Pressure Drop
"Here, There and Everywhere"
Themyscira
Diana sat on the side of the bed clutching the sheet, feeling rather weak, sticky and sweaty. Epione and her assistants moved all around her, checking her vitals and making her drink more of the restorative liquid. She drearily answered their question, but was really thinking about a shower, washing her matted limp hair and scrapping the several layers of film that seemed to be coating her tongue. The odd thought they were all a bit of too close talkers flashed across her mind, but she didn't dwell on it. Mostly she was thinking of a shower and sleeping.
It was her mother that came to her rescue.
"I believe she needs more rest, don't you, Epione?"
"Yes, my Queen."
"Shower,' Diana managed to say, even though her throat was so dry. "I'd like a shower first, please."
"Perhaps you should brush your teeth, as well,' Hippolyta offered, noticing her daughter's breath wasn't exactly fresh at the moment.
"Thank you, mother,' Diana said rather sourly.
"I'm sure I'm not the only one that noticed, Diana,' Hippolyta teased. She was overjoyed at Diana's recovery and felt a little giddy.
"You are a little ripe, Princess,' Phillipus offered, getting in on the teasing. Hippolyta, Epione and her assistants chuckled at this. Diana gave her mentor a foul look, but didn't comment.
"Yes, I think we can arrange a shower,' Epione offered, nodding to her assistants. They immediately went off to prepare the shower for Diana.
"It's not that bad, I was stabbed and poisoned you know,' Diana muttered in justification. The way she felt wasn't putting her in the best mood, nor was the fact that everyone else seemed to be.
'We know and thank the Gods you are all right, daughter,' Hippolyta said. "We are just happy you have recovered."
Diana looked at her mother and saw the genuine concern in her eyes. Her mood softened a bit, as once more Hippolyta hugged her.
"Thank you,' Diana whispered in Hippolyta's ear.
Epione was on the verge of tears as she watched this, as were her assistants. Before they all broke down, General Phillipus decided to lighten the mood.
"I think I should point out that the Princess isn't the only one that bathing would be advisable for,' she said, eyeing the Queen. Hippolyta turned and looked at the General.
"Excuse me?"
"I just thought I'd point out you have been here the whole time as well,' Phillipus calming said.
"I would point out I am still your Queen, General,' Hippolyta replied. She stared hard at her friend, as she heard the giggles from Epione and her assistants.
"Of course and I am still you adviser, my Queen,' Phillipus offered. "The words 'freshening up" seem to be the best advice at the moment."
Before Hippolyta could reply, Diana spoke up.
"You stayed here the whole time?"
Hippolyta turned back to Diana and her face softened.
"Where else would I be?"
Diana smiled at this and dipped her head just a bit. She reached out and hugged her mother fiercely as tears came to her eyes. "Thank you."
"You're most welcome,' Hippolyta whispered in return. Now she was on the verge of tears when they finally separated. She smiled and ran her fingers over Diana's cheek.
"I guess we should both remove ourselves before we offend anyone else,' she said, glancing at the General. Turning back to Diana, Hippolyta stared into her eyes. "We well talk later."
"I will inform your friends that you have recovered, Princess,' Phillipus said as she got up to leave.
Gotham Heights
Clark knew if he kept dwelling on Diana's condition he would go crazy. He tried to keep himself busy, cleaning up the house and yard, but there really wasn't much to do. That was a byproduct of living with someone as neat as Diana. He thought about work, but doubted Perry would want to read 100,000-word screed on guilt and remorse. Clark wasn't even sure he wanted to read it. With nothing else left to do accept wait he dropped down on the sofa with the book Diana had been reading,
He still didn't remember when or from whom he got it, but it must have made an impression on him as he'd kept it all this time. Of course he kept his baseball glove too, so that really didn't mean anything. Clark flipped open the book towards the back and started reading.
Avignon had been working the case for almost a week. It was the offered bribe to get Asha out of the country that had finally convinced him. It seemed the Workers Paradise wasn't above using tactics from the old regime. Avi knew this was her only chance. The TB progressed by the day and if she remained, the end would come soon.
He had been in love with her from the moment they met in that dank, dark prison, but his part in her being there had stopped him from ever voicing this. He promised himself he would one day, but that day never seemed to come.
Perhaps this was his chance to redeem himself in her eyes. From the moment she saw the photos of the victims, she had been urging him to solve the killings. Her words seemed to haunt him.
"You are going to save them, aren't you, Avi,' Asha asked.
"Who?"
"The innocent."
"There are no innocent, Asha,' he replied.
"Yes, there are."
So there if was, a call to his forgotten humanity. He had been disillusioned by the whole game of politics years before and that disillusionment had spread through his whole life. He'd fallen into cynicism as so many do when they finally come face to face with the reality of life. He'd begun to believe there were no innocent or things to believe in and fight for. The new bosses were the same as the old, corrupt and eager for power. He felt hopelessly naïve that he believed things could change if only given a new start. A man under the lash cares little who's wielding it.
It had been during a night of drinking with Sasha, the former Zealot and perhaps Avignon's last remaining friend that he'd finally made the decision to take the case. They had been in high spirits as the drinks flowed, but eventually the subject turned to the killings.
"You're going to solve this for her, aren't you,' Sasha asked.
"I don't know,' Avi admitted. "People die everyday, what matters how?"
"Because this feels different," Sasha replied. He took a long swallow from the bottle and passed it back to Avignon. "War is one thing, but this, this is murder, cold calculated murder."
"Have you not killed more than your share, Sasha,' Avi asked. "You were a commander in the Zealot or Black brigade. Everyone has heard the stories about what they have done."
Sasha didn't reply at first, but too a long drink. He never spoke of his time among the Black and usually just played any mention of it off with a joke. For some reason, no joke came tonight.
"Have you ever had faith, Avi,' Sasha asked.
"What?"
"Faith? Have you ever had it?"
"I believed in the Revolution once,' Avi offered.
"No, that is belief, not faith,' Sasha said with a shake of his head. "Belief is thinking something is true, while faith is knowing in your heart it is."
"No," Avi admitted.
"The Zealots or Black have faith,' Sasha said. "Their leader is a messenger from God to them and was to me. Whatever they do is justified by the faith that what they are doing is divinely inspired. You have no idea how powerful that knowledge is to someone. To absolutely know you are right without question allows you to do anything."
"I don't understand what you're getting at,' Avignon said.
"You think these murders are just like all the rest, but they are not,' Sasha replied. "The person responsible for them has faith that he is above the law and can do whatever he wants. Asha was right, the killer likes this and will not stop."
"If that's true, how do you stop someone with faith like that?"
"There are two ways,' Sasha said. "One is the man himself has a crisis of faith and realizes the basic mistake of his faith. The second way is you catch him and prove he is not above the laws of Man. You show that the rule of law is not for a few divinely selected but for everyone. The law is a covenant between all men that all are equal in the eyes of Justice. That is the hope that you and so many have lost, my friend. Each side in this struggle talks about a Golden tomorrow, a paradise to come, but without the rule of law that can never be."
Avignon was stunned by his friend's words. He had never heard him so eloquent or forceful. The rule of law, hadn't that been what Avignon had fought for all those years ago? Hadn't that been the reason he'd taken Asha's case in the first place? In the end, it was what made him turn away from the Revolution.
"You speak as if you'd learned this lesson,' Avi finally said. "Was it the first way or the second, Sasha?"
"The first."
There was a long silence, as if memories that had been haunting him for years back rushing back. The bottle remained in his hand, as he eyes seemed to be looking off into the distance.
"It was in the village of L_, do you know if it,' Sasha whispered.
"The massacre? Everyone knows of it, Sasha, are you saying you were there,' Avignon asked.
"Yes, but to us, the Zealots or Black we didn't think of it as a massacre,' Sasha replied. "We were following our Glorious Leader in sweeping away the corruption and the non-faithful. It was our divine calling. I am ashamed to say I killed many that day and without a second thought. I had faith."
"What changed?"
"It was after the battle was over,' Sasha began. The words seemed to come as if torn from his soul. "The village was being burn to the ground, while the dead lay everywhere. I was heading out of the village when a dog, a pup really, came running up to me. As dogs are want to do, it seemed happy to see me. I remember bending down to pet it and a smile coming to my face. A sweet moment in the middle of all this, can you imagine?"
"Strange things happen in war,' Avignon admitted.
"As I knelt there playing with the dog, the Glorious Leader came by on horseback,' Sasha continued. "He saw me with the dog and stopped. He addressed me by name. I can't tell you how shocked and honored I was that he actually knew who I was. I remember standing up ramrod straight and snapping off my best military salute. He sat on his horse looking for a moment at me and the pup, which was still playing at my ankles. I can still hear his word, clear and cold, 'kill the dog, nothing shall remain of this non-believer village.' He rode off and I just stood there watching him."
"What did you do?"
"My revolver was in my hand and I pointed it at the pup,' Sasha said. 'It was pulling at my shoelaces; not even realizing its life was about to end. I felt sick to my stomach. I, who had killed scores of people I didn't even know, unmanned by a dog, can you imagine? I must have hesitated too long, because one of the other soldiers pulled his gun and shot, killing the dog. I stood there, unable to move and there were tears in my eyes. All around me my comrades were marching off to the next village, yet I couldn't move. Something gave way inside me in that moment."
Sasha stopped for a moment and took a long drink from the wine bottle. Avignon could see there were tears in Sasha's eyes. Avi silently waited for Sasha to continue.
"That was my crisis of faith, Avi,' Sasha finally said. "It is my shame that it was a dog that caused it not another human being. I had faith that we were bringing divine justice to this country, yet what crime had an innocent dog committed? What sort of just God could want it dead? I found myself looking at the villagers' bodies for the first time. They were just peasants, poor simple families really, what crime had they done to deserve this? I stood there for hours; long after all the soldiers had gone. I knew the war was over for me. I stripped off my uniform and began walking. I don't even know how many days later if was, but the lines had shifted and the refugees were streaming into the Capital. I was with them."
"I'm sorry, my friend,' Avignon offered.
"Don't be for me, Avi, not me,' Sasha replied. "Solve these killings, Avi. Show the people that the rule of law is still fought for by someone. This is your second chance, Avignon and perhaps by helping you mine as well."
Avignon began his investigation the following morning.
The Watchtower
The somber mood had only grown worse as the time ticked by. Everyone moved in hush tones. Wally was standing in the line in the cafeteria, tray in hand. Shayera, Mari, Plastic Man and Zatanna were also in line, but no one was talking.
The loud speaker suddenly came on and Jonn's voice echoed through the entire station.
"I just received word for Themyscira, Diana had regained consciousness. She's going to be okay."
A cheer went up all over the station. Smiles, hugs and handshakes went all around. Wally turned to see Zatanna practically jumping for joy and hugging Mari. Wally and Shayera caught each other's eye and in the next moment they embraced. He wasn't even thinking about what he was doing and kissed her. Shayera returned it. The others stopped and looked in shock at this.
"Has anyone seen Dinah,' Plastic Man suddenly asked with a huge grin on his face.
Gotham
It was early, well early for Bruce, yet he found himself awake. For some reason he had the notion that she would be there today. It wasn't like she ever asked permission to just come barging in. Strangely, he found he didn't mind it as much as he thought he should have. He lay there waiting and a smile actually came to his face. Minutes ticked by, yet still his bedroom door didn't come bursting open. Where was she, he thought?
Finally, he got up and showered. He came back out to get dressed and still she hadn't appeared. In his usual tailored suit and crisp white shirt, he opened the door and glanced down the hallway. Nothing, he couldn't hear a sound. Stepping out into the hallway, he straightened his tie and headed towards the stairs. The kitchen, he thought, perhaps she had stopped off to talk with Alfred. Bruce knew the older man was very fond of her. The fact that she flirted with him every time she was here probably helped Alfred's opinion of her.
As he made his way towards the kitchen, the only sound Bruce heard was rather soft classical music. It sounded like Canon in D Major by Johann Pachelbel to him. He opened the kitchen door to find Alfred sitting at the table reading the morning paper, alone.
"Oh, Master Bruce, you're up early,' the older man said. He closed the paper and stood up. "Breakfast?"
"Yes, thank you,' Bruce replied, even as he found his eyes moving over the whole room.
"Are you looking for something, Master Bruce,' Alfred asked.
"What? Oh, um, no, no, just thinking,' Bruce offered.
"Perhaps someone,' Alfred said with a smile.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Bruce quickly said. "Just felt like breakfast, is all."
"Of course sir,' Alfred replied, smiling as he turned back to the stove to start breakfast.
Bruce glanced at the paper, but his mind was still rather occupied with one question. Where was she?
Themyscira
A rather lengthy stay in the shower later, Diana was feeling much better. She still felt rather weak, but could feel her body recovering. As she put on a soft, fluffy robe and dried her hair, Diana walked back into the main room and found her mother sitting alone waiting for her.
"Mother."
"Daughter,' Hippolyta replied. "I think we should talk."
"All right,' Diana agreed and sat down opposite her mother. The Queen looked at her for a few moments, still not quite sure what she wanted to say. The last few days had been so fraught with worry and fear it was just good to see Diana awake again.
"I am so glad you have recovered,' Hippolyta found herself beginning. 'You don't know how worried I was."
"Thank you, I'm sorry if I worried you,' Diana offered, a little surprised by her mother's frank statements.
"I don't suppose I can talk you into staying here, can I,' the Queen asked.
'For how long,' Diana asked, putting down the towel.
"Indefinitely."
"No, I'm sorry, no, mother."
"I didn't think so,' Hippolyta admitted. "So do you intend to return to the suburbs or is that over as well?"
"Yes, I, well, um, ah, I don't know,' Diana said, caught off guard by the question and not sure herself.
"So I may end your marriage then?"
"No."
Diana had answered a little too quickly and this received a raised eyebrow from Hippolyta. Diana blushed, even surprised herself how fast she had answered.
"Perhaps we should talk about this man you have fallen in love with daughter."
"I didn't say I was in love with him,' Diana replied. While Diana prided herself on being forthright and honest, there were still things she wasn't comfortable talking about with her own mother. Her love life was probably number one on that list.
"Aren't you?" The Queen wasn't to be put off, though.
"Yes, I think so,' she admitted.
"Yet, in some way he is responsible for you being in the condition you find yourself in,' Hippolyta stated. Diana was about to object and defend Kal, but stopped herself. It was because of him that Lashina was in their house and Diana was more than a little angry with him. The main focus of her anger was still Lashina, though.
"Lashina is responsible for the attack, mother,' Diana finally said. "I will deal with her when the time comes."
The vehement in Diana's words surprised Hippolyta.
"You usually don't show your temper so easily Diana,' the Queen observed.
"Lashina is different. My feelings towards her are hard to explain. Hate is the wrong word,' Diana clarified. "But this woman is my mortal enemy and I know that will never change. Whatever the word is that is close to hate that is what I feel towards Lashina. I know she hates me, as well."
"Yet Clark allowed her in your house,' Hippolyta pointed out.
"I know,' Diana admitted. "We will have a long discussion about that, believe me."
"But you are in love with him,' Hippolyta stated again.
"Mother, I'm not really comfortable discussing this with you,' Diana replied. She squirmed a bit at even the thought.
"That's too bad, because we are going to discuss this, daughter,' Hippolyta firmly said. "Has he kept his promise?"
"Yes, he has, mother,' Diana said, blushing at the thought. Something about her answer caught Hippolyta's attention.
"Have you kept it as well, Diana?"
"I made no promise."
The words were out of Diana's mouth before she could stop them. By the Gods, I almost wish I could slip back into unconsciousness at this moment, she thought.
"I see," was Hippolyta's response.
"It's not like that, mother, we kissed, that's all,' Diana offered.
"But you wished it was more, didn't you,' Hippolyta asked.
Diana felt like she wanted to crawl under the bed rather than answer the question. Her fingers absently twisted the belt of her robe, as she shifted uncomfortably.
"Diana?"
"I've thought about it,' Diana offered.
"Having sex with him,' Hippolyta added.
"Yes."
It was barely a whisper, as Diana's face was beet red with embarrassment. Certain conversations you never imagine having with a parent and whom you want to have sex with is usually in the top ten. It often falls right after your parent telling you about their sex life. Diana's mind was in a whirl, trying to think of anything to shift the subject.
"He wanted to ask you for your permission to court me, Mother, when this bet is over,' Diana said, hoping that would help somehow.
"Court you or bed you?"
"Oh Hera,' Diana groaned, dropping her head into her hands. "Court me, mother, a date, that's all."
"Well, at least one of you has some self control,' Hippolyta remarked.
"Mother!"
"Oh, don't mother me, Diana,' Hippolyta replied. "I saw how you looked at him and he at you when I visited. I'm surprised he's lasted this long. Naïve, but honorable, I guess that's something."
Diana peaked out between her fingers, not sure how to take what her mother had just said.
"Wh-What do you mean?"
Hippolyta was sitting with her arms crossed and a rather unhappy look on her face.
"I mean that no matter what I say you are going to pursue a relationship with him, aren't you?"
"I think so, yes,' Diana replied.
"So the fact that he put your life in jeopardy means nothing?"
"No, that's not true,' Diana said. "I am angry at him, but at the same time I know why he did it."
"Why,' Hippolyta asked.
"It's who he is, mother,' Diana explained. "He believes everyone deserves a second chance. I know many say that, but he believes it. It's why I agreed to allow Lashina to stay."
"You agreed,' Hippolyta gasped, not believing what she was hearing. "Have you lost what good sense you were born with child?"
"I admit it wasn't the best decision in hindsight."
"Perhaps if you'd been thinking with your head instead of another part of your body this wouldn't have happen," Hippolyta snidely commented.
"Do we have to talk about that,' Diana groaned.
"If you want my permission than yes."
Diana lifted her head out of her hands and gazed at her mother in shock.
"You would give your permission for us to date?"
"It truly is that important to you, isn't it,' Hippolyta asked, getting to the point of the matter.
"Yes, mother, it is."
As much as she hated doing it, Hippolyta knew she was going to have to agree. Diana was a grown woman and would make this decision whether her mother agreed or not. While the Queen was still angry with Superman, she also knew he was a good and decent man. If anything, his honoring his promise even when her daughter didn't, showed her something. She also knew that having almost lost Diana once; she couldn't bear to be separated from her again. Still she wasn't going to give in that easily.
"I will make a deal with you, Diana, since this is so important to you,' Hippolyta replied. "I will release Clark from his promise and allow the two of you to court."
"Thank you, mother, thank you,' Diana happily said, hugging her mother.
"I wasn't finished daughter," the Queen continued. "Your 'bet' is still in effect, is that right?"
"Yes, why,' Diana asked, wondering what her mother was up to.
"As I said, I will release him from his promise, but in it's place you will make the same promise, Diana. If you keep it till the end of the bet and only then, will I allow the two of you to court. Do we have a deal, Diana?"
"You mean he can, but I can't,' Diana gasped, shocked at this suggestion. "Why?"
"A relationship is a partnership, daughter, if he was able to keep his promise, it only seems right that you do the same,' Hippolyta replied. "Besides, it seems you were the one I should have had make the promise in the first place."
"Mother!"
"Is it a deal, Princess Diana of Themyscira," Hippolyta said with a smile. "Will you give your word?"
Diana was fuming now, as she saw the satisfied look on her mother's face. She thinks she's outmaneuvered me again!
"Fine! Yes, I give my word, satisfied, my Queen?"
"Yes,' Hippolyta replied in satisfaction.
Gotham Heights
Clark felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from him at hearing the news that Diana was going to be okay. He had been able to sleep for the first time in days. He wasn't sure what would happen now, but the fact that she was recovering was all that really mattered to him. She probably hates me for letting this happen, he thought. This did nothing to lift his mood. Twenty-four hours had passed since he'd heard the news, but nothing from Diana.
He wanted to be alone with his thoughts, but Kara decided she was going to cheer him up, whether he liked it or not. She arrived with breakfast and hadn't left.
"Why are you down in the dumps, Diana's okay,' she asked.
"I feel responsible."
"Because you trusted Lashina?" Kara continued. "Why was that anyway? Did you sleep with her or something?"
"I really don't want to talk about it," Clark offered.
"You did! Oh My God, that is so weird and disgusting at the same time,' Kara exclaimed. "So did you do it when she was here? You did, didn't you? Is that why she attacked Diana, because you had another one night stand and broke it off?"
"NO!" Clark looked at her in dismay. "Get your mind out of the gutter, Kara."
"Look who's talking, you slept with Lashina of all people,' Kara fired back. "Man, when guys get horny they'll sleep with anyone."
"It wasn't like that,' Clark said, trying to defend himself. "It happened when I was on Apokolips, okay? I wasn't myself if you remember."
"Still you boned her, gross," Kara said, making a face. "Did you tell Diana about you two? I'll bet she was pissed, wasn't she? I know I would be, I hate Lashina! Boy, you think you know someone, that he's a nice, quiet guy, a Boy Scout and all and then you find out he's screwing the slut from school."
"Why are you here again,' Clark asked.
"You didn't call out Lashina's name in your sleep or something, did you? No, you couldn't have or Diana would have killed you," Kara mused. "Boy when she gets back you are going to owe her big time! I mean first she let you bring your whorish ex-girlfriend to live with you and then Lashina turns around and attacks her. You better fill this place with flowers or something, cause a card just isn't going to do it!"
"You're assuming Diana's coming back," Clark quietly said.
"Yeah, why wouldn't she," Kara asked.
"She almost died, Kara and I'm responsible, Clark offered. "I wouldn't be surprised if she never wants to speak to me. I couldn't blame her if she didn't."
"So what? You're giving up,' Kara asked. "Oh, come on, you two are perfect together! You made a mistake. Apologize and tell her it will never happen again."
"I wish it was that easy."
Kara got up and stood in front of him, her hands on her hips. "Don't screw this up, Clark. I like Diana as my sort of sister-in-law! I won't stand for Lashina being related to me, that's too much! You grovel if you have to, but make Diana forgive you. Is that clear?"
Clark sat there with his mouth open, not sure what to say to this. Thankfully the doorbell rang and saved him.
"I said is that clear, Clark,' Kara repeated. He stood up and looked down at her.
"I thought you were trying to cheer me up? You really stink at it, you know."
He moved over and opened the door before Kara could continue. She was standing right beside him as he opened the door to find the neighborhood children standing there.
"Hi, Mr. Kent!" They all shouted.
"Um, hi," he replied.
"Can we use your pool, it's really hot out,' Mary asked.
The image of what had happened came back to him and for a moment he hesitated.
"I don't know, kids, it's just that…"
"Sure, come on it, kids,' Kara said before he could finish.
"Yeah!"
The four girls immediately raced past them and into the living room. Tommy stopped and looked at Kara.
"Is this you new wife, Mr. Kent? Was the other one too old so you got a younger one?"
'Ewww!" Kara groaned. "No, no, I'm not his wife, that's gross! I'm his cousin!"
"Are you a model," Mary shouted as they opened the patio doors.
"Yes, I am," Kara replied with a big grin. "How did you guess?'
"You're tall and hot,' Brittney shouted as she headed out with her friends to the patio.
"I like these kids, Clark,' Kara offered.
"Good, than you won't mind watching them, will you,' he replied.
"I don't like them that much, besides, I've, um, ah, got to get back,' she quickly said.
"Wait a minute, you can't just leave me with them," Clark started to protest, but she was already heading out the door. "Kara!"
He stepped outside but she was in the car and pulling away. There was no chance of catching her now.
"I'm going in the deep end this time, Mr. Kent," Tommy shouted.
"You'll drown, Tommy, 'his sister Mary shouted back.
"Oh, Jeez," Clark groaned and hurried out to the patio. He just stepped outside as Tommy did a cannonball into the water. The splash soaked Clark's shirt and shorts.
"That was a big one,' Tommy said as he surfaced.
"Yeah, yeah it was Tommy,' Clark replied, wiping the water from his face. He looked at the pool and realized he was responsible for them now, whether he liked it or not. "Okay, everybody, let's just remember to be careful. We don't want anything else to happen in this pool."
If they heard him, they didn't show it. Clark sat down on the side, dangling his legs in the water as he watched them enjoy themselves.
Gotham Heights –Later
The front door to the house opened silently and Diana stepped inside. Strange emotions came over her. In once sense it felt like coming home, but in another it was the scene of her attack. She wasn't sure what she was going to say to Clark, but knew she wanted to be here. As she stepped down into the living room, the sound of children laughing and splashing reached her ears. Curious, Diana moved over to look out at the patio. She stopped before they saw her and stood there watching. Clark was in the pool along with the neighborhood children. Two of the young girls were sitting on his broad shoulders, while young Tommy had his arms wrapped around Clark's neck. They seemed to be having a wonderful time climbing all over him.
A smile came to Diana's lips as she watched Clark patiently allow this, while making sure they were safe. That's my husband, she thought and this made her smile even more.