Hello all. It has been awhile since I updated.

Dear marymo9,

I hope you really like this chapter. *wink, wink*. Hopfully it doesn't kill ya. lol.

Now on with the story. It takes place 3 weeks after where the last chapter left off.

I own nothing but my fabulous imagination. lol.

Read on!

Right Where It Hurts

3 weeks later

"Defend yourself!"

Arizona groaned internally. Why had she even agreed to this? I am out of my mind, she thought. Alindra kept her eyes locked on Arizona's as she slowly circled the other woman. Arizona did her best to concentrate. Then in a flash, Arizona felt the sharp sting of hard wood connecting with her face.

"OW!" Arizona stumbled back. She heard Alindra sigh.

"You're not paying attention!" The blonde said as she stood with one hand gripping the wooden staff while the other was on her hip.

"Trust me, I was paying attention," Arizona shot back. This earned her a glare from the other woman.

"Again! And this time, pay close attention!" Alindra demanded as she started to twirl the staff in her hands.

Arizona huffed but didn't say a word. She was sure she was going to feel a lot more pain before lunch came around.

WWWWWWWWWWWW

Arizona fell with a thud. She felt the air whoosh out of her lungs. She lay on the ground on her back trying not to wince. Alindra stood over her blocking the sun. The blonde's expression said it all.

"I said I would try," Arizona said lamely still trying to catch her breath. Alindra shook just shook her head. She took a step back and picked up Arizona's staff.

"Get up." She waited for Arizona to get on her feet before she tossed the staff to her. Arizona shook out the cobwebs and got ready once more.

"How long are we gonna do this?" Arizona complained.

"Until I can swing and you don't get hit or knocked down," Alindra said cheekily.

"Funny," Arizona retorted dryly.

"Take a breath and clear your mind," Alindra instructed. Nodding, Arizona took a breath and cleared her brain. She took on the defensive stance and waited. Alindra jabbed and swung her staff several times. Arizona managed to block or duck each move earning a proud smile from the blonde.

The two continued to spar. Arizona was sure she had this in the bag. From the corner of her eye, Arizona noticed movement. She stole a quick glanced and noticed Diana walking through the infirmary. And for a split second, Diana glanced her way and locked eyes with Arizona.

A painful whack to the head brought her back to reality. Quickly grabbing her head, Arizona stumbled back and glared at Alindra.

"Seriously?" Arizona bellowed as she rubbed her head and winced. Epione heard the commotion and went to the garden to see what was going on. Diana followed close behind.

Alindra gave her a smirk.

"Ok, I think that's enough for one day," Epione stated as she gently took hold of Arizona's head and examined it.

"What's going on?" Diana asked a little confused. It had been a while since the last time she saw Arizona. She was pleasantly surprised by what she saw.

"The Captain can't take a hit," Alindra said with a teasing glint in her eye.

Arizona twisted her head from Epione's grip and declared, "I so can take-"

"Alindra, please. That's enough," Epione said firmly. She grabbed Arizona's chin and brought the woman's face around and examined the bruise that was now forming. Alindra just shrugged and picked up the two staff's.

"Tomorrow, bright and early," Alindra said as she passed Arizona. The woman nodded as best she could since Epione still had her chin in her hand. Diana watched Alindra walk out of the infirmary.

"OW! Come on, Doc!" Arizona whined then winced as Epione found a soft spot.

"Will you hold still?" Epione stated as she tripled checked the bruise. Diana stood silently, curiously staring at the two. Since she had been gone, Ari and Epione had formed a unique friendship. Diana felt a wave of guilt course through her. As well as a twinge of jealousy.

She had missed a lot by the looks of it.

"When did you start walking?" Diana blurted out. Arizona and Epione shared a silent look then both glanced at Diana. Arizona wasn't sure if she wanted to answer. What gives her the right to ask? Arizona thought.

"A while," Arizona supplied. She said nothing more. Arizona just turned her head and stared over Epione's shoulder. Diana felt the coldness radiating off of the other woman. She was a little thrown by it – wasn't expecting it.

Epione could feel the tension tightening and cleared her throat.

"Well…what brings you here Princess?" Epione said, hoping to shift the mood.

But before Diana could say a word, Arizona blurted out rudely, "I'm tired. I think I'll go lay down." And with that, stood slowly and limped her way back into the infirmary.

Epione sighed as she watched Arizona go. She was doing much better then before. Arizona's mood had positively improved over the last 3 weeks. It was a sight Epione enjoyed seeing. Diana stood motionless. Her expression pained as she watched Arizona walking away.

"Diana-"

"I'm sorry I interrupted. I will come back another time," Diana said sadly as she turned and left. Epione sighed heavily. She just didn't know what to do.

WWWWWWWWWWWW

Alindra stood at the sink, washing up the remnants of their dinner.

"You seem to have been holding back."

Alindra sighed. Drying her hands on a cloth then tossing it back onto the counter, the blonde took her time answering. Smiling, she crossed the small room and sat next to Athena. She rested her head on her Goddess shoulder.

"I was…a little. She is still injured," Alindra said softly. She traced patterns idly on Athena's thigh. In reply, Athena gently placed a kiss on her blonde's head.

"You sound…tired," Athena stated gently. She wrapped an arm around Alindra, drawing her closer. Alindra smiled and kissed Athena softly on the cheek before she answered.

"No. Just enjoying the quiet. With you," Alindra replied. She felt Athena laugh softly.

"Alright."

The two sat there enjoying the other's company.

WWWWWWWWWWWW

Hippolyta strolled out onto her balcony looking over the island. It was a beautiful night, the stars shining brightly. Smiling to herself, she enjoyed the cool breeze as she sat down on a bench.

She was so lost in memories that she didn't hear foot steps behind her.

"Lyta?"

Hippolyta turned around at the soft voice. Realizing who it was, the Queen stood and opened her arms, her smile growing wide.

"Philippus!" The General smiled and let herself be engulfed in strong arms. She slipped her arms around her Queen's waist and squeezed. Pulling back both women smiled lovingly at the other.

"What brings you here Philippus?" Hippolyta asked eagerly. She let Philippus go but motioned for her to sit next to her on the bench.

"Nothing actually," Philippus replied as she slid next to Hippolyta. Nodding, Hippolyta didn't say anything else knowing that what ever it was Philippus would say it when she was ready.

"Alright," Hippolyta softly said. The two sat next to each other content with the silence. After a moment, it was apparent that something was on her General's mind. As if on cue Philippus cleared her throat.

Hippolyta glanced at the woman next to her and waited patiently.

"Actually, there was something…well, not really…"

The Queen couldn't believe her ears. Philippus, her General, the woman that commanded her army was at a loss for words. Reaching out, Hippolyta laced her fingers with Philippus'. That seemed to calm Philippus somewhat.

"Yes?" Hippolyta said softly. She waited. Philippus gazed at her Queen. She swallowed nervously.

"I just came by to see…you. I…I missed you," Philippus said quietly. She could feel the heat rising on her cheeks and quickly looked away embarrassed. Hippolyta smiled at the simple statement. Her heart soared.

Looking back out up at the sky, Hippolyta recalled a particular memory that made her smile brightly.

"Do you remember when Diana had that nightmare? She refused to sleep until you and I were both there next to her."

Philippus, grateful for the slight change, looked up at the sky as well and nodded. She remembered and it made her smile.

"Yes. She was very…adamant about us being there," she said with a chuckle.

"Hmm…and do you remember what you did to get her to fall back asleep?" Hippolyta asked with a grin and twinkle in her eyes. Glancing at her, Philippus laughed and nodded.

"Yes, yes I do!"

wwwwwwwwwwww

"Now, Diana. Philippus and I are right her. There is nothing to fear now," Hippolyta said. She sat on one side of the bed while Philippus sat on the other. They were sitting there for almost an hour and a half trying to convince Diana that nothing was going to happen.

"But how do you know that?" Diana pouted as she sat up in bed and crossed her arms. Philippus reached out and brushed the little girl's hair away from her eyes.

"Diana, I promise you…I give you my word that I will stand guard through the night. Nothing will get passed me," Philippus said gently. She hoped that ploy worked. But of course, Diana seemed to be too smart for that one as well.

"Philippus you can't do that. You'll be fast asleep the second I close my eyes!" Both women sighed. Philippus tried a different approach. She sat back slightly and held her arms out and Diana climbed in.

Standing and motioning for Hippolyta to follow, Philippus walked onto the terrace and sat down on the bench.

"Do you see those stars?" She waited for Diana to nod and continued. "Each of those stars is a fallen sister. Every single one of them. They were tasked with watching over you every night. You see Princess, you are never alone. And very well protected," Philippus said. Diana's eyes widened. Hippolyta sat in silence, her smile never leaving her face.

"There's so many!" Diana replied in awe. Philippus nodded.

"Yes there are. I bet you can't count them all," the General said playfully. Diana whipped her head around.

"I can too!" Diana looked back up at the stars and pointed at each one, "1, 2, 3, 4…," Diana yawned midway but continued.

"…5, 6…7…8…9…"

Diana was out like a lamp before she could finish counting ten. Philippus cradled the little princess in her arms as she smiled up at her Queen.

"It worked," Hippolyta said amazed. She reached out to take the little bundle but Philippus shook her head.

"May I, your majesty?" Philippus requested quietly.

"Of course." Hippolyta got up and led the way back into the room. She stood back as she watched Philippus gently lay Diana back onto the bed and tucked her back in. Her breath caught as Philippus placed a soft kiss on Diana's forehead.

"Thank you General," Hippolyta whispered. Philippus nodded and begun the trek back to her little hut but Hippolyta's voice stopped her.

"Stay…it's too late for you to be travelling now," the Queen requested. "You can stay in the guest room if you like," she added quickly.

"Your majesty, I-"

"Please. In case Diana wakes up again. At least you will be close by."

Philippus thought for a moment. Slowly, Philippus nodded and thanked her Queen. She was rewarded with a beautiful smile.

"Goodnight General."

"Goodnight Your Majesty."

Wwwwwwwwwwww

"How do you like the guest room?" The Queen asked with a smirk. Philippus threw her head back and laughed.

"It is very comfortable!"

Hippolyta laughed as well.

"I should hope so! You've stayed since then!" Both women laughed but after a moment they were well aware of just how close they were.

Clearing her throat, Philippus sat in awkward silence.

"So…"

"I've missed you," Hippolyta said abruptly. Blinking back in surprise, Philippus swallowed nervously. "You've been avoiding me," Hippolyta stated making Philippus struggle for her breath.

"Lyta, I-"

"Tell me that I am the only one feeling this. Tell me now so I may stop making a complete fool out of myself."

Philippus sat completely stunned by the honest admission. She was having a hard time concentrating. Hippolyta could sense Philippus' inner struggle. But she couldn't help it anymore. These past few weeks, Philippus had avoided being alone with her and it was slowly starting to wear her down.

"Be honest with me Philippus. That's all that I ask of you," Hippolyta requested quietly. Philippus stared at the woman before her. She didn't know what to say or how to proceed. It was a simple request and yet Philippus was unable to give her the answer she so longed to give.

So instead of giving Hippolyta a response, Philippus gave her Queen's hand a squeeze then slowly inched her face closer. Hippolyta could feel herself moving forward, as if there was this magnetic pull that she couldn't deny.

With eyes closed and lips just a fraction apart, Philippus was just a breath away from fulfilling her deepest desire. Hippolyta was a mere seconds away from washing away 3,000 years of longing.

Closer…just a little closer…The sound of someone running unto the terrace broke the trance.

Their eyes opened at the sound of shuffling feet not too far from them. Both women sat staring at each other before they realized they were no longer alone.

Philippus and Hippolyta both stood and regarded each other awkwardly.

"Um…"

"Yes…"

They both stopped and listened carefully.

"That sounds like…"

"…Diana…"

"Later?" Hippolyta suggested. Nodding in agreement Philippus reached out and took the Queen's hand as she guided her to the steps that lead to the terrace.

"Yes, later." Both women put aside the inelegance they felt for the moment and concentrated on Diana.

WWWWWWWWWWWW

"What am I doing wrong?"

Hippolyta didn't have answer. Neither did Philippus. Diana got up and took a few steps to the balcony and stared up at the sky.

"What is it, exactly, do you feel for her?" Hippolyta asked from where she was sitting. "I thought that is what you wanted? You must know how she feels?"

Diana sighed and faced her mother and Philippus.

"I thought," Diana started slowly, "when I came back here, I would instantly feel how she feels about me. But I haven't. I thought the more time I spent with her, it would just come easily. And I hurt someone I deeply care about in the process," Diana finished looking more miserable then before.

"Have you spoken with either woman?" Philippus asked. Diana shook her head.

"I tried speaking with Arizona this afternoon. But she acted as if I never existed. By the way, did you know she has been sparring with Alindra?"

Hippolyta and Philippus shared a look. Diana's eyes widened.

"You knew! Why didn't you tell me?"

Both women sighed. They knew this would come sooner or later.

"She asked us not to say anything," Philippus replied. Diana felt a little betrayed.

"Why?"

Hippolyta looked a little…uncomfortable.

"I may have mentioned you and Io-"

"Mother!" Diana said exasperated. Diana threw a hand to her forehead as if trying to contain the migraine that was slowly approaching. "No wonder she didn't want to see me. I have to fix this."

With that Diana stormed back into the palace mumbling as she went.

Philippus just gave Hippolyta a look. "You planed this all along, didn't you?"

Hippolyta threw her hands up in mock surrender.

"I did nothing of the sort."

Shaking her head, Philippus smiled up at her Queen.

"Are you tired?"

Hippolyta shook her head. She held out her hand and Philippus slipped her hand in to hers.

"Would you like to come back to my chambers?" Hippolyta asked. Philippus was hesitant. "Just to talk," Hippolyta added quickly. The other woman thought for a moment then slowly nodded.

"We have much to talk about."

"Yes we do."

Both women walked hand in hand, slowly back to the Queen's sleeping quarters. There they talked about things that they were unable to speak of for 3,000 years. By the time morning came, both had fallen asleep in each other's arms.