Mothers, Daughters, and Queens
2 year old Astrea Kent beamed as she flew into the temple of Olympus.
"GRAN AIRA!" She happily called. "GRAN AIRA!" She flew further into the Temple. "GRAN AIRA!"
"Quiet, child!" Strife yelled.
"Airi?" Astrea frowned. "Meanie!"
"I am the Goddess of Discord after all, half breed. You shouldn't be here. It's not like your Mother nor your Father to let you be alone."
"Mama is resting! Gran Aira will help me with a present for Mama!" Astrea clapped happily.
Eris looked at her disgusted. "Mother will not help you with your childish mortal games!"
Astrea's eyes began to glow of lightning blue.
"No mean on Mama surprise day!" Astrea created a small bolt and struck Strife's foot.
"Ow! Why you little half breed brat! I'm going to make sure you are-"
"Haha! Being bested by the toddler yet again, Eris?"
Strife narrowed her eyes and turned her rage and annoyance to another.
"I don't find anything amusing about this half breed brat infiltrating Olympus, Eros."
"AIRO!" Astrea's eyes immediately turned back to normal as she flew to hug him. "AIRO!"
Eros was taken aback a bit. He felt the warmth of the purist love radiating from this small Demi-Goddess.
"Ah, Princess Astrea, your presence truly brings a much brighter light than your Uncle Apollo."
"I bet you wouldn't say that if he was here."
"I would and he would agree. Don't get peeved with me because you were bested by a toddler, Airi." Eros teased chuckling. "Is it getting to you that bad? First her mother and now her? You aren't your Mother's right hand as you wanted to be. You aren't your Father's favorite."
"Watch your tongue, Eros, before I cut it out."
"There will be no talk of violence in front of dear Astrea."
Strife narrowed her eyes. "I should lock the brat up with Hades."
"Eris!" She heard her Mother call in a rage. "Heed my words…" A flash of light and Hera suddenly appeared before them.
Astrea gasped "GRAN AIRA!" She happily teleported into her arms. "Gran Aira, it is Mama day!" She embraced her.
Hera sighed and smiled embracing her back. "Yes, it is." She then frowned looking up at Strife. "If you dare harm this child, the wrath of your punishment will be quite unpleasant, even for you, Goddess of Discord."
"But Mother, I-"
Hera narrowed her eyes.
"Yes, my Queen," Strife said sarcastically and bowed.
"Eros, if any news of any kind, I will be in the Garden," Hera informed.
"Yes, Hera," Eros bowed.
"Ready to visit the lovely garden, Little one?"
Astrea beamed at her and nodded.
"Bye Airo! Bye Meanie!" Astrea waved as she and Hera disappeared.
"Ugh!" Strife fumed.
"Ha!" Eros conjured an apple and bit it. "The Fates have spoken."
"Oh, shut up!"
Hera's Sacred Garden
The sun bathed the gardens in golden light, and the air was fragrant with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. The flowers bloomed eternally, their petals imbued with ancient power and were said to grant wishes, heal hearts, and bring solace to those who sought them.
The enchanting Garden of Olympus, is where Hera tends to her blooms, magical creatures flit and frolic among the petals. Nymphs danced in sun-dappled clearings. Sylphs, air spirits, flit around fragrant blossoms. Dryads, guardians of ancient trees, emerge from gnarled trunks. Pixies, tiny mischief-makers, riding dragonfly steeds. Centaurs, half-human, half-horse, roaming the garden's edges. A Griffin, a majestic creature with lion bodies and eagle wings, was perched atop of a tall stem. Its keen eyes watched over the garden to ward off any harm.
Astrea gasped. "So pretty, Gran Aira!"
"Yes, filled with such extraordinary life for you to learn about and enjoy!"
"Gran Aira! I draw picture for you!"
"You did? Where is it, young one?"
"Here!" Astrea giggled as her bracelets began to glow.
Just as her mother's were forged by the Amazons though magically gifted by Hephaestus to keep her weaponry stored, Astrea was gifted magical little bracelets that held her crayons and scrolls of art paper.
"Look! Gran Aira! It's you and you dance in the pretty flowers and the soon say cheese with a big smile!"
Hera's heart jumped. Never had she felt such pure joy.
A stray tear ran down her cheek.
Astrea looked at up her a frowned slightly. "Gran Aira sad?"
"Oh, no, young one," Hers smiled. "Tears of happiness. Thank you so much for my gift. I will treasure it."
"Yay!" Astrea happily embraced Hera again. "I love you, Gran Aira."
More tears ran down Hera's face. "And I you, my dear granddaughter."
"Gran Aira? Nany Lyta see the flowers, too?"
Hera sighed and gave her a slight smile as she caressed her cheek.
"I suppose. This seemed to be inevitable."
With a slight wave of her hand, a light flashed before their eyes. Astrea gasped and smiled seeing Hippolyta's silhouette.
"NANY LYTA!" Astrea teleported closer to the light.
"Oh by Gods…" Hippolyta said as the light began to fade and she had completely appeared. "Astrea?"
"Nany Lyta!" Astrea embraced her.
"Oh, my sweet little star!" Hippolyta melted as she embraced her granddaughter. "What are you up to? Where are we? Where is Diana?"
"Mama stay home with Daddy. Daddy has a surprise for Mama."
"Oh…I see. But what are we doing here? Where are we?"
"We stay with Gran Aira to get Mama a special flower."
Hippolyta frowned confused. "Gran Aira?"
"It is I, Queen Hippolyta."
Hippolyta looked up to see Hera. She gasped and her heart sunk to the pit of her stomach.
"Hera…" She quickly bowed to her.
"Arise, Queen Hippolyta."
Hippolyta took a deep breath. She could not look Hera in the eyes and immediately felt the weight of her guilt heavier than it ever had before.
A marble stone bench appeared.
"Apparently, young Astrea would like for us to have a conversation that's been avoided for quite a while. Have a seat."
Hippolyta nodded slightly. Her nerves were getting the better of her though she kept her strong composure.
The two gracious queens sat down on the bench with Astrea sitting in the middle of them. She looked up at them with her beautiful innocent smile.
"Can I go there?" Astrea asked pointing in the direction of the orchids.
"Yes," Hera nodded slightly.
"But be careful, little one. There is more to the beauty of nature as it has its dangers…" Here and Hippolyta said in unison.
They glanced at each other. Astrea smiled and hugged them both before happily flying off.
"The purist of hearts and souls. So innocent and beautiful." Hera sighed.
"She is. I hope that she remains as happy, pure and innocent as she becomes older. I hope that whatever trials of life awaits her, it will not taint her. I believed that when her young life was hanging in the balance, it was a curse. A curse for my sins. My sins are for only me to atone. My daughter and granddaughter should not suffer."
"Hippolyta, as I'm aware that Diana and Kal-El explained, it was not a curse or punishment. The child is a divinity of her own. The power she possesses is unbeknown to us all. However, we were able to help young Astrea level her power. Her heart and mind is strong. All she needed was a little guidance and now she is a free hummingbird."
Hippolyta laughed slightly. "Hummingbird. Yes."
There was an awkward moment of silence between them as they watch Astrea fly toward a majestic oak tree.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, dappling the ground. Astrea approached, drawn by an inexplicable pull. The bark bore intricate patterns, like ancient runes etched by time itself. As she touched the rough surface, warmth spread through her tiny fingertips. The tree stirred, awakening from centuries of slumber.
Astrea giggled. "Magi tree!"
"Yes, dear," they both smiled and said in unison again.
Hera glanced at Hippolyta and nodded slightly to herself.
"That child is just apart of me as you, Hippolyta. She and Diana are my legacy. Even more so than they are of Zeus."
Hippolyta frowned. "Apologies, I do not understand."
"You crafted a child of earth within the sands of Themyscira and prayed to us. I along side Aphrodite, Demeter, and Athena, gifted that child life protecting the sacred soul." Hera leaned back against the bench and crossed her legs and arms, sighing. "We were to gift you that child. Zeus…his tendency… had other plans."
"Hera, I was just…just as guilty," Hippolyta said in a low tone.
"He was persuasive with his charm. He knew your desire. Once he has his wandering eyes set, he will do any and everything to get what he wants. The Fates spoke of a future entity that's of its own divinity. That entity would be far more powerful than all of the Gods. The first of its kind, others would soon join. Old and new Gods' futures and legacies rests within the exists of this entity. Zeus selfishly wanted to ensure the protection of his own legacy. So, he entangled part of himself within the soul you were to birth."
Hippolyta looked at her with wide eyes surprised.
"What he felt for you was real even if it was partially of being selfish…." Hera paused for a moment and sighed. "What he still feels for you is real. What you still feel for him is apparent." Hera's eyes narrowed.
"I never…" Hippolyta tried to keep her voice steady though her heart began to race. "I never meant to cause you any hurt. To disgrace you. I hurt my own daughter to hide my transgressions. My priority was to protect her and my fellow Amazons."
"From me?" Hera questioned with a quirked brow.
Hippolyta remained silent.
A smile tugged on Hera's lips as she shook her head slightly.
"We are aligned, Queen Hippolyta. I, the Queen of Heavens. You, the Queen of Earth." Hera's fingers traced the intricate patterns on her own gown. "I have worn many crowns—both literal and metaphorical. My marriage to Zeus was one of necessity, a union of power. Yet, beneath the divine politics, there lies a thread of genuine affection."
Hippolyta leaned back, studying Hera's face. "You still love him," she stated, more as an observation than a question.
Hera's lips curved in a wistful smile. "Yes," she admitted. "Despite his infidelities, there are moments when Zeus reveals vulnerability. When he cradles our granddaughter, Astrea, in his arms, I see a softer side—the same side that once charmed me. He will continue to act upon his temptations with no regard to anything or anyone else. He is a selfish cowardly bastard. Though, in due time, he will have to answer to all his misdeeds. As of now, our focus is that our child remains as the bridge of the heavens and earth. Guiding her to be the bridge of the heavens, earth, other worlds and realms from beyond."
"I understand that she must learn but Hera, I do not want my...our granddaughter to be burdened and pressured by the responsibility of others at such a young age. Diana would not agree either."
"She will be ready. Quite honestly, she is ready now. There will be lessons of life young Astrea has to learn. She will fall but she will also rise to be stronger than ever before."
"Gran Aira! Nany Lyta! Let's see more garden!"
She teleported back to them grabbing their pointer fingers to pull them up. The two queens exchanged knowing glances as they stood up.
Astrea grinned and giggled as she flew off again.
"She has that same light in her eyes as her mother," Hippolyta mused.
"Her father, Kal-El…is quite a unique being from beyond the stars."
"Yes, he is."
"He honors Diana. I've been watching closely of their courtship. They fought many battles together. Their souls entwined, sharing so many sacrifices and grievances, yet so many joys and victories. That's why she chose him as her eternal mate."
"The union of Diana and Kal-El has broken quite a few barriers. I was once quite skeptical of him because I believed he would be just the same as any god or mortal man. Especially one that holds such power as he."
"Yes, that is understood. A man as he, with the power to rival Zeus." Hera's lips curved in a wry smile. "Power is both our boon and bane. As queens, we wield it, yet it binds us. Our resolve has been tested for centuries. Though the Kryptonians who birthed and sacrificed their lives for his and the mortals that raised Kal-El have such pure souls. It's quite a rarity among the mortals. A power of such cannot corrupt."
"It's a rarity among the Gods as well."
"Indeed."
Hera and Hippolyta fell silent for a moment, as they strolled side by side.
The path led them deeper into the garden, where the air shimmered with magic. Hera and Hippolyta stepped onto a bridge spanning a crystal-clear stream. Water nymphs darted beneath the surface, their laughter echoing.
"The water, fluid and ever-changing. Like our hearts."
Hippolyta leaned on the railing for a moment, watching the nymphs weave intricate patterns. "Like rivers, carving our paths through time."
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Hera gestured toward a rare orchid with petals like spun silk. "These garden holds so many secrets, Hippolyta. Each flower, each creature—they bear witness to our tangled lives."
Hippolyta looked at her intrigued. "I'm sure they'll are quite entertained."
"Ah! Pretty fishies!" Astrea gasped. She quickly grabbed Hera's hand pulling her to walk faster. "Gran Aira, I want to touch the fishies!"
"Slow down, young one. You must be calm."
"K!"
They reached the pond where iridescent koi swam lazily. Hera kneeled down and dipped her fingers into the water, watching ripples form.
Astrea kneeled beside her and looked up at her as if asking would it be okay to touch the koi. Hera smiled and took Astrea's hand.
"Always be gentle. Nature connects with you, young one."
As Astrea's tiny fingers glided against the scales of the koi. She beamed up at Hera.
"Nany Lyta, do too?"
Astrea and Hera looked up at her.
"Oh…yes," Hippolyta laughed and kneeled down next to Astrea.
The koi began to glow much to Astrea and Hippolyta's amazement.
"As I said, Hippolyta. We are aligned."
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Metropolis: Kent Residence
Clark stirred as the rays of the sun filtered through the curtains of their bedroom window. He blinked, momentarily disoriented, until he remembered the occasion: Astrea's secret surprise. His heart swelled with love for Diana, his wife, his partner in justice, and the mother of their precious daughter.
Quietly, Clark slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb Diana. He was mesmerized by her raven hair spilling across the pillow, and her soft serene expression. He tiptoed down to the kitchen, his super senses attuned to every creak of the floorboards.
In the cozy kitchen, Clark donned an apron—a gift from Diana herself—and set to work. He brewed a pot of rich coffee, its aroma filling the room. The sun climbed higher, casting warm hues on the ancient Greek tapestries adorning their walls. Clark hummed a tune, a lullaby Diana composed for Astrea, as he sliced ripe strawberries and arranged them in a heart-shaped pattern on a tray.
Next came the buttery croissants, flaky and golden, he and Astrea had prepared in the middle of the night. He spread raspberry jam on one and chocolate on another, remembering how Diana's eyes sparkled when she tasted the sweet hazelnut spread.
The pièce de résistance was the omelette, a culinary feat even for someone with superpowers. Clark whisked eggs and folded in sautéed spinach, feta cheese, and cherry tomatoes. As he flipped it expertly, he imagined Diana's laughter echoing in their kitchen.
With the tray, Clark returned to their bedroom. Diana still slept, her lashes casting delicate shadows on her cheeks. He set the tray on the bed, arranging the food like a masterpiece. The strawberries formed a crimson heart, and the omelette resembled a fluffy cloud. A single rose, plucked from their garden, completed the tableau.
"Good morning, Beautiful," Clark whispered, brushing Diana's forehead with a kiss. Her eyes fluttered open, and she blinked at the feast before her.
"Clark," she murmured, her voice husky with sleep.
He sat beside her. "Breakfast in bed," he said. "For the strongest woman I know, the one who has given me so much love and blessed me with a life I am utterly forever grateful."
Diana's smile melted his heart. She leaned over giving him a gentle kiss before she reached for a strawberry, savoring its sweetness. "You're spoiling me."
"Because you deserve it," Clark replied. "And because Astrea insisted we celebrate properly."
"Celebrate? It's not my birthday and Mother's Day was a few months ago."
"Mother's Day is everyday according to our ray of sunshine."
Diana smiled. "She's just so sweet. My baby. And where is she by the way?"
"She's with Hippolyta….and Hera."
Diana dropped a strawberry looking at him surprised.
"She's with who?! Mother and Hera…together?! Oh no!"
Diana was about to jump out of bed but Clark quickly grabbed her by her waist pulling her back against his chest.
"No, no. Hold on now, Di. Relax." He kissed her shoulder and laughed.
"Kal, this is no laughing matter. My mother and Hera should not be alone. Our child should not be in the middle of them."
"Di, it's fine. Our daughter wanted to spend time with them. She's just like her mother, you know. Always making amends between people and making situations better."
"Darling, she is two." Diana turned slightly with a raised brow.
"What is it?" Clark questioned.
"I'm just making sure you are really my Kal. He wouldn't be so calm."
Clark chuckled and captured her lips. "I trust our daughter. Yeah, she's two, but she is wise beyond her years. She understands so much already and she wanted to make today special for you, Hippolyta and Hera. Hippolyta won't let anything happen to her either."
Diana sighed and leaned against him, their fingers entwined. "I love our daughter so much. I can't believe we were blessed to have such a beautiful bundle of happiness. Thank you," she said. "For this, for everything."
"No need to thank me, Di. I'm the one that should be thanking you each and everyday."
"Oh, you do that quite well. That is why I've been sleeping in for most of the morning."
"Well you needed your rest. Our daughter and I have everything covered."
"My joys…" Diana kissed him softly again.
"Now, you enjoy your breakfast, while I enjoy mine," Clark smirked.
Diana tilted her head as she took a forkful of the omelette. "Mmhh…." She moaned. "This is so good! You have a plate of your own this time?"
"I sure do." He began laying butterfly kisses all over her abdomen.
Diana laughed as Clark ducked under the covers.
Back on Olympus, Hera's Garden
Hippolyta leaned against a marble statue of Artemis, her gaze fixed on the distant peaks. "We have endured. For love…for duty…and perhaps for the thrill of defiance."
"Defiance," Hera echoed. "We defy fate, even when it breaks our hearts. We bear crowns, but they also bear burdens."
Hippolyta's eyes softened as she turned her attention to Astrea who was watching the pixies. Hippolyta gazed at these wonders with wonder itself.
"Astrea sees an untainted world. How beautiful that is. Even at times when she questions things…or it's already been a few times she has experienced mortal harshness and mischief, she still sees such purity. It's quite undeserved that such a child is exposed to the world of man. They are unworthy. It's a selfish notion just as I had with Diana. Though it's inevitable, isn't it?"
Hera's laughter tinkled like wind chimes. "Ah, youth. She knows not the weight of crowns or the true ache of betrayal. She will revel in innocence unscathed by such things. All of our worlds are undeserving of such a child."
They continued their walk, passing by a tree laden with pomegranates. Hera plucked one, its ruby seeds glistening. "Zeus's favorite fruit," she mused. "It symbolizes fertility, beauty, eternal life, and abundance. Something he has taken advantage of."
"But it also symbolizes blood and death?"
"The circle of life. As Queens, we shape destinies. Our choices ripple through time."
As they neared the garden's heart, Astrea's eyes widened at the sight of a phoenix perched on a blooming jacaranda. Its fiery plumage danced in the breeze.
"Gran Aira," Astrea whispered grabbing her hand.
Hera knelt beside her. "You needn't be afraid."
"No scary, Gran Aira," Astrea smiled. "Big!"
"Yes, and there are many more as such. Remember this moment, Astrea. For one day, you will be the caretaker of this Garden. The creatures will look to you."
Astrea smiled wider and nodded.
Hera then led Astrea and Hippolyta through winding paths adorned with blossoms of every hue. Roses blushed crimson, lilies stood tall in their purity, and daffodils danced in the breeze. Each flower seemed to whisper secrets of love and resilience.
"My dear," Hera said, her voice as melodious as a harp, "you shall choose your flower to gift to your mother from here."
Astrea's eyes widened, mesmerized by the unique hues.
"So pretty, Gran Aira! Mama get all!"
Hera laughed. "I'm not surprised you want to give her all. But you can only choose something truly special for the now. Beauty lies not only in petals but in the stories they hold. Come, let me tell you."
They stopped by a bed of violets, their delicate purple faces turned toward the sun. "These violets," Hera began, "represent loyalty." Next, they reached a cluster of forget-me-nots. Their azure petals seemed to shimmer. "These...," Hera said, "...symbolize memories. Diana never forgets her duty as a mother, even when she faces adversity."
As they walked, Astrea listened intently. Hera and Hippolyta shared tales of Diana's resilience, her unwavering love, and her ability to find joy even in the darkest moments. The garden became a living tapestry of family history.
Finally, they arrived at a solitary mix of Gladiolus. Gladiolus, with its sword-like shape, symbolizes strength, integrity, and remembrance.
Astrea's eyes sparkled at the vibrant petals like flames frozen in time. Each bloom stood tall, proud, and defiant, just like her Mother.
As Astrea reached out to touch the velvety petals, she felt a surge of connection that made her smile.
"Be sure to take the root, young one. For when you are home, plant them in your garden and magic takes its course."
She nodded and with care, Astrea plucked the Gladiolus grabbing the root. The colors blending as she wove them together, creating a harmonious symbol of unity, just like her parents' love.
Hera and Hippolyta, observed, nodding approvingly.
Hera smiled, her eyes soft. "A perfect choice, my dear."
Hippolyta smiled as well imaging Diana's smile, radiant as the sun.
Astrea gasped excitedly. "Pretty for Mama!"
A flower pot appeared.
"Put them here. What I want you to do next is draw Gran Aira another beautiful illustration of today."
"K!" Astrea grinned, flying off to the nearest bench.
"Thank you for caring for Astrea as you do, Hera. She is very happy here."
"This is her home, Hippolyta. She is my legacy. No matter the…upheavals we've faced…I cannot fault you as I thought I could. As I wanted to. A centuries old lesson I was too stubborn to take heed. It took a child to show me the way."
"Even in our wiser decades, it does take a younger soul, mind, heart, and eyes to show us a way we are too stubborn to seek." Hippolyta took a deep breath. Thank you for your forgiveness…" She bowed.
Hera reached to cup her chin. "Arise, Queen Hippolyta. I meant what I said earlier. It's no need for that any longer. We are of equals." Hera smiled and clasped Hippolyta's hands. "We will protect our lineage together."
Hippolyta's eyes softened. "Agreed," she murmured.
Two queens, different yet kindred, shared legacy, hopes, and the weight of their intertwined fates.
"Gran Aira! Nany Lyta! All done with picture!"
Astrea had drawn Hera and Hippolyta sitting on a bench together laughing.
"You are quite the artist, my young star," Hippolyta said.
"So lovely," Hera agreed.
"Nany Lyta, we go home now for Mama surprise!"
"Oh, yes. The sun is beginning to set."
"Gran Aira, we come back! Mama and Daddy, too!"
Hera nodded slightly with a smile. Astrea's eyes lit up with excitement as she hugged Hera.
Hera waved her hand opening a portal.
"Until next time, Queen Hera," Hippolyta smiled.
"Until then, Queen Hippolyta," she smiled back.
Astrea took Hippolyta's hand but suddenly as they were about to stepped through the portal, Astrea turned back.
"Gran Aira!" she called flying back to her.
Hera frowned confused. "Something wrong, child?"
Astrea grinned, embracing her again. "I love you, Gran Aira," she whispered.
Hera gasped, heart skipping a beat and tears quickly welled up in her eyes. She embraced Astrea as tight as she could.
"And I you, my dear blossom."
Pulling back, Hera placed a gentle kiss on Astrea's forehead. A stray tear ran down her cheek.
Astrea smiled. "Happy cry!"
"Yes. Happy tears."
Astrea embraced her once more before teleporting to Hippolyta. She flew backwards waving as she and Hippolyta went through the portal.
Hera waved until she could no longer see Astrea.
She smiled looking down at Astrea's drawings for her.
"Thank you, dearest granddaughter."
Outskirts of Metropolis: Kent Residents
Astrea and Hippolyta stepped out of the portal to the backyard.
"Mama and Daddy at store! Daddy get everything Mama want!"
Hippolyta laughed. "As he should and as he has always done so."
"Nany Lyta, the flowers go there." Astrea pointed at corner area. "Night, moon have really bright light for Mama there. Flowers can light really really bright there too!"
Hippolyta nodded. "Well, let's hurry before they get here."
Metropolis Mall
Diana reached over to kiss Clark's cheek as they were walking out.
"Hm? What was that for?" He smirked.
"For being the incredible man you are. Everyday with you and our daughter is magical."
"I'm proud of that. Proud that I can be all the man you need me to be. Proud to be your husband and the father of our daughter."
"Let's hurry up and get home. For one, I need to see my baby. Two, you didn't see me in the last lingerie set I picked out."
"Wait, yeah…And why didn't you let me see?"
Diana laughed at his confused expression. "You would've forgotten where we were and caused a scene. I enjoy our public displays of affection but this is private only."
"Oh…Oh!" Clark gave her a devilish look. "I'm going to have to fix the bed again."
Diana smirked walking in front of him with a seductive sway in her hips.
"The skies are ours, too, Beloved."
Diana gasped suddenly feeling Kal's strong arms around her waist.
"Sure are," Kal said huskily holding her tighter in his arms as he took off up to the sky.
Kent Resident
"See, Nany Lyta! It's so pretty! The moon comes up now!"
As the moon rose, the Gladiolus began to glow and a heavenly melodic sound coming from them as well.
"Mama's song! The flowers know Mama's song!" Astrea giggled excited.
Hearing the front door chime, she gasped. "Mama! Daddy! Stay here, Nany Lyta. I go get Mama and Daddy for surprise!"
She hurried teleported inside to greet her parents.
"MAMA! DADDY!"
"Oh, my baby! How I've missed you so!" Diana cried taking Astrea into her arms hugging her tight.
"I miss you, Mama!" Astrea kissed her cheek then looked up at Clark and reached out to him. "Miss Daddy, too."
Clark kissed the top of her head and embraced them both.
"Missed, you, too, Princess."
"Mama, Nany Lyta wait outside for surprise!"
"You have a surprise for me, little love?"
Astrea grinned and nodded. "Come see! But cover eyes! Daddy cover Mama eyes!"
"On it!" Clark stepped behind Diana and covered her eyes.
"You two…" Diana laughed.
Astrea took Diana's hand pulling her to the back patio. She opened the door and giggled.
"Come on, Mama! See magi!" Astrea pulled Diana to stand in a specific spot. "Right here! Open eyes!"
Clark uncovered Diana's eyes.
"Oh, sweerheart, they are lovely!"
"Wait Mama, see magi!"
The gladiolus began to glow bright and the heavenly melodic sound louder as they began to grow larger.
"Oh…?" Hippolyta, Clark and Diana said in unison.
Astrea happy giggled and clapped. "Gran Aira, it did it! Gran Aira said the flowers grow big and tall and light so bright! I love Mama this much!" She stretched her tiny arms out wide. "Flowers grow big!"
Diana gasped as tears ran down her face. "Oh, my Little Love!" Diana hugged her. "I love you so, so much!"
"I love you, too, Mama! See the flowers sing our song too now. It hears here." Astrea placed her little hand over Diana's heart. "And here, too!" She placed her hand over her own heart.
"That's right, my Little Love. Our song is always in our hearts!" Diana kissed her cheek.
Clark noticed Hippolyta holding back her tears. He stepped over to her and placed his hand on her shoulder.
"It's okay for even the Queen to shed a tear or two. We won't tell."
Hippolyta turned to him and embraced him. "You are truly one of a kind, Kal-El."
"I try my best," Clark embraced her back.
"Daddy! We make pizza and fries!"
"Alright, Princess! Race ya to the kitchen! But no teleporting!"
Astrea grinned.
"Astrea…" he said with a quirked brow.
"K, Daddy! I still win!"
"Ha! Let's see about that."
Kal and Astrea raced back into the house.
Diana moved closer to Hippolyta taking her hand.
"Mother…"
Hippolyta smiled and caressed Diana's cheek.
"I love you so much, Diana and I am so proud of you being the woman that you have become."
"I love you, too, Mother. And thank you but I did learn from the best." Diana paused. "You and Hera had a pleasant conversation?"
"Yes, yes. We have quite an understanding."
"Understanding?" Diana's questioned.
"Family is quite…interesting for us. It can be our strength in ways we are not aware of. Even with the upheavals over the years, I questioned so many of the choices I've made and had so many regrets, but, because of you, Astrea and now Hera, I've been able to see clearly, reconciling certain things and forgive myself."
"We live, learn, and grow stronger. I'm so glad you are in a better place mind and heart."
Diana embraced her mother. Hippolyta held Diana as tight as she could and kissed the top of her head.
"No matter how old you are, Diana, you will always be my little moon and stars."
"I know. That will never ever change because I wouldn't want it any other way, Mother."
Mount Olympus
Hera smiled looking down into the scrying pool.
"Did you like the beautiful images our granddaughter drew for me? Such a talent. Such a sweet, beautiful, loving little soul. You see the pure joy and love they have? For so long it seemed to cease to exist. But here it is…alive and well as it should be. The amendment of Hippolyta and I as well has strengthened this union."
Hera turned around to see Zeus with rage in his eyes. She smiled deviously.
"I finally struck a nerve. That's more emotion you've shown me in quite a while."
"Hera-"
"And he speaks?" Hera looked at him pretending to be surprised. "Don't you dare look at me or try to talk to me in that way after all you have done. I warned you. You think I didn't know of how you would've betrayed me yet again? Hippolyta has a purpose beyond you. Diana is not just yet another bastard of yours. No longer shall we bend to your selfish whims. We will no longer fall victim to your lies. The legacy of us all rests within that child. She will not become a pawn for you!" Hera smirked and cupped his cheek. "My dear husband, how I love you so. Yet, you must remember…" she frowned and slapped him. "…as the mortals say, it's chess not checkers. The Queen is far more powerful than the King. So be very careful with your next move."
To Be Continued…