Chapter 11
Thanagar; September 5th, 18:29 EST
Shayera had hoped to avoid a confrontation with Kantar, but here he was pointing a blaster at them. Now, they were forced into a standoff she had been dreading. She honestly had no idea which way this was going to go, but she was leaning towards disaster. Complete and utter disaster.
"Kantar," Shay said with a nod, glancing back over her shoulder to see John and Erick standing off to the side.
She wished they were closer to her.
"I knew you'd come to Thanagar after Samara's death to investigate for yourself," Kantar stated.
His gaze roamed over the two Thanagarians that he knew all too well before laying his sights on the Green Lantern. His eyes were glowing as green as the ring on his fist. He knew Green Lanterns were powerful and dangerous. He wasn't about to take any chances.
"I had to find out the truth behind her death," Shay replied.
Kanta sighed heavily as he lowered his weapon. "Shayera, she died of a drug overdose," he told her. "She was a known drug abuser. She tried to go straight but she fell back in with the wrong crowd. End of story. I'm sorry she died, but you're looking for something that isn't there."
"That's not true!" Erick shouted indignantly, taking a step forward. "She was working hard to put her life back together. We were going to get married someday."
"Stay back, Erick," Kantar warned him. "I don't want to have to shoot you."
"Let's just all stay calm," Shay cautioned them, still holding her hands up in front of her.
"You know you're risking your life by being here, Shayera," Kantar reminded her with a disapproving frown. "You must know that you're wanted for treason against the people. If you're discovered here, you'll be immediately put to death. No trial. No hearing. No fight to prove your innocence."
John glared at his wife. He knew that it was bad, but she had downplayed the risks to her life by coming here. "Shayera!" he growled her name.
She took a deep breath, ignoring her husband as she focused on the problem at hand. "I know, but I couldn't live with myself if I didn't find out what had happened to Samara. I must know the truth, Kantar. I don't believe she just died from an overdose."
His frown deepened as he considered her words for a long moment, clearly torn between duty and friendship. He ultimately put his weapon away, choosing to listen to what she had to say instead of turning her in.
His frown morphed into a full-fledged scowl, although. "You put me in a difficult position, Shay. You know I could be put to death along with you for aiding you in any way. Even knowing you're here and not reporting it could cost me everything."
"It wasn't my intention to involve you in this," she softly said with an apologetic look. "I was trying to get the answers that I needed and get out of here without embroiling you in it."
Kantar grimaced as he folded his arms across his chest. "I knew it was you in the bar by the way."
"No, you didn't," she retorted with a roll of her green eyes.
"Yes, I did," he confirmed. "You still wear the same perfume you always wore. It gave you away."
John shook his head with a frown. They sounded like brother and sister arguing. "Well, this reunion has been fun and all, but I think we really should get out of here and to our hotel room. Being out here in the open is making me nervous. If you found us, someone else could discover we're here."
"This is my husband, John Stewart, also known as the Green Lantern of Earth," Shayera introduced. "John, this is my former partner, Kantar."
Each nodded skeptically at the other, sizing each other up but neither made a move to shake hands. John still wasn't certain that Kantar wasn't going to turn on them. Likewise, Kantar wasn't certain if the Green Lantern was going to try to obliterate him for discovering their presence here to protect his wife from a death sentence.
"All right," Kantar finally agreed. "Let's go to your hotel room and go over everything you've uncovered so far. Maybe we can put all the pieces together…but I still think she died of a drug overdose."
"How do we know you're not going to turn us in once you find out where we're staying?" John questioned him.
"If I was going to turn you in, I would've done it by now," he countered.
"We're wasting time here," Shayera cut in. "Let's go already."
Kantar stepped aside, allowing the three others to pass. John looked directly into his eyes as if trying to bore directly into his soul. Kantar stood his ground, refusing to back down or show weakness. He couldn't help wondering what he had just gotten himself into this time.
Tangling with Shayera was dangerous as it was but including a Green Lantern just made it all the more precarious.
Gotham; September 6th; 01:21 EST
"Well, we're down one now," The Riddler said. "What should we do?"
"Who is going to get her out of jail?" Scarecrow asked.
"Ivy wasn't that big of a factor anyway," The Penguin spouted, lighting his cigarette. "Let her rot in there. She deserves it for getting herself captured."
"Let's just hope she doesn't start talking," Scarecrow commented. "That's the last thing we need right now."
"I'm with Cobblepot," Two-Face responded. "We need to refocus our efforts on the Batclan and forget about Poison Ivy."
"We need to add more muscle to the group," Riddler decided. "Should we track down Bane?"
"I'm not dealing with that oaf," Penguin spat out. "He's unpredictable at best and he's huge. We'd never be able to keep control over him. He could go off on his own agenda and leave us in the lurch."
"He's right," Scarecrow decided. "So, what's our next step?"
Two-Face flipped his coin into the air, a smug smirk appearing on his face. "I have an idea that will not only turn this city on its head but wreak unbelievable havoc for the Batclan. They won't be able to handle what I have in mind. It'll put the final nail in all their coffins."
Scarecrow and The Penguin leaned forward in their seats, clearly intrigued by what Two-Face was about to tell them. The Riddler appeared wary at best, however. He twirled his cane, waiting to hear the plan before becoming overly excited about anything at this point.
Everything that they had tried so far had only provided minimal results at best. An injured or possibly dead Robin, and a possibly injured Batgirl and Red Robin. Nothing substantial from his point of view. He wanted much more. He wanted more bloodshed, not possibly or maybe unconfirmed results.
Two-Face noticed Riddler's skepticism. "I'm telling you this is the answer to all of our problems."
"I'll believe it when I see it," Riddler retorted.
"Sit on the sideline then," Scarecrow told him. "We'll prove to you this is going to work."
"I'll be waiting," Riddler told them.
"Don't be a fool, Riddler," Penguin snapped. "This is genius…pure genius."
Two-Face gave them all a gloating smirk. "I told you this is the answer."
Detroit; September 6th, 07:30 EST
Linda held a crying Bella as Wally zipped around the house. "Did you find him yet?" she yelled.
"Not yet…wait!" he called back after a couple of seconds. "No, just a big teddy bear."
Linda sighed wearily as she bounced Bella in her arms, doing her best to calm her down. Rex was missing and Bella was distraught, Wally using his super speed to check the house. Calling for Rex hadn't produced any response from the little boy, causing Wally's worry to spike.
Linda knew he had to be in the house somewhere. He'd eventually come out when he was hungry enough to reveal his presence. It was inevitable. In the meantime, she couldn't contain the growing panic that was building inside of her.
Bella laid her head on Linda's shoulder, her little arms wrapping around her neck as she sobbed. Linda patted her back, pacing the living room. "There, there, Bella," she attempted to soothe her. "Your mom and dad will be home soon, and Rex is just playing a joke on us…I hope."
Wally suddenly appeared in the living room with a crying Rex in his arms. "Found him," he proudly revealed.
"Where was he?" she asked.
"Hiding in a closet under a pile of clothes," he told him.
"Rex, honey, why did you hide from us?" Linda gently asked him.
"I want mommy and daddy," he wailed.
"Sorry, kid, you're stuck with us for a few more days so I'm afraid you're going to have to suck it up," Wally informed him.
"Wally!" Linda exclaimed. "They're upset enough without making it worse."
"We need to come up with a plan," Wally told her. "If they keep crying like this, I'll start crying."
Linda just shook her head in amusement. "I have an idea," she replied. "Do you guys want to go to the amusement park today?"
Rex sniffled as he rubbed his eyes with his fists. "Really?"
"Great idea!" Wally decided. "Yes, we can go to the amusement park, and go on all the rides. We can eat till we explode."
"That's the reason you want to go," Linda said with a laugh.
Rex laughed at Wally as he puffed out his cheeks, his little face red and streaked with tears. "I'll go," the little boy decided.
Linda pulled Bella away from her shoulder, wiping the tears from the toddler's face. "Do you want to go to the amusement park, Bella?"
Bella looked at her for a moment before looking over at her brother, noticing that he wasn't crying anymore. She sniffled before nodding her head in agreement. Linda set her down, relieved they'd found a way to calm the kids down.
She just hoped that Shayera and John would be coming home soon.
Underworld; September 6th, 07:47 EST
Jason felt as though they'd been walking for hours when in reality it hadn't been that long since they entered the palace. Hades' palace was massive and depressing, to say the least…not that he had expected it to be sunshine and rainbows. It certainly lived up to what he'd imagined it would look like, though.
To say it was creepy would have been an understatement. Everything was dark and rough, shadows everywhere he looked making him feel more than a little anxious. He kept his hand on his weapon, but he had a feeling it probably wouldn't do him the least bit of good in here.
This was Hades' realm. They weren't in Kansas anymore.
Artemis glanced at her husband out of the corner of her eye. She could practically feel the tension rolling off him. She could hardly blame him. They were about to come face to face with Diana's father, the god of the Underworld.
There was no telling which way this was going to go, but she hoped for the best. She had to admit she was more than a little relieved that Persephone was back. She felt bad for the goddess and her lot in life, but she knew she could count on her to be an ally.
Hopefully, she could help temper a typically venomous Hades.
Phillipus shared Jason's apprehension, her hand coming to rest on the hilt of her sword. She knew there was a good chance they may have to fight their way out of here if they hoped to survive this meeting with Hades. Optimism wasn't exactly her strong suit even if Persephone was home.
"I'd offer you some refreshments after your long journey, but we both know the consequences of eating anything from the Underworld," Persephone spoke as they entered a great hall.
"Thank you," Artemis kindly replied. "We still have plenty of supplies that we brought with us."
Persephone made her way to a servant standing by a pair of thrones, speaking softly to him. The servant immediately took off, leaving them alone. She gracefully took her seat on her throne next to her husband's, the diaphanous material of her dress flowing as if it were liquid.
"Please, tell me what brings you all here," she said. "What has happened to Diana?"
"Something has happened to Diana?"
A deep, booming voice filled the throne room as a tall man with black hair entered. Jason couldn't take his eyes off the intimidating presence of Hades himself. He was like a mountain, making Jason suddenly feel very small and inadequate to even face off against the giant of a god.
They were dead and there was no way around it if Hades decided not to let them leave.
"Lord Hades," Persephone greeted him. "Artemis and her friends have come to ask for help for Diana."
Hades scowled as he made his way to his throne, taking his seat next to his wife. "Why did you come to me? It's not like Diana and I have a close relationship as father and daughter."
"We're hoping that you might have some answers for us, Lord Hades," Artemis humbly appealed to him. "Someone placed a curse on Diana a few days after you and Queen Hippolyta created her."
"Ah…yes," Hades replied, rubbing his bearded chin. "I seem to remember something like that happening. Hippolyta wanted me to investigate the matter, but there was little I could do. I had other matters to deal with at that time. Besides, Hippolyta and I were no longer together."
"But Diana was your daughter," Phillipus boldly pressed him. "Didn't you care that someone had put a curse on your daughter?"
Hades shrugged lackadaisically, clearly unimpressed with the question. "Hippolyta had made it clear that Diana was her daughter and that I would not be involved in her life. She was never to learn that I was her father. I'm afraid I let that one slip."
"If you had involved yourself in her life after the curse was placed, Diana might not be in trouble like she is now," Phillipus snapped.
Hades was rapidly growing weary with the interrogation and accusations directed at him "What has happened to Diana?" he demanded with a growl.
Artemis placed a calming hand on Phillipus's forearm, silently wishing her to calm herself. "Diana fell into a deep coma four days ago," Artemis informed him. "No one can wake her. She's in complete stasis. We've been trying to find out who put this curse on her and how to break her free from it."
"Hmmm…" Hades hummed softly to himself as he considered this newest information. "What makes you think I know anything about it? It's not like I did it."
"Besides being her father, we hoped that you might have an idea about who could be behind it," Artemis continued. "Do you know of anyone at that time who might have wanted revenge on you, Hippolyta, or Diana to have caused them to put a magical curse on her?"
Hades exuded a laugh that was dark and insidious, causing an icy shiver to race up Jason's spine. He wasn't completely sure if this was going well or not. Hades hadn't struck them dead yet, so he supposed that was a good thing. At least he was open to listening to them.
"Revenge on me?" Hades repeated. "I'm afraid that list could be infinite."
"There must be someone who sticks out in your mind," Artemis continued to press him.
"To tell you the truth, no one but Hippolyta and I knew that Diana was mine," Hades revealed.
"I'm sure the gods knew," Phillipus commented.
Hades grinned. "I'm sure they did," he confirmed. "They make sure to know everyone else's business. That should narrow the list down some. It must be family that put the curse on my daughter."
It was Phillipus's turn to scowl. While it did eliminate some, Diana's family tree was extensive with branches that twisted and turned with both good and evil relatives. "Is there one of your family members that would have a particular interest in eliminating Diana?"
Hades held up his hand, causing Jason to hold his breath in anticipation of being struck dead where he stood. Instead, Hades began counting them off on his fingers one by one. "Ares, Hecate, Eris, Deimos and Phobos, Apate…or it could be someone that you wouldn't suspect at all."
"Like?" Artemis asked.
"Hera or Zeus," he said with an evil grin. "They may appear to be good, but they are anything but when it comes to furthering their purposes. They'll do whatever it takes to further their agenda."
"Hera is blocking our attempts to find out what happened to Diana," Artemis said to Phillipus and Jason.
"Do you think she could be behind all of this?" Jason questioned her.
"She is the protector of the Amazons," Phillipus pointed out. "All of what Diana has done and stood for has been the name of Hera and the Amazons."
Hades smirked something devious. "Hera is fickle and unpredictable at best," he reminded them with a wave of his hand. "Just because she claimed to protect the Amazons doesn't mean that she won't turn on them at any given moment if the circumstances were right."
"You are speaking of our goddess," Phillipus murmured, aghast by his accusations.
"And I'm speaking the truth whether you choose to accept it or not," Hades insisted. "It's up to you, but I would not be so hasty to rule her out. Besides, you came to my domain looking for answers. I'm giving them to you. I wouldn't discount anyone in the family tree."
Artemis bowed her head before slowly straightening. "Thank you for your time, Lord Hades," she said. "We humbly ask for your permission to leave so that we may continue our quest for answers."
"Leave," Hades ordered them as a sinister grin spread across his face, "and tell Hippolyta she still owes me."
Artemis's eyes narrowed with suspicion and confusion, uncertain about the meaning behind his words. Choosing rather to leave while on good terms with the god of the Underworld, she only nodded her head in agreement as the trio turned to leave.
"I'll help see you out," Persephone announced, standing to follow them.
"Don't be long, my queen," Hades said with a grin, capturing her hand in his and bringing it to his lips to kiss the back of it.
She nodded with a small smile, quickly exiting the throne room. They made their way in silence for several minutes before Phillipus finally spoke. "Do you think Hera could be behind this?"
"It is something to be considered," Persephone replied with a sigh. "I'm afraid that Hera cannot be trusted any more than the others."
"There aren't many in Diana's family that can be," Artemis added with a huff of agitation.
Persephone laughed lightly in response. "I'm afraid there's quite a bit of truth to that."
"Thank you for all your help," Artemis told her. "This mission has been quite successful."
"You think so?" Jason asked, wrinkling his nose in confusion. "We still don't know who is behind the curse or why?"
"No, but I feel that we might be on the right track for once," Artemis replied. "All roads are leading us to Olympus."
Mount Olympus; September 6th, 09:22 EST
Constantine whistled softly as he gazed at Mount Olympus, slowly shaking his head. "This is not going to be easy."
"Is it ever?" Zatanna asked him. "Come on. We need to hurry if we're going to save Diana."
Approaching the golden gates, they were greeted by The Horai. "What brings you to Mount Olympus?" One of the three questioned them.
"Yes, what makes you think you will be allowed entrance to see the gods?"
"You are quite arrogant to come here," the third taunted them. "Do you really think that you are qualified to pass through these gates?"
"We are here to find answers for Princess Diana, Champion of the Amazons," Zatanna confidently responded, chin raised in defiance.
"Ah, Wonder Woman," the second replied as her eyes widened with respect. "We know her. She is the Champion of the Amazons and Olympus."
"So, you'll let us in?" Constantine asked.
"No, no entrance allowed to Mount Olympus by mortals," the third relayed with a grin.
"We are far from mortals," Constantine snapped, taking a step forward. His head was pounding, and he was exhausted. They'd been working for days on this without a break. His patience was thin and growing even thinner by the second, and he needed a stiff drink.
"We are magic wielders," Zatanna informed them. "We are sent on this mission by Diana's father, Hades. You better let us in if you don't want trouble."
"Hades," the three Horai almost shrank back with the mention of the god's name. "Please, come inside."
"That's better," Zee said with a nod as the gates opened to allow them entrance.
Constantine leaned in close to whisper in her ear, "Nice work".
Zee turned to smile at him. "I had to come up with something. We're running out of time."
"Well, where do you think we should start?" he asked, looking around. "This place is massive. There's no telling where to start or with whom."
"Hey, guys!" Hermes called as he flew towards them. "Are you here to find out something about Diana's curse?"
"Yeah," John confirmed. "Any idea about where to start?"
"I'd love to help you, but Hera put a gag order on me," Hermes revealed with a harumph. "She's been watching this one closely. Everyone has been ordered to not speak about it."
"I wonder why," Zee murmured more to herself.
"Great," Constantine huffed in annoyance. "So, we came all this way for absolutely nothing."
"Maybe not," Hermes intimated, using his eyes to direct them towards a goddess that they saw in the distance.
"Do you think we might get something from her?" Zee asked as her eyes followed the goddess.
"I'd try if I were you," he said. "I hope you get the answers soon. Diana is the best in the whole family. She inspires hope."
"We'll do our best to save her," Zee reassured him.
Turning, Zatanna and Constantine made their way toward the goddess who had sat down on a bench under the shade of a tree, a book in her hand. "Is that who I think it is?" Constantine whispered.
"Yep," Zee confirmed.
"Lady Aphrodite," Zee called as they approached, taken aback by her beauty. It almost hurt her eyes "May we have a word with you please?"
Aphrodite looked up with a polite smile, setting her book down in her lap. "What can I do for you?"
"We are here on Diana's behalf," Zee ventured.
"Ah, yes," she said with a note of sadness in her voice. "I'm afraid I have done all I can do to help her by protecting her baby girl."
"Is there anything at all you can tell us about this curse? Point us in the right direction?" Zee inquired. "We're desperately searching for answers to save her. Every magical spell that we have tried has failed."
Aphrodite sighed as she gazed down at the book in her hands. "We're not allowed to speak of it, but I will tell you that you're looking in the right place."
"We are?" Constantine exclaimed in shock.
"There are not many in the family that can be trusted," she ventured. "Some appear to be trustworthy and benevolent but are far from it. Some greet you with a smile only to stab you in the back as soon as you turn on your heel."
"We are grateful for your time in talking to us," Zee kindly replied. "We know you are in a difficult position, but we appreciate all that you've done for Diana and her daughter."
"It's the least I can do for her," Aphrodite confided in them. "She is the embodiment of love. It's evident in her mission as Wonder Woman. By saving Diana, you're saving the world."
"We're doing our best," Constantine promised her.
"Please, do not let Bruce come here under any circumstances," Aphrodite warned them. "I'm afraid that it'll only lead to his death."
Zatanna almost shivered with the warning. "That's what I feared," she replied. "I won't let him leave Gotham until this is resolved."
"Good idea," she said with a small smile. "I'm afraid his temper would not sit well with Zeus."
"Thank you for the warning," Zee told her with a nod before walking away.
"Well, at least we know it's someone in the family tree," John said.
"Yes, but the tree is massive," she agreed. "How are we going to be able to narrow it down?"
Zee shook her head, feeling overwhelmed by the prospect. "I have no idea."
Belize City, Belize; September 6th, 11:02 EST
Wonder Woman and Batman appeared on the scene, ready to do battle with Devastation. They had been anxiously awaiting her next appearance and she had arrived in Belize in a big way. She had created an enormous tsunami that was threatening to completely wipe out the entire city.
Martian Manhunter had arrived just before them, turning himself into a massive serpent. He slithered around her as she hovered in the air above the water, his tongue snapping like a whip at her. He had her perplexed for a moment, but that moment didn't last long as Devastation attempted to drown him with the tsunami she had created.
J'onn disappeared beneath the water, Wonder Woman immediately flying into action. She flew into the water, retrieving the Martian Manhunter before emerging and gently laying him down on the beach next to Batman.
"I think he'll be all right," Donna told Batman.
"Get her talking," Batman instructed her. "We need as much information from her as possible."
"I plan on it," Donna replied with a darkening glower that even gave Batman pause. He'd seen a similar look on his wife's face.
Batman knelt by J'onn, his gauntleted hand slipping behind his head to help him sit up. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, I will be," J'onn breathlessly replied, his hand going to his forehead. "I just need a minute."
Looking up into the sky, he hoped Donna had a minute. Even though Donna was a lot like Diana and equal in many ways, she still wasn't Wonder Woman. He just hoped that Devastation didn't figure that point out any time soon.
"You've been looking for me?" Donna said as she flew around Devastation, trying to keep the teen disoriented and off her game.
"Finally!" Devastation exclaimed with glee. "I've been waiting for this moment my whole life. Are you prepared to meet your demise today, Amazon?"
"Not if I can help it," she shot back, pausing to deliver a bone-shattering punch to Devastation's jaw.
Donna watched with great satisfaction as Deva flew several football fields through the air, landing in the water. She had to admit that felt good as she clenched and unclenched her fist. She couldn't wait to put a beat down on the teen who was dead set on eliminating her sister.
Devastation soared up out of the water like a phoenix emerging from a fire, her eyes dark with murderous intent. "I can't wait to tear your head off!"
Donna didn't move an inch as Devastation flew directly at her, refusing to back down from the delusional teen. All of a sudden, Deva changed her appearance to look exactly like Wonder Woman. Donna was taken aback by the change in her appearance but refused to allow it to mess with her mind.
"Bring it on!" Donna taunted her.
Deva flew directly into Donna, the Amazon quickly grabbing hold of her wrists. They began to wrestle against each other, each trying to get the upper hand as they hovered in the air above the water. They twisted and turned, respectively attempting to overpower the other.
"Damn," Batman muttered under his breath. "Which one is our Wonder Woman?"
J'onn's eyes began to glow as he scanned their minds. "That one on the right is Donna."
They began to tumble over each other, making it difficult to tell which one was Donna and which was Devastation. Donna's muscles began to burn as she fought to keep Deva at bay, her mind racing with a way to get the upper hand on her.
The Martian Manhunter immediately took to the air, flying at the tussling pair to help out. He grabbed Deva's shoulders, prying her away from Donna. It forced Deva to release her hold on her and back to her usual appearance, further infuriating her.
J'onn wrapped his body around her in an attempt to contain her only for her easily break free from him. "You can't stop me!" she angrily shouted.
Deva focused her attention on Wonder Woman, invading her mind. She sneered as she learned the truth. "You are an imposter!" she spat out.
"I am Wonder Woman," Donna insisted. "You wanted me here. Now, fight me."
Deva's sneer only grew more venomous. "You may be Wonder Woman's sister, but you are not Wonder Woman! I came for the real Wonder Woman, and I will face her. Her life belongs to me!"
"I am Wonder Woman," Donna stated, flying at her as she threw the golden lasso around Deva.
"You only think you are," Deva snapped.
"Why does Cronus want Diana dead?" Donna demands to know.
"He hates her…he hates the Amazons," Deva confessed. "He knows that Diana will continue to interfere with his plans, and he wants her gone forever."
"Did he put a curse on Diana?"
Deva struggled against the lasso, her face creasing with confusion. "What curse?" she asked. "I'm the only curse that my father Cronus has brought down on the Amazon."
With that, Devastation disappeared, the lasso hanging limply from Donna's hands. She sighed heavily as she flew down to stand beside J'onn and Batman. "I'm sorry," she said. "She read my mind and figured out I wasn't Diana."
"It's not your fault, Donna," Batman assured her. "We didn't know the extent of her abilities, but now we know."
"And we also know that Cronus is not behind the curse placed on Diana," J'onn added.
"That's great, but who is?" Donna asked, feeling as though they were no further ahead than they were before.
A/N: Hmmm...are we getting closer to the answers?
UP NEXT: Diana struggles to uncover what is going on. Can Shayera and John trust Kantar? Batman visits Poison Ivy looking for answers. :)