Strangers In Paradise
Chapter 11: Broken Dreams
AN: This chapter takes place six months after the previous chapter.
Unknown
It was everywhere. Death, destruction, and despair lay strewn over a vast wasteland that stretched as far as the eye could see. The land had been blackened, purged of all traces of life and civilizations. Trees stood broken or dying while Rivers flowed with blood. Dark clouds covered the sky, echoing with thunder as dry winds swept across the landscape. And in the center of all this death stood Diana, surrounded by the dead bodies of her sisters and countless innocents.
"By the gods…" she cried. "My sisters…my home…all these people…what happened?"
"Not what, Diana…who," said a powerful voice.
She turned around, looking for the source of this voice. She saw nothing but clouds of swirling sands hovering over more dead bodies. Despite such horrors, Diana stood ready to fight it until her dying breath. This unspeakable atrocity would not go unpunished. She would find those responsible and make them pay. It didn't matter if they were man or god, she would make them pay.
"Who are you? Show yourself!" demanded Diana.
"Such anger and vitriol," said the voice. "It's hard to believe such spirit was born from an Amazon warrior. Now look at you. You're no warrior. You're just a brat throwing a tantrum."
With burning rage, Diana followed the voice through the swirling sands. She didn't get far before being blinded by sharp gusts carrying thick dust. She kept trying to push forward, but the voice only laughed. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't locate the source of this voice. It was like chasing a ghost and with every step she took, she had to wade through more dead bodies and more desolation.
All these horrors tempered even the rage of an Amazon warrior. As she stepped over the bodies, she began to recognize a few. She saw the bodies of Aleka and Hessia, their flesh burned and their faces frozen in permanent agony. She also saw the bodies of the men, women, and children she had helped over the years working for the Red Cross. They all had a similar look, their eyes wide open and their expression wrought with pain. They hadn't just been slaughtered. They had been tormented without mercy.
It sickened Diana to the point where she couldn't push forward. She ended up falling to her knees, her anger giving way to sorrow. She kept trying to fight through. That's when she realized something even more horrifying.
"My hands…" she said, her rage giving way to more shock.
"Took you long enough," laughed the voice.
The Amazon princess trembled as she shook her head in disbelief. Her hands were drenched with blood. Diana tried to wipe it off, but it was no use. They remained covered and stained. What made it all the more sickening was that she recognized this blood. It didn't belong to just anybody. It had the feel of those she loved and cherished. At first she refused to believe her senses. Then she got confirmation of the worst kind.
As the blood dripped from her hands, she noticed it falling upon the face of a female body that had just been recently killed. Like the others, traces of an agonizing death remained etched on her face. But unlike the others, this face belonged to her mother. When she saw her face, Diana stopped struggling and fell to her knees in despair.
"No…mother," she sobbed.
"She fought valiantly. They all fought valiantly. But in the end, they all succumbed," said the voice, "They succumbed because of decisions you made. Their deaths were your own doing."
Diana kept shaking her head, fighting off tears of sorrow that rapidly filled her eyes. She refused to believe it. This couldn't be happening. Her mother, her sisters, and all these innocents – slaughtered and maimed. It couldn't be her fault. It just couldn't. She would never let this happen.
When she finally opened her eyes to wipe away the tears, she finally saw the source of the voice. It now stood over her, an imposing shadowy figure that had the poise of a titan and the demeanor of a god. She couldn't see a face or even tell if the figure was male or female. But whoever it was, he or she looked down on her like a wounded animal about to be slaughtered. The power that fueled the darkness and desolation appeared to be coming directly from this figure, but she was the one who unleashed it.
"This…this cannot be. I didn't…I wouldn't!" stammered Diana, struggling to speak under the weight of her sorrow.
"But you did," said the figure, "And the ones you loved most were the ones that suffered the most. See for yourself."
The figure then stepped closer and revealed to her another fallen loved one. This time it was Kal-El, his neck snapped and his body battered beyond recognition. The figure held him up with a lasso wrapped around his neck like a noose. His eyes had the same deathly stare as her mother. His blood, like her mother's, was also on her hands. It was too much for Diana to process at this point. She closed her eyes and shook her head again, refusing to believe any of this was real.
"Kal…gods have mercy, please! Not him!" she cried.
"It's a pity. He suffered the most, but he didn't have to. If only you hadn't been so pathetic and weak," taunted the figure.
"Stop! Enough of this," sobbed Diana, "No more…I can't take anymore."
"It's too late, Diana. You failed. You are defeated and you've no one but yourself to blame. Now accept your defeat! Even if the gods could show mercy, you would not deserve it."
She kept trying to shut it out, the menacing voice and the overwhelming sorrow. But it was no use. It now felt like it was coming from all directions, surrounding her and subduing her. Her strength failed her and she fell to her hands and knees. Then the horror escalated even more when the dead bodies around her came to life again, beginning with her mother and quickly spreading to each body in this deathly landscape.
"Diana…you selfish brat," hissed the body of Hippolyta, "You let your own mother die."
"You let us all die," hissed the body of Hessia.
"Mother…sisters…Kal…I'm so sorry," said Diana weakly.
"Your tears are not enough," hissed her mother's deathly form, "Come with us. Descend to the pits of Hades where you belong! Face the torment you've justly earned!"
Their vengeful cries echoed throughout the wasteland as they all crawled towards her and grasped her with their cold hands. Diana attempted to fight them off at first, but it was no use. Her strength was gone. Her spirit was broken. She could do nothing as they pulled her down into the underworld with them.
"No…no…NOOOOOOOO!"
Metropolis – Clark's Apartment
Diana gasped as she emerged from the horror. Her eyes shot open and she rose up, short of breath and covered in a cold sweat. The sights and smells of death and destruction were gone. She was back in the comfortable surroundings of Clark Kent's apartment. As her senses caught up with her feelings of dread, she realized she was safely in her lover's bed. Kal was sleeping peacefully next to her, alive and unharmed. As soon as she felt his warmth, she steadied her breathing and allowed her strength to return to her.
"A dream – it was only a dream," said Diana as she caught her breath.
Telling herself this didn't make it feel any less overwhelming. The echoes of her mother's voice and the dark figure she encountered still reverberated in her head. It felt so vivid and real. No dream should feel this real. Even as the terror subsided, its effects lingered.
Now sitting up in the bed, Diana looked around the room and recalled what led her to this point. The clock on the dresser read a few minutes past three. It was still dark outside and the rain that started yesterday afternoon was still pouring. She remembered meeting Kal after work for dinner. They then returned to his apartment, opened a bottle of wine she bought over from France, and watched a movie together.
Afterwards, they started talking. One thing led to another and the next thing she knew, they were making their way to his bedroom. Somewhere between the door and the bed, their clothes came off and were now strewn messily over the floor. She then followed him under the soft sheets and they made love in the heated, passionate manner they had come to enjoy so much over these past six months. They wore each other out as they so often did and she fell asleep peacefully in his arms. Unfortunately, her sleep didn't stay peaceful.
Still clutching the sheets, Diana looked over at her lover. Like her, he was still naked. In addition to his bed and his passions, he had shared so much with her since they came together. He went above and beyond as only Superman could, welcoming her into his world and making her a part of his life. He always found a way to make time for her, visiting her on her good days and her bad days. He introduced her to his friends and co-workers at the Daily Planet. He even welcomed her to his Fortress of Solitude at the North Pole, something he hadn't done for anyone else.
Kal-El's love for her was beyond dispute and Diana's love for him only grew. Being around him, both as Diana Prince and as Wonder Woman, filled her with such joy. But it was not lost on her that in every Greek tragedy, the greatest of joys often preceded the greatest of sorrows.
'Oh Kal…you give me so much love. You open your heart, your soul, and your bed to me. And the more I embrace you, the more I love you.'
Diana laid back down on the bed, pulling the sheets up over her and her naked lover. She then curled up next to him, getting close enough to feel his loving warmth. She affectionately traced her hand over the contours of his chest, drawing from him the strength that had done so much to enrich her life.
'You'll go from fighting Toyman to taking a romantic stroll on the moon without breaking a sweat. You've made me such an important part of your life. I've made you part of mine, but only to a point.'
Her life had so many unresolved conflicts and these nightmares served as a constant reminder. This wasn't the first time she had experienced such nightmares, but this was by far the most vivid to date. While they varied in terms of content and scope, they always had the same theme. She would be surrounded by destruction, her home and her family decimated by forces she couldn't identify. Sometimes she would try to fight back, but no matter what she did, she always succumbed.
It was a disturbing notion, an Amazon warrior succumbing under the weight of defeat. It was an act every Amazon had been conditioned avoid. No matter what happened, they kept on fighting. Being with Kal and establishing herself as Wonder Woman further strengthened her resolve. But no matter how strong she felt, she could not escape the inherent complications of an exiled Amazon princess.
'No matter how fulfilling my life is in man's world, I can never forget my life back on Themyscira. It's my home. My mother, my sisters, my heritage – so much of it still there and I cannot share it with you. I can't even go back without causing more conflict. I can't forget about it either.'
This was the lingering burden on her soul that continued to plague her, even as she built a happy and fulfilling life with Kal. She was still an exile. All the battles, hardships, and conflicts on Themyscira would continue, regardless of her life in man's world. She had no idea if things had gotten better or worse since she left. Her gut told her that the battles within Tartarus had not gotten any easier. At some point she would have to confront them and these nightmares gave her the sense that if she didn't, they would find a way to confront her in the worst possible way.
As she contemplated this burden, she felt Kal rouse from his slumber and shift. He was usually a heavy sleeper after a night of lovemaking, but he had become quite adept at picking up on her distress, no matter how tired he was. Still in a drowsy state, he instinctively wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in closer. It helped further ease her distress, but only to a point.
"Hey…you okay?" asked Kal, his eyes still closed.
"I'm fine. Just a bad dream, that's all," said Diana softly.
"Anything I can do?"
"You're already doing it," she told him. "Go back to sleep, Kal."
"Mmkay...love you," he said with a yawn.
"I love you too."
Diana gave him a light peck on the cheek, evoking a soft moan of contentment. With his arm now firmly secure around her waist, she curled up even closer and rested her head on his chest. This allowed her to hear his steady breathing and the soft beating of his heart.
It gave her such comfort, being so entwined with this man. Their love had become so strong, but at some point the complications of her life were going to test that love. She had faith that they could overcome. However, this might be one of those battles she needed to confront on her own before she put her lover in the line of fire. Any conflict involving Themyscira and the gods was bound to get volatile in unpredictable ways.
Underworld – Palace of Hades
"What an honor it is to be Queen of the Dead," said a solemn voice from the halls of Hades' palace. "To have dominion over such a vast realm, yet have none on my own immortal life…a truly honorable title indeed."
Persephone's quiet lament fell on deaf ears, as it always did. Standing in the royal chamber in the highest keep of Hades' palace, she had the best possible view of the joyless wasteland below. There wasn't much to see. The River Styx and the vast fields of death made for a quiet, desolate realm where the souls of the dead faded to oblivion. Her mother, Demeter, taught her that realm domain was necessary in order to balance the primordial forces between Olympus and the mortal world. That didn't make it any less pleasant.
Being the Queen of the Underworld and the wife of Hades, she was obligated to reside in this realm for extended periods. It was part of the arrangement that Hades had set up through a mix of cunning, treachery, and negotiations amongst his fellow gods. Persephone would rule by his side for six months out of the year. Then for the other six, she would return to visit her mother on Olympus. Those times were supposed to be joyous, nourishing the natural forces of fertility and harvest. But no matter how joyous they were, such feelings were fleeting.
Over the centuries, it took a greater toll on Persephone. Her once vibrant spirit became hardened. Her ability to feel contentment of any kind, even in the presence of her mother, had weakened. It had gotten to the point where the darkness of this realm had tainted her very soul. Hades, being as devoted as any god could, made sure she was comfortable in his palace. But there was only so much comfort to be had in the underworld. She would always be shackled by the will of the gods, her destiny dictated by forces beyond her control. There was nothing she could do about it overtly. However, that didn't mean she couldn't do something covertly.
"Eternal youth and divine beauty are so overrated," she sighed, pretending she could actually converse with the souls of the dead. "I know this means little to the deceased and the disembodied, but you're the lucky ones. At some point, your toil ends. Mine remains bound to a destiny I did not choose."
"Oh cry me a river, Your Highness. Sympathy is every bit as overrated."
Persephone was shocked to hear a response, but the shock wore off when she turned around to see that it came from Hera. She would have preferred a response from the dead. The Queen of Olympus rarely visited the underworld and when she did, it was never to deliver good news.
"Queen Hera, the underworld welcomes you. It's always such a pleasure to be in your presence," said Persephone dryly, standing to formally acknowledge her fellow queen.
"Spare me the hollow propriety, Persephone. I'm not here to compare notes on immortal misery. This is a strictly informal visit," said Hera.
"By informal, does that mean Lord Zeus has not sanctioned this visit? Because that would be…awkward."
"Since my husband is the King of Olympus, I don't have to answer that question. And I would strongly advise that you not attempt to answer it yourself."
Hera was a lot moodier than usual. She had never been all that pleasant to be around. During the time Persephone spent with her mother, she made it a point to avoid the Queen of Olympus. Like her, she was another woman whose immortal life was shackled by forces beyond her control. She coped with it in different ways, but most of those coping mechanisms weren't very effective.
The Queen of Olympus remained apprehensive as she stared down Persephone as only she could. While many of her fellow gods sympathized with this woman's plight, Hera afforded her no such sentiment. She saw her constant lament as a ruse that hid how hardened she had become and until recently, she never had a reason to call her out.
"I don't know if you've bothered to keep up, but Olympus has had its share of upheavals lately," said Hera.
"I do my best to remain blissfully unaware of such matters. If it's all the same to you, Queen Hera, I would like those efforts to not be in vain," replied Persephone.
"I question the extent of your efforts. You've always been adept at claiming one thing while doing the other – so adept, in fact, that few gods take notice."
"Isn't that a skill all gods are supposed to have," said the Queen of the Underworld flatly.
"Point taken, but your pretty face and your lofty title won't go far with me. Acting so sad, only ever wanting to be with your mother, might convince everyone else of your sincerity, but I know the truth. You know I know so drop the act. This is serious."
Persephone's solemn demeanor that had been the inspiration of so many mortal tales finally waned. In its place, the hardened woman who hid her disdain for every aspect of her fate emerged.
The usually meek and sad queen now addressed Hera with folded arms and an annoyed glare. The Queen of Olympus picked a very bad time to be meddlesome, but Persephone didn't flinch in her presence. Nobody who spent any amount of time in this desolate realm was ever easily intimidated.
"What do you want?" said Persephone in a harsh tone.
"I've been doing a little side-project for these past few months. It's one of those projects my darling husband can't be bothered with so I've taken it upon myself to investigate," began Hera.
"You're actually doing something besides listening to the prayers of the Amazons and drinking yourself into oblivion? I find that hard to believe."
"You know, you're not the first to express that sentiment. And in the interest of full disclosure, I only thought this would help break up the monotony since Zeus has forbidden me to participate in the conflicts in Tartarus."
"It's really gotten that bad?" said Persephone, pretending to be worried. "I thought my husband was being coy when he claimed the chaos was destabilizing the foundations of the underworld."
"It's every bit as bad as he claims. In fact, it's probably worse than they're willing to admit," said Hera. "That's actually part of the reason I came here. Does the name Erebus, Titan of Darkness, ring any bells?"
The Queen of the Underworld came dangerously close to flinching this time. The mention of that particular titan was taboo on both Olympus and the Underworld. Of all the titans, few were as dangerous as Erebus. That's why Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon went to such lengths to imprison him after they realized he could not be killed. Anyone who dared involve themselves with that horrid relic from the past risked upsetting the balance amongst all the realms. For that reason, Persephone chose her words carefully.
"What have you heard?" she asked curtly.
"Very little because most are smart enough not to say anything out loud," said Hera. "That doesn't mean the signs aren't there. I did some investigating of my own – the kind nobody could get away with were they not the wife of Zeus. Without divulging too many specifics, I've watched the seal on the Erebus' tomb become progressively weaker. It's happening slowly, but it is happening."
"That's…disturbing," said Persephone.
"Indeed it is, but it's the how troubles me more than the why. There are very few individuals between Olympus and the Underworld capable of even accessing that tomb. Someone would have to have a great deal of power, cunning, and incentive to attempt something so devious without alerting Hades and Zeus – perhaps even someone with ties to Olympian royalty."
The subtext of her words couldn't be clearer. Hera would never say it out loud, but she made her suspicions painfully apparent.
"I'm not liking your tone, Hera," said Persephone.
"That makes two of us," she replied.
"Then forgive me if I add it to the long list of absurdities Olympus has propagated over the centuries. What makes you think it's even possible for anyone other than Zeus or Hades to tamper with the Tomb of Erebus?"
"If the current circumstances weren't so dire, I might actually share that skepticism. But you know the situation in Tartarus has everyone distracted. If ever there was a time for someone to be so foolish, this would be it."
Her tone became even more apprehensive. Hera looked down on the Queen of the Underworld as though she were a disobedient pet. If she expected an outright confession, she was going to be disappointed.
Persephone knew Hera well enough to understand her tactics. In her mind, she had already concluded that the Queen of the Underworld was responsible for tampering with the Tomb of Erebus. She just couldn't prove it. That was the only thing working in Persephone's favor at the moment. She didn't dare entertain any thoughts that might implicate her. She just continued addressing Hera as a fellow queen, denying her what she sought.
"Well thankfully, I'm not that foolish," said Persephone in as assertive a tone she could get away with.
"Are you?" questioned Hera. "Demeter has shared her concerns with me on more than one occasion. She says you've been much less spirited during your visits."
"I would ask you not to discuss such personal matters with my mother. I'll be sure to tell her that myself during the next spring thaw."
"Your personal matters cease being personal when the potential impact affects us all," Hera pointed out.
"And why would that concern you?" questioned Persephone.
"I think I have a right to concern when that potential impact includes the permanent destruction of the balance that Olympus has upheld for centuries."
"Is that how you really feel or is that just how Zeus has conditioned you to feel? You and I are both at the mercy of this so-called balance. We're both trapped in loveless marriages to gods that see us as more as ornaments than companions. We're both doomed to live a life of unspoken submission while our loving husbands casually philander behind our backs."
"You're treading upon unstable grounds, Persephone. I would advise you to tread lightly," warned Hera.
"And you have it even worse than me sometimes. At least I only have to carry out my wifely duties half the time. You're forever stuck under Zeus' thumb. I honestly don't know how you deal with it, especially when his love for you ends as soon as his reckless desire to impregnate impressionable mortals begins."
"You're opening up old wounds that have taken a long time to heal. You're only making this more unpleasant than it needs to be."
"I live in the underworld, Hera. I'm used to all things unpleasant," scoffed Persephone. "I don't think I can say the same for you. What exactly does Zeus do to keep you in line these days anyways? I heard he promised to cease his dalliances after that nasty ordeal between Hercules and the Amazons. Can you look at me honestly and say you believe him?"
Persephone's words were getting bolder. She infuriated Hera in a ways few others dared. It was dangerous, even for the Queen of the Underworld, but it played to her advantage. The more she infuriated Hera, the more she tempted her to be reckless. And at this point, recklessness of any kind on Olympus would work to her advantage.
"Your silence speaks volumes," she chided. "Even if he kept his promise, does it really make you any less upset? I know you cannot express your dissatisfaction with your husband any more than I can with mine, but I'm sure a part of you is still bitter."
"I'm a queen. I can't afford to be that petty, especially if my fellow gods allow themselves to be," retorted Hera, still making clear who she believed was responsible for these anomalies.
"Oh please! Pettiness is a defining trait among Olympians. It's all we have when our immortal lives are at the mercy of the fate our husbands propagate. We may be afforded some reprieves. I have my mother. You have your precious Amazons. But is that really petty enough? I know you've presented yourself as some sort of feminine ideal among your band of immortal harlots, but even they must know of the indignation you endure on Olympus."
"Now I would advise you to rip out your own tongue because your words are getting dangerously bold."
"Is the truth really that bold? Is that what Olympus has come to?" scoffed Persephone. "Maybe that's why the seal on the Tomb of Erebus is weakening. Maybe it's not an act of treachery. For all we know, it could be a sign that this balance is unsustainable. And maybe our efforts to stop it are just as petty."
Hera's vision narrowed on her fellow queen. She had both the authority and the inclination to strike this woman down for such disrespect, but doing so would not prove her wrong, nor would it grant her vindication. It would also be a gross violation of Zeus' decree that the gods not attack one another. At a time when her husband was even less understanding than usual, she could not afford to test that decree.
But the most frustrating part of all was that Persephone was right on some levels. They were both at the mercy of this order that their husbands helped create. They were granted some outlet for their dissatisfaction, but even her beloved Amazons knew the stories of her husband's many infidelities. They may not contemplate it in their payers. That didn't make it any less egregious. Persephone understood how much this infuriated her and because of that, it would be impossible to get a straight answer from her. At this point, however, she didn't need one.
Despite her simmering anger, Hera managed to restrain herself. Persephone made it clear that talking to her would only add to her frustrations. She didn't get what she sought from the Queen of the Underworld, but she got enough to conclude that this woman deserved further scrutiny.
"If these words are indicative of your thoughts, then I think I'm done here," said Hera. "The ambience of the Underworld has clearly gotten to you. I should've known you're incapable of meaningful conversation."
"Yes. You should have," said Persephone dryly.
"But know this, Persephone – this is not over," she warned. "Regardless of who or what might be involved, the Tomb of Erebus affects us all. If that wretched titan were to be unleashed, then we would have no reprieve…no loving mother to greet us or loyal followers to praise us. And if you believe for a second that oblivion is more preferable to your current condition, then heed my words when I say you're gravely mistaken."
"I still haven't the faintest idea of what you're implying, but I appreciate the advice. I'm sure it'll be so useful here in the Underworld."
She didn't even try to sound that convincing, knowing that Hera's suspicions would remain as such until additional revelations came along. That didn't stop the Queen of Olympus from scolding her one last time, warning her in a not-so-subtle way that the consequences would be severe if her suspicions proved correct. Persephone remained stern under such scolding, her hardened spirit working to her advantage for once. She didn't dare show weakness until Hera opened a portal back to Olympus and disappeared through it.
As soon as she was gone, Persephone finally allowed herself to falter. She closed her eyes and hugged her shoulders, feeling a wave of tension she wasn't used to feeling in a dead and desolate realm. She conditioned herself to remain vigilant. In every place between Olympus and the Underworld, it was possible for the gods to meddle. That didn't make Hera's visit any less disconcerting. She still had the potential to do far more than meddle.
'Guess I'll need to be careful which thoughts I articulate from here on out. If Zeus' embittered queen has taken notice, then I can expect others to be more suspicious as well. But I cannot afford to have second thoughts. I'm so close ending this insufferable cycle of drudgery. I know my mother wouldn't agree in the slightest, but she'll understand when the time comes. All on Olympus will understand soon enough.'
Metropolis – The Daily Planet
"Look alive, Kent. Perry's on the warpath and you've still got the biggest target on your back," said Lois as she passed by her co-worker's cubicle with a fresh cup of coffee in hand.
"Thanks for the warning, Lois. Rest assured, I've adjusted my insurance premiums accordingly," said Clark as he sat hunched over his desk.
"You'll need to adjust more than that. This is one of those times when a fluff piece from the Red Cross just ain't gonna cut it."
Clark still didn't appear all that worried. He just kept on typing, not at all concerned about his boss' mood. He was among the few at the Daily Planet who could keep his cool when Perry got more agitated than usual. It was probably why he preferred to deal with Clark because he knew how to keep a level head.
"Kent! My office…now," barked a voice from the editor's office.
"Right on cue," sighed Lois.
"So it would seem," sighed Clark as he finally got up from his desk. "If I don't come out within one hour, call Superman."
"Even he might not be able to help you with this, Smallville."
"But he'll minimize the damage. With Perry, sometimes that's the best you can hope for."
He remained remarkably calm as he made his way towards Perry's office. Clark knew as well as anyone he was about to get yelled. Chances were, he would get yelled at for things he couldn't control or even hope to control. But he would take it with a nod and a smile, always avoiding confrontation and defusing the situation however he could. He had gotten a lot better at that over the past few months, which helped keep things from getting too tense at the Planet.
Lois smiled and offered a look of sympathy as she made her way back to her desk. She was confident Clark would be fine. Others, however, were not so certain.
"Maybe we should call Batman as well," said Jimmy Olson as Lois passed by. "You sure he's okay facing Perry's wrath alone?"
"He'll be fine," said Lois confidently.
"For someone claiming to be his best friend, you don't sound all that concerned," Jimmy pointed out.
"It's because I'm his best friend that I'm not concerned. Clark's a mature, responsible adult who knows how to deal with people who don't share his temperament – an endangered species among men if ever there was one. He can handle Perry."
"It still couldn't hurt to show some concern. Word is some lobbyist from DC dropped by this morning. Terms like lawsuit, retraction, and libel being thrown around…along with anything on Perry's desk that wasn't nailed down."
"Three of Perry's least favorite words after toupee and graying," said Lois as she casually sipped her coffee.
"And Clark being in a locked room with him still doesn't concern you?" said Jimmy.
"I admit on certain days, it would. But this isn't one of those days. Clark can handle it."
"What makes you so sure about that?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Because Clark had sex with Diana last night," she answered, "At this point, it would take 20 Perry's on their worst day to dampen his mood."
Jimmy gave Lois a strange look. She took another sip of her coffee to conceal her amusement from the young man's reaction. It never ceased to amaze her, the way everyone reacted at the mention of Clark's personal life. Even after six months, Clark having a personal life was still somewhat of a novelty. Having been that quiet farm boy who never got too close to anyone, it was still pretty jarring for many. Because of that, they couldn't appreciate the effect Diana had on him.
She still remembered everyone's reaction the first day Clark brought Diana to the office. She had just come from a humanitarian conference at the UN. She wore a dress that Jimmy described as being part Hillary Clinton and part sexy librarian. It clearly left a bigger impression on Jimmy more than most.
"Seriously?" he asked with a mix of humor and intrigue.
"If you would stop trying to picture it and actually observe, it would just as obvious to you," said Lois. "His shirt's a little looser, his tie's a little wrinkled, and he's walking around like he just slayed a dragon. A man doesn't get that kind of confidence without the touch of a beautiful woman."
"It's disturbing how you pick up on these things."
"I'm a reporter. I wouldn't even have a job if I didn't have a knack for insight. Plus, it helps that Jonathan does the same thing every morning after we have sex."
"I can only imagine. Boy can I imagine," sighed Jimmy with a goofy grin.
Lois shuddered at the thought of what Jimmy might be imagining. He wouldn't have been the only one either. The idea that Clark Kent was dating a beautiful woman like Diana Prince was shocking to many. He was this humble farm boy. She was this beautiful, exotic, globe-trotting woman who captivated everyone she met. There was probably a little jealousy to go around as well, but Lois had learned look past the novelty and see Clark and Diana for what they were.
"Well maybe you should stop imagining and start appreciating. Diana has been really good for Clark and not just because it equips him to deal with Perry," Lois went on.
"Still imagining," said Jimmy, the goofy grin on his face not fading for a second. "All the ways she's been good for him keeps men like me up at night."
"And therein lies the problem," she sighed. "You get so enamored with the idea that you don't even see the person."
"Speaking from experience, Lois? I thought you of all people would be enamored by the idea of Clark Kent dating another beautiful brunette."
"I admit there might have been a time when I felt that way," conceded Lois. "There might even have been a time where I got upset about it. But part of being someone's best friend is knowing who he is and knowing who's good for him. Based on what I've seen with Clark over the past six months, I'm convinced that Diana is good for him. And it's not just for the reasons you're probably imagining."
"Believe me, you don't even want to know what a guy like me can imagine with a woman like Diana."
"I'm sure I don't. I'm also sure that imagination is exactly why women like Diana go for guys like Clark in the first place. If you really want to put that imagination to good use, imagine how Perry's going to react if you don't develop those photos from the Toyman trial by noon. Clark might be his favorite whipping boy when he's upset, but you're a close second."
This somewhat jarring reminder was enough to finally dissuade Jimmy from further imagining. Still bearing that goofy grin, he sighed to himself and went back to work. He didn't doubt Lois' assessment of Clark's relationship with Diana. That didn't make it any less amazing to contemplate.
Lois shook her head again and made her way back to her desk. Jimmy Olsen's attitude towards Clark and Diana was fairly symbolic of the past six months. Those two getting together had been a watershed moment and not just because of the sheer spectacle of Clark Kent being romantically involved with someone. It marked a turning point where they took all seemed to take a few steps forward with their lives. It led to a few significant changes and more than a few challenges, but it all worked out for the better.
Upon sitting at her desk, Lois reflected on some of those changes as she finished her coffee. Her gaze fell upon a couple of pictures she kept near her computer. It used to be she never kept any personal effects in her workspace. That all changed with her and Jonathan.
Ever since they moved in together, things had gotten pretty serious. One of the pictures happened to be taken the day after they moved in together. They were lying on their unmade bed for the first time, exhausted from unpacking and curled up together for a much needed breather. She didn't remember why she took the picture, but it became symbolic of the new life she had built with Jonathan. It had turned into a good life, one where they supported each other in their respective careers and gave each other strength on the new challenges they faced. It helped make her a better reporter and after her failed efforts to expose Lex Luthor, she needed that strength.
"I eon't need much imagination to know why you've been so good for me, Jonathan," she said to herself. "We think we're so good by ourselves. Then we find someone who makes us better and wonder how we could've been so foolish."
She smiled at the picture before shifting her gaze to another. This one had been taken while she and Jonathan were on a double date with Clark and Diana. It actually took quite a bit of convincing on her part to get Clark to go along with it, but it turned out for the better. It gave her some insight into the workings of his relationship with Diana. By seeing their love first-hand, she became convinced just how good Diana had been for him.
It didn't just translate to him being in a better mood on the nights he and Diana made love. Over these past six months, Clark Kent really came out of his shell, becoming a better man and a better reporter. After he broke the Wonder Woman story, his profile rose. Perry no longer relegated him to just being that reporter he trusted to report fairly and consistently on complex stories. He became a bit more ambitious and Diana definitely helped him along the way.
This new ambition led Clark to reporting stories on major humanitarian issues all over the world, many of which had been woefully underreported by other outlets. Diana's connections with the Red Cross really helped with these efforts. She got him access to serious situations in disaster areas, war zones, and regions of extreme poverty. Some of them were serious, hard-hitting stories that revealed overlooked tragedies. Others were glimmers of hope, something that every good newspaper needed. His work became so extensive that some of the Planet's publishing partners were talking about a book deal. It did Clark's career a lot of good and it also helped his personal ambitions.
This showed in the way Clark lovingly embraced Diana in the picture. With the moonlight in the background, he stood behind her with his arms around her waist while she lovingly grasped his hand. They had all the subtleties of a couple who shared their lives, bore one another's burdens, and supported each other. Lois had already experienced with Jonathan how important this was in a good relationship. Seeing Clark share that experience with Diana was refreshing. Despite her history with Clark, she came to accept how things had played out and was genuinely happy for him.
Setting her coffee and the picture aside, Lois went back to work, still assuming that Clark could handle Perry. The rule of thumb at the Daily Planet was that until glass started breaking, then it was best to let the boss vent. She hadn't been working for very long when she heard a knock on the side of her cubicle. Fittingly enough, it was Diana.
"Hey Lois, do you have a moment?" she asked.
"Diana! My favorite gal pal of my favorite guy pal," greeted Lois. "If you're here for your boyfriend, I'm afraid you'll have to wait. He's in a meeting with Perry and I can't guarantee he'll come out in one piece."
"That's okay. I'm actually here to see you," said Diana.
This caught Lois by surprise. Usually when Diana dropped by, she was just here to meet up with Clark for a story or a lunch date. Now concerned, she set aside her work again.
"Is everything all right?" she asked. "Things tend to get awkward real fast when someone else's girlfriend comes to me."
"I understand and I apologize if this puts you in that position, but I've got a bit of a problem that I've been putting off for a while and I don't think I'm ready to bring it up with Clark."
"So why are you ready to bring it up with me?" questioned Lois.
"Because it involves dealing with difficult parents and if I recall, you have more experience with that than most."
Lois looked at Diana with a raised eyebrow. Now she was surprised in an entirely different respect. Diana actually appeared restless, like this had been bugging her for a while and she hadn't brought it up with anyone else. She couldn't blame her either. This was one issue that few were qualified to talk about. As it just so happened, Lois Lane was painfully overqualified.
With this in mind, Lois saved her work and grabbed her purse. She then knocked on Jimmy Olsen's cube, which was right across from hers.
"Jimmy, tell Perry I'll be taking an extended lunch today," she told him.
"I think you're mistaking me for your secretary, Lois," replied Jimmy.
"Well congratulations. You've been promoted," said Lois. "Something important just came up that can't be resolved over a salad and a tuna sandwich."
She didn't give Jimmy a chance to complain. She just put on her sunglasses, grabbed Diana by the arm, and led her towards the elevators. Diana was somewhat surprised by Lois' eagerness to help her, but she went along with her. One thing she came to understand about Lois Lane early on was that she never hesitated to confront serious issues.
"Come on, girlfriend. I'll take you to that Mediterranean place two blocks down. My treat," said Lois.
"Thank you, Lois. I uh…wasn't expecting to make too big a deal about this," said Diana as she followed along.
"When difficult parents are involved, it's going to be a big deal. Trust me," she said. "Also trust me when I say that these aren't the kinds of things you can talk about on an empty stomach."
Daily Planet – Perry White's Office
There was an unspoken rule at the Daily Planet. Anyone working in close proximity to Perry White was not to mention certain topics unless they were part of a major story. Those topics included things like retractions, lawsuits, lobbyists, and Lex Luthor. These always put Perry in a foul mood. Everyone in the office could even tell how foul it was based on the amount of cigars he smoked. By Clark's estimation, he was on his third cigar this morning. It wasn't the most he had ever smoked before noon, but it made clear that he was pretty agitated.
Clark did his part, sitting across from Perry's desk and listening calmly to his boss' angry venting. It was about a story they ran last week that didn't go over well with certain people of influence. He spent the first several minutes ranting about how lobbyists and lawyers would kill him faster than his smoking habit. He even threw in a few graphic threats about what he would like to do to some of these people. Clark pretended to not hear the details, just in case Perry ever acted on these threats. Eventually, he got to the reason he called him into his office.
"I think it's safe to say the rest of my week is ruined," said Perry as he took an extended puff of his cigar. "Legal wants a retraction in print by tomorrow morning. Some guys in suits I desperately want to punch in the jaw are set to show up tomorrow and 'refine the context of the story,' as they call it. I've already warned my wife and she already agreed to keep the dogs outside for the next couple of days."
"I'm sure the ASPCA appreciates your foresight, but I don't see how this one story is ruffling so many feathers," said Clark.
"I didn't see it either. Hell, I thought this was the least offensive story we could've done without baby kittens being involved," he said with a sigh. "Guess someone with incredibly thin skin or a very serious personality disorder felt otherwise."
"But it was just a feature article on some upstart solar energy company in New Mexico. What could they possibly find so offensive?"
"That's where the details get tricky," said Perry. "You're right. It did just start out as a feature. But as soon as someone did a little digging, we found something fishy that made it worth printing a few sections above Cat's fashion reviews."
Perry muttered a few curses to himself as he put out his cigar and sat back in his chair. Being an old fashioned newsman, he was used to telling stories that upset people. That was a big reason why the Lex Luthors of the world didn't like the Daily Planet and it was a big reason why Clark respected him so much. Then there were the seemingly trivial stories that upset people in unexpected ways and those stories annoyed him on an especially frustrating level.
"Since I'm sure you already skimmed the article, let me fill you in on the gritty details," Perry went on. "Helion Solar is the soft-spoken, intimidating-as-hell new kid on the block in the solar energy game. A while back some shady European businessman took it over and consolidated it with a few research labs in Europe, South America, and Silicon Valley. At first glance, they seem like another one of those companies that want to become Wayne Enterprise of solar energy, but their ambitions aren't quite that basic."
"How so?" asked Clark.
"Well there had been a few rumblings in the tech crowd that they were doing research on some exotic new kind of solar energy. We're talking about the kind that's more than a few decades ahead of the competition. I don't know the science – something about incorporating the trans-dimensional research from STAR Labs into solar energy collection."
"Interesting, but that's still not much of a story."
"If that's all there was to it, then you'd be right," he admitted. "This is where it gets tricky. An entirely new set of rumblings hinted that they made some sort of major breakthrough – one so major, in fact, that some in the industry and their friends in Washington wanted it kept under wraps. And before you say it sounds like one of those crackpot conspiracy theories, you should know I said the same thing. Then a few of our tech reporters picked up on some leaked emails and half-shredded memos. Without boring you with the details, let's just say it didn't seem so crazy. That's why I chose to run the article."
"And those people in the industry you mentioned didn't like it," surmised Clark.
"To say the least," groaned Perry, "But here's where it gets a little stranger – even folks from within Helion Solar got upset. For some reason, they want to be very secretive with their research. They want to keep it from getting out into the market."
"That sounds oddly counter-productive. I thought they were a business. Wouldn't they want this technology out in the open?"
"I thought so too. That's why I was so surprised and ticked when one of their lawyers called this morning and chewed my ear off before I could even get my coffee. Says every bit of information from Helion is privileged information or some other BS legal term they made up. Us publishing anything about it was somehow a huge affront. Those tidbits about suppressing their research was the real kicker. Once the lobbyists got on the phone, I knew this was going to be one of those stories that'll give me a headache for days."
In light of these details, Clark now had a better understanding of why Perry had been so upset. It was one thing for someone to not like a story they printed. It was quite another for one that, by all accounts, revealed nothing too outrageous drawing such outrage. It didn't make sense from a reporting perspective and a logical perspective. In his experience, situations like this often meant other forces were at work.
Perry could tell that Clark was already contemplating the possible headlines. It was like a reflex for him. It was part of what made him such a great reporter. He wasn't afraid of stories like this. As an editor, unfortunately, he didn't have the luxury of being so bold. That didn't mean the truth had to remain buried.
"I'm starting to think there's a larger story here," said Clark.
"You've always been good at seeing the headline behind the headline, Kent. That's why I called you here," said Perry. "This reeks of something much bigger than typical shady business practices. Folks that value privacy and lobbyists on this scale usually have something to hide."
"And you want me specifically to look into it," he surmised. "I appreciate the vote of confidence, but why me? I can't be the only one who sees those hidden headlines."
"You're not, but you're someone who will be more tactful than most. You've demonstrated that time and again these past few months as you've emerged from your reporting cocoon, as it were."
"Thanks…I think," said Clark.
"It's a compliment. Don't shrug it off. All these pieces you've been writing on humanitarian issues – they show growth. Now I don't know if that's just experience or if this amazing woman you're seeing is magically influencing you."
"Can it be a little of both?" he said curtly.
"It can be whatever you want it to be. I was young once too, Clark. I know the effects of a beautiful woman. And I know you've gotten pretty comfortable, working with her and reporting all these stories. But part of being good at this job is not letting yourself get too comfortable. Since Lois is covering the Toyman trial, I want you to take lead on this one. I can't tell you what to look for because I honestly don't know. And if I told you my suspicions, then the Helion lawyers would chew my ass off."
Perry stopped himself from implying anything. Clark could tell he wanted to share his theories. He chose not to, just so he could tell the truth if this ended up in court. The experienced newsman reached for another cigar in his desk, letting Clark craft some theories of his own. It didn't take much imagination to see the possibilities.
"You don't need to say anything else, Chief. I'll look into it," assured Clark. "I've got some suspicions of my own that should make for good headlines."
"I trust you to get the facts the others missed or conveniently overlooked. You always do," said Perry.
"I'll try to get them before the legal fees start piling up," he added. "One of the many lessons I've learned by working with Diana is that when the facts are overwhelming, people take notice for all the right reasons."
Perry finally cracked a smile. He shook his head and twirled the unlit cigar in his fingers. Looking across his desk at Clark, he saw a man who had really come into his own over the past six months. He helped give the Daily Planet a good name at a time when it badly needed it.
"Her work is our gain," he said. "That woman has been good for all of us, but she's been especially good for you."
"I know. Believe me, I know," said Clark with a smile.
"You're a damn lucky guy, Clark. A woman like that can get you through a lot of tough times. Hope she can get you through this."
"Whatever it is, I'll see it through. You have my word, Chief."
His word being more valuable than most, Perry gave Clark a nod in a show of confidence. Clark then got up from the chair and made his leave, allowing Perry to gather his strength for the coming scrutiny he was sure to face from Helion Solar. So long as the truth was on his side, he was willing to endure.
As soon as Clark left Perry's office, he formulated a plan for how he would approach this. Perry made a good point about getting too comfortable with his work. As much as he enjoyed working with Diana on these humanitarian stories, there were still plenty less-visible stories to explore. This one caught his interest and not just because he happened to be an alien whose power depended on the sun. These people at Helion Solar didn't strike him as a typical energy company. Something about the way they carried themselves didn't sit right. It might very well end up as one of those stories where Superman would have to get involved.
Northern Greece – Excavation Camp
"Mercy! Give me an update and it better be a good one," barked Lex Luthor as he sat hunched over a makeshift workbench.
"There have been no further setbacks, Mr. Luthor. I can tell you with the utmost confidence that we're back on schedule," replied Mercy Graves in a flat, robotic tone.
"Good. Be sure that it stays that way. We're getting to a very sensitive phase of the operation. There can be no complications from here on out. Is that clear?"
"I'll be sure to relay this message to the workers."
It had been a restless couple of weeks for Lex Luthor. In fact, these past few months had tested his stamina almost as much as it had tested his patience. It wasn't just that he was still technically a fugitive wanted for his involvement in the Syria/Metallo debacle. His lawyers and connections could always protect him from that. It was the volatile nature of this part of the operation that strained his resolve. Thankfully, the big payoff was almost upon him. He could practically feel it within his grasp.
For the past six months, Lex spent most of his time organizing the excavation at this site, which was nestled between two large mountains and rocky valley. It was a site that the Greek government had stayed away from for reasons not made public and he made sure this worked to his advantage.
This wasn't the first time somebody went digging for ancient artifacts in this area. It wasn't even the tenth. The locals called this place the Mine of the Damned because every time somebody tried looking for something of value, they often ended up plagued by misfortune. Cave-ins, earthquakes, and all sorts of uncommon mishaps became frighteningly common to the point where even the most ardent skeptic grew superstitious. But Lex Luthor didn't care for superstitions, curses, or anything of the sort. The fools who dared to dig here in the past lacked the tools, the connections, and the genius to uncover this ancient secret.
Under the guise of a mining operation, Lex smuggled in heavy equipment and paid migrant workers handsomely to recklessly dig hundreds of feet into the unforgiving terrain. He didn't tell them what they were digging for. He just pointed them in the direction and every day for the past six month, they probed deeper and deeper into the valley, creating a network of mine shafts descending to a single point. By his calculations, that point would be accessible very soon. What happened after that would depend on an entirely different set of calculations.
'They're all so nervous. Some of the workers have even resorted to praying at a makeshift church for protection against what they call evil forces within. Those pitiful fools – I might actually have sympathy for them if they weren't so eager to believe in such nonsense.'
Lex had heard all the legends about this area. It became somewhat of a pastime for the workers, learning of all the so-called sinister forces that had plagued this area since ancient times. These fanciful stories, like all great stories, had some basis in truth. They just weren't smart enough to understand.
Before he even arrived, Lex Luthor made sure he was too smart to be scared off by any local legend. He set up a small but well-equipped research area out of a tent and a few huts he purchased from local herders. Within this area, he assembled an array of equipment that he smuggled in from Lexcorp subsidiaries. Most of it specialized in reading and channeling exotic forms of energy. It was pretty crude, running mostly off old diesel generators and outdated particle scanners that had been thrown away from universities and laboratories. But it didn't need to be too advanced because he already had the most important component of this operation.
"This oversized butter knife just keeps defying the known laws of physics – well, the laws known only to lesser minds," said Lex proudly as he looked over the latest readings, "The energy output continues to increase exponentially. If I were as gullible as the locals, I would say the dagger knows I'm getting close."
Lex laughed to himself as he let the computers compile the data while he retrieved the Dagger of Deimos from the scanner. He hadn't left this relic out of his sight since the day Mercy handed it to him. It remained key to this operation and not just because it pointed him in the right direction.
Holding the dagger in his hands, Lex Luthor could feel the power radiating from within. It was a power that few could hope to understand, let alone channel. Ares never tried to explain it to him. Like all gods, he probably thought no mortal could understand it. That would only make it more satisfying when he proved him and every other phony god like him wrong.
'Perhaps I should have more sympathy for them. If they had even a mediocre understanding of the power within the Dagger of Deimos, they wouldn't need to be so eager to label it evil. Then again, their understanding of evil is still a joke. They speak of evil as though it were something they could actually measure. It shouldn't take such genius to realize that evil is only the product of a failed understanding – a failure that is too painful to confront and too comforting to accept.'
Lex shook his head as he put the dagger back into a special protective case that only he could open. Right next to this case stood a few newspaper articles he had compiled, most of which came from the Daily Planet. While he remained confident that he took all the necessary precautions to cover his tracks, he didn't assume that the Lois Lanes of the world wouldn't pursue him.
For months now, it had been quiet. No major stories had been reported on him or his operations here in Greece. The last story the Planet reported involved the disappearance of Professor Felix Foust from the antiquities department of Metropolis Technical and State University. It didn't say much, only revealing that Professor Foust had vanished under mysterious circumstances and the police had no leads. The story had been buried far from the front page, which was a good sign that Luthor had not left any loose ends.
'Even those who attempt to understand can't always handle it. That's why you were an outcast among your peers, Felix. Nobody would take you seriously when you claimed myths surrounding the Greeks and Romans were based on real beings. Even after the appearance of meta-humans, you got laughed out of every room. You were willing to ask questions nobody bothered to explore.'
He picked up the article, which had an image Professor Foust's in the center of the page. In addition to the mysterious nature of his disappearance, the article touched on some of his controversial research. Lex could tell that this part of the article had been pushed by Lois Lane. The editors at the Daily Planet probably wanted the parts about his work on magic and mythology censored. She only partially won the argument because it still gave the impression that Foust just another eccentric when nothing could be further from the truth.
'You attempted to understand forces you were woefully unequipped to handle. Take comfort in the knowledge that your failures laid the foundation for my success. Were it not for you, it would've taken me much longer to uncover the energy signature of the Dagger of Deimos. It allowed me to track down similar signatures, including the rather large one here at this site. And soon, it'll allow me to outsmart these pathetic gods.'
It put a smile on his face just thinking about it, a man outwitting the gods once worshipped by the ancients. Only a special kind of genius could hope to accomplish such a feat and he was just such a genius. His clashes with Superman, as frustrating as they had been, acted as a prelude of sorts. With this, a mere man would surpass gods and aliens alike.
Lex Luthor reveled in the challenge, but he could already hear the angry cries of his enemies. They called him a narcissist, an egotist, and a megalomaniacal madman. They didn't understand. They could never hope to understand. As he looked at the picture of Professor Foust in the paper, he could already hear his shallow arguments.
"I can hear your voice, Felix. I know exactly what you'd be telling me if you saw what I was doing," Lex said to the picture. "You would yell, 'Lex, you can't tamper with the power of the gods!' You might even throw in a, 'There's a reason every myth and folktale ends badly for men like you. The gods can't be outsmarted. They're gods!' Well maybe that's the problem. Did that thought ever cross your mind?"
He kept staring down the picture, as though Felix Foust was actually standing in front of him. Lex ran through every possible argument Foust could've made. He might have been brilliant in his field, but he lacked the genius and the imagination to appreciate what he had planned.
"Next, you'll probably say, 'You're playing right into their hands!' You'll then tell me all those tired old stories from the Odyssey, pointing out all the ways the gods manipulated and tricked mortals. You'll even claim I'm consumed with the same hubris that brought them down. Would you even consider that I'm smarter than those Bronze Age savages?"
He scoffed and shook his head at the picture. He didn't need much genius or imagination to surprise what Foust's answer would be to that question. It was the same as everyone who doubted him.
"Of course you wouldn't consider it. That's exactly why you're just another name on a list of missing people who will never be found," said Lex. "I know what happens when mortals attempt to clash with gods. They walk blindly into their traps, thinking their valor or cunning is enough to defeat them. They fail to understand that the gods are subject to the same hubris. I intend to exploit that hubris. I want them to look at me as just another arrogant mortal, attempting to usurp their power. I want them to think they can manipulate me to their own ends. That'll only make what I have planned all the more satisfying. It's a shame you won't be able to see it. You'll never know how wrong you are."
Lex could still hear Foust's voice berating and belittling him. At this point, it would be nothing of substance. He would just be yelling and babbling, making a greater fool of himself in the process.
Nobody was going to convince Lex Luthor that he couldn't outwit gods. He was already in a better position than every mythic hero of old could ever hope to be. The gods saw him as just another pawn who would play the role they wanted him to play, serving them to their own ends. He fully intended to maintain that role, but only to the extent that it served his own goals. The Felix Fousts of the world would still call him foolish, deluded, and egotistical. In reality, they were only perpetuating the same problem that had plagued the ancients.
"You're no better than the mindless masses who worship Superman as a modern day god," Lex continued. "You see these beings as powerful, infallible forces that mankind is incapable of confronting. I don't believe that for a second. Contrary to what the Daily Planet might say, I actually think better of my fellow man."
He set the paper on a nearby table, ensuring Foust's picture kept staring back at him. There were other old issues of the Daily Planet stacked on the table. Many of them covered stories about Wonder Woman, the latest so-called superhero to join the scene. After seeing how Ares reacted to her presence, Lex took a special interest in her.
"I bet you would have seen her as a sign, Felix – an omen that these forces were bound to attract beings I could not defeat," said Lex. "This Wonder Woman, as they call here, is just another unwitting participant. Like Superman, she carries herself as someone above humanity. She's like the gods of old, believing herself to be above reproach. She's going to learn, just like Superman, that nobody – no matter how powerful they are – is above reproach."
Lex sneered at the picture of Wonder Woman on one of the newspapers. He expected to deal with her again, not worrying for a second about dealing with another being every bit as powerful as Superman. As far as he was concerned, she was just another pseudo-deity in need of a lesson in humility.
"You could never appreciate what I intend to do, Felix. Those of such weak intellect never do. With this dagger and the power it unlocks, I'll expose these petty gods and those who act like them for the frauds they are. And it won't be some demigod who does it either. It'll be a man – a single, brilliant man. You'll see. The whole world will see."
Pasadena, California – Helion Solar Corporate Headquarters
There was once a time when meddling in the affairs of mortals was actually entertaining for the gods. These frail beings were so eager to worship them. It didn't take much for the gods to exploit those gullible tendencies. However, as mankind advanced beyond pockets of dirty farmers, such exploitation became more tedious. In the end the gods got bored once the worshipping stopped and the mortal world ceased being of use to them.
Despite mankind's many shortcomings, they still proved useful at times. This generation of mortals might not be as easily manipulated as their ancient counterparts, but they were still subject to considerable influence. In the days of old, the gods had to feed mortals the promise of honor and glory. These modern times, the promise of great wealth was more than sufficient.
'Sometimes I miss what these mortals might call the good old days. They were simpler. The mortals built monuments to our glory, worshipped us as gods, and were all too eager to submit to our will in exchange for great reward. It was a good time to be an Olympian. But whenever I long for these days, I remember how demanding it was dealing with mortals. They were like blind, untrained dogs that needed to be guided into licking themselves. These days, they're more tame. They need only a treat and a pat on the head. It's easier, but not nearly as satisfying.'
Apollo shook his head in bemusement as he gazed out the window of the opulent executive office of Helion Solar, a company that specialized in an industry near and dear to his heart. Being the god of light and sun, he couldn't have had a more fitting role in the mortal world, seeking to capture the energy of the sun and channel it into more profitable uses. It just wasn't as much a challenge as it would've been in centuries past.
But like he and his fellow gods had done many times in the past, he took on a mortal form to carry out godly affairs. His current form was that of Alfonso Disole, an Italian businessman from Milan who specialized in green energy. Approximately six months ago, Mr. Disole purchased several small solar energy companies and consolidated them into Helion Solar. It was a private entity that valued its privacy, as all Olympian affairs often did. It had a fairly simple mission to create advanced new forms of solar energy, a task that drew little interest amidst a crowded market. However, this mission was merely a mask for more ambitious endeavors.
It had to be ambitious because Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon were getting desperate for an edge against the escalating chaos. For that reason, Zeus didn't need much convincing to allow Apollo to pursue such an edge in the mortal world. His stated goal was to mix Olympian power with mortal technology in hopes of creating weapons that would aid their efforts. Hephaestus even provided some of the machinery to get him going. But this was not the only goal on Apollo's mind. Zeus made it clear to him that if the circumstances were even marginally different, he would not trust him with such a task. Olympus simply did not have the luxury of being cautious, which worked heavily into Apollo's favor.
This was hardly the first time the gods created institutions within the mortal world to serve them, but such practices became increasingly rarer in recent times. Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades came to see entanglements with the mortal world as adding to the chaos. As was so often the case, the gods made exceptions when they felt their power was threatened. Apollo understood the role he had to play within this power structure. However, it was a structure doomed to crumble.
'It won't be much longer now. Soon, things will get more challenging. I know Lord Zeus is keeping an eye on me. He might even suspect I'm doing just enough to keep him from coming down on me. He still believes he's powerful enough to deal with me if I step out of line. He might be right now, but that's about to change in a big way.'
While still gazing out the window, he swirled a glass of wine in his hand. Mortals were inept in many ways, but they knew how to make quality wine. Apollo imagined it would taste much sweeter when he succeeded in outwitting his overbearing father.
As he drank his wine, the doors to his office opened and a shapely young woman in a low-cut dress with glasses entered. That was another task mortals excelled at. They made for such slightly subordinates.
"Mr. Disole, I apologize for interrupting your lunch hour, but you have an urgent call from legal," said the woman.
"That's quite alright, my dear. Wine tastes just as good at any hour," said Apollo casually. "What are they whining about this time?"
"It's those people from the Daily Planet again. They're balking at our requests for a gag order and a retraction. I'm also told they're sending another reporter to one of our research facilities near Metropolis. They seem quite intent on learning more of our work."
Apollo rolled his eyes. This was the one part of the mortal world that was infuriating to deal with and a significant reason why the Olympians had retreated from mortal affairs. They were just too damned nosy, always seeking to tell a story that would get them fame and wealth. It made him miss the days of corrupt kings and ignorant peasants, but it was nothing he couldn't work around.
"Tell them I'll deal with it through our usual backchannels," he replied. "They are to remain focused on keeping the Daily Planet from drawing undue attention to our operations. The same applies to any media outlet."
"Understood," the woman replied. "Is there anything else?"
"Yes, please hold all calls for the next half-hour and keep my office doors locked. I'd like to not be disturbed for more than a few minutes."
The attractive woman nodded obediently and left the office, closing the door and locking it behind her. It allowed Apollo to finish his wine and close the shades on the windows. Keeping secrets from the mortal world required only the right influence and deep pockets, but keeping secrets from both the mortal world and Olympus was much harder.
His office now darkened and his doors secured, Apollo set aside his wine and turned his attention to a large mirror he had mounted on the wall next to his desk. To visitors and janitors, it was just an ordinary mirror for him to check his hair and smooth out his tie. But it was actually little gift he crafted himself from discarded materials from Hephaestus' forge.
"I know you've been calling incessantly," he said to the mirror. "I haven't been putting you off. I just haven't had the time to hear you're whining."
"Well for both our sake, you had better make time, Apollo," replied an anxious voice.
The mirror started glowing with dark purplish energy, the distinct hue of the energy that often radiated from Hades. Moments later his reflection then faded, replaced by that of a very irate Persephone.
"Queen Persephone, you're looking more miserable than usual," chided Apollo.
"Spare the insincere formalities. We have a potential complication brewing," said Persephone urgently.
"Potential, you say? And that warrants the risk of contacting me from your darling husband's domain?"
"Hera is now involved. She actually visited me today. She's been asking questions about the Tomb of Erebus. I made sure she didn't uncover anything too damning, but the mere fact she asked me is deeply disconcerting."
"I don't disagree. Most conversation with the wife of Zeus are quite disconcerting for any number of reasons," said Apollo curtly.
"Well she happens to be among the few with the authority to derail all our plans so I would advise you take this matter seriously!" she said strongly. "As I speak, Lord Hades is conferring with Zeus and Poseidon. I do not know how long they'll be distracted so this cannot wait. I need to know you're aware with this."
Apollo hid his mild agitation as best he could. Persephone was among the most vulnerable loose ends to this whole operation. He actually advised Ares against getting her involved, even if she did have more incentive than most to aid them. While she did not have the same cunning as other gods, she did have access and resources that few others could match. For that reason, she was a vital component of this plan and he had to appease her.
"Yes, I'm aware of Hera's newfound curiosity. And yes, I've taken the appropriate precautions," said Apollo, rolling his eyes.
"How did she even find out?" wondered Persephone anxiously. "She's supposed to passionately ambivalent to anything that might frustrate Zeus."
"You're right. She is," said Apollo with no concern whatsoever.
"There's no way she could've detected my activities at the tomb. There's no way she would even bother to look. I've taken every precaution. I've kept myself hidden with that cloak Ares gave me. I've made sure Lord Hades was occupied whenever I ventured out."
"I believe you. You've too much to lose to be so careless. The only logical explanation would be if somebody tipped Hera off months ago about the growing instability of the tomb – somebody with detailed knowledge of our activities that none of our fellow gods could hope to uncover."
The God of Light and Sun didn't even try to hide the subtext. He actually laughed to himself as he indirectly told the Queen of the Underworld more than she cared to know. The mirror actually shook lightly as she scolded him angrily, which only added to his amusement.
"You told her!" Persephone exclaimed.
"Keep your voice down, Queen Persephone. You'll alert the entire Underworld with that tone," said Apollo wryly.
"Are you mad, Apollo? She's a dissatisfied wife always seeking to take it out on someone. What could you possibly gain by telling her other than infuriating me!"
"It's because she's so dissatisfied that she could be an important ally when the time comes. As for why I didn't tell you – well, I'd say your vocal reaction is reason enough."
Persephone continued to fume. At the rate she was going, she would shatter the mirror with her outrage. Apollo, never once losing his calm, grinned confidently at the irate queen. She had her role to play as well and neither of them had the luxury of turning back.
"Before you berate me any further, be assured that I had a good reason for goading Hera into this affair," said Apollo.
"I highly doubt that any reason that draws the ire of the Queen of Olympus can qualify as good," scoffed Persephone.
"Then I guess you won't mind if I omit the details. That way if you're asked, you'll be able to plead ignorance with a straight face. You're already quite adept at ignorance so I've the utmost confidence in your ability to keep Hera at bay."
The Queen of the Underworld scolded Apollo again, but refrained from making a commotion. She understood like every other god in Olympus that ignorance was the best protection from Zeus' wrath.
"All you need to know is that I needed Hera to do more than loft about in her garden and answer prayers from her precious Amazons," Apollo continued. "She needs to be sufficiently agitated when the other pieces of our little plan fall into place."
"And if she gets too agitated?" questioned Persephone.
"That won't be a problem because those pieces are set to move very soon. And once Hera is on the warpath, you and I both know she's capable of being incredibly irresponsible. Like you said, she's the Queen of Olympus. Only she has the power and authority to shake the foundations of Olympus to their core. The moment that happens, we can make our move."
"It sounds to me like you're placing too much faith in Hera."
"It has nothing to do with faith, my Queen. It's all about evoking the right passions," retorted Apollo. "Gods, like mortals, make poor decisions they cannot undo when their passions get the better of them. It's the only chance either of us will ever have at changing our fate. And if you want that as much as I do, you'll control your passions until the time is right."
Persephone still didn't appreciate her fellow god's tactics. He put her in a very vulnerable position, being a target of suspicion by the Queen of Olympus. If this backfired in any way, then she could expect her fate to be far worse than anything the Underworld could conjure.
However, she understood the passions of the gods better than most. Those very passions were what led her to her current state, forever doomed to the will of the gods. She was not in a position change her fate without the aid of gods like Apollo and Ares. She didn't like it, but she had to take that chance if she was to break this cycle of torment.
"You still should've told me," said Persephone in a calmer, yet still forceful tone.
"Well now you know so there's no use getting worked up about," said Apollo with an innocent shrug.
"You're by far one of the most infuriating gods on Olympus, Apollo. And given the company we keep, that's saying something."
"I consider that a badge of honor, Persephone," he said proudly. "Those who are willing to infuriate are often those are willing to deviate from the established order. You should consider yourself lucky. Ares and I are doing the heavy lifting. All you have to do is sit back and wait until that a new kind of chaos consumes Olympus."
"And how exactly will I know when that time comes?" she said with lingering reservations.
"Trust me. You'll know."
Apollo grinned smugly before snapping his fingers to sever the mystical link between the mirror in the Underworld. He could hear the echoes of Persephone cursing him under her breath. That didn't bother him in the slightest. The first shot was about to be fired and he needed her to be anxious and irate. It would only add to the coming chaos, ensuring that none on Olympus would be in a position to stop them.
Apollo went through a lot of trouble to put himself in just the right position. This plan promised to end the reign of Olympus and lay the foundation for a new order. So long as everyone believed he was just another disgruntled god, he stood to gain more than any god or mortal ever dreamed.
Up next: Family Ties