VANGUARD
by Gunman

Disclaimer: I do not own Evangelion, Wonder Woman, or any of the DC characters.

Summery: Shinji meets Artemis as another figure manipulates things from the shadows.

Devilboy101 gave suggestions for this chapter.

StraightedgeWingZero did a majority of this chapter, so thanks to him.

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Chapter 3
Return of Artemis

(Five Years Later)

A few years had passed since Shinji was teleported to Themyscira. Since then he grew well adjusted into living life as the prince of the amazons. While it took sometime but the amazons grew to accept their prince as both a male and their queens adopted son, Shinji had befriended a great many of them slowly earning their respect in the process.

Though there were still some of the more war-hardened male-hating amazons were still against the boys presence on the island despite the fact Athena herself made it so, but never voiced their objections out of fear of their goddesses and their queens wrath. So they kept to themselves for the most part. As for Diana, she took to having an adopted brother quite well mostly because of her being around the male members of the Justice League. She and her mother both trained him rigorously to control his god-like strength, and made sure he was well educated in amazonian culture.

His daily regime consisted of vigorous exercises. 500 push-ups, 500 sit-ups, 500 leg crunches, 10 kilometer run around the island, heavy lifting of several giant stone statues that even three or four amazons couldn't lift, an hour of meditation, and then there was weapons training.

His education included the history of Themyscira, the legends of the Greek Gods, who they were and what they could do, and the various monsters and creatures that once existed, created by the Gods and the Titans, and those that still remained in hiding. Hippolyta, however, didn't mention to Shinji the real reason that men were originally not allowed on their island. Mostly to keep his curiosity at bay. Though she was sure he wouldn't try to open the Gate in the Necropolis if he knew about it.

In all that time Diana grew to have feelings for Shinji albeit unnatural feelings but kept them hidden to an extent. So now Shinji, who was 19 years old, yet looked to be no older than 21, was in the library looking for another book from the back shelves while Alexa was at the table reading up on old Greek history. Alexa liked Shinji since he was nothing like the arrogant and violent males she had heard about. And he liked to read, like she did.

All was peaceful, until...

"Alexa!" cried a brown haired amazon named Makala as she rushed into the library.

"What is it?" Alexa asked looking up from her book.

"Our sister Artemis has returned!" she said causing Alexia's eyes to widened.

"Artemis has returned?" Alexa repeated.

"Yes. Our lookout has spotted her ship pulling into port only moments ago." she said. "Everyone is convening to greet her."

Just then, Shinji came back to the table from the other side of the library, carrying several books, and just heard what Makala had said. Makala hastily bowed in his presence, not realizing he was there.

"Who is Artemis?" Shinji asked, not having heard of that particular amazon.

Both Amazons looked at each other uncertainly as to what to tell him. They both knew Artemis was without-a-doubt one of the strongest and fiercest amazons on Themyscira. Her reputation was well known, as well her hatred of men was without conviction. Finally after sometime Alexa spoke up.

"Artemis, is one the fiercest amazonian warriors on Themyscira. Her skill is said to rival that of our Queen and princess." said Alexa.

"And she has an extreme hatred for males much like some of our more war-hardened sister. Meaning she'll kill you on sight the first chance she gets." Makala added.

She sounds ten times worse than Asuka. Shinji thought.

"For now it maybe best that you stay hidden, my prince, until the Queen can explain the situation to her." said Makala with Alexa nodding in agreement.

"Agreed, regardless of how strong she is, Artemis would never go against the queen or the princess." said Alexa. "Maybe."

"Alright I'll remain in here until my mother calls for me." Shinji conceded.

"Good, the last thing we need is to incur the wrath of Athena because of Artemis's temper." said Alexa

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(Outside, Themyscira's port)

A tall amazon with long red hair tied in a ponytail wearing a full-on red bodysuit with pieces of armor on her shins, shoulders and forearms with her large sword strapped to her left hip casually steps off the large, sea-worn ship. Her name is Artemis, one of the strongest and most feared amazons of Themyscira. She served as Hippolyta's commanding officer during times of war. At the behest of her Queen she traveled the world to broaden her horizons and see the world. Now she has returned with stories to tell and with a renewed sense of purpose.

"Welcome home, Artemis." greeted Queen Hippolyta with a group of her guard with her also wanting to welcome her back.

"Thank you, my Queen, I have missed you and my sisters." Artemis replied bowing.

"A great many events have occurred while you were away." said Hippolyta.

"I heard of the battle that took place here in my absence. the redhead said.

"You did?" Hippolyta asked curiously.

"Yes. I overheard a group of Hercules men talking at a tavern one night. My only regret is that I wasn't here to defend the island and my sisters." Artemis explained.

"Worry not. Athena sent us some rather... unexpected aid during Hercules's unwarranted attack." Hippolyta said.

"What kind of aid?" she asked.

"I'll explain later. Come, your fellow amazons will want to celebrate your safe return home." Hippolyta said motioning her to follow

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(In the city square)

Amazons all alike cheered the return of one their own. Artemis reveled in their cheers by raising her sword in triumph. But in the back of her mind she couldn't help but feel something was a miss. She had heard about the attack from Hercules, and she presumed that her sisters emerged victorious by the grace of Athena herself. Yet the Queen had mentioned some unexpected aid. What aid could have turned the tide of battle so effectively?

As she kept walking she spotted the princess up head with a wide smile welcoming her home.

"Welcome home, Artemis." Diana said.

"Thank you, my princess. It is good to be home. I have many stories to tell." Artemis said.

"As do we, please accompany us to the dining hall, we have much to discuss." Diana said.

Artemis nodded and complied.

"During my travels on the seas, I witnessed the king of Atlantis, fighting off a several monstrous creatures from another realm." Artemis spoke causing her princess's eyes to widened in surprise. "He was able to banish these creature from our world, but it somehow caused his entire city to sink into the ocean."

"That would be King Poseidon, a sorcerer king. An ally of mine from the future said that he stopped the invasion of extra-dimensional beings, but the energy he used to create his mystical trident to banish those monsters, caused Atlantis to sink deep into the ocean." Diana answered. "This must be what you witnessed."

"I still find it difficult to believe you associate yourself with powered men, princess." she said.

Artemis knew of Diana being from the future, though did not question why she was here, was curious as to her association with certain males.

"Artemis, during my time among them, I've come to understand that not all men are evil, least of all the ones I've fought beside. Like Superman, Batman, The Flash, and others." Diana replied. "That is not to say that there are not evil men in the world. Men such as Lex Luthor and The Joker can be classified as such."

"I see." she said, still not completely convinced.

"Not only that but I've also learned..." the princess trailed off.

She found herself thinking the of abuse her adopted brother went through at the hands of those women from his world. It was another reminder that even women are corruptible, not just men.

"Princess?" Artemis asked.

"It's nothing, we'll talk about it later." Diana said.

"Very well." Artemis said not pushing the issue

The two made their way to the dining hall, where a large feast was being held in honor of Artemis's return to Themyscira. The doors opened to an elegant hall, where the amazonian warriors where gathered at the long table with the Queen at the head of table. Diana took her place right next to her mother, as Artemis was conversing with her sisters

"Mother, I've been meaning to ask." Diana started to say.

"I know, my sun and stars. Artemis has yet to learn of Shinji's occupation and status here on Themyscira." Hippolyta said.

"I fear for his safety, I don't want him to suffer at the hands of an abusive woman again, or a violent woman like Artemis."

"And he won't. We'll make sure of it."

The food was brought in and they amazons took their places with Artemis taking her place at the end of table. Hippolyta tapped her glass to get everyone's attention.

"My fellow Amazons, we are gathered here this evening to give praise and to celebrate the safe return of one of our strongest warriors Artemis!" Hippolyta declared the amazons cheered.

"Thank you my Queen, thank you my sisters and above all thank Hera and Athena. It is good to be home." Artemis stated standing up.

They all raised their glasses toasting to Artemis. They all began eating and talking.

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(Ten minutes later)

The celebration of Artemis return continued on peacefully much to the relief of the queen and princess. Artemis was entertaining them all with wild stories from her time in the outside world. Ranging from the vast lands she explored, to the battles she fought. Even alongside certain heroes Diana was familiar with. It wasn't until one peculiar amazon with purple hair spoke up.

"You've gone through many situations during your time away sister, then again we've had our fair share too of unusual situations as well." said the amazon.

"I know of the attack made by the son of Zeus, He was fortunate that I was not here to partake in the battle, I would have made him pay for it, God or not." replied the red haired amazon "It's good to see you have triumphed in my absence."

"Yes, if weren't for Athena sending that male we-" the amazon stopped when everyone including the Queen and princess looked at her in shock

"What?! A male here on Themyscira?!" Artemis gasped in shock.

"You didn't know? Our Queen didn't tell you yet, of the boy living here."

Diana just sighed, this was not they way Artemis was supposed to find out. She was now certain of Artemis's violent reaction coming to bear.

"My Queen what does she mean?!" Artemis asked, her anger now surging.

Hippolyta took a deep breath and replied.

"I had hoped to discuss this with you in private. But it seems it was not meant to be. Yes, there is a male living here on Themyscira, a boy." Hippolyta answered causing Artemis to shake in anger

"How could you let a male reside here my Queen?! You know our laws regarding outsiders!" exclaimed the irate amazonian.

"It was decreed by Athena herself. She sent him to aid us when Hercules attacked us. Then by my own violation and the council's approval I made him my son, your prince. He was the one who soundly defeated Hercules."

Artemis just stared at her in shock at this revelation. Her face contorted in anger.

"I am sorry my Queen, but I refuse to except this!"

Before Hippolyta could get a word in Artemis stormed out.

"That could have gone better." Diana said

While this was going no one noticed the purple haired amazon slipping out giggling.

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(With Shinji)

It was nightfall when Shinji stepped out onto the beach head for fresh air. He had been cooped up in the library for too long at the behest of Alexa and Makala. While he hoped that his new mother and sister had told Artemis about his existence, something told him to expect the worst. With just what Alexa and Makala had told him about Artemis he suspected she wouldn't be as welcoming or understanding as the others.

His thoughts were halted when an arrow whizzed right past his face. Turning around he saw it was Artemis, armed with her sword and a bow and arrow in her hands. She was giving him a look that would put Gendo to shame.

"You're the male who defeated Hercules? You're nothing more than a little boy." Artemis sneered.

"You must be Artemis." Shinji said. "I was told about all about you."

"You know who I am, that is good. I always want my opponents to know who it is that slays them!" she replied drawing her sword.

"Please, let me explain!"

"Silence, boy! I will not hear any of your lies! I don't know how bewitched the Queen into staying here, I will not allow it! For your trespassing you must die!"

With great speed Artemis charged at Shinji. Shinji himself ducked Artemis's wild swing, another and another. While this was going on a shapely purple haired woman with blue eyes, wearing a short green and gold dress was watching from a distance, smiling at the scene that was playing out. She waited a little longer before stepping in.

Meanwhile Artemis manage to land a cut on Shinji's torso and blood started to seep out, his eyes widened at the sight of it, as he felt something take over from within. The irate amazonian swung her sword down with intent of killing the male in front of her...

...only to have his hand catch her wrist, which shocked her.

What is this? she gasped as Shinji stood up, pushing her back as if she were a mere baby.

His eyes were glowing a bright yellow, almost turning red. He suddenly shook his head, releasing Artemis's wrist as he grabbed the sides of his head, his breathing deep and ragged.

"No. No, I won't!" he said, trying to catch his breath.

Artemis raised her sword again. "I don't know what trickery this is, but I won't allow you to..."

Punch!

The surprise punch knocked her to the ground, and she turned to see Diana standing over her.

"Enough Artemis! I will allow no harm to befall my brother!" exclaimed the princess standing protectively in front of Shinji, who still looked haggard and lost.

"Princess, you cannot be serious!" Artemis shouted

"I am! By killing Shinji you will bring Athena's wrath upon us all!" she declared.

Before Artemis can respond, Hippolyta arrived with a contingent of her guards.

"Escort Artemis to my throne room, we have much to discuss." Hippolyta said.

The queen's guard complied with the order and helped the red-haired amazon to her feet, and escorted her away. But not before the redhead gave Shinji a 'this isn't over' glare.

"Are you alright Shinji?" Diana asked with concern noticing the large gash on his chest.

"I'm fine Diana, thank you." Shinji simply answered, his hand over his wound.

"I'll get you to the healer." she said.

Shinji said nothing but merely nodded. As the two departed they didn't know they were being watched by a woman with purple hair.

"Missed my chance. But no matter. Enjoy him while you can, Diana. For soon that boy will be mine." she spoke before vanishing.

End chapter

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Authors Notes:

It's been a while since I've been able to update any of these stories. But here it is and I hope everyone enjoys it.

Sorry it's not as long as you might have wanted. But there are more chapters to come, but I've got a lot of stories to update, so please be patient.

Again thanks to StraightedgeWingZero and Devilboy101 for their help on this.