Themyscira Palace - That Evening
Diana and Donna stood behind and to the side of their Mother's throne. Around them, the royal guard spread themselves out. Each of them was decorated in golden chest guards and carried a large spear. Their red capes billowed out behind them and over their shoulders. Its color matching the color of their galea on their golden helmets
Their mother and themselves were also decorated in matching royal armor. Designating their status as the Queen and princesses respectively. But theirs was even more ornate. Interweaving silver metal and red cloth throughout. Diana and Donna had also chosen to forgo their helmets in favor of letting their hair down. Their mother, in turn, had opted for her golden helmet and an ornate cape made from the hide of a slain Nemean Lion. Its fur appears gold in the fading light of day.
A few of their fellow sisters scrambled around the throne room. Preparing the last of the decorations and dropping off hydria filled with water for the royal family.
All of this was set in motion by a runner bursting into the throne room. Telling them that the hunting party had returned and brought someone with them. When pressed, the only description the runner could give was that they wore strange, black armor and were very tall. But beyond that, they couldn't say anything more.
"What do you think, Diana?" Donna asked her across from her position.
Diana glanced over at Donna, her expression thoughtful as she considered the situation. "It is strange, sister. Besides the gods, we've never had a visitor to our island. It is surprising to have one now."
"I think calling them a visitor may be too kind, sister. Perhaps an interloper or trespasser if it is a man." Donna thought aloud.
"For now, we will treat them as a threat. Regardless of whether they are a man or woman." Hippolyta interrupted from her seat on the throne.
"Of course, mother!" Diana answered for the both of them. Sending a quick look towards Donna that conveyed the need to remain silent.
"I did not mean to scold you, daughters. I understand your excitement, but you must remember that we are alone and responsible for our people." Hippolyta explained with a slight sigh.
"Yes, mother." The two answered in unison.
After that the room descended into silence. The only sounds heard were the cracking of embers in the many torches and braziers that surrounded the room. Casting the room in a warm, yellow glow.
Eventually, Nubia and her hunting party started to appear one by one. Their group having finally made the long climb up the stairs to the palace and throne room. The dark skin woman marched forth. Her golden chest armor and blue battle dress flowing around her as a bit of wind caught it. Revealing more of her thigh. But Diana and the rest of the room's attention was elsewhere. Focused on the figure following in her wake.
Its head had just crested the edge of the stairs. Completely black besides a strip of gold which reflected a few of the falling sun's rays. Slowly, the rest of the figure came into view. Even from her position across the room, Diana could tell the figure was massive. At least a full head taller than any of the Amazons surrounding it. Even Nubia's head only reached the giant's shoulders.
She watched as the group slowly approached. Their footsteps loud against the marble floor of the palace. Yet strangely, Diana couldn't discern the giant's footsteps to that of her sisters'. Surely the figure had to be louder. It was massive! Yet, as they approached, all Diana heard were the familiar beats of her sister's sandals and greaves on stone.
Suddenly, the group paused about halfway between the throne and entrance. With Nubia spinning on her heel to talk up to the figure. While her hand motioned towards three of their sisters dressed in pink robes. Who rushed forward to heed the unspoken command.
For a few seconds, the giant just stared down at Nubia. Completely still as a statue, before one of its hands reached over its shoulder. Every movement slow, as the hunting party seemed to tense around it. From its back, a large, black object emerged. Diana could only describe it as some sort of staff. But it was far too short for that to be its function. She watched as the figure pressed some sort of button and a small click echoed throughout the room. It then pulled a small box from the back of the staff, before reaching forward for some type of lever. The giant pulled the lever back with a clunk and pulled something from the side of the staff. It then pressed whatever it had pulled from the staff into the small box. Which disappeared into a pouch on its chest, while the staff was handed to one of their sisters.
Next, the giant pulled another black and silver object from its thigh. Again, it thumbed some sort of button and a small rectangular box was dropped into its hand. It then pulled on the back of the object and grabbed another object from inside. Before pressing it into the rectangle and depositing the box into a different pouch. Another click was heard as the figure passed the object to the next sister in line.
The figure's left hand then reached down to the pouch on its left thigh. Which was quickly opened with another metallic click. From the pouch, two green balls were pulled out. Except, they had some sort of square sitting on top of them. Next came two purple balls, which were followed by two short sticks with rounded ends. All of these trinkets were passed to the same sister holding the strange second object.
Finally, the figure's right hand disappeared behind its back. Only to emerge again with some sort of angled blade. Which seemed to be coated in some sort of dark substance. Making the blade appear dark in the surrounding light. It passed this blade to the final sister, before reaching towards another handle on its armor. This time, the blade shined a brilliant silver in the light. But it was smaller than its earlier companion. Not that it mattered. It might have as well been a short sword in the figure's grip. The figure tossed the blade before catching it blade first between its thumb and two fingers. It then held the handle out to their sister. Who took it with a bit of hesitation.
With the last of what had to be its weapons taken, the figure looked back down at Nubia. Giving her a slight nod. The Amazon stared back for only a moment, before turning on her heel and resuming their march towards the throne.
As they approached, the huntresses began to slowly spread out. Each of them filled a small gap between one another as they neared the throne. When the party finally came to a stop in front of them, the huntresses had formed a small barrier between the entrance and the throne. If the figure noticed this, it didn't care. Instead, it stood with its arms at its slide, back ridged, and gaze locked on their queen.
"Your highness! We have returned with our findings from the smoke to the East!" Nubia explained as she saluted with a slight bow.
"I can see that." Hippolyta answered as her gaze wandered up and down the figure in front of her. "What manner of creature have you brought me, general?"
"It is a man, your grace." Nubia answered without hesitation.
"Really now?" Hippolyta asked as she leaned back slightly on her throne.
"Yes, your grace." Nubia answered once more. Before her eyes flicked to the figure beside her. She then leveled the most serious looking gaze Diana had ever seen from the woman on the queen.
"He also claims to be a Spartan, your grace."
With that, all the air was sucked from the room. A few of their sisters went pale, while others seemed to clench their weapons tighter. Hippolyta's face contorted into a slight scowl as she met the figure's gaze. Her eyes hiding immense hatred.
"Impossible, they had to have died out a few thousand years ago." Hippolyta said with a slight growl.
"It's what he claims, your grace." Nubia said as she turned away from her queen to monitor the giant in their midst.
Hippolyta glared at the Spartan. As if she could burn a hole straight through his head. "Remove your helmet and address me, Spartan!" She ordered with a slight growl.
"No." A deep, cold voice answered. Causing a few of their sisters to flinch in surprise.
With that, the tension in the room skyrocketed as the Spartan's refusal hung in the air. Diana could feel the collective unease among her fellow Amazons. Even Donna, usually composed, looked on with a mixture of curiosity and wariness.
Hippolyta's expression darkened further at the defiance, her jaw tensing as she leaned forward slightly on her throne. "You dare to refuse the Queen of the Amazons?"
The spartan just stood silently. As if he had been carved from stone.
Hippolyta then threw up her hand. A silent command to both her guard and the huntresses surrounding the room. All around them, the guards dropped into a slight crouch with their spears directed towards the Spartan. While the huntresses took a few steps back and leveled their arrows at his back. Even Nubia had her bow readied and raised.
"Do you still wish to defy the Queen of the Amazon?" Hippolyta asked with a bit of mirth.
Yet, despite everything going on around him, the Spartan didn't so much as flinch. His gaze locked on Hippolyta and stance unchanged.
"Alright! How about we all take a step back now!" A new, female voice rang out. Causing a few of their sisters to glance towards one another. Wondering who would interrupt their queen. Even Hippolyta had her gaze slide across the room. Wondering who had spoken out of turn.
The Spartan then moved. Causing everyone to raise their weapons higher as his right arm lifted with his palm open. Then, a collection of small, red stars began to gather on his palm. Only to burst forth a second later into a miniature red figure. Her clothing matching that of the gods. With a flowing robe and ornate metal work covering her small form.
"Greetings, your highness!" The figure spoke as it bowed slightly with its hands clenched in front of it. "My name is Phoebe!"
"What manner of sorcery is this?" Hippolyta thought aloud as she leaned forward once more.
"I'm not magic, your grace. I am the AI assigned to Spartan operator-096. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Phoebe answered.
"What is an AI?" Donna asked. Interrupting their mother and surprising even herself with the question.
"It stands for artificial intelligence." Phoebe explained easily.
"So you are a machine?" Hippolyta asked while shooting a quick look back at Donna. Who nodded in apology before returning the spectacle before them.
"In the most simplest of terms, yes! I was created to assist Spartan-096 in any and all missions or situations." Phoebe answered with a closed smile.
The tension in the room seemed to shift slightly at Phoebe's explanation. The Amazons exchanged wary glances, unsure of what to make of this new development.
Hippolyta leaned back in her throne, considering Phoebe's words carefully. "And what, pray tell, does your operator do that needs you…contraption?" she asked, her voice sharp with skepticism.
"Well…." Phoebe started before shooting a quick look back at her protector. Who seemed unphased. "Spartan-096 is a part of a highly trained special forces group. Charged with the protection of humanity and all her colonies. While I can't reveal any specific details about his missions, under UNSC law, I can say he is extremely well trained and experienced."
"How experienced?" Hippolyta immediately asked. Everything about this man screamed "war". It terrified her to think that the outside world was tearing itself apart.
"He, like the rest of his class, has been classified as a Hyper Lethal Vector." Phoebe answered.
"What does that mean?" Nubia snarled from her position beside the man.
"It means that he has the blood of thousands on his hands, Amazon!" A new male voice echoed throughout the room.
All around them, the guards spun. Looking for the source of the voice. Each calling out different areas of the throne room before turning to a bright source of light coalescing to the right of the throne. As a small pillar of fire erupted from the earth and a figure dressed in Greek armor strolled forth. His armor was onyx black and ringed in fine silver. A black cape flowed out from his back, and he wore a dark helmet with two large horns sticking out. Only his red eyes showed through the shadow of the helmet.
"Ares!" Hippolyta snarled as she stood from her throne.
"Peace, your grace. I've only come to admire the great specimen which has appeared in your lands." He said as he strode forward and down the stairs towards the Spartan. "Isn't that right, sister?" He finished with a chiding and mocking tone.
To the left of the throne, a circle of golden light began to build. Its globes spinning faster and faster around a central point as a woman faded into being. She was dressed in splendid, golden armor. Which covered her chest and stomach. She also wore a golden helmet with three galea. But beyond that, the blonde only wore a white skirt and sandals which wrapped up her legs.
"You know Zeus' law, Ares." The woman coldly stated as she landed.
"Lady Athena!" Hippolyta said in awe as she fell to one knee and bowed. With the rest of the Amazons quickly following suit around the Spartan.
"Yes! Yes! Wouldn't want to irritate dear old dad." Ares dismissed with a wave.
He slowly encroached upon the Spartan. His gaze wandered up and down Grim's form. While his eyes spoke to a deep hunger. He then began to slowly circle. Like a shark that had sensed blood in the water.
"Back away from the Spartan, Ares." Athena ordered. Drawing a loud laugh from the man.
"You sense it too! Don't you, dear sister?!" He laughed before continuing, "The blood. The tragedy. A fight against impossible odds, and yet they struggle onwards."
He then came to an abrupt stop in front of Grim. His eyes now showing amusement and eagerness over hunger.
"Which of your brothers and sisters are you?" He asked. "John?"
With that, Grim's entire body flinched. His attention entirely focused on the threat in front of him. No one. Absolutely, no one spoke their names without having first been welcomed into their circle. To do so was disrespect of the highest order.
"Nnnoooo." Ares purred. "You're not lucky enough to be him. Perhaps, maybe Fred or Jerome?... No, you're no leader." He chuckled. "You can't be Will or Jorge, both of them are considered….MIA."
"Ares! Enough!" Athena cried. Causing everyone in the room besides the AI and the Spartan to glance between the two gods. Not understanding why Ares was trying to guess the Spartan's identity. Ares just waved his sister away once more.
"I'm sure you know, that doesn't leave many options. After all…..your kind is little more than wind up soldiers to the UNSC." Ares taunted.
Grim clench his fists. Causing Phoebe's avatar to disappear as he took a step forward to glare at the god.
Ares just laughed in response. "Oh!... I like you, Spartan. Isolated from your brothers and sisters for over thirty years, yet you're still willing to fight for their honor. Even when they all think you're dead…. Besides one."
"What game are you playing, Ares?" Athena demanded as she strode towards the throne.
"Dear sister! I am offended that you think I would interrupt my enjoyment of man's fight to play mind games with you." He spouted as he turned with a dramatic hand pressed to his chest.
"We both know that is a lie, Ares." Athena pointed out as she stood next to Hippolyta with her arms crossed and glare directed towards her brother.
"Perhaps." Ares conceded with a hum as he took a step away from Grim. Now turning his attention to his sister. "But I just couldn't resist finally seeing one of the multiverse's greatest weapons first hand." As he threw an arm out towards Grim.
"You know men are not allowed on Themyscira." Athena said coldly.
Ares snorted. "Of course not! But this isn't a man! It's a weapon! Disguised in the flesh of man and created by man. But it is no longer a man. None of its siblings are."
The entire time, Grim was glaring at the god. A rare emotion taking hold in the back of his brain. Anger. White hot, anger. He flexed his hands slowly as he watched on.
"It matters not his origins or creation! He is a man! Pure and simple, and as such his trespass on this island means death!" Athena bellowed.
"Perhaps, but I wanted to offer something….different. Something that might be far more entertaining for us and beneficial to your precious Amazons." Ares offered.
Athena glared at her brother. The two of them locked in a silent contest of wills. But before long, she conceded to his gaze. Her curiosity winning out over her need to enforce Zeus' rules.
"What?" She spat.
"I propose a contest! You select three groups of combatants, and pit them against the Spartan. Within reason, of course. Should he succeed in besting your chosen combatants, you allow him to remain on the island and access to a few resource sites for his use." Ares laid out.
"And should he lose?" Athena asked.
"Well, then he would be dead and dear old dad appeased." Ares answered with a chuckle.
"What of his weapons?" Athena asked with a wave towards the three Amazons huddled together on the fringe of the throne room.
"Limit him to his armor and knives. After all, we want this to be sporting now." Ares answered with a shrug and sounding very pleased.
Athena turned her gaze to the Spartan. Her eyes narrowed as she thought through the proposal. He was a fascinating being. His thread spoke of nothing but pain and loneliness. Even if he had buried that part of himself so deep, not even he knew it resided in his chest.
"My lady! The Amazons stand ready to defend the island and your name." Hippolyta said as she kneeled. Interrupting the goddess' thoughts.
She turned her gaze to one of her most loyal followers. For centuries they have waited and trained. Using all manner of weapons and teachings to better themselves. Perhaps it was time for a challenge. If only to see how far they have come.
She then turned to address the room. "Very well! We shall hold the contest on the plains outside the walls of the city! So that your sisters may observe how far man has come outside your island! We shall begin the contest at dawn tomorrow! Spread word of its commencement!"
The entire room erupted into war cries and chants. The Amazons were excited by the prospect of learning how man now fought. All of them eager to see his fall. All except for four people in the throne room. Two of which could only stare towards the Spartan with a quizzical gaze. Thinking that they may have been tricked with this deal. Another was the Spartan himself. His gaze locked on Ares and trying to piece out his little game.
Finally, there was Ares himself. Within the shadow of his helmet, a wide smirk colored his face. Knowing that he had found his next great source of entertainment.