Quick Notes:
1.) I don't know how many of you are familiar with ancient Greek weaponry so I decided to include this brief explanation. If you have knowledge of ancient Greek weapons I beg your patience and forgiveness for restating something you already know.
-A xiphos is a short sword of flared/wedged design approx. 24 inches in length.
-A dory is a heavy infantry spear that ranged between six to nine feet in length. It is notable for not only its length but its blade shaped counterweight.
-Both were standard equipment to the Spartan Armies.
2.)Okay on to the big bomb… I am using the (as of WW#600) current wonder woman costume minus the jacket.
Now before y'all flame me I did this for two reasons:
-I like the new costume…mostly.
-If Diana had ever appeared on Smallville I'd expect her costume to look akin to this.
On the sun kissed sands of Themyscira Diana the eternal princess of the Amazons lounged with her two closest friends. To her right lay Mercy, her short golden trusses seemed to fan out around her head as she took the moment to enjoy the sun. To Diana's left exuding a casual grace that would put any large cat to shame and perched on a large rock was Artemis, her waist length red hair shimmered in the sunlight.
The three friends had been discussing what seemed to be the only topic of interest among anyone on the island these days; the upcoming tournament to crown the new champion of the Amazon's. Hermes had appeared before Queen Hippolyta a number of weeks ago and had told her that the world was once again in need of the Amazonian teachings and wisdom lest it continue its march towards destruction. So the five patron goddess's of Themyscira with Zeus's blessing had decreed a champion was to be selected and go forth into the world.
"I wonder what the challenges will be." Mercy said picking up a seashell and examining it idly.
"You're both too young to remember, but the last tournament required the use of all the skills it means to be an Amazon, I imagine the next one will be a similar affair." Artemis responded lightly, she had been the winner of the last contest an event that had occurred nearly a thousand years ago, although in the scope of an immortal Amazon's lifespan a millennium was hardly a significant amount of time.
"What was it like living among them?" Diana asked.
Artemis seemed to pause and give the question consideration. "Dirty. Men are primitive creatures' princess. Foul mouthed, barbaric dirty creatures."
Mercy shuddered. "Then why must we venture into their world?"
"The gods have decreed it." Artemis responded simply.
"I wonder if the world has changed since you last visited it." Diana said.
Artemis shrugged. "It matters little, the kingdoms may have changed, there may be more people but the nature of man has not changed. I doubt it ever will, know this to be true sister."
She didn't know why but the statement bothered Diana.
Mercy assumed a sitting posture. "Do you intend to enter the tournament Artemis? Surely you could reclaim the mantle of champion with ease."
Artemis shook her head. "Nay, I already bear the title of Shim'Tar for my people and have no interest in retaking the mantle. My role is to guide the next champion in the ways of the world; I will accompany her during her journey into the world of man."
"And a most interesting journey it will be if great Artemis of Bana-Mighdall is to accompany our champion!" Diana replied sardonically.
Artemis whipped her head around and scowled as the other two broke into laughter, a moment later she smiled and joined in with them.
As they settled down Artemis looked over at them. "What of you two? You will be entering the tournament I assume."
Mercy nodded her head eagerly. "I am anxious to test my mettle against my sisters."
"You are always looking for an excuse to 'test your mettle' Mercy." Diana said chidingly.
Mercy pushed Diana playfully. "And what of you Princess, what is your reason for wanting to enter the tournament?"
Diana looked out across the ocean. "I want a chance to explore the world beyond these shores; I have spent my entire life on Themyscira in that time I have heard the tales of my sisters pilgramiges to the Patriarch world. I have seen with my own eyes the small contingent of our sisters my mother sends to explore the changes in the world every century and despite my asking half a dozen times to accompany the group my mother denies me every time. I fear if I do not enter the tournament I will never have a chance to see the world beyond Themyscira."
"There is more to being champion than merely exploring the world." Artemis warned.
Diana sighed. "I know the responsibilities and if I win, I am willing to fulfill them."
Mercy looked surprised. "Given how…protective the Queen is of you I did not think she would readily allow you entrance into the tournament."
Diana scowled; her mother's protective streak was legendary. "She has no say in the matter. The gods have decreed all Amazon's may enter the tournament. I have had words with her on this subject and while she seeks to protect me as if I am a newborn babe she has relented and given me her blessing."
Artemis nodded in apparent satisfaction. "Then I expect to see you both in the finales, I say in no jest that you two are two of the finest warriors on the island even among the Bana. It would be of deepest shame if one of you didn't take the mantle of champion."
Diana and Mercy smiled radiantly at the compliment being paid to them, Artemis was not one who gave compliments freely, one had to earn her respect and both women had done just that over the years.
So then it was with a light heart and love for each other that the three friends parted ways that day; the tournament was only three days away and each woman had a role to prepare for.
The day of the tournament saw Diana wake with a feeling of nerves and excitement warring in her stomach, it saw her to breakfast in the great hall in which she didn't consume much; it all seemed to taste wooden. To her credit it appeared as if many of her sisters were not eating much either, and the fact that everyone else was nervous helped ease her own tension somewhat.
It was past mid-morning when the contest began. The opening ceremony began in the great temple of Hera; the mother of the gods and an opening prayer was conducted by Hippolyta the Queen of the Amazon's. After that the first task began, the two hundred Amazon's who had taken up the challenge were sequestered in the temple and given a written exam. To an outsider the exam may have seemed superfluous but the Amazons were women of strong body, mind and spirit and their chosen champion would need to be well learned in order to not only bring Amazonian teachings to the man's world but also bridge the gap between Themyscira and the rest of the world.
After two hours' time the tests were collected and taken to a fire, the magic imbibed within the parchment made it glow green if the Amazon passed or red if she failed. One by one the test were burned and slowly but surely the passing Amazons were separated from their sisters, when it was over only a hundred and twenty remained.
The survivors were led to the Coliseum where from the looks of it every one of both Amazonian tribes had come out upon the arrival of the contenders a deafening cheer was taken up. Hippolyta let it go on for a few minutes before she stood and silenced the crowd with an upraised hand.
"Those who remain, congratulations! However your trial is not at an end. You have proved that you have the mind of an Amazon champion, but now you possess the skill and spirit of a champion. The next part of the tournament will begin now!"
Another thunderous cheer as Hippolyta reclaimed her seat. The candidates were divided into groups and throughout the rest of the day had to display their proficiency with botany, archery, medicine and various forms of armed and unarmed combat. Finally as Artemis had predicted only two remained; Diana and Mercy, both were exhausted but excited to be facing off against each other.
The final test was to be a duel; the combatants were allowed to choose any weapon that they preferred. Diana chose a pair of xiphos and Mercy a dory and net. Thus far Diana hadn't had to use the gifts endowed upon her by the gods but that might not be the case anymore. In order to make the contest fair Mercy had been bestowed with the gauntlet of Atlas and the winged sandals of Hermes, she now possessed strength and speed on par with Diana's; this was to be a contest won due to skill, not by a coincidence of birth.
Diana and Mercy bowed to each other; respect and admiration showing in both their eyes. The crowd was in silence and when Hippolyta gave the go ahead both began to circle each other.
Mercy had a significant range advantage and they both knew it; that was tempered by the fact she had to worry about the fact that if Diana got in close enough both of her weapons were practically useless.
Perhaps hoping to use her range advantage Mercy struck first; a straight thrust aimed at Diana's belly.
Diana side stepped the attack and slashed down with the xiphos in her left hand attempting to cleave Mercy's dory in two but as gifted as Diana was with the blade, Mercy was her equal with the spear.
Instead of retracting her weapon as one would expect (and play into Diana's counter-attack) Mercy spun around bringing her dory in a full circle and nearly taking a large chunk out of Diana's right side. Reacting purely on instinct Diana managed to deflect the dory downward and away from her at the last second. She hopped back and settled into a defensive stance shooting an approving glance at her friend, Mercy retracted the dory and returned the look with a smile and nod.
The crowd around them broke into cheers but neither warrior noticed; they were too focused on each other. The next clash was instigated by Diana, she dashed forward trying to rush Mercy, but her opponent was not to be caught off guard. She waited until Diana was in range and stabbed her dory out, Diana was forced to pirouette to avoid getting skewered, unfortunately she had been so focused on the dory she had forgotten about the net. Mercy threw the net and managed to entangle Diana's right thigh, pulling hard with the corded rope she tripped Diana to the floor.
The crowd held its breath thinking Diana was about to lose; that would not be the case.
Using her right xiphos she cut the net at its corded rope causing it to fall useless on the ground. She quickly rolled over and nipped up onto her feet, her blades in front of her, ready to continue battle. Mercy might have been down a weapon but Diana didn't relax; her opponent was even more dangerous. With the net gone she didn't have to divide her attention between two weapons she only had to focus on wielding the dory, her preferred weapon.
As if to drive the point home Mercy spun the dory up, around and behind her back; with her free hand she beckoned for Diana to come at her.
In the Queen's box Artemis (as the former champion she was accorded a place of honor) watched with pride as her two friends gave their all. "They are well matched."
A tall, dark skinned woman shook her head. "They are for now, but Diana will win the day."
Hippolyta looked at her. "You only say that because you trained her yourself Philippus."
Philippus shook her head calmly. "I trained them both my Queen, and while Mercy is an excellent warrior, Diana is perhaps the most gifted one I've ever seen. It's only a matter of time until Diana finds an advantage and wins this contest."
The sounds of battle echoed up to them as the other two women considered Philippus' words, she was not one prone to boast or exaggerate, and the fact that she had bestowed such an honor on Diana spoke volumes.
Back on the field Mercy was beginning to falter while Diana seemed to be gaining steam. She fights like a creature possessed! I have to end this soon.
She thrust her dory out at Diana's head but fatigue made the thrust sloppy, Diana swatted the staff aside with her left xiphos and turned while slashing down with her right. The dory shattered at the point of impact and the force of the blow was so great Mercy lost her grip on the spear; not that the weapon in its current shape would've been of much use. Instead of advancing to claim her victory Diana looked down at the shattered spear and back at her friend. Without so much as a second thought she threw a xiphos at Mercy's feet. "Take it, so we may continue our fight."
Mercy looked at the sword as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing. "No, you have bested me; if-"
"If it is because of my strength with the blade, I'll gladly fight you in unarmed combat." Diana interjected throwing her other xiphos to the ground.
Mercy looked in Diana's strikingly blue eyes and smiled before continuing her earlier statement. "If I had to lose to anyone, I'm glad it was you sister. Today you have proven why you deserve the title of champion." Then in a raised voice so all could hear she proclaimed. "I yield."
The cheers and applause went on and on until finally Hippolyta rose and signaled for silence, she seemed to be bursting with pride and though her eyes seemed to shine brightly no one was bold enough to notice it.
"Diana, princess of Themyscira you have proven yourself against your sisters and worthy of bearing the mantle of Champion, come forth and claim your prizes."
With one last glance at Mercy who smiled encouragingly Diana rose from the ground and flew up to the Queen's box she landed and immediately dropped to one knee.
"Rise daughter." Hippolyta commanded.
Diana stood and faced her mother, Artemis and Philippus.
Artemis stepped forward and presented Diana a golden glowing lasso.
"Behold the golden girdle of Gaea, it was forged by Hephaestus and blessed by Hestia with the flames of truth. It is unbreakable and all bound by it must not only speak the truth but do as commanded by its bearer."
Diana took the lasso and felt a tingle of power arc from the enchanted rope to her fingers.
Artemis stepped back and Philippus stepped forward, in her hands were a pair of golden forearm bracelets. "Formed from the remnants of Lord Zeus's Aegis these bracelets are indestructible and when crossed no attack will be able to penetrate their protective field." Diana reverently took the bracelets and upon further inspection saw twin swooping W's engraved into them. She looked at Philippus questioningly.
The Amazon General lowered her voice. "Hephaestus is responsible for the lettering, the W stands for womanhood."
"I see." She didn't.
Philippus stepped back and Hippolyta stepped forward, in her hand was a tiara, it too was shaped as W and had a red star in its center. "This is a gift and symbol of your Amazonian heritage and status as champion. In battle it can serve as a deadly projectile, it is enchanted to always return to its owner no matter the distance thrown." She placed it on Diana's head.
Suddenly there was a brilliant flash of light and a strikingly tall woman clad in full armor with a brilliant white owl perched serenely on her shoulder appeared, instantly all the Amazons fell to their knees and bowed, cries of 'my lady' could be heard throughout the arena.
Keen grey eyes observed the prone Amazon's and when the woman spoke it was in an ethereal and echoing voice. "Rise sisters."
Hippolyta was the first to recover. "Lady Athena, how may your people be of service to you?"
Athena smiled. "I am not here to request anything Hippolyta; I merely wish to offer my charge congratulations on becoming champion and present her with a token of my affection." She waved her hand and Diana was bathed in light, when it cleared her earlier clothing had been replaced.
On her feet were a dark pair of boots, her legs which had been bare were covered by a form fitting pair of midnight blue trousers. Securing them was a large belt of silver with the image of an eagle engraved into it; attached to the belt was the golden lasso. The silver bracelets all Amazons wore had been replaced by the larger golden ones she had won; underneath them was a guard of red and gold, the guard's straps criss-crossed all the way up her arms and were secured to her tunic. The tunic was completely red except its straps and neckline which were gold; the neckline was in the shape of a W with an eagle's head on the point of the letter; it seemed metallic in nature.
It was safe to say nothing like what Diana was wearing had ever been seen on Themyscira before and she looked down at the ensemble in confusion.
Athena merely smiled once more. "These wares may seem unusual to you; however they will serve you well in the world of man, go forth Diana with the blessings of your patrons as the champion of both Themyscira and Olympus and in your duties as envoy of the Amazon's." She disappeared in another brilliant flash of light.
The next day Diana and Artemis were set to depart Themyscira, they were set to begin their journey on a tour of the world to get a lay of the land and a feeling for the way the world operated, after that was completed they would begin the actual process of introducing Diana to the world and she would start her duties as ambassador and emissary of the Amazons.
The entire population of both Amazon tribes had turned up to see their sisters off on their journey. They lined the steps of the palace and all seemed to have well wishes or gifts to bestow among the two, it took nearly an hour and a half for the two to make it to their departure point. By which time Artemis, never the most patient of people was becoming quite irritable. Finally they stopped in front of Queen Hippolyta, Philippus and Mercy. Philippus presented Artemis with a gorgeous dark wood bow, a quiver full of arrows, the winged sandals of Hermes and the gauntlet of Atlas before she made sure to tell her in no uncertain terms that she was now Diana's protector and responsible for her safety. Hippolyta presented Diana with the Sword of Hephaestus, her personal weapon and the finest blade on Themyscira. She observed Diana, seeing her full of confidence and determination and knowing this would be the last time she saw her for a long while her royal impassiveness gave way to her maternal side and she hugged her daughter tightly and with pride.
Finally Mercy stepped forward and immediately all three embraced, tears were in all their eyes; even stoic Artemis. She wished them safe journeys and promised to pray to the gods for their success before gracefully stepping back. Both women took one last look at their gathered sisters before rising into the air, a cheer was taken up and it was with full hearts that Artemis and Diana sped away from their home and into the world of man and their new destiny.
From her throne the goddess known alternately known as Strife and Eris watched Diana's departure from Themyscira with concern, Diana's departure threatened everything she and Ares had been working towards for the past millennium. The same laws that prevented the Olympian gods from reversing the course of the world prevented Eris and Ares from interfering directly also. However if the gods on Olympus were allowed to send out a champion to represent their interest then she needed to assure that she and Ares also had a champion to further their goals.
She gazed at the gathered Amazon's and after searching for a moment she found what she was looking for, she felt the tiny seeds of jealousy and discord in Mercy's heart and smiled. This one would be perfect and the irony that she was Diana's closest friend was too delicious to pass up.
Although Mercy's feelings weren't at a point that she could be of use to Eris, that wouldn't be a problem for long. Using the magic that was at her disposal she began to subtly feed the jealousy and discord in Mercy's heart. Soon when Mercy's feelings reached a boiling point, she would offer her the golden apple of temptation, all Mercy had to do was take one bite and then she would be completely under Eris's control.
Then the fun would begin.
A/N I know in the comics Eris is Ares daughter, I went with a more traditional origin for her in that she and Ares aren't related just allies. Also I don't think this is the last we'll be seeing of Diana and Artemis before they see their debut in the good ole' U.S Anyway I'll see you guys at the next update and as usual thanks for reading!