Over the next few weeks, Diana would visit Bruce while he was alone in his house or his garden. He looked forward to her visits, and would frequently turn down offers to spend time with high society, in favor of the Goddess' visits. Most of the time, Bruce and Diana would talk, discussing the troubles of the world, their favorite fighting techniques, and many other things. Sometime, though, they would show each other their favorite pastimes.

Bruce was a fair archer, but Diana instructed him in her ways, increasing his skill. Bruce showed her how to throw knives, a skill that Diana had never considered learning. And, of course, there were more pleasant activities to focus on. Bruce was an architect, and therefore knew how to draw and paint. Diana would sit by his side and watch as he created pictures on scrolls and pottery.

Diana had a beautiful voice, deep and resonating. She did not sing much, but when she did, Bruce would stop what he was doing, and close his eyes and listen. It was during one of these times, while they were in his house, that an idea came to Bruce. Such a lovely voice must have lovely music to go with it. After she had finished singing, Bruce asked, "Have you ever sung to a harp or lyre?"

"I have, but I don't make it a habit," Diana replied. "My brother, Apollo, plays the lyre, and he says that it suits my voice well."

"He is right," said Bruce, smiling. "We-" he began, then stopped himself. We should ask him to play while you sing, is what he had wanted to say. But he had refrained, because he had forgotten that Diana was a Goddess, her brother was a God, and he, a mortal, was smarter than to ask anything of a God such as Apollo. He valued his life too much.

Diana cocked her head. "What is it? What do you wish to say?"

Bruce gazed at her a few moments, then said, "I wish that we could ask your brother to play while you sing. But I haven't even met him. I could not dare ask such a thing."

Diana took a deep breath, thinking. Then she said, "While it may not be appropriate for you to ask something of a God, I wish for you to meet my brother. He knows of you, and I wish for the mortal and the family member I care most about, to meet."

~Later~

The meeting took place on a hill that was several miles outside of the city. Bruce stood on top of the hill, underneath a tree, waiting for Diana to bring her brother. She had assured him that Apollo would not hold any ill will toward him, and that he was a very agreeable God, but Bruce was still nervous. He didn't show it, though; he was used to high-pressure situations.

Bruce stared into the sky, waiting for a sign of movement. Then, out from behind a cloud, they appeared: two figures floating down side by side. Bruce relaxed his shoulders, taking a deep breath.

Diana and Apollo landed softly in the grass. Apollo smiled brightly at Bruce, his grin holding a hint of good-natured mischief. Bruce knelt on one knee, and said, "My lord Apollo. It is an honor."

"Rise, Bruce. If my sister favors you, then you need not bow to me," Apollo responded. Bruce rose, and returned the God's grin with a friendly smile.

"I am glad you two could finally meet," said Diana. "Bruce, it was Apollo who told me to be honest with myself about what I feel."

"Well for that, I thank you," Bruce said to Apollo. "These past few weeks, we have spent a lot of time together. I look forward to her visits more than anything else." As he finished saying this, he looked at Diana; she was smiling, unabashed, at his statement.

Suddenly, the wind picked up, sending a shiver down Bruce's back. The sky was covered by dark storm clouds, and a loud voice boomed, "Diana! What are you doing with this mortal?"

The smiled slipped from Diana's face, replaced with a look of fear and anger. "Jupiter. My father." Then she shouted, "Father! What do you want?"

The voice came again, saying, "I want you to explain yourself! Don't you remember your duties? You are the maiden Goddess, a beacon of purity!"

"I make my own choices!" Diana shouted back. "Is it so bad that I care for a mortal?"

"He has defiled you! And you have betrayed yourself!"

Apollo was about to say something, but it was now that Bruce spoke up. "I have done nothing to compromise the integrity of your daughter. But you should have more faith in Diana! Her feelings are true, yet she does not abandon reason! She cares about her followers, and watches over them!"

Thunder rumbled overhead. "How dare you address me?" Jupiter yelled. There was a bright flash of lightning, then Bruce fell to the ground, his hair and toga smoking. Diana gasped and fell to his side, feeling his neck for a pulse. Finding nothing, she bowed her head.

"Father!" Apollo shouted. "This is not the way the king of the Gods should act!"

"It is not for you to decide how I should or should not act!" Jupiter boomed.

Diana's eyes glistened with unshed, angry tears, as she screamed to the sky, "Jupiter! If you call me your daughter, then you will do this one act for me. If I promise never to meet with him again, will you let him live?"

Jupiter was silent for a few moments, then said, "I will grant him his life, if you agree not to set foot in the mortal world for one-hundred years."

"Father-" started Apollo.

"You stay out of this!" said Jupiter.

Diana looked at Bruce, lying still on the ground, then back at the sky. "I promise not to set foot in the mortal world for one-hundred years."

"Then I will return this man's life to him." There came another flash of lightning, and then Bruce was gasping for air. He tried to sit up, but Diana urged him to rest. "Say your goodbyes, Diana," said Jupiter.

"D-Diana?" Bruce panted. "What- what's he talking about?"

Diana tried for a smile, but couldn't manage one. "In return for your life, I cannot step foot in the mortal world for a hundred years," she whispered. "We cannot meet anymore."

"No," said Bruce, again struggling to get up. "No!"

"There is nothing you can do, mortal," said Jupiter. "The deal has already been struck."

"I'm so sorry Bruce." Diana rose to her feet, and Apollo took her hand. Bruce stood, leaning against the tree for support.

"Diana!"

"Goodbye!" Said the Goddess, then turned away. Together, she and her brother lept into the air, flying up and out of sight.

"I will fight for you!" Bruce shouted after them as the storm clouds recoiled from the sky. "I will fight for you!"