I know you all hate me, but it had to be done.
So…have you figured out who won't be returning?
Healing
3 days had passed since the end of the battle.
A few of the amazons had volunteered to carry the severely wounded Arizona back to shelter. Since the medical tent had been destroyed, both Flash and Kid Flash decided to rebuild a new one. It only took them a few hours to have it built. They would have finished sooner but with the amount of wounded the two needed to build something that would house all of them without the fear of it collapsing on them.
Then came the impossible job of searching both the wounded and dead amongst the rubble. It was only then that a small search party found Artemis and Epione. The redhead hadn't moved for 3 days; she just simply sat there holding onto her wife.
Slowly approaching, one of the American soldiers that had been assigned to the search party carefully knelt down in front of the warrior.
"Ma'am? Ma'am…are you alright?" The soldier studied Artemis for a moment then looked down at the woman lying in her arms and swallowed. The female soldier looked up at one of the amazons that had accompanied her.
"How long do you think they've been here?" She asked quietly. The amazon got down on one knee and closely examined the redhead.
"I do not know, but we need to get them to the medical building."
Looking back at the woman in Artemis' arms, the soldier just shook her head and whispered, "But…she's-"
The amazon shook her head sharply.
"General? Please…you must return with us. We can help you if you are hurt." And with that the amazon gently helped Artemis up. The amazon looked over to the soldier.
"We must help them back to the medical building." The way the amazon had said it left no room for argument. The soldier just nodded and gestured to the rest of the group to get going.
…..
Alindra had been found two days ago. The search party that found them looked no older then teenagers. They said they were with the Teen Titans. Alindra smirked. Titans…she thought and shook her head at the absurd name.
"Alindra…she will be fine. Please let me take a look at your head," one of the amazon nurses pleaded.
"Where is Epione?" Alindra asked abruptly.
"A search party radioed in and said they had found them," the nurse replied. She guided Alindra to a nearby stool and begun her examination.
"Them? They found Artemis as well?" Alindra asked, clearly relieved. The nurse nodded. Alindra sighed. She glanced at the far end of the room and noticed two American soldiers guarding it.
"Who's in there?" Alindra asked curiously. The nurse looked to where Alindra had gestured.
"That is where they are keeping Princes Diana and Arizona. I think the Queen and General Philippus are in there as well. Hold still!" The nurse ordered. Alindra's shoulders slumped as she did as she was told.
…..
Zeus and Hades used whatever strength they had to help lift a pillar that had fallen. The group of Amazons, American soldiers, superheroes and gods had been handpicked by the Queen herself to help with the recovery.
"There! I see them!" Superboy indicated as he lifted a boulder out of the way as if it was made out of feathers. Hades just looked over at his brother.
"Ah…to be that strong again…," mumbled Hades. Zeus shook his head. Both Zeus and Hades peered into the debris.
"HELLO?" Hades bellowed. Everyone waited silently. Hades looked at Superboy and was about to say something when they heard a fait voice?
"I'm in here!" The group worked quickly but cautiously, removing all the rubble. When they had enough of it cleared, Zeus crawled in under the pile of wreckage. It was only a moment but it felt like eons for Hades.
But seconds later a head, covered in dust and debris, popped out. Hades held his hands out and quickly grabbed the young woman out of Zeus' hands. He handed her off to the nearest medical team then quickly turned to help his brother out.
Zeus winced and rubbed his back.
"My old bones weren't made for this," he said with a boyish grin. Hades just shook his head but patted his brother's shoulder.
"Come on…there's more down there," Hades advised as he pointed to their group moving down the road. Sighing, Zeus nodded and followed his older brother.
…..
"Diana…please rest," Hippolyta requested softly. Diana had been vigilant for the last three days, her voice hoarse from praying the sacred prayer all day and all night. For three days, Diana hadn't slept, eaten or done much to take care of her own needs.
Diana's upper body was draped against Arizona's midsection while her lower half was dangling of the edge of the cot. Donna sat next to her, her hand resting on her back. She whispered softly to her sister hoping that would help. But Diana continued to ignore everyone and continued to pray.
Sighing, Hippolyta turned to see how Philippus was doing but stopped in her tracks when she noticed her general standing…sort of.
"And what do you think you're doing?" Hippolyta demanded. She was getting tired of all these stubborn women. Philippus winced but not from pain.
"I was just checking on Arizona and the princess," Philippus replied tiredly. Hippolyta stood with her hands on her hips and pursed her lips.
"You will do no such thing. Get back in that bed…now," Lyta growled. Philippus was about to reply when she caught sight of Donna.
"I'd do as she requested, general," Donna supplied with a small grin. Philippus sighed and nodded. She was too weak at the moment to argue with the Queen. Lyta helped Philippus back into bed and waited for her to get comfortable before she lowered herself carefully onto the edge of the cot.
"How she?" Philippus asked softly. Lyta's expression softened.
"No change. Diana hasn't moved since we were brought here. She is staying strong…at least she is trying to. The longer Arizona stays in a coma, the harder it is for Diana. Donna is doing her best to keep their spirits up," Lyta replied. As she spoke she reached out and lightly caressed Philippus' check with her thumb.
"Any news?"
Lyta's eyes began to fill as she shook her head.
"Nothing yet. I've had scouts all over the island and no one's found Artemis or Epione. I…I fear the worst…"
Philippus covered Lyta's hand with hers.
"They must be well hidden, Lyta." Philippus' weak attempt at cheering her Queen up, failed miserably. Although Lyta smiled none the less at the effort.
"Athena has awoken moments ago. That is good news in itself," Lyta tried to sound upbeat. Philippus smiled.
"Yes. It is very good news."
Donna watched her mother and Philippus for a moment then glanced at her sister. She felt a slight pang in her chest. She knew all too well the pain of losing the most precious things in one's life. Losing Terry and the kids had crippled her. Almost killed her completely. But her sister had been with her through her darkest moments, even sharing in her pain.
"Diana…I will not leave you. I will stay here for as long as it takes for Arizona to awaken. But sister…please, you need your rest. I will sit with Arizona while you sleep," Donna whispered. When Diana didn't move, Donna sighed.
"Diana…you need your rest. I will pray over her. What good will it do if she awakens only to watch you collapse from exhaustion? She will worry over you…please…Diana, I beg of you. Please rest."
Diana still didn't move. Donna nodded to herself. She slipped off of the chair and onto her knees. She bowed her head and prayed along with her sister.
…..
"Stop fussing. Please Alindra," Athena said roughly. Her throat was dry and her bones ached but she was alive. Alindra continued to fuss over the goddess until Athena stilled the other woman's movements.
"Please…just sit with me," Athena requested softly. Alindra had no choice but to comply with the invitation. Athena smiled when she saw Alindra sit on the edge of her cot. Athena reached out with the back of her knuckles and lovingly caressed Alindra's check.
"I'm sorry I frightened you," Athena whispered, her eyes tearing up. Alindra quickly held onto Athena's wrist as if she were afraid the goddess would disappear if she didn't.
Alindra shook her head and kissed the back of Athena's hand before answering.
"No apologies, my love. We are both here now and that's all that matters," Alindra said as her voice cracked. Athena reached for her and lifted her head as Alindra lowered hers. They shared a soft kiss but then held on tightly to the other when they pulled back. They laid there for a moment before Hera cleared her throat.
Quickly shooting up, Alindra fell to her knee and lowered her head. "Lady Hera." The Queen of the gods smiled fondly down at the amazon.
"Oh child…please stand," Hera whispered. Hera reached down to cup Alindra's chin and guided her to her feet. Hera smiled at her daughter in law and gave her a hug. "Have you had anything to eat?" Hera asked in motherly fashion.
Realizing she hadn't had anything since the battle had started, Alindra shook her head. Hera pursed her lips in disappointment and made a tsk sound.
"Alindra," Hera sighed. "Sit down. I will go get you something to eat. You too Athena." But before Alindra or Athena could protest, the goddess disappeared.
Athena sighed and she gently tugged at her wife's fingers.
"No use in arguing with mother. Lie down with me," Athena requested. She moved over so Alindra could lay back, her back against Athena's front. Athena wrapped her arms around Alindra's waist and sighed.
"I love you," Athena whispered softly. In response, Alindra squeezed Athena's arms. The two fell asleep while they waited for Hera to come back.
…..
It was well past evening when Alindra awoke. There was a commotion just inside the area where the Amazons had designated for their deceased. The blonde amazon gently untangled herself from Athena's arms and made her way to the room.
There was a small crowd growing outside the entrance but once the noticed Alindra there, the group quickly dispersed.
Alindra shook her head and stepped inside. She wasn't prepared for what greeted her.
"Artemis! Please. There is nothing you can do for her. I'm sorry!" said the medical attendant. He tried to be sympathetic to the amazon but the big redhead was stubborn. Artemis hadn't let go of the limp hand. She hadn't moved from her seat since they had gotten there.
Alindra gasped as she realized that it was Epione's hand that Artemis hadn't let go of. She felt sick to her stomach.
"Artemis..." Alindra knelt down next her friend and felt tears fall from her eyes. Artemis' eyes looked dead, as if all life had been sucked out of them. She was covered in dirt and was sure the blood stains on her arms didn't belong to Artemis. Alindra reached out slowly and placed a hand over Artemis'.
"Forgive me sister. I was not there for you," Alindra whispered, her tears falling even harder. Alindra gently untangled Artemis' fingers from Epione's and tenderly tucked Epione's hand underneath the white sheet.
Alindra nodded towards the attending, indicating that it was alright. The young man sighed in relief and quickly rolled Epione away. Alindra sensed the fight in Artemis evaporate. The redheads' shoulders slumped as she continued to stare blankly at nothing.
Alindra stared at their hands until her vision began to blur. She felt her heart sink in her chest. She closed her eyes and rested her forehead on top of their hands and silently wept for her friend.
…..
"And how many would that make?" Hippolyta asked. She felt anxious just sitting around. She had asked for a progress report and found an American soldier wandering into the medical building. She quickly sought him out and put him to work.
The young American officer swallowed nervously.
"That…that would take it to the mid-hundreds, ma'am," the officer mumbled. Hippolyta sighed heavily and closed her eyes.
"Still too many," she whispered. Then inhaling deeply, she smiled sadly at the officer. "Thank you Mr. Laine. I appreciate your help." The young man nodded. Hippolyta looked him over and realized just how young he was.
"Is there anything else I can do for you, ma'am?" He asked politely.
Smiling as she shook her head, Hippolyta declined and watched him leave.
"He seems to be quite smitten with you," Philippus muttered from her bed. Hippolyta turned around and smiled lovingly at her general.
"Ah…yes that may be so. Unfortunately my heart belongs to another," Hippolyta said softly as she sat on the edge of the cot. She picked up Philippus' hand and held it within her own.
Philippus just stared at her Queen for a moment.
"Sounds like you've already made a decision," Philippus said carefully. Hippolyta looked down at their hands and thought for a moment.
"Maybe I have," Hippolyta whispered, not looking at the other woman. Philippus wanted to ask what she meant but officer Laine cleared his throat to get their attention. Hippolyta looked and let go of Philippus' hand. She stood and looked on expectantly.
"I…I'm very sorry to disturb you your majesty. But one of the hero's…Cyborg and one of the amazon's were able to establish communications with the White House," Laine said quickly. Hippolyta smiled gently.
"Thank you. I will be there monetarily," she replied. As if remembering something, Hippolyta turned back around to look at the young man. "Mr. Laine…is there something else I can call you? Mr. Laine seems far too old for a young man like yourself," Hippolyta asked gently. Laine turned a bright shade of red.
"Um…Michael…my…my name is Michael, ma'am," he croaked. Hippolyta smiled.
"Well then Michael. I will see you shortly." And with that Michael bowed awkwardly and shuffled out of the room. Philippus couldn't help but laugh at the young boy. Hippolyta smiled back.
"I will return soon. Please, try to get more rest," Hippolyta requested tenderly. Philippus nodded and Lyta rewarded her with a light kiss. With that, Hippolyta turned and checked on hear children then left the room with Michael.
…..
"Brother…what will you do now?" Zeus asked quietly. The two found a few of their family members huddled around a camp fire on the beach. It had gotten late and all was quiet on the island.
Hades just stared at the fire. He felt tired. It was a new sensation that he needed to get used to. Looking at his brother he shrugged.
"I'm not sure. You?" Hades watched as Zeus adjusted the blanket that was wrapped around Aphrodite. He had never seen Zeus remotely parental towards his children. It was a…odd sight to see.
Zeus sat back down and sighed loudly. He wiped a hand over his tired eyes. He looked down at his hands and opened and closed them as if testing to see what power he had left in them.
"I…I'm not sure. Help rebuild maybe…"
Before anyone else could speak up, Ares wandered out from the thick bush behind them. He ambled forward as he held up what he found.
"Found this not too far from here…thought you might want this," the God of War said softly. He handed the Trident over to his father. Zeus closed his eyes as he held his brothers spear. He knew what he needed to do.
Turning towards the group Zeus smiled tiredly at them.
"Go find some shelter. Eat. Rest. Tomorrow will be here soon and we'll need all our strength again."
The others nodded and all headed towards the ruined palace. It was being used as temporary shelter. Hades just watched his brother.
"You plan on telling her?" Hades asked. Zeus nodded.
"I will tell Arizona everything…if she asks me. She deserves that much," Zeus replied. Hades sighed then motioned for them to follow the others.
…..
Zeus walked into the infirmary. He spotted Athena in bed with Alindra by her side. But what put a grin on his face was the sight of his wife spoon feeding the Goddess of Wisdom.
"I will force feed you if I have to Athena. Don't tempt me child." Zeus heard Hera say. He cleared his throat as he got closer.
All three head turned in his direction. Zeus could see his daughter turn a bright shade of red at the sight of him standing there.
"I see your back to your old self Athena," Zeus chuckled. "I'd listen to your mother if I were you," he said playfully as he threw a wink at his daughter in law. Alindra smiled in return. He then made his way to the room at the end of the hall.
On his way there he asked a nurse if there was an extra cot? She nodded and pointed to one that was leaning against the wall. Zeus thanked her and picked it up easily. He continued to the room but was stopped by the two guards at each end of the doorway.
"I'm sorry sir. No one comes in," the American soldier ordered.
"But I'm Zeus…," he said with a touch of arrogance. The soldier just shook his head.
"Sorry, sir. Those are our orders."
Zeus pursed his lips and shook his head. He turned and was about to leave when he heard a voice calling to him.
"My…lord?" He turned around and saw that it was Donna. She looked exhausted. He smiled softly at her.
"I'm sorry if I disturbed you. I can come back later…" Donna shook her head.
"That's alright. Did you want to see Diana?" Zeus nodded. Donna motioned for him to follow and was finally let through.
He saw Diana was draped over Arizona. He wasn't sure if she was asleep. Donna seemed to pick up his confusion.
"She's been like that since we brought her here. She doesn't eat or sleep…I'm starting to worry," Donna said softly, concern evident in her voice. Zeus put a warm hand on Donna's shoulder.
"Why don't you get some sleep…at least get something to eat. I can sit with them," Zeus offered. Donna paused a moment but the thought of sleep was too tempting to pass up.
"Alright. I'll be back in a few hours." Zeus nodded and waited for her to leave before he set the cot next to Arizona.
"Diana…please…rest. I've brought you a cot…"
No response.
"I hope you don't mind. I know how exhausted your sister is…" Zeus said as he folded himself into the small chair next to Arizona's cot. He looked down at his fingers as he rubbed them together.
He leaned forward and whispered as best he could in Arizona's ear.
"I know you can hear me. You're time here has come to an end. My brother…he would not want to see you like this." He waited for any sign but found nothing.
He looked at Diana. She had her eyes closed but continued to whisper in prayer. Zeus looked skywards and offered his one request then very gently, he rested a big hand on top of Arizona's head. He whispered a prayer and his hand began to glow softly.
He pulled away seconds later. He looked down at his hand the back at Arizona and Diana. He knew what he did was the right thing to do.
Zeus sat back and watched over them. Eventually, he drifted off to sleep.
…..
"That would be most appreciated madam president," Hippolyta said at the screen. The image of the President of the United States was a comforting sight.
The woman before her smiled.
"Please…call me Laura, your majesty. I wish we could have met under different circumstances, though," the President said kindly. Hippolyta nodded in agreement.
"Yes, indeed."
"I've sent a large ship with medical supplies. 2 large warships that have been stacked with building resources as well as food, clothing…everything you may need to start rebuilding. It should reach your shores by early morning."
Not trusting her voice, the Queen nodded in gratitude. Laura smiled gently.
"I was also told that not to worry about finding volunteer's in helping. I'm under strict orders from Bruce Wayne that whatever you need…he will pick up the tab. Also, the Justice League members have also sighed up to volunteer. I have to say, a lot of business and regular folk here have been wondering about helping as well. If it's alright with you, your majesty, may I send some of our people over?" Laura asked respectfully. It really didn't surprise her that the American people would want to help.
Hippolyta on the other hand could not hold back her tears any longer. Nodding, she smiled at the President.
"Thank you! Any and all help is very much appreciated," Hippolyta said with a relived smile. Laura just held a hand as she continued to smile gently.
"No…thank you. I hope that this will be the start of something special, your majesty."
"As do I madam President."
And with that, the two women said their goodbye's then signed off.
Michael smiled softly at Hippolyta. He handed her a Kleenex and she smiled her thanks. Michael escorted Hippolyta back to her room.
"Thank you Michael. For all you've done."
Michael blushed and he felt his ears burn. He wished her a good night and left her alone. Hippolyta shuffled to Philippus' cot and sat on the edge of it. She only realized that she wasn't entirely alone. She found Zeus next to Arizona and Diana, fast asleep in a chair that was twice as small as he was. She winced at the awkward way he had slumped in the chair and knew that when he woke up, he would be in a lot of discomfort. Donna was asleep in a chair at the foot of the cot, her feet propped up.
She also noticed that Diana had arranged herself so she was now sleeping on a cot next to Arizona's. Diana was still sprawled over Arizona but at least she was now lying in a bed while she did it.
Hippolyta sighed and shook her head.
"How'd it go?" Philippus asked sleepily. Hippolyta turned and smiled at her.
"It went well. Now go back to sleep," Hippolyta demanded playfully. Philippus smiled and moved so Lyta could sleep next to her. The cot wasn't all that big but they didn't care. It only meant that they would have to sleep very closely together.
…..
Morning slowly crept upon the island and its inhabitants. Diana stretched her long legs and realized this was the first night she actually slept well.
Diana reached for Arizona but found that the spot was empty. Diana's eyes snapped open. She was alone. Her heart began to pound as she quickly got up and looked around the small room. Donna began to stir as well and slowly opened her eyes.
"Where is she?" Diana growled. Donna shook her head, attempting to fully awaken. When she glanced at the empty cot, she shot up.
"I don't know!" Then Donna realized that Zeus was gone as well. "Wait…where is Zeus?"
By now both Hippolyta and Philippus were wide awake.
"We will find her Diana," Philippus tried to calm the Princess down but Diana just stormed out of their room.
Diana frantically scanned the large room that was filled with the injured. Alindra spotted her and quickly made her way over.
"Diana what's wro-"
"She's gone!" Diana spat frantically. Never in her life had she been this frightened. Alindra just looked on in disbelief.
"That's impossible…"
Diana stalked the isles looking at the faces lying on the cots. She was slowly losing her grip with each passing second until she noticed someone just standing in an open door way, her back towards them. It was the room where they were keeping their dead.
"Arizona?" Diana whispered.
Arizona just stared inside. She had awoken moments before Diana had. She felt the need to get up and come here. She wasn't sure why until she saw the lone woman sitting in the room. Her heart was so full of pain.
"Arizona?" Diana whispered again. She slowly took careful steps towards Arizona as to not frighten her. Then without warning, Arizona turned around. She had been crying.
"Hi," she said roughly. Diana cried out in relief. She wrapped her arms around her tightly and squeezed. Arizona felt a mixture of relief and guilt as she held Diana in her arms, her tears falling hard. Pulling away, Diana lovingly ran her hands through Arizona's hair then cupped her face.
"Don't you ever scare me like that again?" Arizona just nodded. Diana then looked over Arizona's shoulder and noticed Artemis sitting there and realization hit her.
"Oh…Arizona…"
Her tears fell and she gathered Arizona to her. The two held each other while the others looked on silently.
"Come back to bed," Diana whispered as she pulled away again. Nodding silently, Arizona let herself be led back to their room.
"Arizona?" Alindra called out softly. She waited for Diana and the others to give them some space. Alindra looked sadly at her dearest friend.
She wanted to say so much but Alindra was at a loss for words. Arizona seemed to sense it and nodded in understanding. Alindra reached out and pulled her into an embrace as the other woman clung to her.
"It will be ok…everything will be ok," Alindra whispered. Arizona nodded, her head tucked into Alindra's neck.
But both women knew that it wouldn't be ok for a long time.
They had lost not just Epione but Artemis as well. It would take the strength of both of them to get her back. But first, they needed to heal themselves first.