked. Audrey looked stunned at Diana's sudden presence at her wedding. "Diana, what are you doing?"

"Audrey, you can't marry, Savage! He--" Diana screamed as Vandal shot a blast from his gun on her with enough electrical current to weaken her. Diana fell to her knees. She started to rise but another blast from her gun knocked her unconscious.

****

Batman flew over the land leading up to Kasnia's Royal Palace in his Batjet. He saw the destroyed jets and still unconscious Kasian soldiers on the ground. Superman and Wonder Woman were here all right but since he hadn't heard from them in the past hour since their departure, he guess they got themselves captured.

"This is what happens when you go charging in without a plan," Batman muttered. "Looks like I will have to save them."

Batman landed his jet safely out on the outskirts of the palace so it wouldn't be detected as he made the rest of the trip to the palace on land. Given the security level was up due to Superman and Wonder Woman's attack, it wasn't easy for Batman to sneak in but he did.

It took another hour before Batman came across the cells Superman and Wonder Woman were being held captive. Superman was bound in Kryptonite cuffs. Wonder Woman was in a cell across from him. Her arms were bound in electrical cuffs. Each time she struggled, bolts of electricity shot through her body. Four Kasian guards stood on watch. Batman moved over to Diana's cell when he saw Audrey enter the prison area.

"I can't believe you and Superman would disrupt my wedding!" Audrey blasted at Diana.

"Aren't you even curious about what Savage is up to?" Diana asked. "He's dangerous."

"And you two aren't?" Audrey questioned. "I don't see my husband throwing tanks in the wedding hall." Audrey looked at Superman behind her. "I don't see Vandal destroying my jet fighters that are to protect me from hostiles."

"Princess Audrey, Vandal Savage is amassing military and political power and you are unwittingly allowing it," Superman spoke calmly to Audrey.

"For what?" Audrey asked.

Diana couldn't believe Audrey was so blind. It frustrated her! "Savage is obviously using you and you're too blind to see it because you are a spoiled, pampered princess turned queen who has never taken responsibility of her own actions. You are a queen now and like any leader you serve your people. They do not serve you which is what you have been allowing all your life. It's time for you to grow up, act like a real queen and take back your kingdom before it's too late!"

Audrey was insulted Diana would talk to her this way. No one talked to her like she did not even her father. "You were fun to hang around with, even though you were a bit stiff, but you have crossed a line. I did care what Vandal would do to you but now I don't."

"Wonder Woman and I think Savage is responsible for your father's illness."

Audrey whirled around to Superman shocked. "How dare you. Both of you to make such vile accusations. Vandal will never do such a thing. I have had enough with you both."

"Don't walk away Audrey," Diana warned seeing Audrey stomping off. "You're making a big mistake."

Audrey glared at Diana. "I can do whatever I pleased. Surely, you've noticed that right now."

Audrey left the room angry. How dare Diana call her spoiled and pampered. Well, it was true but to accuse of her not being a real princess? Not knowing her responsibilities? That was insulting. She knew her role. When her father was ill, she knew the kingdom would need to be assure so she married Vandal even if she didn't want to. She was queen. She would have the power. Although as she thought about it, Vandal would be running the kingdom while she push out the heirs. Audrey reached the elevator. She was going to press the up button going to her bedroom but decided it wouldn't hurt to see what exactly what Vandal was working. It was nothing what Superman and Wonder Woman were suggesting. That she was sure of.

Audrey took the elevator down to the control room. She saw Kasian guards walking around working on something she didn't know about. A screen of the world map was on one of the walls with targets of different countries. What was going on? Audrey went to Vandal who was talking to a Kasian guard.

"What's going on?" Audrey asked her husband.

The guard went away at Vandal's request. "I'm beefing up security. Wonder Woman and Superman got in too easily.

Audrey relaxed. "She and Superman accused you of being some power mad monster." She laughed assuming Vandal would as well.

He didn't. Instead he put a finger to his lips and smiled almost sinisterly. "Shh. You'll spoil the surprise." He sat in a black throne and pulled out a scepter.

An guard approached Vandal. "We go online in two minutes."

Audrey looked from Vandal to the guard and back to Vandal again fearing Superman and Wonder Woman were right all along. "What the hell are you planning to do?"

Vandal smiled. "To put it simply, I'm going to take over the world."

Back in the cells, Batman hooked up a mini rotating camera on to get shots of the cells Superman and Wonder Woman were in and the whole floor itself. On his small handheld camera, he was able to view advantages and disadvantages for him if he should try a rescue on his own. But it was evident there was no way he could free Superman and Wonder Woman and take on the guards by himself. He would have to call in for help.

"Batman to Watchtower."

"Yo, Bats! What's going on?" Flash asked. "Hold on. J'onn wants me and the other John in the Monitor Room." Flash ran to the Monitor where J'onn and Green Lantern were watching Vandal Savage on screen.

Batman listened in on his comm link to Vandal's voice.

"Today the world changes," Vandal greeted the world through his satellite link in Kasnia's palace. "Crucial to these changes was Kasnia's contribution to the International Space Station. A contribution even larger than what you've been lead to believe."

Vandal's image was replaced by an image of the space station. A platform opened up on the space station to a long expanding mass driver. "This is a mass driver but I prefer to call it a rail gun. Allow me to demonstrate its power."

A meteor was pulled into the by the iron rings of the rail gun and suddenly propel towards the earth as Vandal's narrates what's happening. "The rail gun pulls in any floating asteroid floating in space and fires to wherever I choose on Earth and I choose to fire on the U.S.S. Avington Carrier in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean."

The screen split in half from Vandal's satellite in space and to a visual of the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The meteor crashed into the ocean only meters from the large naval ships. The ocean waters rose like a wave and swallowed the naval ship. The strength of the ocean waters broke the ship in half. J'onn, Green Lantern and Flash could only watch as they saw the surviving naval crew members swimming to the surface.

Vandal cockily added. "With our rail gun in orbit, Kasnia has the upper high ground. I am now the dominant military power on Earth and there will be changes."

"That weapon must be destroyed," J'onn said. "The destructiveness of its power is unimaginable."

"I don't have to imagine," John said. "I saw Yungar of Omega Centari blow a moon out of orbit."

"Whoa!" Flash said asked Batman. "Did you get all that? What's going on with you?"

"It's not important. I'll take care of my problem. Taking out that weapon is top priority."

While Flash, Green Lantern and J'onn, flew the Javelin to the space station to destroy the rail gun, Batman plotted a way to free Superman and Wonder Woman. If he could throw his batarang to distract the guards, he could free either Superman or Wonder Woman. It'll be better to free Wonder Woman first Batman decided. If he freed Superman first, he'll still be weakened by the Kryptonite and wouldn't be much help to fight off the guards while he freed Wonder Woman.

As Batman put his plan into action, Batman heard the sounds of iron being ripped apart. He looked down from his spot and witness Superman tearing through the iron cages he was imprisoned in. Batman was baffled. Superman was no longer chained to the kryptonite. How did Superman break free while chained to the kryptonite shackles?

Batman didn't questioned it long as he jumped down from his spot and fought off the four guards who ran towards Superman to stop him. He used all his fighting skills, batarangs and bolos to fight off the guards while Superman ripped the doors keeping Wonder Woman captured apart. He used his heat vision to disabled the electrical shackles on Diana.

"You okay?" Superman asked Diana.

Diana rubbed her wrists. "Yes."

The last guard fell and Batman turned to them. "How--"

The doors opened and ten more guards rushed in with weapons. Batman shot his grappling hook upward and pulled himself up while Diana blocked the firearms with her bracelet. Batman threw his batarang at three of the men disarming them. He jumped down taking out the three with his fist while Superman took out the rest. He used his heat vision to melt the weapons in their hands. The guards dropped their weapons and charged on him anyway leaving Superman to take them out delicately. He blew his breath on them slamming the rest of the men into the walls hard knocking them out.

Now they had a break in the fighting, Batman was able to asked Superman. "How did you get out of those cuffs? It has kryptonite on them."

Superman smiled. "I know but you who taught me how to break out of cuffs." Superman held out his wrist for closer inspection to Batman and Diana's eyes. They could see cut marks and dried blood on his wrists. "That kryptonite cut me deeper than I thought but I wasn't as weak as I let them believe when they bound me."

Batman didn't follow. "What do you mean?"

"I let myself get taken out easily so I had enough strength to break out of the cuffs later on."

"Wait," Batman said as the pieces started to fit. "You let yourself get caught?" Batman said and looked at Diana. "Both of you?"

"Yeah, although Diana did let herself get knocked out," Clark explained. "That kryptonite net weakened me but not as much as I was letting on." He shot a look at Diana. "I was still aware of my surroundings. "

Diana let that remark go as she told Batman. "You said it yourself. What Savage was up to was the start of something big. On the way over, Clark and I plotted to let ourselves get captured. It was the only way to get inside and find out what Savage was up to. Thankfully, the guards put us across each other and I was able to read Clark's lips as he told me what Vandal was saying. Sorry," Diana apologized. "We should've let you in on it."

"So, you let Princess Audrey get married?" Batman asked. Part of him couldn't believe these two actually conjured up a brilliant plan.

"It wasn't something I wanted," Diana admitted, "but Clark convinced me Audrey could divorce Vandal immediately afterward."

"Looks like I came for nothing," Batman admitted.

"I wouldn't say that," Clark said. "Because it took so long for Savage to reveal his plan, I became more affected by the kryptonite. I couldn't hear what was going on outside this room but I heard you moving around over us and I heard Vandal Savage through your comm link."

Batman still couldn't believe what he was wearing. He really underestimated Superman and Wonder Woman.

"We need to find Audrey," Diana announced. "She could be in danger."

Superman looked through the walls pleased his strength was returning. "She's in her bedroom and it looks like she's locked in."

"Where's the control room?" Batman asked.

Superman scanned the palace. "I can't find it. Parts of this place is lined with lead and my hearing isn't completely back yet."

"We better move. J'onn, Green Lantern and Flash are taking care of the rail gun. We need to help them on the ground."

****

Audrey pounded on her locked doors demanding to be released. After Vandal revealed his plan, Audrey argued with him and Vandal ordered her locked up. Ever since then, Audrey pounded and decreed that she be freed. Suddenly, her door was suddenly ripped off it hinges. Audrey stood amazed to see Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman standing on the outside.

"Oh, it's you. Diana, you were right all along. Vandal Savage is his grandfather. I mean, he's the same person," Audrey tried to explain.

"We know," Diana said. "We'll talk this out later but you must help us."

"Help you?" Audrey sighed. "I can't help myself. You were right. Vandal only wanted me for my throne and he has usurped me and my father for it."

"You're the queen now. You must take command of the situation and fight back. Take back what is rightfully yours."

"How?" Audrey said dejected.

"You can show us the control room," Batman said.

Audrey lead the three to the control room. Vandal was prepping another strike this time on Paris. He signaled General Vox and his Kasian guards to attack them.

"I want him," Diana pointed at General Vox. She remembered what he did to her earlier and decided it was time to pay him back.

While Batman and Superman went to take care of the guards, Diana asked Audrey. "May I borrow your earrings?"

Audrey removed her diamond earrings and gave it to Diana. "Er, sure." She saw Diana put it in her ear and wondered what she was going to do with that.

General Vox sent his sonic waves on Diana again. Diana was pushed back by the waves but getting a better footing on the floor, she started to move forward towards him. General Vox increased his power but Diana wasn't going to be pushed back. Diana grabbed his throat and squeezed Vox's voice box shut. She punched him hard across his face knocking him out.

Though still weakened by the kryptonite, Superman easily took care of his share of the guards. He went after Vandal next, knocking the immortal tyrant away from the computer. Vandal punched Superman and kicked him away. Superman struck back with two of his punches, knocking Vandal out.

"I wish you didn't do that," Batman said.

Superman dropped Vandal and went to Batman. "What do you mean?"

"Savage's has setup the rail gun to fire again in a minute. This time on Paris. He's knocked out and can't tell me the code to stop it."

"He wouldn't tell us anyway," Diana said joining the men. She saw Batman rapidly typing the keys. "What are you doing?"

"The only thing I can do: change the coordinates."

"To where?" Diana asked.

"Right here." Batman said and asked Superman, "Think you can stop the asteroid in your condition?"

Superman wasn't sure if he could. "We better evacuate the palace in case I can't."

Batman picked up the emergency phone and spoke in Kasian warning everyone to evacuate the palace. Diana and Superman grabbed the unconscious guards, Vandal and flew them out while Batman lead Audrey out of the palace. Once safely away, they all spotted the asteroid in the sky plummeting towards them.

Superman didn't waste anymore time flying with great speed towards the asteroid and hitting it dead on. The sky boomed at the collision of the two forces. The asteroid shattered in tiny pieces falling safely to the Earth below. Diana knew Superman wasn't in his best condition when he hit the asteroid and secretly prayed to the Gods for his safety. From what she could see, he wasn't knocked out by the asteroid but he wasn't well either.

Superman slowly landed and collapsed to his knees. Diana went to his side and put his right arm over her shoulder. "Are you all right?"

Superman groaned as he touched his head. "Not really," he said leaning on Diana. "I need to recover from that kryptonite."

Batman and Audrey approached them. "I just got word from J'onn. He, Green Lantern and Flash destroyed the rail gun. They rescued the astronauts captured aboard as well."

"Good. We don't have to deal with that again and I don't want to fly head first into asteroids before recovering from kryptonite poisoning," Superman joked then groaned in pain again.

"Shh!" Diana said. "No jokes. I'll get you in the sun soon enough."

Audrey look around her. Her traitorous guards, Vandal Savage and General Vox were being cuffed and held at gunpoint by her loyal ones. She thought over what transpired with Vandal and how easily she and her father were duped by him. "This will be a new beginning for me and Kasnia. There will be much to clean up thanks to Vandal's indiscretion, but have no fear Kasnia will rise above it. I will see to it."

"I know you can do it," Diana encouraged Audrey.

"I think I can. Too long I let my fate be decided by others. I was satisfied with just being the queen and enjoy the luxuries of life and only contribute by birthing heirs. I will do more than that. I will rule in my father's absence. I will take control of all the businesses of my country. Hopefully, my father will recover. If not, I will make Kasnia as he has envisioned."

"Sounds like you're growing up," Diana said proudly.

Audrey laughed. "Finally and it took a real princess to show me the way."

"Good luck."

"Thanks." Audrey looked at Superman and Wonder Woman standing together. "Diana, don't forget what I said. Take a chance." Audrey winked at Diana and walked off to loyal guards to take Vandal into custody and begin her role as Queen of Kasnia.

Clark sighed. "What a trip. I'm gonna have some story for Perry when I get back."

"We never did get to that interview over lunch," Diana said.

"You're still up for it?" Clark asked.

Diana smiled. "After all this, why not?" Diana looked to Bruce. "You're welcome to join us, Bruce."

Batman stared at the two. Superman was still leaning on Diana as she held him close to her. As much fun it would be to make Clark uncomfortable, he decided to pass on it. "I don't think so. I have to get back to Gotham and as they say three's a crowd."

Batman pressed a button on his belt and it wasn't long before the batjet arrived. "And Princess, what happens in Paris, stays in Paris."

Diana smiled at Bruce's intentions. "Your secret's safe with me Batman."

Batman got in his jet and flew off. When he was gone, Diana said, "He really thinks I will tell his secret?"

"He has trust issues."

"Lucky you don't have that." Diana said. "You really worried me when you crashed into that asteroid." Diana hugged him and kissed his cheek. She almost laughed at the stunned expression on Clark's face. "Let's go. Ready?"

Clark tightened his hold on Diana. "Ready."

Holding each other close, Clark allowed Diana to take control of their flight to Paris as she carried them both into the skies.