Strangers In Paradise

by MarvelMaster616

In their youth, Clark Kent and Princess Diana met when Clark was shipwrecked on Themyscira. This accident of fate would come to have a profound impact on their lives and their hearts, disrupting the traditions of the Amazons and the order of the gods. Years later, as greater forces conspire against them, can they come together or will fate tear them apart?

12. Family Ties

Strangers In Paradise
Chapter 12: Family Ties

---

Mediterranean Di Vino

Diana didn't know what to expect when she went to Lois Lane for advice on complicated family affairs. Clark told her a bit about Lois' family. Her mother died young and her father had expectations she could never reach. She wouldn't have been offended if Lois refused to discuss them entirely. For that reason, she was pretty surprised when Lois bought her lunch at a nice restaurant. She even made sure they sat in a corner so nobody could eavesdrop on their conversation. She was really serious about helping her.

"How's that pasta primavera treating you? Feeling strong enough yet?" asked Lois, still working on her chicken panini.

"It's good. As for strength, I'm not sure how much it'll help me here," said Diana.

"Trust me, it'll help. Just tell me what got you to this point. Be as vague as you want. Difficult parents aren't easy to describe no matter how strong you are."

Diana took some comfort in Lois' understanding, but this would be a difficult matter to discuss and not just because it was so deeply personal. Diana couldn't give Lois the full story of her life, namely the parts about her growing up on an island of immortal female warriors. She could only give her the story that Hessia helped her forge when she first entered man's world.

Lois already knew that story fairly well. Shortly after she and Clark started dating, she told her the official version of Diana Prince's life. She was born in a rural part of Greece in an isolated, tight-knit costal community. Her mother, her neighbors, and her extended family were all either war refugees from Eastern Europe or former militia members. It made everyone around her very hardened, tough, and extremely untrusting of outsiders. Diana left the part out where they were all women. As far as Lois or anyone besides Clark and Hessia knew, it was just a very close, very protective community. In most respects, it wasn't that far from the truth.

While she had shared this story with others, she never talked much about her mother. She always kept it vague, as Hessia had instructed. She would probably have a big problem with her telling Lois right now, but Diana came to see this woman as someone she could trust. Lois was tough, blunt, and fearless. In another life, she would've made a fine Amazon. But at the moment, she needed a friend.

She had spent the last fifteen minutes just giving Lois a partial idea of her circumstances, focusing mostly on how she left her community and started a new life in London. Diana made no secret of her struggles to adjust to the world outside her home, but her work with the Red Cross and Hessia, who she said was her Aunt, helped her embrace that world. Now her recent nightmares forced her to entertain thoughts of returning to her former home to confront these very personal and still unresolved issues.

"Forgive me if my strength still fails me. I'm not entirely sure how to talk about this without making it worse," admitted Diana.

"Sometimes it has to get worse before it can get better," said Lois.

"That's what I'm afraid of. I guess that's also why I've been putting it off."

"Hey, nobody can blame you. Just start wherever you want to start. You're my best friend's girl. You know I won't judge and you know I'll take any secrets to my grave."

"You're a woman of great integrity, Lois. I appreciate that – more than I can possibly describe," said Diana with a weak smile, "But you're going to need to be a little judgmental here because this involves my mother. It all begins and ends with her."

Diana set aside her finished meal and took a few deep breaths. It had been a while since she talked about her mother with anyone. Clark never brought it up and neither did Hessia. They both knew it was a very sensitive issue. Even if she could tell Lois the full story, she could never convey just how much it pained her not having her mother in her life.

"Before I risk giving you the wrong idea, let me first say that I love my mother with all my heart," she said. "I owe so much of who I am to her and all the love she gave me as a child. I would never do or say anything to undermine that love."

"I believe you. Every difficult parent deserves a disclaimer," said Lois, "But love isn't the problem here, is it?"

"No. it isn't," Diana admitted.

"So then let's assume your mother proved that love beyond all possible doubt. Instead, try and focus on the issues that love couldn't solve."

"I'll try, but I can't promise I'll use the right words to describe them."

"That's okay. There aren't any right words for this sort of thing. Say whatever you need to say to get your point across. Lie to me if you have to, but I'm going to need to understand on some levels if I'm going to help."

Despite Lois' assurances, Diana still hesitated. She diverted her gaze for a moment, recalling all the painful circumstances that tore her and her mother apart. She couldn't possibly get Lois to understand the extent of this pain because she couldn't tell her the entire truth, but she didn't need her to understand everything. She just needed Lois to understand enough so she could give the guidance she desperately needed.

"The first thing you need to understand about my mother is that she doesn't trust outsiders," Diana began. "By that I don't mean she's protective. I mean she doesn't trust anyone she doesn't already know. For almost her entire life, her first instinct is to assume that outsiders – especially male outsiders – savage beasts who see women like her only as chattel."

"Damn. That's pretty extreme and not in the traditional feminazi sort of way," said Lois. "Do I even want to know the story behind that?"

"You need to if this is going to make sense," said Diana, her voice becoming somewhat strained. "When my mother was very young, she was…assaulted by a ruthless man and his friends."

"What kind of gutless man does something like that?"

"The kind that leaves lifelong scars. I don't know much about these men beyond what my mother told me. They were soldiers of a sort and they were 'seeking allies' or so they claimed. And those that refused were enemies by default. Unfortunately, my mother refused and tried to fight back. It…didn't turn out well."

"I can imagine."

"No Lois…you can't. I know you can't because I'm sparing you the details that she didn't spare me. Even as a child, she vividly described all the ways she had been hurt. Without getting graphic in a way that would spoil this wonderful lunch, assume she made it painfully clear that her experience ensured she would never trust outsiders again. After that, she only ever dealt with those within our community."

It was mostly truth with small lies mixed in. Diana gave the impression that men were still part of their community. They had to be in order for it to function in a way that wouldn't raise awkward questions. Thankfully, Lois didn't end up asking any of those questions.

The nature of this community didn't intrigue Lois as much as the experience of Diana's mother. She kept trying to imagine the kind of brutality a woman would have to suffer before distrusting all men. She had been in war zones before and reported on horrific atrocities committed against women. It wouldn't have surprised her at all if more than a few grew to inherently hate men and Diana's mother appeared to be among those unfortunate few.

"As hurt as she was, this didn't keep her from becoming a respected figure in the community. If you were to go there now, everyone you meet would say she's the most influential person there," Diana continued.

"Sounds like my dad during an election year," muttered Lois, already seeing some parallels with her own family life.

"It also didn't stop her from wanting to have children of her own. Of course, she would never let a man touch her so she did some kind of in vitro procedure to have me."

Again, it wasn't a complete lie. Hessia told her that such procedures did exist, which was why she told Diana to use this story if anyone asked about having a father. This way it wasn't wholly unbelievable that a woman like her mother would seek to have a child in this sort of way.

"I guess that makes sense – albeit in a tragic sort of way," said Lois.

"I don't disagree," said Diana, "But tragedy or not, she surrounded me with love the moment I was born."

"But she also surrounded you with her hatred of outsiders as well, didn't she?"

Lois was starting to put the pieces together, as Diana had expected. Lois was a very perceptive woman. It helped make her such a great reporter. This was the point where lies would be less necessary to get her point across. It was also the point where the emotions involved became more difficult.

"That's where the divide between me and my mother began," sighed Diana. "Even with everything I had been taught to believe about outsiders, something about it just didn't sit well. I started questioning it and she kept writing it off. I really had no reason to completely reject it. Then I met Clark and – well, you know that story."

"I should. Clark still gets that goofy grin on his face whenever he talks about the first time you two met," said Lois.

"I know. It's adorable isn't it?" said Diana, smiling somewhat.

"How could it not be? A guy loses his parents, decides to do a little soul-searching, and bumbles his way across Europe until he crosses paths with a beautiful teenage girl. And since it's not cheesy enough, they have to keep their little friendship secret because her community hates outsiders."

The two women laughed. This was one part of the story where Diana didn't mind the half-truths she and Clark told everyone. It still conveyed the same sentiment, a lost young man crossing paths with a beautiful young woman in a community hostile to outsiders. It still amazed her how it all happened, which only made what led her to this point more difficult.

"I admit it has the makings of a made-for-TV movie," said Diana. "Now that I look back on it, I think that experience made me leaving my home inevitable."

"Clark is just that great a guy, I guess," commented Lois.

"That he is. But my mother would not see that. Nobody in my home would see that. For years after he left, I thought I could get them to come around. I thought I could be the woman they wanted me to be and still open their minds and hearts to new ideas. I might as well have been deluding myself. My mother and everyone around her – they couldn't get beyond their hatred."

"And you think they never will?" asked Lois.

"Well that's kind of what led me to you," said Diana, "Because that very question has been frustrating me to no end."

She stopped for a moment as her thoughts drifted back to the final conversation she had with her mother. The anger in her tone still echoed within her mind. But beyond that anger, she also recalled the heartfelt sorrow of being torn from her daughter. Those feelings, beyond the anger and the hatred, convinced Diana that her mother was not entirely lost to her. However, the idea of trying to reach out to her again seemed so daunting, even for an Amazon.

"My mother is difficult. There's no way around that," sighed Diana.

"Believe me, you've more than convinced me of that," said Lois.

"But I can't stand the idea of cutting her out of my life completely," she continued with a mix of frustration and desperation. "I've seen and experienced so many wonderful things since I left – things that definitively prove my mother wrong. I've built such a rich, fulfilling life. And before you ask – yes, Clark Kent is a very important part of that life."

"Well I wasn't going to say anything, but thanks for confirming everything I've seen with you two over the past six months."

"And therein lies the problem," said Diana. "I love Clark. I want him to be part of my life, but I don't want to keep my mother out of that life. I want to somehow bridge the gap, but I don't know if that's even possible. I don't even know where I would begin. And lately, I've had this sinking feeling that the longer I continue with this life, the more I'll lose my mother. She's not going to just call me up out of the blue and want to make amends. She's too stubborn…too proud. Sometimes I just wish I could…"

Her words finally trailed off. Diana could no longer put this struggle into words. It had been plaguing her since she left her home. It weighed heavily on her soul no matter how much happiness she found with Clark, her job, or her role as Wonder Woman. As time went on, this burden kept getting worse. In addition, her recent nightmares led her to believe that it would soon reach a point where she could no longer bear it.

Despite her inability to fully articulate her feelings, Lois got the messages. She reached across the table and consoled her friend. This was the first time she had ever seen Diana this vulnerable. She always carried herself with such strength and charisma, especially around Clark. Being no stranger to family drama, she understood better than most how these feelings could overwhelm even the strongest soul. By that same understanding, she saw in Diana someone who needed guidance.

"It's okay. You don't have to go on," assured Lois.

"I'm sorry if I said more than you wanted to hear," said Diana as she regained her composure.

"You told me more than enough. And I can say right off the bat that there's one important detail you need to confront before you even think about dealing with this."

"And what might that be?" asked Diana.

"What you're dealing with – your mother and your life without her – it's not a problem. Problems, by definition, have solutions. That makes them easier to deal with, especially if you have a calculator and an internet connection. What you're facing here is a dilemma and dilemmas, by definition, don't have solutions. Trying to find one would be like trying to find dry water. You're just setting yourself up for more frustration."

It was a strange assessment of her current situation, but Diana could not disagree. Lois spoke with an authority and compassion that would have rivaled any Amazon. She now had Diana's full attention as she listened intently for whatever perspective she had to offer.

"So if not a solution, what should I be looking for?" she asked.

"Bear with me because this is where it gets tricky," Lois explained. "My father is a lot like your mother. He sees the world in a completely different way. To him, there is no absolute truth or justice. There's only enemies and threats, the only absolute being the interests of his country – or at least the country as he sees it."

"Well given what you've accomplished, I can see why you two wouldn't get along."

"That would be an understatement of monumental proportions. That's why we drifted so far apart and why I know we can never fully bridge the gap. But that's because for too long, we kept trying to convince each other that one of us was right and the other was wrong. We tried so hard that we became more concerned with winning the argument than figuring out who was actually right."

"So who ended up being right?" asked Diana.

"See, that's the kicker. It really doesn't matter who ends up being right. I could probably make the argument that I was right because my father saw Superman as a threat. I had plenty of proof to prove him wrong because Superman proved he wasn't a threat on multiple occasions, but it didn't make a difference. At some point, you just have to accept that you're not going to change this person's mind, no matter how much you love them or how right you may be. Only they can do that."

"Does that mean I'd be foolish to confront my mother at this point? If she's not going to change her mind, then what hope do I have of making amends?"

"Back up. That's not what I'm saying," said Lois in a more careful tone. "From what you told me, you and your mother have already had plenty of arguments. But I get the sense you haven't gotten to the point that I got with my father. That means there's still a chance that the situation isn't damaged beyond repair."

She made it seem the conflict between Diana and her mother wasn't as dire as she thought. Diana still wanted to believe that. It didn't help that she couldn't tell Lois the extent of that conflict, having to hide her identity and Clark's for that matter. But she was still ready to cling to whatever glimmer of hope there might have been.

"So then how do I avoid getting to that point?" asked Diana.

"Well it's not easy – or pleasant for that matter – so brace yourself," warned Lois.

"I'm willing to do what I have to do."

"Good because the first and most important step of dealing with difficult parents often involves being a glutton for punishment. And what I mean by that is sometimes you have to be the one that swallows your pride and ends that never-ending argument, even when you know you're right."

Diana shifted uncomfortably at such a notion. That didn't seem appealing or intuitive in the slightest, going against her inherent desire to embrace truth. Lois clearly didn't like it either, but she was dead serious.

"Now I'm not gonna lie. It's hard to humble yourself in front of anyone, especially a parent," Lois went on. "You'll feel rotten as hell. You'll want to yell at the top of your lungs that they're full of crap. You'll have the urge to try and beat the truth into their skulls. That's kind of the point though. You have to be the better person. You have to let them berate and demean you in ways that'll make you feel like a child. Make it so they have to actually listen to themselves as they're attacking someone they love."

"And that somehow makes them less stubborn?" asked Diana skeptically.

"The goal isn't to make them less stubborn. The goal is to put them in a position where they have to convince themselves they're right and hope that they end up proving themselves wrong. And make no mistake – it doesn't always happen. But you have to give them chances – often way more than one. As corny as it sounds, you have to have faith that the people you love will see things differently."

It still sounded unappealing in so many ways, but it made more sense than anything Diana had been able to come up with on her own. She wasn't going to win any arguments with her mother. That much was clear. Diana was less certain that her mother would reconsider her assumptions about men, man's world, and the idea of her being in love with one.

She tried to imagine a confrontation with her mother where she just stood there, letting her scold and berate her for leaving her sisters for man's world. It went against her every inclination, not fighting back and standing up for the truth. But at the same time, Diana believed in her heart that her mother would not allow her hate to completely blind her. She might not concede in any ways that she had been wrong. That simply was not in her nature, as a mother or as Queen of the Amazons. At the very least, the compassion and love that Diana knew her mother had in her heart might win out.

The more she imagined such a confrontation, the less outrageous it felt. It sounded like something that she had to endure because her mother certainly wouldn't. And if the nightmares she had been having lately were any indication, this was something she couldn't keep putting off. Someone had to be the one to humble themselves. Someone had to do the right thing, no matter how uncomfortable it might have been.

As Diana began accepting this difficult realization, she smiled towards Lois. She gave her an entirely new perspective on this issue. It was also quite apparent where she gained such insight.

"This sounds like something Superman taught you," said Diana.

"Well I would love to say I came up with it all by myself, but that would be way too dishonest for a friend," said Lois with a grin. "He also once told me that a nice thing about being right is that no amount of stubbornness can change it. Some people just aren't going to be dragged to it. They need to stumble towards it and you just have to be there waiting to pick them up."

"It sounds like a tedious, frustrating process."

"I know it does. But if reporting on Superman has taught me anything, it's that 9 times out of 10 – that very process tends to be the one most worth following."

It now seemed fitting, albeit in an unappealing way. That only further convinced Diana that this is what she would have to do in order to get through to her mother.

"You've given me some options to consider, Lois – including a few I never would've considered otherwise," said Diana in a more serious tone. "In that respect, I can't thank you enough."

"You don't need to," said Lois with a friendly smile. "Like I said, you're my best friend's girl. Helping you means helping him. And let's face it. There are some issues where men just can't help as much as we need them to."

"It's unfortunate, but true. At some point I'll still need to talk to Clark about this. At another point, I'll need him to be in close proximity to my mother again. I'm not entirely sure how I'll convince him that it's a good idea."

"I'd usually recommend the cute, puppy-dog eyes that get Jonathan to do what I want, but I'm not sure that would work with Clark," said Lois.

"I'll figure out a way. I love him and my mother enough to do what I must."

Despite her reservations, Diana had a new sense of confidence and purpose in dealing with this issue. She now felt as though she could talk to Clark about it and present to him a viable means of dealing with this. The nightmares wouldn't stop until she confronted it and she had to confront it soon before those nightmares became reality.

"Thanks again, Lois," said Diana as she got up from the booth and paid for her share of the meal. "I know what I have to do now. Wish me luck."

"I wish you all the luck in the world, girlfriend," said Lois, "But don't be surprised if even that's not enough."

---

Themyscira – House of Wisdom

"How much longer are you going to be at this, Aleka?" said an exhausted Daphne.

"As long as I have to," replied the imposing Amazon. "Have I not made that abundantly clear over the past six months?"

"You have, but it usually doesn't take six months to complete such an endeavor. We're all growing a bit concerned and not just because you won't tell us the nature of this endeavor. But since you've also made clear that you won't give this up, I'll spare myself the trouble."

"I appreciate that," said Aleka flatly.

Daphne left her fellow Amazon to her work. Having been tasked with archive duty, she was the latest in a long line of sisters that failed to uncover what had been keeping Aleka so busy these past few months. At this point, neither she nor any other sisters wanted to know. Even if they did, Aleka was not going to reveal it.

The sun had set three hours ago and Aleka was still hunched over a study booth in the House of Wisdom, Themyscira's main archive and primary institution of study. Everything from basic math to the arcane was studied in this facility. In addition to being great warriors, the Amazons carried on Greco-Roman traditions of valuing education, philosophy, and wisdom. Most Amazons indulged their curiosities within these halls at some point in their immortal lives. This was the first Aleka had ever studied anything other than combat so intently.

Six months ago, she had been tasked by the god, Apollo, to investigate an anomaly involving the Themyscira's exiled princess. She hadn't expected her investigation to spark so much curiosity. It had since gotten to a point where Aleka actually cut back on her participation in skirmishes within Tartarus, something she never did without a good reason. It had already drawn concern from her sisters. It even began to concern Aleka herself, but this task felt like something she couldn't leave unresolved.

'This shouldn't be so hard. Lord Apollo himself gave the impression that this would likely be a trivial matter at most. I'm starting to wonder if he even understood the implications here. Diana isn't aging. And every bit of research I've conducted over these past few months indicates she won't start aging anytime soon. It shouldn't be possible or a disgraced exile, but it's happening.'

This undeniable fact kept Aleka intrigued. She had several books open in front of her, all of which provided detailed information into the nature of an Amazon's immortality, the powers granted to them by the gods, and ways of understanding these forces through various arcane practices. She also had an assortment of materials and ingredients set up on a nearby table where she could carry out some of these practices. She had already made quite a mess, so much so that it upset her fellow Amazons seeking less ambitious studies. But Aleka refused to cease her efforts until she uncovered the truth.

'You've already shown you're willing to keep secrets from your sisters, Diana. What else could you be hiding from us? Did you make a deal with Hades? Did you plunder some precious artifact? Honestly, nothing would surprise me at this point.'

The imposing Amazon sneered at the recollection of Diana's transgressions. It still enraged her in ways that set her apart from her fellow sisters, the extent to which Diana had shunned their honor and their traditions. While Aleka kept telling herself that she was she had been tasked to do, she couldn't deny that a part of her sought vindication against the exiled princess.

Her efforts intensified with every dead end she encountered. In addition to the books, Aleka also had a long checklist she had been keeping since she began. This list documented all the rituals and incantations she had conducted over the past few months. Some were just tests. Others were more ambitious, tapping into forces few outside Themyscira could ever hope to understand. She initially expected to uncover some minor anomaly that would explain Diana's condition. She was now convinced that there was nothing minor about it. The more she looked into it, the more she was convinced of its importance.

'An Amazon's immortality is supposed to be governed by a simple set of rules. It's a blessing of the gods. It can be granted, taken, abandoned, and sacrificed like any other. The gods are quite strict on enforcing these rules. If Diana broke any to keep her immortality, it should've caught their attention. But every test I've done keeps giving me conflicting results. There's not even a hint that any divine rules have been broken. So how could you retain this blessing?'

In a fit of frustration, Aleka shoved a stack of books aside and pounded her fist against the table. She then got up and began pacing, angry at her inability to get the answers she sought. This was one of those times where a swarm of angry harpies would be welcome. At least that would give her something to take her anger out on.

As she paced, the powerful Amazon kept probing her mind for explanations. There were plenty of ways for someone to corrupt the power of the gods for their own selfish ends, but there weren't many ways to do so and get away with it. She had to be missing something.

'What am I even doing? I'm a warrior, not a mage! I don't care what Lord Apollo says about loyalty. I am not qualified for this. I never was.'

As Aleka paced, she passed a couple of statues depicting various gods. Apollo was among them, often displayed prominently along with the most powerful gods on Olympus. Power or not, Aleka still scolded his statue.

'This is becoming a burden as much as it is a curiosity. It's bad enough I have to keep this endeavor Queen Hippolyta. It's even worse that she trusts me so much to not even ask me about what I've been doing. At some point, I'm going to have to tell her. I owe it to her to have an explanation, but I'm no closer now than I was six months ago. There must be something I'm missing…something I overlooked…or something I'm not allowing myself to see.'

Aleka continued to sneer at Apollo's statue, hoping on some level that this illegitimate offspring of Zeus felt it on some levels. She would've crushed the statue in her hands if it weren't an act of blasphemy. Serving the gods was never easy, but they rarely offered any reprieve.

She resumed her restless pacing, making her way back towards her table. Along the way, a book from one of the stacks she set up near the table fell right on the floor in front of her. When it landed, it somehow opened itself to a specific section. In seeing this, Aleka felt a strange gust in the air. It gave the impression that someone on Olympus understood her frustration. Her first instinct was to pray. Then her eyes fell upon the contents of the book.

There was nothing special about the title or the contents. It was detailed chronicle of various demigods and demigoddesses that had served Olympus in varying degrees over the centuries. It was no secret that the gods were fond of seducing mortals. Hercules himself was the result of such a union. Aleka didn't think much of it at first. But when she picked up the book and looked at a depiction of a god seducing a mortal, a once unconscionable thought entered her mind.

'No. That…that isn't possible. It couldn't…Queen Hippolyta wouldn't…never in a million immortal lifetimes!'

She kept shaking her head, trying to expunge the thought. It was no use. It made too much sense. The implications made her ill in a way no battlefield injury could match. Her hands actually trembled as she looked at the picture in the book and contemplated the scenarios.

'I won't believe it! She is my queen – my sister in battle. I trust her completely. She would never deceive me or her sisters with something like this. Never!'

Aleka kept saying this to herself again and again in a desperate attempt to make it true, but it wasn't enough. Loyalty and trust only went so far. She had to make sure. It wasn't just to fulfill the task given to her by Apollo either. She had to see whether her unquestioning loyalty to Hippolyta was vindicated.

She set the book aside and rushed to the table where she kept her assortment of arcane artifacts. She sifted through the disorganized mess as quickly as she could, eventually retrieving an empty wine glass, some crumpled up powders, and holy water. Testing this new theory would be painfully easy. It was a simple test that had been done many times before in the past. It didn't take a high priestess to detect the blood of a demigod. It had just been a long time since somebody had to.

After mixing the ingredients in a small stone bowl as quickly as her hands would allow, Aleka poured the powdered blend into the glass and then added the holy water. She swirled it lightly, causing it to mix until it turned blood red. It now required one more ingredient to confirm what she dreaded.

"My Queen, I hope you'll forgive me for what happens next…because I might not be able to forgive you," said Aleka in a solemn voice.

From the clutter on the table, she retrieved one of Diana's hair brushes that she had left behind. It still contained strands of her hair. She had already used it for a number of tests over the past few months, but none like this. Upon finding a single strand, Aleka held her breath in anticipation.

"Damn you, Diana. Whatever the horrible truth might be – damn you for making it necessary," she said.

Her hands still shaking, the imposing Amazon dropped the strand of hair into the wine glass. The reaction was almost immediate. The hair disintegrated upon contact, causing the mixture within to glow. As it glowed, the crimson substance began moving, swirling steadily as it interacted with the forces of the gods. Aleka gripped the side of the table and watched intently, waiting for the final result. It only took a few minutes, but it might as well have been several lifetimes. When it finally came, her heart sank to the deepest recesses of Hades.

"By the gods – may they have mercy on my soul," she cried.

Aleka now had confirmation. The mixture within the glass turned clear, becoming as pure as the cleanest water. Only the blood of a demigod born from the union of a god and a mortal could cause such a reaction. It revealed that the same Queen Hippolyta that she loved and trusted all her life had lied. Her daughter had not been born of clay. She had been born from an unholy union between her and a god.

The usually strong Amazon seethed in disgust, ready to smash this table and everything within her reach. The mere thought of her queen laying with a god to produce her beloved daughter was disgusting enough, but lying to her and her sisters made it all the more egregious. She growled and seethed in an effort to contain her anger. Then the mixture in the glass had another reaction she didn't expect.

The substance kept on swirling after it became clear. According to the basic rules of the arcane, as understood by all Amazons, this should've been the end of the procedure. However, there was one exception to that rule and it manifested in the form of a large, blinding lightning bolt that shot up from the glass. It illuminated the entire area for a brief moment. It startled Aleka so much that she fell back from the table, but it didn't take long for her to recognize this reaction.

"By all the souls in Hades – I take back what I said about mercy," she said.

At that moment, the proud Amazon no longer cared about containing her outrage. She let out an angry yell as she smashed the stone table with her fists, breaking it and shattering the glass in the process. She let out more enraged cries as she smashed her fists against anything that stood in her way while storming towards the exit. Now only one thought dominated her mind. She had to confront her queen. She had to tell her that the truth about Diana and the god she fathered her with had been uncovered.

---

Helion Solar Research Lab

"Welcome to Helion Solar, Mr. Kent. My name is Helena Parker," greeted a middle-aged woman in a business suit and glasses. "I represent the company's public affairs division and I'll be your guide through this process."

"Pleased to meet you, Ms. Parker," said Clark Kent with his typical farm-boy manners. "I'm hoping this will be a quick, easy process to complete."

"As do I. I speak on behalf of Mr. Disole himself when I say we seek a swift resolution to this misunderstanding between us and the Daily Planet."

"I promise I'll do my part."

Clark's investigation into Helion Solar was off to a pleasant start. He expected as such. Every competent reporter learned early on that no person or company kept a dark secret by being hostile. It was always more effective to come off as respectable. Even good reporters had a hard time seeing through such a ruse. Clark liked to think that Perry wouldn't have trusted him with this story if he didn't think he was that good a reporter.

When he scheduled this meeting, he noticed that the people he talked to were unusually anxious. It bore all the traits of people surrounded by a culture of secrecy and mistrust. Any organization that did this had to have something to hide. The employees probably even suspected it. They had to know that there was an ongoing conflict between Helion Solar and the Daily Planet. They also had all the symptoms of an organization built around secrecy. These people rarely had any idea of what was going on and Clark had no intention of pestering them. He just planned to keep an open eye for anything that might make add a new dimension to this story.

He arrived at Helion Solar's research lab expecting plenty of ruses. From the outside, it had all the typical features of a well-run, well-secured facility. It was built to not appear too ominous in any way. The whole property was surrounded by gates, but not completely obscured from public view. It wasn't located in the middle of nowhere either. Instead, it was nestled within a very successful, very active industrial area. Even after Clark went through the tedious process of being cleared by the various security personnel, he saw nothing that he hadn't seen at similar facilities. However, this only heightened his curiosity.

'This place is already giving me a very Lexcorp-type vibe. Create a functioning facility that pays taxes and creates jobs – check. Give that facility a level of security that looks like an airport on the outside and the White House on the inside – check. Send a pretty young woman in a low-cut dress and an undersized blouse to greet the reporter – double check. They're following the public relations playbook for shady private companies to the letter.'

Clark followed Ms. Parker through the lobby, which had the spacious ambience of a sophisticated tech company from Silicon Valley. When they arrived at another checkpoint, a couple of guards waved him over with a scanning wand and confiscated his cell phone, leaving him only with a notepad and pen. Then they entered through a set of heavy doors that might as well have been on loan from NASA. It raised even more red flags.

'This is way too much security for a solar energy company. Between the hidden blast doors up front, the lead-lined walls, and the bulletproof glass for all the windows – these people have to be hiding much more than some fancy new solar cells. My X-ray vision can't pick up on much. Some of what they'll show me will probably be staged. For now, I need to play by their rules and wait for them to make their first mistake. People with dark secrets always do.'

He kept his suspicions hidden as Ms. Parker led him through a few more secure doors and into the central research area. As Clark expected, this area was bustling with activity. It was spacious, spanning several football fields in length with enough room above to house a small office building. It was also brightly lit, as most would expect of a company specializing in solar energy research. And in numerous specified areas, workers and researchers carried out various activities that ranged from strength-testing new materials to packaging shipments of solar cells. Most of the activity appeared genuine, but some of it still felt like part of the ruse.

Ms. Parker walked fast, not giving him time to scrutinize these activities. She continued leading him through the areas, making sure they were never far from a security guard or a well-lit area. She had a script to follow and she had no intention of deviating from it in the slightest.

"As you can see, business has been brisk for Helion Solar," she said proudly. "As anyone who reads the Wall Street Journal knows, green energy is a growing industry. Our founder and CEO, Mr. Disole, has accelerated that growth through his various consolidation efforts. What was once a veritable hodgepodge of competing companies is now a cohesive, competent organization."

"It's impressive. That much I'm happy to report," said Clark, "But you're telling me something anyone can figure out by reading the company history page on your website. I'm more interested in the story that made Mr. Disole throw his lawyers at us."

"And I intend to explore that story," assured Helena. "I initially planned to spend some time giving the Daily Planet a better idea of our situation, but then I remembered how impatient people get when lawyers get involved."

"I'd say I'm more curious than impatient, but don't say that to my editor."

"I'll do my best to indulge your curiosity, Mr. Kent. Just understand that there are some aspects about our company and our decisions that I cannot divulge."

"I'm not expecting you to tell me everything about everything. At the very least, I'd just like some context into Mr. Disole's decision," said Clark in as mannerly a way as possible.

"That, I think I can give you."

The woman smiled and led him towards what a couple of signs identified as the D1 test area. This area stood adjacent to the westernmost wall and laden with bulky machinery, which Clark identified as an advanced light projection apparatus that simulated sunlight. He jotted down some notes, even doing a quick sketch of the setup. He also noticed a number of technicians in white clean-suits walking around under a dome-shaped projector, arranging various solar cell prototypes on the floor. A couple of security guards made sure they didn't get too close, but Ms. Parker made sure they got a good view of the area.

As they approached the safety area, one of the guards handed her a two sets of bulky goggles. She put on one and gave the other to Clark before signaling to the workers to stand clear.

"Here, put these on," Helena instructed. "I've set up this test to help demonstrate where we are as a company. I think it'll provide at least some of the context you're looking."

"What kind of test is this, if you don't mind me asking?" said Clark as he put on the goggles.

"The kind where the results will speak for themselves," she answered.

"Are these results I can actually report? I'd like to know that what I say about Helion won't get me sued."

She casually laughed rather than answer directly. Most people would've hesitated. This woman kept giving the impression that this was not a major issue, which to Clark was another subtle red flag.

"Since I'm not a reporter, I won't tell you how to do your job. I only ask that you be both objective and understanding when assessing our situation. You see, what initially upset Mr. Disole wasn't the story itself. It was the reaction it triggered."

"Wasn't it a good reaction?" questioned Clark, maintaining a serious tone. "It got a lot of people curious about Helion Solar's work. Most CEOs welcome that sort of intrigue."

"Mr. Disole is not most CEOs," retorted Ms. Parker. "He understands why media outlets like the Daily Planet get curious about our advances. He even understands why other companies would jump at the opportunity to use this attention to attract more customers and investors. Here's his main point of contention – the Daily Planet and others like it give the impression that we're about to make an advance so great that it's going to completely disrupt the energy market."

"But wasn't that impression built on hard facts?" questioned Clark. "I know the difference between hard facts and hype. So do many of the reporters at the Daily Planet."

"You're not entirely wrong, but you're still missing the point, Mr. Kent. This is what led Mr. Disole to react the way he did. You see, he is not a personality like Bill Gates or Bruce Wayne. He's a man who likes to make sure that when he has a product, it needs no hype. To achieve such perfection, he seeks to avoid unnecessary scrutiny of any kind. That's why he makes clear to everyone at Helion Solar's privacy is a top priority."

"I get the need for privacy, especially in a competitive market. But there's a fine line between privacy and secrecy," Clark pointed out.

"It's not just about keeping our secrets from the competition. It's about making sure we stay focused on our goals."

She made it sound so reasonable and savvy. In this context, the reporters at the Daily Planet were the bad guys by probing a company for a story that it wasn't ready to tell. It would've put Clark and the Planet as a whole in a very awkward position if it didn't reek of dishonesty.

'Her voice is flat, her palms are sweaty, and her pulse is erratic. She's not lying. She believes what she's saying. She also knows on some levels that it's only part of the truth.'

Clark might not have been a businessman, but something about this so-called business strategy didn't make sense. Good businessmen, and even bad businessmen, didn't put all these resources into maintaining their privacy. Even corrupt defense contractors didn't shy away from overhyped products.

It didn't make economic sense, or logical sense for that matter, to keep all their work private. Even if this Mr. Disole had more money than Bruce Wayne, he couldn't possibly dedicate so many resources to hiding their work. As the workers continued to prepare the demonstration, Clark found himself looking around the research area and noting all the ways this didn't add up.

'Tech like this doesn't come cheap. I can do basic math. I know what the profit margins are on solar energy. I also aced AP Physics in high school. I know the limitations of solar energy. All this equipment and all these people – it just doesn't fit. What are they trying to hide?'

This question became increasingly important as Clark made a few notes about what he observed. His attention shifted away from the equipment to the people. Many of the employees kept their heads down as they went through the motions of their respective jobs. They didn't make eye-contact and the guards watched their every move. It was hardly consistent with an organization focused on the goals this woman claimed.

'Whatever it is, one thing is definitely clear – this organization does have a goal. I see too many resources and too much refinement for there not to be. I wish I could meet this Mr. Disole to get a better idea of what that goal could be. Something tells me it's not all about market share.'

Clark made sure he didn't appear too distracted. After writing down a few notes that would surely intrigue Perry, he turned his attention back to the demonstration.

By now, the workers had cleared the area. One of them signaled Ms. Parker to indicate they were ready. She nodded to let them know it was okay to proceed. A couple of alarms started blaring and the guards made sure nobody got too close, leaving her and Clark with the best possible view of the test area.

"We're ready now, Mr. Kent. Watch and see for yourself. I think it'll get our point across," said Ms. Parker.

Clark watched closely as the light projection apparatus lit up. Within moments, it was radiating power at a level similar to that of the sun. This light was directed from the dish-shaped structure hanging over the test area and onto the array of solar cell prototypes. At first, the cells reacted like ordinary solar cells in that they didn't react at all. After a few moments, some of the cells reacted in a way that defied math, physics, and standard business practices.

"That's…not normal," said Clark anxiously.

"Relatively speaking," said Ms. Parker curtly.

It started with the light itself. The concentrated beam of artificial sunlight flickered, as though some unseen force was bending and warping it like a rubber band. The solar cells then took on a distinctly dark purplish hue, now radiating with an energy that steadily overtook the light. It spread like an infection, warping the light even more along the way. And as it spread, the purplish glow from the solar cells spread beyond the light. That's when Clark felt it.

It hit him like a kryptonite hammer to the head. His vision blurred and he felt a sharp burning sensation on his skin. He soon became disoriented and nauseous, but not in the way he usually felt around kryptonite. This was much worse.

"Ungh…" he groaned, dropping his notepad and clutching his head.

"Is everything okay, Mr. Kent? You're going to miss the best part," said Ms. Parker. "What you're seeing is an imperfect product that isn't ready for scrutiny. When you see just how imperfect it is, you'll understand why we're so concerned with avoiding such scrutiny."

Clark barely heard her. He kept trying to regain his composure. He bent down to pick up his notepad. But when he saw his hand, he noticed something that evoked horror rather than intrigue.

The veins in his arm turned a dark shade of purple, not unlike that of the glowing solar cells. He had never seen kryptonite do anything like this before. With growing concern, he used his telescopic vision to take a closer look. In analyzing his own cells, he saw traces of an energy very different from the kind that usually affected him. There were only so many types of energy that could hurt him like this. One in particular came to mind.

'Magic…these people are using magic of some sort. And it's the kind that really hurts me.'

It was Superman's secret vulnerability. Unlike kryptonite, magic was a mysterious, intangible force that few could wield. He had encountered it before with the likes of Zatanna and Dr. Fate. He knew how much it could hurt him, but he had never encountered any like this. After looking at his arm and then back at the solar cells in the test area, he came to a chilling conclusion that made this bigger than any story.

"Thank you, Ms. Parker. I think I've seen all I need to see," said Clark as he stood up and put away his notepad.

"Are you sure? You look…unwell," she said curiously.

"I'm fine. And you've made your point. I understand now. I now know exactly why Mr. Disole didn't want people looking into this."

It caught Helena off-guard. She expected to have to go to elaborate lengths to convince a reporter that her boss had valid reasons for attacking the Dailey Planet's report on this company. Even if she didn't fully understand those reasons, she was prepared to give many more demonstrations to get her point across. Now Clark Kent couldn't be convinced fast enough.

Not one to press her luck, she signaled one of the technicians to end the experiment. The physical effects and the nausea quickly faded for Clark. He tried not to come off as too suspicious. He couldn't come off as too suspicious. This situation was already way more dangerous than he ever could've imagined.

"Very well then, I'll give Mr. Disole a call right now and let him know," said Helena, still very much in shock.

"Thank you. I'll check in with the guards and see myself out," said Clark.

"While I'm glad you came to an understanding, I'm still obligated to ask what you intend to report."

"As far as I'm concerned, there's nothing too report, Ms. Parker. There's no reason to make this a bigger story than it already is. I'll tell Mr. White that a retraction is in order here. If he gets upset, I'll make sure he deals with me and not you."

Helena Parker couldn't have been more relieved. Even as he followed a guard towards the exit, Clark heard her pulse finally stabilize as she breathed a sigh of relief. She hid it well, revealing just how anxious she had been to get through this. While she would sleep easier tonight, he now faced a new nightmare that he couldn't hope to face alone.

'Just what I need…some mystery man tinkering with magic. There's no way anyone would use magic like this to make better solar cells. There's also no way they just happen to be utilizing magic that hurts me this badly. I need to find out more. I may not be an expert, but I'm dating someone who dealt with actual gods. This is definitely one of those things where a little divine assistance would be a big help.'

---

Themyscira – Amazon Court

The day-to-day affairs of the Amazons were often more tedious than combat operations. Chores, training, and study consumed far more of their time than taking on the beasts of Tartarus. These less glorious aspects of their lives helped keep their society going. There had to be Amazons that specialized in hunting, farming, fishing, medicine, clothing, blacksmithing, food preparation, architecture, magic, theology, art, and philosophy. Every Amazon had their role. Most were earned. Some were assigned. It was the queen's job to ensure that every role was fulfilled and the Amazons were ready to fight at a moment's notice.

Hippolyta used to take such pride in that job. She had earned the role of queen through toil and strife, embodying all the strengths of a true Amazon. But over the past year-and-a-half, her ability to feel such pride had been shaken. Losing her daughter to exile and dealing with the growing demands of the beleaguered gods took a toll on her, so much so that it began to show in how she conducted herself.

"This is becoming a disturbing trend, my queen – one we must reverse if we're to avert utter disaster," said Philippus, one of Hippolyta's highest ranking generals and most trusted combat advisors. "Our operations in Tartarus are stalling on all fronts. Our sisters are as strong as ever, but our enemies appear to be getting stronger."

"This is not a matter of conjecture. I've seen the wounds our sisters have suffered. They are getting stronger," said Epione, the Amazon's chief healer.

"And we still have no idea why?" asked Hippolyta as she sat on her throne, pretending she still had the poise of a queen.

"We only know what the gods have revealed to us and they haven't revealed anything new in quite some time," said Menalippe, the queen's top oracle. "In all my prayers and visions, I keep getting the same message. Chaos from the rapidly-changing world beyond our island is continuing to affect the chaos in Tartarus."

"I know we're not one to question the gods, but I'm starting to think that's an excuse rather than an explanation," said Hippolyta.

"My spirit tells me to trust the gods, but my gut tells me you might be right," said Menalippe. "A part of me even dares to wonder if even they understand what's causing this conflict."

"I would dare go even farther," said Penthesilea, one of Hippolyta's most trusted advisors. "I think this chaos, as it were, is only part of the problem. There might be other factors that the gods are keeping to themselves."

"You would dare accuse the gods of such deceit?" gasped Menalippe.

"It would be more practical if the full truth made our efforts more futile. And the gods are nothing if not pragmatic…most of the time," said Penthesilea.

It was a disturbing idea, the gods deceiving the Amazons. This was usually the part where Hippolyta scorned her sisters for even thinking such thoughts, but she had neither the pride nor the spirit to do so. She let her sisters dread. That seemed to be all they had to look forward to these days.

It was times like this that Hippolyta truly missed her daughter. During moments of hardship or dread, she took comfort in the knowledge that she could embrace her daughter. Feeling her grasp and her warmth filled her with such strength. She had been missing that strength since Diana left. Now all she had was her sisters and her work. She drowned herself in the more tedious affairs of being queen in an effort to distract her from the massive hole in her heart. It didn't help that the wars that the Amazons had successfully fought for centuries were now turning against them. It just made it harder to be the queen she needed to be.

While the queen didn't dare show any hint of despair, her sisters knew her well enough to see that she was suffering. She hid it well, but not well enough to conceal the sorrow she had been carrying for the past six months.

Everyone knew the cause, but few even dared to utter Diana's name in her presence. Losing her scarred her more than every battle she ever fought. Never-the-less, the Amazons had to keep fighting.

"My queen, I know your spirit is hardened from this constant bombardment of bad news, but…" said Philippus before the queen cut her off.

"Please…let's not make this a discussion of my spirit," said Hippolyta firmly. "I don't need to be reminded of my recent shortcomings."

"To call them mere shortcomings would be an insult to your honor," retorted Penthesilea.

"Honor alone is not going to compensate…nor will it turn the tide of this conflict," said Hippolyta.

"I would never make light of your honor, my queen, but I'm afraid from a purely pragmatic perspective, you're quite right," said Timandra, the Amazons' chief historian. "More sisters have fallen in the past year than have fallen in the past three centuries. All the honor in Elysium won't compensate for our lack of numbers."

Hippolya frowned at such a cold assessment, but that didn't make it less relevant. She remembered years ago how Diana once questioned how the Amazons could continue to be a functioning army if their birthrate remained so low. Hippolyta told her that the strength and spirit of their sisters would prevent that. They would never allow themselves to fall in battle at such a rate where it would be a problem. Now she saw the flaws in her explanation and Diana wasn't even here to vindicate herself.

"I'm well-aware of this issue and I've been considering reforms to address this," said Hippolyta. "I've already spoken to a number of sisters. They've expressed a willingness to bear more children."

"I've prayed to Aphrodite and Demeter about this as well," said Menalippe. "They say they are willing to aid us, but they'll need approval from Hera and you know how stringent she is when it comes to birthing new Amazons."

"Indeed I do," said Hippolyta. "It might take a while, it needs to be done."

"Not that I disagree with the need for reform, but what of the long-term consequences?" said Philippus. "Having more Amazons makes sense tactically, but going through the process of making them – that might not sit well with some sisters."

It was another unpleasant assessment that Hippolyta had to digest. This was where her sisters' attitudes towards the actual mechanics of procreation came in. So much of that process had been obscured by the atrocities committed by Hercules. They never dared to question those attitudes. Hippolyta herself certainly didn't. But between Diana's exile and the crisis before her, she might not have the luxury of being so stubborn.

"I understand the risks. I also understand the reservations that we're sure to encounter. But during these difficult times, we must think with our brains more than our hearts," said Hippolyta.

"Sadly, that seems to be your only method of thinking in recent times," said Epione under her breath.

"Make no mistake. We will continue to struggle. We will continue to suffer losses," the queen continued. "These battles in Tartarus keep getting more taxing and the gods know it. That is why we must continue to have faith. We must have faith in them and in each other to overcome this. Because without that faith and all the trust it brings us, we will surely fall."

Her words rang true, even if her spirit didn't follow. It perfectly symbolized the cold, pragmatic approach with which Hippolyta had approached her role as queen since her daughter's exile. It still did not sit well with her sisters, seeing their queen conduct herself with so little passion, but they continued to place their trust in her as they had for so long. They understood that this trust was among the Amazon's greatest strength.

Despite their lingering reservations, the loyal Amazons showed support for their queen. They remained willing to work with Hippolyta and deal with any consequences her reforms might bring. It allowed her to feel some sense of relief, knowing her sisters were still so loyal. It meant they could continue to deal with these growing issues with the same unity that had carried them through the centuries.

"You're right, my queen," said Philippus. "You still have our trust. As such, we are prepared to share your struggles."

"Until our dying breath," added Penthesilea.

"Thank you," said Hippolyta, managing a faint smile.

Hippolyta prepared to continue the meeting, ready to drown herself in more royal bureaucracy. Then the doors to the chamber burst open unexpectedly and a very upset Aleka stormed in.

"Hippolyta!" the imposing woman yelled. "I've an important matter to discuss with you!"

"Aleka…you of all people dare raise your voice to the queen?" gasped Philippus as she and Penthesilea instinctively stood to defend her.

"I'll raise my voice as loud as I have to!" she spat as she forcefully shoved her sisters out of the way in approaching the queen. "You and everyone on this island must hear what I have to say!"

Hippolyta gasped at Aleka's tone. She had never spoke with such anger towards her. As she approached, she actually saw tears in her eyes. This was a woman who never shed a tear after centuries of combat. It gave Hippolyta a sinking feeling.

"Aleka, please calm yourself," she coaxed as she rose up from her throne.

"Don't tell me to be calm!" yelled Aleka. "All this time…all these centuries of loyalty…did they mean anything to you?!"

"You sound unwell, sister. You are speaking in madness," said Epione as she attempted to calm her fellow Amazon.

"I am perfectly well, Epione. It is our beloved queen who is mad!" spat Aleka, shoving off her gesture. "I know the truth, Hippolyta. I know about Diana."

These words struck a blow that shattered Hippolyta's royal demeanor in ways no force on Earth or Olympus ever could. Her sinking feeling turned into complete and utter dread. If her sister knew what she thought she knew, then she had no idea the wrath she would unleash by revealing it to all.

"Aleka, I order you to silence yourself this instant," said Hippolyta, her voice lacking her usual authority.

"No Hippolyta. Not this time," she said, a hard sob mixing with her outrage. "Tell me why you lied to us. Tell me why you spat in the face of Hera and sired your beloved daughter with Zeus!"

This accusation shocked her fellow Amazons. Had it not come from Aleka, they never would have given it any credence. But seeing the way Hippolyta trembled under the weight of her words, it evoked too much passion to be the product of mere madness.

Hippolyta's first instinct was to deny it outright, but her heart would not allow her tongue to lie again to her sisters. If Aleka truly knew, then that would only make it worse. She had no choice, knowing fully what the consequences entailed.

"My queen…is this true?" asked Menalippe anxiously.

"It…it's true," she said Hippolyta sadly, "But please understand that…"

She never got a chance to justify herself. The second she admitted it, a sharp gust of wind swept through the chamber. They could all feel a divine presence descend upon them. This time, they took no comfort in such a presence. This was not the response to an answered prayer. This was direct retribution for a most serious transgression.

"Hera…forgive me," cried Hippolyta as she fell to her knees.

"Oh Hippolyta – you picked the worst possible to time to ask for mercy," came the very angry voice of Hera.

As her fellow Amazons watched on, a glowing aura of energy surrounded their queen. Tears now streamed down her eyes as the energy left her paralyzed. She tried to speak, but no words came out. Her voice had been taken and her strength soon followed.

From the glowing energy, two glowing rope-shaped band formed. These bands wrapped themselves around her wrists and ankles, putting her in a submissive state the likes of which she hadn't been since her darkest hour at the hands of Hercules. This time, it wasn't the wrath of Hercules she faced. Now she, and her fellow Amazons by default, faced a wrath far greater and no amount of praying could save them.

---

Mount Olympus

It used to be a rarity for Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon to meet. When the great war with the Titans ended, they established an order where the three of them could manage their respective domains on their own. Poseidon ruled the sea. Hades ruled the Underworld. Zeus ruled the sky. At no point where they supposed to interfere with one another's domain. Such interference wasn't supposed to be necessary. That had changed and not just because mankind stopped worshipping them. Forces that even the gods couldn't control now made it necessary for them to work together in ways they once avoided.

The three of them had been standing over a large table that doubled as a vision portal for hours now. They had been going over their various efforts to combat the escalating chaos within their respective realms. On every level, these forces that they had kept at bay for so many centuries became stronger. Something beyond the realm of the gods was fueling them and it was getting to a point where even their power could no longer hold it back.

"You're not giving me the reassurance I hoped, brother," said an irate Poseidon. "I was under the impression that this meeting was supposed to reaffirm our efforts, but all we've talked about are setbacks and uncertainties."

"Since I'm usually the first one to voice my displeasure at these meetings, I'll refrain from belaboring the point," said Hades. "I'll only add that our efforts seem to be exchanging progress for ineptitude lately.

"I hear your concerns, my brothers. I assure you they are not lost on me," said Zeus with a demeanor that could only be achieved by the king of the gods.

"Are they?" questioned Poseidon. "We keep struggling and sacrificing, but achieve so little in return. How can you claim to understand when your methods do not change?"

"I don't like agreeing with Poseidon this much, but he speaks the truth," said Hades. "You keep conducting yourself as though we're still worshipped. Those times ended long ago. Now you overestimate your power while undermining ours. How can that possibly equip you to deal with this crisis?"

At another time in another era, Zeus wouldn't have hesitated to strike his brothers for such disrespect. He was the Ruler of Olympus and King of the Gods, a title he earned by leading them to victory against the titans. But these times were different. He could no longer afford such arrogance. None of the gods could anymore and that was part of the problem.

The King of the Gods still vividly recalled those times when arrogance was his only threat. While being worshipped by mortals and having dominion over his fellow gods, his power was so great that maintaining the balance of forces rarely burdened him. He could do as he pleased and please himself he did, far more than he should have. It often came at the expense of vulnerable mortals and even his fellow gods, but he didn't care. He was the king. That title afforded him all the protection he needed. It took a tragedy and a great atrocity to change that.

When Hercules, one of the many illegitimate children he fathered with mortals, attacked the Amazons, it became a turning point in his rule. The Amazons were devout patrons of Olympus, far more so than other mortal of lackluster piety, yet they suffered because of him. While he did not order Hercules to attack the Amazons, his willingness to let it happen was a sobering moment that resonated with him to this day. In many ways, that moment led him to this conflict because it changed the way Olympus functioned.

"Attacks within Tartarus, uprisings in the ruins of Lemuria, and incursions from the realm of Thanatos in the Underworld – these are not signs of a stable order," continued Poseidon. "We kept all these forces at bay for so long, even without the worship of the mortals. But you've allowed us to become complacent."

"Be careful with your accusations, Poseidon," warned Zeus. "Complacency is not the sole cause of this current conflict."

"But it is a major factor in what led us here," said Hades. "We might have been able to get away with it for many centuries, it was only a matter of time before the forces of chaos became strong enough to overwhelm us."

"You're assuming you know what's behind those forces," said Zeus.

"And you're assuming we can stay the course when so many signs say otherwise," said the God of the Underworld.

"We've noticed those signs more than you, Zeus. You haven't changed, but everything else has," said Poseidon. "Just look at how the mortal world has changed. The last century alone has created an order where gods like us have no place or authority."

To make his point, Poseidon used the vision portal in the table to conjure images of this rapidly changing world. They included images of modern cities, diverse societies, and technology that tapped into power once reserved for the gods. It sent a clear message that this was not the same world that once worshipped them.

"It's worse than that," added Hades. "Now beings of power once reserved for gods and demigods are walking the earth. They – along with the many mortal advances – have changed the way energy flows through our realms."

"I've felt too. So have you, brother," said Poseidon. "Remember, you were the one that said we had to cut ties with the mortal world. You were the one that said we had to stop answering prayers."

"I remember, Poseidon. And I do not regret that decision in the slightest," said Zeus strongly.

"Well maybe you should reconsider it because your decisions since then have limited our power. It's only recently that it has come to haunt us, but they're still your decisions. And if you're not willing to make new ones, then I promise you others will."

Zeus could only fume under his brothers' critical gaze. What infuriated him most was that his brothers made so many valid points. His decisions had led them to this moment. It all started with his decision to aid the Amazons. Hera saw in them the kind of piety that few mortals showed. He saw it too, but he also saw a sign that the way Olympus functioned had to change.

In the end, the Amazons were the last prayers the Olympians ever answered. After Zeus aided Hera in blessing their spirits and establishing Themyscira, he decreed that the gods were to cease further entanglements with the mortal world. He even promised Hera that he would refrain from further affairs. Few of his fellow gods were happy with this decision, but it had to be made.

"I know what you're hoping I'll decide, brothers. I can tell you now that you're wasting your time. I won't do it," said Zeus firmly.

"Again, you astound me with your stubbornness," said Hades.

"Maybe you shouldn't be astounded, Hades. When has he ever changed his mind about something so important?" chided Poseidon.

"This has nothing to do with decisions. You know why I decided to sever ties with the mortal world. And I know why you wish to re-establish those ties. In both cases, the answer is the same. It would absolutely do more harm than good."

"Says who?" scoffed Poseidon. "Are you prepared to determine that consorting with mortals won't give us the boost we need?"

"It's not like it would even be that hard," added Hades. "The mortals have figures with god-like powers running around. They even have this new magic they call 'social media' to spread the word. Surely at least some of these billions of souls are capable of aiding us."

"And it only takes a handful of souls to do the exact opposite," retorted Zeus. "At this point in our struggle, that is a risk we cannot take."

"You keep saying this every time we meet, but offer nothing in terms of alternatives," said Poseidon. "We are willing to follow your lead, brother."

"Speak for yourself," muttered Hades.

"But we need something more…something better than what we've been doing," Poseidon went on. "We all have so very much to lose. Give us a way to succeed together or we'll all fail on our own."

It came off as threatening, but it also had hints of desperation. Zeus could already surmise the plan they wanted to follow. It involved the same tactics they once used in ancient times, venturing into the mortal world to seek worship and entanglements. It might give them more strength to combat this chaos, but Zeus remembered all too well the price that came with it.

The atrocities of Hercules showed Zeus what happened when gods interfered with mortals. It might have empowered them, but it hardened the spirits of mankind. That was how a spirit like Hercules could justify his atrocities. It was how mortals themselves justified their own atrocities, always ascribing their deeds to the gods they worshipped. And with that power came too much corruption. Zeus remained convinced that had he not made this decision, Olympus would have fallen long ago. Now they faced a much greater challenge. Once again, he would have to make difficult decisions to preserve their order and that of the mortals.

"My brothers – think long and hard about what you're suggesting," said Zeus. "Don't just think about the short-term gains. Look at the long-term consequences of what mortal entanglements will lead to."

"As if you've dared to give this more than a passing thought?" scoffed Hades.

"Oh I've given this more thought than I care to admit, Hades," said the King of the Gods strongly. "Rarely has a day gone by where I haven't considered it – seeking to recapture the power that once made us so capable yet so arrogant."

"And now that same arrogance is all that is keeping you from changing your mind?" scoffed Poseidon. "How is that not irony in its most divine form."

"No Poseidon. You couldn't be more wrong. You can't see it because I was far the most guilty of succumbing to such arrogance than either of you. As such, I know all too well what happens when we entwine ourselves with mortals. It took many mistakes and oversights for me to realize how bad it can get. And I'm not just referring to the many offspring I sired and the conflicts I fueled."

"Although I'm sure that's a significant part of it," said Hades under his breath.

"But no matter how long it took, it revealed to us all a valuable lesson that we cannot afford to overlook. Whereas mortals might be content to exchange one conflict for another, we must hold ourselves to a higher standard. We must rise to the challenge before us. We must look to the future for strength and not allow the mistakes of the past to…"

But before Zeus could finish making his point, a sudden pain struck him. The poise that the King of the Gods always maintained in the presence of his brothers faltered, causing him to grasp his side and lean over the table. It startled Hades and Poseidon almost as much as it startled him. It had been a long time since they had ever seen their brother struck by such weakness.

"Brother? Are you…unwell?" asked Poseidon anxiously.

"Can you actually be unwell?" added Hades.

Zeus barely heard them. All he could focus on was the stabbing pain. It wasn't physical in that he didn't feel it in his body. This pain came from somewhere else entirely. It was like a scar that had been hidden for so long that he no longer thought about it. Then, without warning, the wound reopened.

The King of Olympus had endured many scars, going all the way back to the war with the Titans, but this one ran much deeper. It took him a moment to realize where this was coming from, but he came to recognize it all too quickly. As soon as it dawned on him, Zeus was overcome with a dread that overwhelmed even a god.

"No…not now. This can't be happening now!" he exclaimed.

"I want to claim this is a stunt, but I know you too well, brother. Even you cannot be this deceptive," said Hades, now taking this seriously as he came to his brother's aid.

"What is it? And how much worse can we expect things to get?" asked Poseidon, not in the mood for more chaos.

"It…it's Hippolyta and the Amazons. Somebody…has uncovered the truth about her daughter," stammered Zeus. "As soon as Hera finds out, it'll be beyond worse."

---

Pasadena, California – Helion Solar Corporate Headquarters

"Good work, Helena. I just got a draft of the retraction letter from Mr. White. The lack of profanity in his email this time is a positive sign," said an upbeat Apollo while in the guise of Alfonso Disole. "Do not concern yourself with this sudden turn of luck any longer. We have our privacy back. Let's put it to good use. Begin coordinating with the shipping managers from all our facilities and start moving components to our test range in New Mexico. Keep the questions and the details to the bare minimum. I'll take care of the rest."

Apollo ended the call and smiled. It had been a productive day. A potential complication had been avoided, an impatient queen had been placated, and a plan that had been six months in the making was about to come together. The best part of all was that as far as Zeus was concerned, he was following his instructions to the letter. It put him in the perfect position. Everybody thought he was their pawn. They had no idea how wrong they were.

'There's an old saying on Olympus. He who stands atop the mountain never sees the serpents slithering at his feet. My Uncle Ares might be content to stand on that mountain, but I prefer to be the serpent. It makes biting back against those who try to step on me so much easier.'

Flushed with pride and confidence, Apollo put his feet up on his desk and retrieved another bottle of Olympian wine. This bottle in particular came from the stores of Dionysus himself. He had been saving it for after his plan had been realized, but he just couldn't wait that long. His smug grin never fading, he poured himself a glass and started drinking.

'It won't be much longer now. Once everything is assembled at the test range, I'll have officially done my part. The rest is on Ares. If he succeeds, I'm in a position to strike while he makes himself a target. If he fails, I'm in a position to win favor with Zeus for being a loyal son. No matter the outcome, I still win. It's so brilliant it almost bores me knowing how much I'll benefit…almost.'

Apollo had every reason to be confident. He might not have his father's authority or his uncle's tactical skills, but he made sure none could match his cunning. Everything that happened from here on out would be a spectacle and he would have a front row seat.

He soon finished his first glass of wine and poured himself another. He was about to take another sip when the mirror on his wall that he had used to talk to Persephone started glowing again. This time it was much brighter, radiating with far greater brilliance than before. It was so great that it actually started shaking, causing other lights within his office to flicker. In any other circumstances, this would be a bad sign. For Apollo, it was just the first of many spectacles.

"Ah…right on time," he said smugly.

His glass still in hand, he made his way over to the mirror where a stream of images played out. The first showed Aleka, the Amazon he enlisted a while back to investigate an anomaly, as he described it. She had been working diligently for months, unable to explain the reason for Diana retaining her immortality. She ended up needing a slight nudge, which he generously provided from afar, to learn the truth. In doing so, a chain reaction was triggered.

"Such a loyal and passionate warrior – they'll always be more useful than any pawn can hope to be," said Apollo as he raised his glass.

He could only imagine the kind of upheaval this was causing on Olympus right now. He didn't end up having to imagine for very long. As the scenes from the recent past played out before him, the events of the present soon caught up.

"Apollo! Return to Olympus this instant!" bellowed the angry voice of Zeus. "We have a new crisis – one that promises to make others much worse. Someone has uncovered the truth about Princess Diana's lineage. Now Hera knows and she's nowhere to be found!"

Apollo could only pretend to be shocked. Thankfully, Zeus was in such a panic that his image didn't appear on the mirror, which meant he couldn't see his bemused expression. If he had, then he would've seen a god all too eager to see his father's mistakes come back to haunt him at the worst possible time.

"I need every god and goddess on Olympus to deal with this," Zeus continued. "It's only a matter of time before her jealous rage leads her to do something exceedingly foolish and damaging. We must stop her before she goes too far!"

He didn't even give Apollo a chance to respond, ensuring he didn't have to pretend to be concerned. The mirror ended up cracking under the force of Zeus' urgent voice, severing the connection in the process. If this was supposed to convey the extent of his father's concern, it certainly got the point across. The fact that it happened at a time when Zeus was meeting with Hades and Poseidon probably didn't help either.

Sighing to himself, he gulped down his glass of wine and put the bottle away. The only unfortunate part of this phase of the plan was that it left precious little time to enjoy fine wine, but all great plans came with sacrifices. Apollo made sure it would benefit him in the long run.

"And so the end of Zeus' reign begins," sighed Apollo. "Overdue it may be, this is sure to be a hell of a show."

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Up next: Crown of Thorns