Superman stood motionless on the observation deck of the JLA satellite and stared out into space.He was barely aware of the hive of activity around him. Leaguers were porting in or out;others were at the consoles staring at the the lives feeds they were getting from around the world and discussing the unfolding news and views from the various media.Superman barely heard them.He was thinking of a shared kiss with a friend three nights ago.
He could still feel the softness of Diana's lips and smell her fragrance. He remembered holding her so tightly, not even considering whether she could endure his embrace.He use to have to worry when he held Lois or Lana or any other normal human woman.He use to have to control his every movement.On the Wayne Tower he had been swept along on the tide of passion and she had felt so right in his arms.For the first time he was aware of feeling someones body really melding into his own.He thought of Lois and how he had accepted the limitations on the physical side of their love.It was what love was about,loving unconditionally and one couldn't help whom one fell for.But he knew Lois had been aware that she couldn't give him the ultimate completion he had given her nor what he needed.Neither could she provide him with a child.It had been a great source of irritation to a woman like her.He had coped with it;her support and companionship made up for it,as well as nightly patrols to burn off any excess energy and completing arduous training simulations.
He did not know what had happened to his own heart. Five years ago if he had kissed Diana he would have not been able to reconcile himself to it.It would have seemed disloyal to Lois and then unfair to DeCourtenay.But time seemed to have done its work despite himself and if he was honest he had always wondered what might have been with Diana.
He had moments in the past when he had been drawn to her like a moth to a flame and one wrong move would have consumed them both.But he always had great discipline and he had managed to keep that self control.
From Asgard to Gateway City to the time they met their future selves from an alternate earth; moments when he felt stirrings for Diana and loyalty to Lois kept him on the straight and narrow.He knew back then it had been stuff of fantasy.Reality was about two people who were heroes and icons and whom people looked up to as examples.It was one thing caring for Diana but to expect to be able to even fit into her world was another.And he had no illusions at the time that he was not entirely comfortable with her high profile status,in addition to knowing that duty to her people and her mission were paramount.He had also committed to Lois and he treasured loyalty more than love and life itself.Pa had taught him that there was nothing worse than breaking a promise,but also that time was constant in one thing.
"It brings changes,son.We will never remain the same people we are today. And don't fear it.Change is good and it comes when we need it. Nothing ever happens before its time."
Time for him and Diana?He could not believe it had taken him so long to kiss her and now he may have done it when it was too late.He thought of Bruce who had approached him after to find out if he had taken the proverbial bull by the horns.Of course Bruce had to tell him ,I told you so but then gave him that exasperated look for his messing up what should have been a cut and dry situation.
He was so deep into thought he did not hear the Martian Manhunter speak to him.
"Kal?"
Superman turned."What?"
"You are far away,my friend."
"I'm sorry,J'onn.I didn't hear you."
"Superman didn't hear me?You must indeed have much on your mind."
He sighed."That's an understatement.What is it?"
"I was just wondering if you wanted to go off early.You have been active the entire shift.Perhaps you have things to attend?"
Superman looked around."You don't need me?"
"No.Kon has come in early as well as Flash."
Superman turned to see Kon wave at him from the main monitor."I see.Well,I guess I could go home........"
J'onn said,"As one who has suffered loss,you must learn to let go of the past,Kal,or else it will haunt you and prevent you from opening yourself to happiness."
Superman gave him a wry look."Reading my thoughts, J'onn?"
"No.They are actually so loud it is all I can do to shut them out.So what now?"
"What do you mean?"
"Are you going to talk to her?"
"She thinks I'm still in love with a ghost."
"And are you?"
"I loved the life I had with Lois just as I loved the life I had with my parents.And the love I had for Lana,whilst it changed,when I did love her it was genuine.Same when I was with Lois.It was real and I will never forget it."
"I had my wife and daughter whom I lost,Kal,and I when I did, I spent years mourning them and my kind.I shut out all else.But one can travel this entire universe and seek to lose ones self in its nothingness,but even I could not do it forever.Not as long as you have purpose and care for those around you.Before I married I had my my dreams and goals and it took me a while to realize even after I lost my family,I still had them.I was still essentially myself.It was an obligation at first to go on,then it became a duty,and now it is just only natural.I cannot imagine my life otherwise."
Superman listened attentively.J'onn was the only one who would know what he felt and even then he had suffered more than Clark Kent ever could have.Clark had been lucky.He had had a great life,even if his love had been snatched from him prematurely.
He said softly,"Thank you,J'onn.I think I know what you mean.I too ran from my life,from memories,trying to lose myself.But this thing.........."He pointed to his heart....."It's a funny thing.It heals.I can think of Lois now without pain and look at Diana without guilt or fear."
"Then tell her so."
Superman gave a grimace."Well,I kind of put my foot in my mouth some years ago."He briefly told the Manhunter what transpired in Asgard and what he told Diana."I think she may not have the confidence that I have moved on based on that as well as other things."
"Such as?"
He told him of the shared dream in Gateway City and the time they fought Gog and met their future selves from Earth-22."It all felt dreamlike and fantastical,and what could I do with
it?I had my life.I couldn't do anything about it."
J'onn listened and said,"I understand.And I know Diana does not hold that against you."
Superman frowned."I know.And yet she doubts what I feel for her and what's worse says she's not prepared to give us a chance."
J'onn put his hand on his shoulder."Put yourself in her shoes,my friend.On those occasions whether it was gods,contrived memories,alternate realities,Diana was placed time and time again in situations whereby she was loved by you ,only to find out they were false to her own reality.How do you think she would feel now?It is only natural to mistrust it,and doubt it.How hard must it have been to be the wonderful friend she has been to you and never ever interfering with or grudging you your happiness."
Superman said gravely,"I have been selfish,and never considered how much she had to endure.At Bruce's gala I just pounced on her like I did the last time expecting her to be ecstatic and tell me how much she wanted me too.I am an idiot!"
"Don't be so hard on yourself.From what I can tell she wasn't all that indifferent to you."
He recalled the kiss and said,a tiny curve to his lips,"No.She wasn't."
"Then you should go and find her and talk to her."
Superman nodded determined."Yes.I should find her." He began to walk away then turned with a sheepish, "Um,do you know where?"
"She went to Themyscira.I think there is some sort of trouble brewing and she was summoned by her mother."
"I see.I will have to wait then.I don't like interrupting anything that concerns her and her people,"he replied.
The Manhunter averred,"Well,then you can go home."
For some reason the thought didn't appeal.He said,"I'll stick around for a while.Help if I can."
******************
The next day Clark Kent was sitting at home before his computer and working on his new book.A dog strolled into the study and plunked himself at his feet.The animal's white fur was covered with bits of leaf, burrs, and dried on dirt.Krypto had come in from chasing anything he could find out in the fields and woods and he was panting happily.Clark shook his head at him.
"Look at the state of you.Let me finish this chapter and it's a bath for you,mister."
Krypto just shamelessly rolled on his back and waved his feet in the air. Clark shook his head."No,I can't play. Not now.I have this darn chapter to write and I can't seem to get my head around it.This is worse than being thirteen and mooning over Lana!"
Krypto cocked his head at him as if listening to his dilemma.Clark shook his head."You wouldn't understand.I guess you're the lucky one with no female to tangle up your head."He tried to read what he had written and he frowned at the last paragraph.He had actually typed a name that had no relation to the story!!!
"Hell,she's even creeping into my story!!!!"
He deleted the sentence.
He was having a difficult time concentrating all morning as his mind was on Diana and what he would say to convince her that his heart was not buried with Lois in the grave next to his parents in Smallville's cemetery,and that he wanted to her,not because he was lonely but because she was Diana.And most importantly he loved her.
He straightened up,and his fingers stopped over the keys.Love.He was finally ready to admit it.
He looked at Krypto and conceded,"I need to tell her soon cause see what I I am reduced to?Talking to a dog about her."
Krypto barked and Clark ruffled his head.The JLA communicator beeped on the desk
He picked it up."Yes,?"
"Clark,it's Wally here.There is trouble on Themyscira. Diana just called in for aid.J'onn and Kara have gone ahead but I think they need more help.."
Clark stood up quickly and in the matter of moments he was in his Superman uniform.He was still speaking as he changed and flew out of the house much and the way Krypto just sank his head back on the ground it was clear the dog was accustomed to this.
"What's happening,Wally?"
"I think they said Themyscira was under attack.By none other than Ares himself.I think J'onn is down and many Amazons are dead."
Superman tightened his lips and said,"I'm on my way."
****************************
He broke through the clouds to see pillars of black smoke billowing from Themyscira.He could see hear the deafening sound of battle taking place around the main isle where the Palace and was located.He could smell blood and charred flesh.Flaming arrows fired though the air.Blades clanged.Ares' pets,Stymphalian birds dotted the sky and their brass wings created a thunderous din.They were swarming and fighting with the huge sentinel eagles that protected the island.
He could see the Amazons,both Themysciran and Bana, fighting demonic figures,as well as an army of the undead and these were so numerous that they seemed to be over whelmed.The main isle and palace was over run and on fire and wounded and dead littered the grounds.
He could see Kara.She was fighting one of Ares' Makhai,the demon of battle and combat,the children of Eris.The demon Alala had Kara on her knees as her war-cry seemed to shatter all else around her.He saw General Phillipus with a regiment on the concourse, fighting one of the Keres,death demons with gnashing teeth and claws who was were seeking any wounded to suck the life that was left out of them.The Keres was about to drink the blood of a wounded Artemis. Phillipus tried to take her sword to stab it in the back.
Superman scanned for Diana.She was in her golden battle armor and taking on the might of Ares' children Phobos and Deimos,gods of Fear and Terror. He saw her fighting on the steps of the Palace and Hippolyta was in the air above her against Ares himself.Hippolyta was wearing the gauntlet of Atlas and the Sandals of Hermes and carried her sword and shield facing Ares who was in his chariot drawn by four immortal, ebony ,fire breathing stallions.
Superman flew down towards Kara.Magic had always been a source of vulnerability to the two Kryptonians but at this time he was more powerful than he ever was.He looked up.Dark clouds had obscured the sky too, blocking out the sun.He flew in so fast that the demon did not see him as he grasped it by its long matted hair and flung it far into the stratosphere.
Kara looked up and gasped,"Kal!!!"
"You okay?"
She nodded and rose to her feet and looked around in dismay."We are over run and so many are dead.........."
Superman took to the air."We do what we can.Help Phillipus.I am going to help Diana!"
Superwoman nodded and she flew off to aid the General,whilst her cousin went to help the Amazon princess.
*******************
Diana had Phobos entangled in her lasso but Deimos had his bearded serpents attacking her and she was trying to avoid the poisoned bites. Superman flew down and grasped the scruff of his neck and dragged him backwards.Diana gasped and looked up to see the God of Terror try to bite her friend.She took of her tiara and hurled it at them shouting,
"Superman!Down!"
Superman saw what she was about to do and ducked and the tiara slashed the neck of the God,causing him to gag and gasp.Deimos dropped to his knees.
Superman looked at Diana as she picked up her tiara.He said wryly,"Well,I can empathize with him."
She looked at him."I didn't expect to see you......."
"Wally told me.....What's going on here,Diana?"
"I.....don't know.Everything seemed normal a few hours ago then all hell broke loose.Ares came out of nowhere.I think he may have disabled or tricked Hades' and is using the undead.We seem to be losing too,Kal...."
He saw the fear,the anger, the disbelief in her eyes and touched her shoulder."How is J'onn?"
"I left him with the wounded......with Epione in the Healing Isle...I don't..........Oh,Gods!Mother!"She spun around to see Hippolyta receive a strike of a fireball in her chest and arc into the sky and fall a mile away.She screamed."Mother!!!No!!!!"
Superman held her arm."I'll get her!!!She's alive."He was a blur before Diana could even speak.Diana saw Ares' chariot descend.
"Well,well,Princess,dearest Hippolyta couldn't match my might.Can you?"
*************************
Superman caught Hippolyta's burning body before it could hit the ground. She had dropped the sword of Hephaestus and the shield and it fell,lost, for the moment in the thick of battle.
He blew cool air on the flames as he landed with her in the ruins of an old temple.He laid her down on the cool marble steps.He tore off his cape and swaddled her in it and suffocated the the remaining embers on her clothes.His heart contracted with pain as he saw what Ares' had done.The Queen's body was covered in burns,her armour blackened and her face was burnt beyond recognition.
She was gasping in pain and her eyes searched his.She croaked,"Diana......"
"Facing Ares........."
She coughed,"Help her........"
Superman nodded,but replied,"Yes,but I need to get you medical attention, Hippolyta."
She shook her head.He had to bend low to hear her."No...t-time.Leave me.....He will kill her....She will be ex-exhausted....if she continues .....with him."
Superman looked up and he could see even where he was the brutal fight ensuing between Diana and Ares. Ares was pounding her and she was fighting for her life.Kara went to help but was knocked into the ground unconscious.He clenched his fists.Ares was a god.The last time they met Ares nearly killed him,but that was many years ago and he was stronger now than he had ever been in all his life.He nodded.Hippolyta's hand clawed his arm.
He turned."What is it?"
"Look....after my daughter,Kal-el.......P-promise me."
He frowned and gently touched her singed hair."You will be okay,Hippolyta......"
The Queen insisted."Swear...it."
Superman bent and vowed,"I promise...."
Hippolyta closed her eyes and let out a tiny sigh of what seemed like relief and she whispered,"Go....."
He rose and took took to the air.
****************************
The battle was raging on still.Amazon's were still fighting valiantly against Ares' forces and Superman could see and hear every heart beat, every groan of pain,every ring of a blade as he flew towards the palace.He couldn't even afford to stop and help if he wanted to.He saw Superwoman still unconscious being dragged away by an Amazon to a spot not over run by the undead..At least Kara was alive and unharmed.
He searched for Wonder Woman.He saw her, helm on the floor,her face bleeding,wings bent and broken, picking herself up and tearing the wings off and going after Ares again.The God tried to hit her with the fire balls but she deflected them,and tore out a pillar that held up a cornice and flung it at his chariot.He was knocked off the back and landed heavily onto the ground,making the earth shake.Diana felt the earth begin to crack under her feet and she took to the air. Ares lifted his arm and dozens of spears that laid on the floor rose and came at Diana with deadly speed.
Her eyes widened and tried to lift her arms over her head,but knew the spears were too numerous.She closed her eyes expecting to be impaled but instead felt strong arms envelop her and cover her body.The spears bounced off Superman's back as if they were mere twigs.
Ares watched her irritably emerge unscathed but then observed with some derision, "Ah,Superman....Fortune smiles on me I will kill two of you in one day......."
Diana felt Superman ease off her.She inquired anxiously,"Mother.........?"
"Alive.....for now......"He could never lie to her.
Her eyes searched his and she saw from the gravity in them that Hippolyta was not in good shape.She suppressed the longing to drop all and rush to her mother's side and turned to Ares,who looked at them both amused.The last time he saw the Kryptonian was more than a decade ago and he had not been much of a threat.Diana,despite holding her own sword,looked bruised and weary as well.
He laughed."Two lambs to the slaughter."
Diana flew at him,sword raised high,and Ares twirled his long spear and the two weapons met each other and the din rang out loudly and he pushed hard and sent her flying into the facade of the Palace,cracking a hole in the wall.
Ares turned to look at him and he asked mockingly,"If I recall rightly we were in this position some years ago, Kryptonian,and it was the Amazon that saved you.I wonder you think you can take me on?What are the odds of you even surviving?"
Superman clenched his fists and replied,"Poor odds have never stopped me....."
Ares eyes glowed red and he raised his spear."Then you will die!"
The spear came at him at blinding speed and Superman had no chance to even move.But his sharpened senses heard the cutting of the weapon through the air,and he felt the force of it,and his hand reached and he stopped it centimeters before his face.He twirled it around and hurled it back at the God of War.Ares barely saw it coming;it moved swiftly and lodged itself with a loud crunch into his shoulder.Ares bellow of pain and surprise.
He yanked the spear out with a roar that shook the air itself."How did you do that?"
Superman did not reply.He just flew at him and landed a solid punch in his injured shoulder and the God of War was sent hurtling backwards and hit the Senate building and the walls crumpled like a deck of cards.
Diana had risen out of the rubble,and limped out in time to see Ares rise out of the destroyed Senate and hurl fire balls at Superman.Superman blew his freezing breath on them and they fell like solid blocks of ice to the ground.Ares growled and appeared behind Superman.They began to fight in earnest. Diana flinched as they exchanged blows and she could see the air actually seem to ripple with the power of their punches and buildings shivered.She coughed.Her ribs hurt when she breathed.She was about to lift off when she heard a voice.
"Princess........"
It was Phillipus.she looked weary and blood stained. She carried the sword of Hephaestus and held it out to Diana.
***********************************
Ares never expected this.Superman had the strength of a god and he was absorbing blows that would have maimed even the likes of Phobos and Deimos.And he was actually hurting him!No one had ever hurt him!Not for Eons.It was not the way of the Gods to be beaten by mortals.
Ares felt heat vision burn him as if he was being branded and then he was lifted and thrown to the ground with great force,carving a huge crater in the earth.
Ares landed on his back and groaned.He saw a shadow appear above him and it was Wonder Woman and she had her mother's sword in her hand.She jumped down and landed with a thud,her foot upon his throat.She lifted the sword. "This was forged by Hephaestus himself.How ironic...the one whose wife you bedded ...the one you humiliated...how fitting if this sword is the tool for his retribution......"
Ares felt the tip at his throat.Superman hovered behind Diana.He said nothing.This was Diana's decision.He had done his part.
Ares gritted,"What now,Amazon?You will preach love and understanding to me?"
Diana cried huskily,"Many of my sisters are dead.Does that please you, Ares?To wipe out the Amazons?Whom Zeus blessed?"
Ares replied,"I am the God of War.Without me there is no civilization.No power.No glory.Many praise and worship me so they can conquer."
"Glory for whom?Power for whom?You serve yourself."
"I am nothing without the greed and pride of humans. Even in this perfect society of yours there is ambition and pride.Wars between Themyscira and Bana.This peace you have has always been tenuous.Do not get too comfortable.You will never be rid of me Princess.I am eternal.I will always be relevant,even if you preach love all your life,I need not lift a finger as long as men and women exist and crave power.They are easy to corrupt."
"For all those you corrupt...there will be at least one who will fight for what is right and and you will be lucky to see Olympus for a millennia............"she vowed.
Superman watched her lift the blade and he knew what she had to do.Ares warned,"This is not the end........"
Diana stabbed the area in his helm where the third eye would be."No,but it will be enough."
Ares roared and could feel himself disintegrating.He could see the gates of hell opening to him and Hades whom he had tricked waiting to greet him.He was gone and in the place he had lain was the empty helm, with the sword sticking out of it.The black clouds in skies suddenly began to break up,and sunlight began to shine down upon the island.The armies of the dead seemed to crumble to ash and dust into the earth.The demons vanished like smoke-like wraiths in the air.And the remaining brass winged birds seemed to regroup and fly off like a dark cloud into the distance.
Diana threw the sword aside as if she had dirtied her hands with it and asked swiftly,"Where is my mother?"
Superman pointed."I left her in the ruins of a temple."
Diana looked to where he pointed and hovered.Her eyes looked around to see her surviving sisters and the the injured and dead on the ground.She clenched her fists.So many.But she needed to see to her mother first.She gestured to Superman to show her the way.A minute later both landed near the ruins and Diana let out a cry of dismay.Hippolyta was lying wrapped in the red cape,her eyes closed,no sign of movement or breath in her.
Diana dropped to her knees."Mother..........I am here."
Hippolyta made no sound.Her eyes were closed. Superman knew at once.His heart sank.He bowed his head.
"Mother,it's Diana.We will get you to Epione.She will get you better..heal you...."she said,lifting her mother to her and looking at her burnt face and body in despair.
Superman bent down and touched her shoulder.His voice was charged with emotion."Diana,she is .....not breathing......"
"Mother,please,say something.Can you hear me?Ares is defeated.We defeated him.Wake up......please....."
"Diana....she is dead........"The words seemed to stick in his throat.
Diana shoved his hand away."No....She is just.....She is not! Mother!!" Diana shouted and tears threatened to spill down her cheeks.She clutched Hippolyta's body to her and cried,"Hera,no!Not again!Not again!!!You will not be taken from me again.You promised you will always be here......"
Diana got up,lifting her mother's body and grimaced in pain as her cracked ribs protested."I will not accept it.I will get you to Epione.The Purple ray will revive you....."
Superman watched sadly as she lifted off with the Queen and flew towards the Healing Isle.
************************
Superman was helping clear the dead and respectfully taking them to lie in an area of the Necropolis where they would be cleansed and prepared for their long sleep.Superwoman was flying the injured to the Healing Isle. General Phillipus stood before the broken Senate building and looked around her in dismay.The island was a mess,but that was not what bothered her.Buildings could be reconstructed;trees and plants resown.They had lost many sisters....much more than in the war with Imperiex...she wasn't sure of the full count yet but it maybe over three hundred.Amongst them she had seen Helene, Euboea, Cleo, Myhrra, Phillipus felt her throat tighten..and if rumour was true....the Queen.
They had all seen Diana fly off with her to the Healing Isle,and that had been half and hour ago.Diana had not yet emerged and Phillipus did not know what to say to the remaining Amazons who were looking to her,to someone for direction on what to do next.She watched Superwoman land beside her.
"I have taken the last of them over."
"Thank you,Kara."
Superwoman looked around."Where is Kal?"
Phillipus gestured to a figure coming towards them."There."
Superman landed and looked at his cousin.She looked at him soberly."Kal,Epione wants you."
He did not ask why.He flew off at once.Phillipus looked at Superwoman."Do you know if....?"
Superwoman sighed sadly."I don't know for sure.My hearing and sight is not as sharp on that island with all the magic on it....but it does not look good."
**********************
Superman landed on the only place that had been spared attack.The magic had not only kept out the undead,it had been protected by the eagles.He landed on the grassy concourse and walked up the steps.There were many injured sitting in the open foyer being attended to by healers.They looked at him silently as he walked in.His part in helping vanquish Ares had not gone unnoticed.He saw a green skinned figure amongst the healers and cried in relief,"J'onn!!!"
The Martian Manhunter looked up."Kal."
"How are you?"
J'onn smiled ruefully."Better.The Purple Ray helped me.Now I am trying to see what I can do to help......"
"Do you know what's happening with the Queen?"
J'onn's face sobered."I think it does not look good,my friend.I usually can tell with my telepathy but this place is full of strange mystical forces.I can't tell if she is okay or not."
"Where is she?"
J'onn indicated to the room where the Queen would be.Superman traversed a long corridor that led to a open courtyard and garden.Steps led up to an upper gallery and he hovered upwards and reached the rooms where the most critically injured laid.He stopped as he saw Epione coming out a room with a tray.She looked at him,a look of relief in her eyes.
"Superman,you came.Thank,Hera."
"What is it?"
She pointed to a door."I need you to speak to the Princess."Her eyes filled."We tried......but it was too late......Diana refuses to let go....."
Superman touched her shoulder and nodded.He went to the door and opened it quietly.He saw a large canopied bed and on it laid the body of Queen Hippolyta.Diana was on her knees before the bed and seemed to be praying.
"If you can hear me,Lord Zeus,please do not abandon your children.The Amazons need their Queen.You gave us life to bring glory to Gaea.You can do this for her.Heal her.I will undergo any labour.Tell me what to do.I will exchange my soul hers.......P-lease......"Her voice cracked but she swallowed back her tears and continued,"Hera,hear me...your servant calls. Athena, Demeter,Hestia,Aphrodite...please,intercede on my behalf to Zeus." She pounded her fists on the bed frame and it nearly cracked."Why won't you not listen?"
Superman walked quietly behind her and touched her shoulders."Diana......"
She jumped,and looked up.He could see her eyes were full of anger and despair.He reached down and drew her to her feet."She is dead."
"No.She is immortal.She cannot die.They can give her back life.I know they can.They did it once before.You died before and you came back.So did I.Why can't she?"
"Diana,there comes a time where you can't cheat death....it wasn't our time then and maybe it is her time now......."
"That is not fair.I swear I will go to Tartarus and find her....."She pulled away from him.Her expression almost wild.
Superman said softly,"You cannot bring back the dead,Diana,unless you compromise all that you believe.You know that and I know that."
Diana turned to the Purple ray and picked it up and said feverishly,"Maybe if I try again.Give her a good dose....."
His hand captured her wrist."Stop it!Look at Hippolyta. She is gone.No healing ray can give her back life."
"Let me go......"she cried and tried to pull away.
"No.You have to face it,Diana,your mother is gone. Please,it is no favour to anyone to deny it.You have hundreds of dead sisters awaiting burial, many more injured,the main island in a state of ruin.......The Amazons need to see you.To have hope........"
"They don't need me.They need their Queen......."she shouted.
He tilted her chin up and held her eyes with his own. His voice was firm."YOU are their Queen now."
They stared at each other,and Diana felt a catch in her throat and her bosom heaved.Superman was not sure what she was going to do.Slap his face or burst into tears.Instead she seemed to straighten up and her voice was cold and controlled."Let me go."
He let her wrist go.Diana took in a breath,and she walked towards the door.She pushed it open and the people on the corridor turned,including Epione who was waiting impatiently to see whether Superman had succeeded into talking sense into the princess.
In a voice that was devoid of all emotion ,Diana announced,"The Queen is dead."
There were no gasps.It seemed everyone had sensed the inevitable.
Epione swallowed back her tears and said,"Long live the Queen."She went down upon her knees before Diana.All the others followed suit.
Superman looked on from behind with a heavy heart.
