Chapter 18: The Trial of Diana
*Diana's world–Present*
John Stewart, the former slave, couldn't believe what was happening. A few weeks ago, he was a performer giving reenactments of ancient battles and just getting by in a prison cell of the great colosseum.
Now, he was fighting alongside some of the Amazons he despised. Why? Because a man that had saved his life several times now had asked him to. A man he met only a few weeks ago and had claimed to be from another world. Did he believe it? Yes. No man he'd ever seen looked or fought like him.
The group he had set out with consisted of himself, Thea, Cleondra, Chase, and Alra. Once they'd reached Artemia, Cleondra the stable keep had taken Chase and Alra with her while John and Thea raised the alarm. Other survivors from the capitol had also made it and news had spread fast, within a day the city had begun evacuation procedures. They even found a regiment of the royal guard out in search of the queen. Thea had claimed John as her 'slave' now and they both were added into the ranks. Thea was able to tell them what had transpired with Queen Diana and where she had set off to.
The guards' relief at Diana's safety had helped morale greatly, and messengers had gone out left and right to spread the news that Queen Diana was alive and seeking counsel with the gods. John wasn't all that sure what kind of help the gods would give, but he couldn't think about that now.
Before everyone was out of the city the legions of the Underworld had descended on them. Things got even worse when Ares appeared and began to free any male slaves that would fight for his army. A large portion agreed to, and John couldn't blame them. John and Thea had to convince their group to also free any men left; it was the only way to stop themselves getting stuck between two enemies at once. The Amazons seemed angry at the prospect, but they weren't stupid, they knew what would happen.
This is how it led to the current predicament. The shape of the valley Artemia was settled in helped to funnel the underworld armies to the few bridges that made it safe to cross into the city. So John and his group were holding out to defend the last bit of stragglers leaving. The old, the sick, and the slow. It was not ideal. And while the Amazons were fierce warriors who took out dozens of enemies, there were always a hundred more waiting behind to take their place.
They were losing ground and John didn't know what would happen once they were outside of the city limits. Out in the open they'd have no chance at survival.
Thea and himself had taken cover under some debris as a volley of flaming arrows rained down on their position. She had lost her helm, and her red hair was plastered around her face with sweat and dirt. They both had a few cuts, but Thea seemed to have a crazed look in her eyes and a wicked smile, "What's that look for?" John asked.
Thea shook her head, "My mother always asked, 'Why a royal guard, what a boring life of training and watching others, they don't actually do anything, why don't you stay with the family pottery business,' Well guess this shows her how boring it is!"
John grunted, "I think I'd prefer boring, because I can't handle too much more excitement."
Another round of impacts made them both tense up at the sounds. John continued, "Any ideas, cuz I don't know where we go from here."
Thea shook her head as she looked up at the mountains surrounding the city, "No, unless…" She was quiet for a second until her eyes widened, she turned to John and slapped him in excitement, "I got it! Be ready to run when it happens!"
Without explanation she dove from their encampment and began running to where they kept the horses.
"Wait!" John yelled out, "When what happens!"
"You'll know!" The Amazon yelled back, before mounting a black stallion and urging it into a fast gallop away from the battle and towards the city limits.
John shook his head and chuckled, "Well, don't take too long." As the arrows stopped, he could hear enemies approaching, he readied his sword and dove out of his cover with a yell, matching the fury of his Amazon companions as they continued to fight the scores of undead and freed men alike.
\XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Step forward, Diana, Queen of the Amazons." Zeus spoke out with his booming voice.
Diana glanced nervously at Bruce before hardening her expression and striding forward into the center of the hall.
Zeus continued, "Queen Diana, the Amazons were some of our favorite subjects throughout history. Your mother defined what it was to be an Amazon. Do you believe yourself worthy of her? Are you still worthy to lead the Amazons?"
Diana paused at the questions, "...I thought so, but after what's happened…I don't know."
Artemis spoke up from her seat, "Now is the time to see. Do you accept the challenge of Olympus, whatever we have deemed appropriate in testing you?"
"I do."
Athena continued from her throne, "Do you accept the risks associated with this task, do you accept what awaits you, should you fail?"
"...I do."
Hera concluded from her place besides her husband, "And if successful, will you accept the challenges ahead to do what must be done, no matter the cost."
"...I do."
With a solemn nod, Zeus snapped his fingers and Diana was gone.
"Where did she go?" Bruce asked.
"Do not fear yet," Poseidon spoke up, he waved his trident through the air and a large sphere of water formed from a reflecting pool nearby. The sphere floated to the center of the hall and as the ripples smoothed out across its surface, a picture began to form. They saw the same raven-haired queen come into focus, as her trial began.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Diana shook her head as her vision cleared, the sudden teleportation had caused her a bit of nausea, "Ughh.." she groaned as her view became clear. She was standing on a beach, with her feet ankle-deep in the water. She looked down at her reflection and her vision flashed again, when it returned, she was looking at herself as a young girl, no more than 9 or 10.
Do you remember the way? A bodiless voice spoke in her mind. When she looked up, she let out a soft gasp as she stared up at Themyscira before her. She hadn't been back in generations, the memories too painful to stay. Now she was staring up at the glistening white marble, the trees swaying in the winds, and the sounds of the horns blowing through the streets.
A sound suddenly caught Diana's attention, a light neigh that rang out over the wind. The young Diana turned to see a beautiful chestnut horse pawing at the water as it stood before her.
"Abrax?" Diana asked the young horse tentatively.
The creature seemed excited at the name and trotted over to the young girl in cheerful affirmation. Diana laughed and hugged the powerful animal around its neck. Abrax lowered his own head and nuzzled against the princess.
"I missed you…so much!" Diana said with a laugh. Joyful as she was though, her predicament came back to her mind. She focused her thoughts on the task at hand…which was what exactly?
Diana looked around, confused at what she was supposed to do. She was expecting tortures, battles, monsters, etc.… just something with a bit more intensity than this so far.
As she examined her surroundings though she noticed markings set up along the beach, a path made with flowers and other assortments of shells. It seemed familiar, but Diana couldn't figure out why.
Suddenly a large horn blew out along the beach. She hadn't heard that horn ever…except for one time. All at once the memories flowed back into her head, of the challenging course and trial that her mother had arranged for her as she grew up…a test to prove whether she was fit to be the princess of the Amazons in more than just birthright. On the official day of the test, that horn had rang out across the entire island.
Diana tried to remember the details of the test, but years and years of time had clouded over the memories, the preparations she had done, the planning for the day. Now she was taking the ultimate pop quiz of her past, and she didn't even know how to start.
Looking out over the ocean though, Diana realized the sun was just breaking the horizon. Dawn was beginning in full force. Her eyes suddenly widened as she remembered the main gist of the trial. She was tasked with a route that covered the entire island: traps, tricks, and more had awaited her; and she was to finish it all before the sun set.
Without a word, Diana sprinted towards Abrax and mounted the horse, cursing herself and realizing what a fool she was, she was wasting precious time. There was none more to lose.
Abrax had no saddle, no reins, nothing; but with a quick urge the young stallion took off across the sands, kicking up water that produced magnificent rainbows as Diana pushed forward at breakneck speed, laughing at her first (and always favorite) horse.
Diana guided her horse along the sandy beach, relying only on the feel of the animal. The tide was coming in and there were deep tide pools coming up in her way. One false move would lead both her and Abrax into deep rocky pools. She had to remember where to turn and where to guide, thinking back to her days where they would walk out to the pools and harvest fish caught in the outgoing tide.
Several times she felt the sand loosening under Abrax's feet as they galloped along the shallow sand bars, every time she urged Abrax onto the right path. It wasn't easy though, and while Diana remembered how happily she breezed through this years ago, she now felt that her confidence was filled with doubt and strain.
Once she left the tide pools behind, she breathed a sigh of relief, patting Abrax on the side as they aimed towards an archway on the beach, leading them onto the island.
Diana saw a small bow that hung from the arch and the second challenge came clear into her mind.
Not slowing down, Diana spurred Abrax on even faster, reaching out and grabbing the bow and the arrows as she zipped through the arch and onto the rocky beach leading to the cliffs.
It had been a while since Diana had trained her horseback shooting, and the vibrations of Abrax under her felt unfamiliar now. The first arrow she nocked on the bowstring jumbled and bounced as they made their way. Diana hated to do it, but she had to slow Abrax's tempo, she couldn't afford to be slow, but she couldn't manage at this speed.
With a grimace on her face, they began to come upon the Cliffs of Calypso. Small targets of red cloth dotted the cliffside and once in range Diana pulled back and let her first arrow fly. The shot was clear and true, whistling through the air as it struck the solid target with a satisfying *THWUMPP*. Diana grinned and continued shooting. Two, three, four, five, all straight to the target. On the sixth one though, Abrax jumped over a rocky outcropping and the sudden jolt caused Diana to release a hair too early, this time she heard the metallic clang of the arrowhead colliding with the solid cliff rocks.
"Curses!" The young Amazon exclaimed as Abrax and her shot past the last target like a bullet. She couldn't stop though now; she was off pace. With a last second decision she pushed against Abrax and lifted herself up, flipping around and facing backwards as the horse continued at speed. One arrow left as she aimed at the red dot that was steadily getting smaller in her vision. With a small prayer she let the arrow go, waiting for the loud metallic sound of a miss. It didn't come though and Diana exclaimed in joy from her second success.
The next trail led off the beach and up a path in the cliffs, rising up through the many waterfalls that fell down towards the sea. One waterfall flowed so clearly that Diana saw her reflection as they rode past–she no longer looked as young, appearing now as possibly 13 or 14.
Eventually, she emerged out of the rocky path, pushing into the forests of Themyscira, careful to avoid the stray branches and roots that jutted out on her path. The sun was almost at its zenith as mid-day approached. She had to get a move on. Diana urged Abrax further into the forest, following the small paths that traced over the island. A loud neigh rang out in the forest, guiding her where she needed to be next. Coming out of the trees she bounded into an open field with several horses turned loose and running wild. Another arch was in her view, with several lassos hanging for her use.
Grabbing the lines of rope, Diana turned and pushed towards the horses with a leadership she was used to, expertly herding the different beasts towards one another until she had rounded up all 10 of them. The group of horses slowed her down, but she made her way with them from the outskirts of the forests to the edge of the city, guiding them to their designated pasture before continuing on.
The light was beginning to change color, no longer the bright white, and beginning to turn to an amber gold. The sound of Abrax's hooves rang out as Diana made her way through the tight streets of Themyscira. She had passed all the challenges, now it was a race against the sun. Apollo himself liked to test her today, she thought in annoyance. Passing by the mirrors of a local shopkeeper, an older Diana looked back at her, now 17 or 18.
As she continued, shadows were beginning to fill the lower streets of Themyscira. The sun was beginning to dip and Diana looked up at the white palace where the end of her path lay. She smiled with anticipation, she had made up the time and knew she would make it, just as she had those many years ago.
Amazons cheered along the streets as Diana made her way up the final stretch of road to her home and temple. She smiled and cheered back at them, feeling the same exultation she felt that day, ready to take on the role of 'Princess' more seriously. As she strode into the main temple she jumped from her horse and saw the final archway made up in the room. The sun still shone through the temple, and it beamed brightly against the metal bracelets that would symbolize her success. The white marble was now a bright gold that filled the room. As her eyes adjusted to the light though she saw she was not alone. Off to the side was her mother, and standing behind her, was William Trevon.
It was just as she saw in her dreams. William's hair was wet with sweat and the wild gleam in his eyes was the same as before. The shining dagger was once again placed to her mother's throat, a single drop of blood running down her skin from the tip.
"Diana, please…" Hippolyta said with an even breath, "Please do what he says, please save me." The queen was shaking with fear.
"Mother!" Diana exclaimed. She turned back towards the two. The anger of her past bubbling to the surface as fresh as 1000 years ago, "William!" She said with disdain, "You will release me mother or I will kill you again!"
William laughed darkly, "I'm not leaving till you give me what I came for! Poor little princess fooled and tricked. Blessed by gods but still not powerful enough to do everything."
Hippolyta had tears in her eyes, "My daughter, you have to save me, you can't let me die all over again, you need to be stronger this time."
Diana could feel the tightness in her firsts, gripping so hard she drew a drop of blood from her own palm. She could do it; she could save her this time. With a loud crack against the ground, Diana launched herself at the two. Time slowed down for her, and the distance seemed to magnify to infinity. She was inches away as she saw her horror happen all over again, the thin blade sliced through her mother's throat, and the last gargled gasps of the Queen filled the room. The only other sound was William laughing, "Ohhh hoho, too slow again Amazon." The man said as he danced with the dagger.
Diana could barely register the outside world, but she was aware of the scream that echoed from her throat. Gripping the limp body of her mother again she felt a fury that would not be contained. She reached up and grabbed the man, pulling the dagger from his grasp and slamming him against one of the marble columns, "WHY! WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS AGAIN!" She screamed.
William laughed as he coughed up some blood, undoubtedly from a punctured lung, "That's it girl, make me pay." He laughed. "Do you feel better?! Beat me to a bloody pulp again why don't you!"
The sun was quickly setting, and shadows began to creep along the floor.
Diana cried in anguish as she slammed Will's body against the wall repeatedly. The man was in pain, but the small grin never left his face, "Take your revenge again…" He whispered out.
Diana pulled her fist back to deliver the killing blow when a thought stopped her in her tracks. She paused, her face going slack. All of a sudden, she dropped the man, her arms still shaking as she turned towards the temple entrance. She looked out over the island and her grief spilled over, tears streamed down her face, and she dropped to her knees, taking in the beauty of her home that she had missed for so long. She missed the sand beaches, the vibrant forests, and the beautiful city that was her home. She missed her mother. Gods, she missed her mom.
As she looked down at the shining marble below her, she saw her reflection looking back at her, back to her normal age. Different though now, her face had regained a softness in her eyes she had not recognized in 1000 years, The weight of her actions and grief overwhelmed her. 1000 years of hate lay on her shoulders. Like someone lifting the weight off her though she thought of Bruce, the balance of light and dark she saw in him, and the determination he had for her. He believed in her. But could she ever believe in herself again?
The princess sighed deeply, her shoulders sagging from the exhaustion of holding onto so much anger for so long. The voice of William brought her back to the present, "C'mon," he said weakly as he dragged his bleeding body along the floor, "What are you waiting for! Kill me!"
Diana stood up and approached the demon that had haunted her nights for years. Now though, he looked very small. All that she felt looking at him was pity, pity for what could make anyone so terrible in the world, and pity for her own obsession, "I'm not here for revenge," She spoke softly, "I'm here to help people." She gestured to the island, "My people. They need me, all of me…the best of me. You are not even a ghost now."
For the first time William showed true fear towards her, "No, no no no NO! I'm everything to you!" He shouted in desperation.
Diana saw the shadows of sunset moving up the pedestal towards her silver bracers and a sense of urgency struck her. She turned for one last look at the broken man below her, "Not anymore."
With a turn she sprinted across the room, through the archway and reaching for the bracelets as the last light struck them. She smiled as her hand touched the cool metal, she had chosen her people– to go back and help them, to help Bruce, and to try and be better.
A golden light emanated from her touch, in a flash Themyscira was gone and she felt herself thrown back into the throne room of Olympus. She staggered along the floor and looked up to see the Olympians staring back at her. Zeus was as stoic as ever, but she could see Hera, Athena, and Artemis smiling at her approvingly. Her vision blurred and she felt the rush of gravity as she fell towards the floor.
Strong hands caught her though and Diana turned to see Bruce cradling her, his eyes full of concern. Diana could feel a small smile on her lips as she looked up at him. She wanted to ask how she did, did she pass? Were the gods happy with her?
Before any words could form though she felt the last of her consciousness fade as darkness took her. For the first time in many years though, she did not fear it.
End of Chapter 18. Hope you all enjoy it, sorry for the late update. I've been struggling to figure out how I want to really present the Olympian challenges, but I finally figured it out for Diana.