Chapter Twelve

Clark waited at the side of Diana for her to regain consciousness. Several times Hippolyta came by along with Philippus and Artemis to check up on her and they were met by his presence. Hippolyta hadn't given permission to Superman to stay, but she found herself unable to request him to leave. She had seen him in battle, which caused her to not want to anger him. Not only did he take Ares on and defeat him but he returned from the Underworld and she had the feeling Hades had no say in his leaving.

This time Queen Hippolyta came by to see her daughter with only Mala by her side. As they entered Diana's room, they saw Superman standing by the widow soaking in the sunshine. He looked like a statue with his face raised to the sun. Clark heard them enter but he didn't turn around.

"Hello your majesty and Mala, it is good to see you this afternoon," he said.

Hippolyta was surprised that he knew who had entered. His abilities she found unsettling.

"How did you know it was Mala and I?" she asked.

"I recognized your heartbeats," he said. "Super hearing."

"I see," said Hippolyta.

This man scared her. He was greater in strength than Heracles, maybe even had the power of a god from Olympus. She shook off her fear of him and walked over to check on her daughter.

The bruises were gone and the cut were healed. She was looking much better, though she still hadn't awakened. Epione told them that it was only a matter of time until Diana woke up.

"She is looking much better," Hippolyta spoke her thoughts aloud.

"I believe that she should wake up soon. Her heart and breathing is getting stronger," said Clark, who finally turned around to look at Diana.

"Ares cannot be punished enough for his actions against us and Diana," stated Hippolyta.

"Ares is lucky he survived our encountered," Clark said more to himself than to her.

Hippolyta looked over at Clark. A shiver went down her spine. This man could have killed the god of war because he touched Diana.

"You would kill a god for her?" she asked.

"I would," he answered.

"What will happen when she awakens?" she asked. "Hera is no longer a threat to you and my daughter."

"I will leave here and not come back unless invited," he stated. "I am not a fool, your majesty. I know I am unwelcome here. I am staying because Diana will expect to see me when she awakens. After that I will leave."

"I have my permission to stay until she awakens," said Hippolyta.

"Thank you," he replied.

"I shall leave you for now," said Hippolyta, "but I shall return later to check on Diana. We have a great deal to do, including bringing down the Hera's temple and replacing it with a temple for Zeus, as our new patron and benefactor."

"If you need help destroying Hera's temple, please, let me know," he said with a smile.

Hippolyta laughed, "I shall."

Ceremony of Innocence

Kara was waiting outside of the diner in Smallville. She had made a date with Hal, who reluctantly agreed to it. He said that he'd meet her outside of the diner at six then they would be able to eat and see a movie. It was now ten past six and she was starting to think that she had been stood up.

"Hi, hot stuff," said a young man in a NASCAR hat, jeans, and work shirt.

He stopped and smiled at Kara. She was dressed in jeans, a white tee shirt, and black leather jacket. Her hair was pulled back and she wore glasses and no makeup. She was trying to be more Kara Kent than Kara Zor-El.

"I'm waiting for someone," she said.

"Looks like he stood you up, which means he's an idiot."

"I'm not looking for a replacement, even if someone stood me up," she said.

"But someone as pretty as you can't have dinner alone. Why don't I just sit with you?"

"Why don't you just leave and I'll take care of her," a familiar voice said behind her.

Kara turned and saw Hal Jordan standing there. He was wearing aviator dark glasses, bomber's jacket, a chambray shirt, and cargo pants looking like the pilot he used to be. Kara offered him a big smile.

"Hi, Hal," she said.

"Kara."

"Hey," the young man started to speak, but Hal silenced him with a decent glare. "I should go."

The young man walked away.

"Nice glare. You have Bruce teach you that one," she teased him.

"If I had Bruce's glare then he would have run away," he chuckled.

"Are you hungry?" Kara asked him.

"Starved," he smiled. "Let's eat."

She started walking towards the diner's door then she stopped and faced Hal.

"This is a date, isn't it?" she asked him.

"Yes, this is a date," he smiled.

"Good," she returned the smile.

"Can you just do me one favor?" he asked her.

"What, Hal?"

"When Clark finds out that I'm dating you, please, tell him I've acting like a perfect gentleman," he said with a smile.

"Hal," Kara said then moved up close to him and got on her tip toes then whispered, "only if you show me a really good time."

She stepped back and gave him an innocent smile.

"You've going to get me in trouble, aren't you?" Hal asked.

"We'll see after dinner," she teased.

"You realize that I'm too old for you," he said.

"You realized that I'm from a superior race," she laughed.

Ceremony of Innocence

Bruce ran through a strenuous session of exercise in the enhanced gym he had built in Wayne Mansion. After the battle on Themyscira, he had some muscle pulls and a couple of broken ribs, so Epione had him spend some time under the purple healing ray. His body once again felt like the body of a his real age of 28 instead of beat up forty year old. The constant pain was gone and arthritis disappeared. He finished a set of acrobatics, which Dick had long ago taught him, and went over to grab a towel to wipe off the sweat.

He took off the top of the black gi he wore to hear a purring noise. Turning around he saw Selina standing in the gym.

"I didn't hear you enter," he said.

"I didn't want you to hear me."

She walked over to him, took the towel from him, and started to wipe him down.

"I've missed you," she said.

"It's been a bust few days," he replied.

"You should have invited me to Themyscira," she said.

"It was too dangerous," he stated.

He heard a soft growl coming from her after he made his statement. She took the towel and threw it in his face then started to walk away.

"I refused to be treated like your pet cat, Bruce. Find some defenseless damsel to protect," she spat.

Bruce closed his eyes and shook his head.

"Selina, wait," he called in a voice that had more pleading than command.

Selina stopped at the door. She turned about and stood there glaring at him.

"What is it, Bruce? Are you going to tell me how I'm not trained to handle what you handle or how it was a League matter?" she yelled.

"I can't lose you," he told her in a voice filled with suppressed emotion.

Selina heard this and softened. This wasn't Bruce the defensive or Bruce the stoic, but Bruce the man in front of her.

"What do you mean you can't lose me?" she said.

"You know what I mean," he said in a strained voice.

"No, I don't, Bruce, so tell me."

Bruce stood there staring at her. This was the final step in their relationship and he knew it. He was the man without fear, the dark knight, yet the thought of being honest with her at this moment caused him to be mute.

"Tell me, Bruce, or I'm leaving and returning to my old apartment," she said.

He took a deep breath and forced his mouth to open.

"I love you, Selina. I can't lose you like I've lost others I've loved," he stated.

Selina closed the distance between them, put her arms around his neck, and kissed him. Bruce hesitated at first then lost himself in the kiss. When they broke away from each other, Selina a sly smile on her lips.

"What?"

"So when can I move into the mansion?" she purred.

"You're not going to make this easy on me, are you?" he said.

"I told you, Bruce, that I don't do easy," she smiled.

"Let's talk to Alfred," he said.

"I forgot that he's really in charge," she laughed then kissed him on the cheek.

Ceremony of Innocence

Clark heard Diana murmur. He turned away from the widow and moved to her side. Slowly, her eyes opened. He stared into her beautiful blue eyes and smiled. She returned and smile and softly said, "Kal."

"Welcome back to the land of the living," he said.

He took her left hand in his right hand and gently held on to it.

"How long have I been asleep?" she asked.

"Four days. You had me worried there for a while, but Epione told me that your body needed the rest," said Clark.

"You didn't leave me," she sighed.

"I told you I would never leave you," he said.

She smiled again. He let go of her hand.

"I should let Epione know you are awake, so she can tell your mother," said Clark.

"Kal, don't leave yet," she said.

"Do you need something, Diana?"

She nodded her head yes. Clark stared at the woman he loved. He knew that if given the chance he could lose himself in loving her.

"Yes, Kal. I need you to kiss me," she said.

Slowly, Clark bent over and gently kissed Diana on the lips. When he stood back up he noticed that Diana had a pouty expression on her face.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Kal, I asked for a kiss. That wasn't a kiss," she answered.

Clark chuckled then he bent back down and kissed her with all the pent up passion he had. When he stopped this time, Diana moaned in pleasure. A smile lit up her face.

"I need to get your Epione and your mother then I have to leave," he said.

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"It's time for Clark Kent to return to life and Superman to return to earth. I'm home, Diana, and I'm not going to leave again," he said.

"I'm glad to hear that, Kal. I was afraid I was going to have to follow off the planet this time and drag you back to earth," she said.

"I'll be waiting for you when you are ready to rejoin the world," he said.

"You won't be waiting for long," she told him and he left to retrieve Epione.

Diana lay back in her bed feeling better than she had in many years.

Epilogue

A select number of guests were allowed on Themyscira, as the Amazons prepared for one of their rituals. Bruce, dressed in normal clothes, along with Selina and Kara and Hal, dressed in normal clothes, were invited to the island, also. Hippolyta had her elite guard in place to guard the ceremony, as well as a show of honor and respect. The Amazons had festooned the outdoor amphitheater in anticipation of the ceremony and celebration that was to follow.

The Priestess Pythia stood in the center of the amphitheater waiting for the participants of the ritual to enter. A blast from some horns introduced the first participant. Clark, wearing a white tunic that came to his knees and showed off a great deal of his chest and shoulders, walked into the amphitheater with four of the elite guard. He strode up to Pythia and came to a stop.

Another blast of the horns and Diana entered with her own elite guards. She wore a diaphanous blue chiton along with her tiara and bracelets. Diana walked up beside Clark and stopped. He smiled at her and she at him then they both looked Pythia.

The amphitheater full of Amazons and the few outside guests watched silently as Pythia began.

"Kal-El of Krypton stretch out your right hand," she told him.

He did so.

"Princess Diana of Themyscira stretch out your left hand," she told her.

She did so.

"With this cloth I bind you together in this life," she announced, as she began to wrap a white strip of cloth around their wrists binding them together. "This symbolizes your union as equals bound together."

Hippolyta listened to the ceremony, but her eyes were drawn to a spot of golden sun that back lit the altar Pythia, Diana, and Superman stood in front of it. As she stared at it, she was sure for a moment that she could make out the form of Zeus in that light and he was smiling. Instead of being surprised, it made Hippolyta happy to see Zeus at his daughter's handfasting ceremony.

"As an Amazon and our champion, Diana, you are strength and love. Protect your mate and expect your mate to protect you. Now let the celebration feast begin," called Pythia.

A cheer escaped from the gathered crowd. Now it was time to celebrate.

Ceremony of Innocence

Hal watched a Kara danced around a fire with several other barely clad women. He was smiling and feeling happy that he had avoided Clark and Bruce all evening, when I strong left hand fell on his right shoulder. Turning he saw the smiling face of Clark and beside him the beautiful face of Diana.

"I see you two are still tied together," he said nonchalantly.

"Yes, we are bound together until the morning," said Diana.

"Hal," said Clark.

Instinctively, Hal went to ignite his ring, but it was gone. Suddenly, Bruce was standing on the other side of him with Selina. He had a grim smile on his face and Hal's power ring in his right hand.

"Jordan," said Bruce.

"You are going to treat Kara with respect, right, Hal?" asked Clark.

"Of course, Clark, I'd never disrespect her. She's too... powerful," he swallowed.

"And you know what will happen if you hurt her," asked Bruce.

"I can imagine, Bruce," said Hal.

"No, you can't," replied Bruce, who then handed him his power ring.

Hal put it back on and felt slightly more relaxed.

"Well, I'm going to get a drink," said Hal, who then walked off leaving Bruce, Clark, Diana, and Selina to watch the dancing.

"Is anyone else uncomfortable watching this?" asked Bruce.

"I am," answered Clark.

"Oh, Kal, it is vibrant. If I wasn't tied to you I'd be dancing with them," said Diana.

"I don't know about anyone else, but I'm going to join them," said Selina, who stripped down to her underwear then joined the dancing.

"Come on, Kal," said Diana, who noticed a smirk on Clark's face and Bruce's discomfort, "I want to show my favorite part of the island."

She pulled him by the tied hands causing him to stumble slightly.

"Yes, ma'am," he said.

"Whipped," Bruce said under his breath knowing that Clark would hear him.

Clark and Diana took to the skies and flew across the island until they landed on a piece of white sand beach. The black sky melded into the black ocean. She brought them their because they were alone. Before Clark could speak, she kissed him passionately. When the kiss ended Clark had a big smile on his face.

"Hello Mrs. Kent," he said.

"Bruce needs to get me false ID's and such," she said.

"He will," said Clark. "I thought we'd live in DC since you are still the ambassador for Themyscira until your mother delegates your replacement. I'm going to start a news site on the internet with some of the money Bruce spent buying the farm. Clark Kent will be a internet journalist now instead of working for the Daily Planet."

"I propose we get a home in Virginia. I want to live a quiet life when we aren't Wonder Woman and Superman," she said.

"Anything you want, my love," Clark kissed her.

He then whispered in her ear, "Do you think Hera sees us?"

"I don't know, but let's give her something to watch in case she is," said Diana, who touched the clasp at her shoulder and allowed her chiton to drop to the sand.

"Diana," Clark said warningly.

"It my wedding night, Kal, and as Bruce said you are whipped," she teased as she pulled him down onto the sand with her.

"Diana," he said in a hoarse whisper as he allowed passion to overcome commonsense.

Hippolyta and Philippus sat on thick pillows drinking wine. The queen had to admit that the day went better than she anticipated, especially with Zeus showing up to see his daughter's wedding. That was a good sign. Artemis walked up to the two seated women.

"Have you seen Diana and her man?" asked Artemis.

"No. They seem to have disappeared," said Philippus.

Suddenly, the ground of Themyscira shook with minor tremors. Artemis and Philippus looked at the queen in confusion.

"Zeus promised no more troubles. An earthquake?" Artemis queried.

Hippolyta thought about the very minor vibrations that shook the island and then felt her face turn red with embarrassment, as she then yelled, "Diana!"

The end of this story. I hope to write another.