Different Worlds by Arcadia
Part Six:
Shifting Views
Part One
Diana soared through the skies of Metropolis. It was strange of all
the places in the world, she has not been to the one city her good
friend resided in. Well, she did come to Metropolis on her world
tour but it was only for a day and she never thought of meeting
Superman or see the sites of the city. It was to talk to the people
and make her purpose on this world known.
She had called Kal, or Clark Kent as he is known to friends and
family in his normal life at his job at the Daily Planet and asked
to meet him. Clark agreed to meet her on top the Daily Planet
building. Diana was the first to arrive and as she waited for Clark
she thought back to when she last saw him. It was a few days ago at
Myndi Mayer's funeral. He came as Clark Kent and not Superman, and
just as he said she would, Diana spotted him.
Clark was wearing a blue suit. His hair was pulled back and he wore
glasses. It was after the memorial service; guests were leaving and
Diana was standing with Julia and Vanessa when Clark approached. A
meek voice addressed her. Diana turned and saw him. Perhaps it was
her trained warrior eyes but she knew he was Kal the moment she saw
his face, locked her sea blue eyes with his sky blue eyes. He
expressed his condolences, Diana thanked him for coming and he
walked off. She knew just as he that she wanted him to stay but for
public reasons he could not. A special secret was shared between
them at that moment and Diana knew it was one she was going to keep
close to her. She would not tell Julia, Vanessa, perhaps not even
her own mother.
Diana looked up at the giant Daily Planet globe. Diana found the
irony amusing that her friend worked in a newsroom and yet no one
knew he was Superman.
"Humans," Diana mused. "And they say I'm naïve."
Diana didn't have to wait long for Clark as she caught sight of a
red and blue figure in the sky. Superman landed before her. "Sorry
I'm late. A trailer truck jackknifed."
"It's all right," Diana said and warmly embraced him. "I just got
here myself."
Superman looked at her anxious. "You sound excited over the phone.
What is it you have to tell me?"
"Actually, it's a question. Kal, would you like to see my home
Themyscira?"
Superman's mouth dropped. "Your home? Y-you mean, I'm allowed to see
it?"
"Yes." She smiled. "My people have voted to open our gates to the
world. It is up to me to invite the first visitors of Patriarch's
world to set foot on Themyscira."
"Yes, I'd love to come. I'm honored," Superman was humbled but then
he worried as he realized, *Oh, boy. I'm going to meet Diana's
mother. The queen.* "Am I your only guest?"
"No. Julia and Vanessa will be coming. I tried getting in contact
with my friends Steve Trevor and Etta but I can't reach them." Diana
looked saddened by the news. "Maybe next time."
"When can we leave?"
"Friday evening if that's all right. By Themyscira time, it should
be morning."
Like he was going to turn Wonder Woman down. "It's perfect."
Diana smiled. "Good. Meet me at Julia's home Friday evening at six.
I wish I could stay longer but I must return to Themyscira and help
with the preparations."
Clark nodded. "All right. I'll see you Friday."
Diana embraced Clark, and jumped in the skies and flew away. Clark
was on cloud nine when he returned to the Daily Planet office. He
couldn't believe he was being invited to Themyscira. This was
definitely a good move in the direction of their relationship. For
Diana to invite him, a man, to her home meant she considered him
special to her.
Lois poke her head out of her office just as Clark passed
by. "Clark, could I see you in my office for a second?"
Clark's senses were on alert. Lois either called him Smallville or
Kent. When she called him Clark, Lois wanted something. Ever since
he injured himself proving he wasn't Superman, Lois had been nicer
to him. Maybe it had to do with the bandage he still wore on his
head as a constant reminder of her error. Maybe she actually cared
about him or maybe she finally felt guilty for her actions.
"Sure." Clark entered Lois office. She closed the door behind him
which really had Clark wondering.
Lois sat on the edge of her desk. "I'll just get straight to the
point. I'm really sorry about thinking you're Superman and causing
you to get hurt." She looked at the bandage on his head. "How's your
head?"
Clark touched the bandage around his head. "The doctor said I can
take it off this weekend."
"Let me make it up to you. How about I take you to dinner Friday
night?"
Normally Clark would take up Lois' offer. He was attracted to Lois
even if she did only had eyes for Superman. Clark was fine with that
thinking Lois would accept Clark but Diana entered his life and
everything was different now.
"Gee, Lois, I would say yes but I have plans this weekend."
Lois was taken back. "*You* have plans?" She couldn't believe Clark
of all people would have plans for an entire weekend. He seem like
the type who would stay home.
Clark rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, you see I'm going out of
town with a friend this weekend. I'm leaving after work Friday and I
won't get back into town until Sunday."
Lois tried to hide her disappointment but failed. "I see."
"Some other time?" Clark suggested. "Maybe we can catch lunch next
week."
"Nah, I'll be busy next week," Lois blew him off.
"Um, okay." Clark turned and made an awkward exit out of her office.
****
"Oh, wow! You mean Superman is coming, too!" Vanessa screamed. "That
is so awesome!"
It was Friday evening. Diana, Julia and Vanessa stood outside
Julia's home. It was twenty minutes after six. Superman was late and
Diana knew only a disaster would delay him. When Julie and Vanessa
questioned why they weren't leaving, Diana told them of the surprise
guest who was also coming.
"I can't wait to tell Eileen and the others at school!" Vanessa said
excited. "Everyone's gonna be so jealous!"
"No, you won't tell," Julia chastised Vanessa. "You saw how the
press got over their meeting in the Balkans. I bet it was Myndi who
leaked the news God rest her soul. If the media got wind of Superman
coming to Themyscira as well, they will assume a romance and you
know how the media gets with celebrities. It'll be a hundred times
worse between Diana and Superman."
Vanessa remembered how it was really her and not Myndi who
accidentally leaked the meeting by telling Barry who told a friend
of his who knew someone in the press. She was grateful Diana never
told her mother her part in it. "You're right, Mom. I won't tell and
I won't share any pictures of Superman with anyone."
"Thank you, Nessie," Diana smiled. "I appreciate that."
"So, is Superman your boyfriend?" Vanessa grinned slyly. "I won't
tell anyone. I promise." If she couldn't tell her friends about
Diana and Superman, at least *she* should know what was going on.
"Superman and I are friends."
Vanessa didn't believe it. "But the feelings you had--"
"Vanessa, that's enough," Julia warned her daughter and Vanessa
became silent.
"There he is," Diana said pointing in the sky. With her eyes, she
could see him but his image were still dots to Julia and Vanessa
until he came to view.
Vanessa screamed and jumped up and down. "It's him! It's really
him!" Julia though excited as well tried to control Vanessa but
failed miserably.
Superman landed before the women. Like the others he brought a
overnight bag. "Sorry I'm late, Diana. Emergency." Diana nodded her
understanding. He looked to the other women. "Hello, Mrs. Kapatelis.
Vanessa."
"You can call me Julia."
"You can call me Nessie," Vanessa blushed.
"Are we ready to go?" Diana asked as she put her arms around Julia
and Vanessa.
"Can Superman carry me?" Vanessa asked.
"You don't want to fly with me?" Diana asked, surprised.
Vanessa looked from Superman to Diana. No way was she gonna blow an
opportunity to fly in Superman's arms. "Well, it's just, uh, I've
flown with you lots of times. I've never flown with Superman before."
"I don't think it would be any different," Diana said innocently and
Julia stifled a giggle. Diana could be so naïve sometimes.
"It's all right," Superman said and Vanessa nearly pounced on
Superman as she jumped into his arms.
Julia shook her head at her daughter though part of her wouldn't
mind being in Superman's arms either.
"Follow me," Diana told Superman and took to the skies with Julia.
They weren't in the skies long before it darkened the sound of
thunder and flashes of lightening were around them. Vanessa buried
her face in Superman's chest.
"Don't be afraid, Nessie," Diana told Vanessa. "This always happens."
Maybe it was normal for Diana but it wasn't for Vanessa. Plus, she
gets to bury herself in Superman's chest! Not many people get to do
that! Once the thunder and lightening subdued, Vanessa opened her
eyes. The dark skies parted revealing Paradise. "Wow."
Superman was impressed with the view of Themyscira, too. Just as
Julia said it was like traveling to the past. The tall marble
towers, buildings, coliseum and even the grand palace itself
reminded Clark of pictures of ancient Greece in its prime. Superman
followed Diana as she landed at the steps of the palace. They were
surrounded by Amazons: tall, athletic, beautiful warrior women
dressed in ceremonial gowns and robes. One woman in particular
caught Clark's eyes. She was tall with dark hair, blue eyes and
dressed in a purple gown. She carried a gold scepter and wore a gold
crown. He knew this woman was Diana's mother, Queen Hippolyta.
Hippolyta spoke to her guests in her native Greek while Diana
translated for Vanessa and Clark. Upon thinking of ways to impress
Diana, Clark started studying the Greek language. He has only been
studying for a few weeks but he hoped it would be enough to impress
Diana.
When Hippolyta addressed Superman, he bowed before her and spoke in
Greek. "Your Royal Highness, I humbly thank you for this invitation.
I am especially humbled that you allowed me to be the first man from
Patriarch's World to set foot on your island with invitation. I
shall not betray this generous act."
Hippolyta looked to Diana amazed. "I thought you said he didn't
speak our language."
Diana was confused as well. "I did not know." She looked at
Superman, "I was unaware you speak Greek."
"I've only been studying for a little while. I thought it was only
proper you learn our language, I should learn yours."
Diana smiled impressed. "That's very thoughtful of you."
"I should warn you," he added. "I'm still rusty."
Diana's smile never wavered. "Just your attempt is enough."
*I score again.* Clark proudly thought to himself. Then he saw
suspicious look of the queen. *Uh-oh.*
****
Being a guest, Clark thought he would be the one to ask questions.
He got many answered as he toured the island and learned as much as
he could about the Amazonian history, their special rituals but he
was asked many in return from Diana's sisters. Hearing Diana's
praises of Superman, they wanted to see how true it all was. Several
wanted to test his strength against their own, especially Phillipus.
They also requested to see his other gifts which he gladly showed.
Many were impressed but Superman could tell some of the Amazons
didn't trust him and given the Amazons history, he understood.
When Clark had some time to himself, he took a stroll of paradise
and took as many pictures he could. If Jimmy was here, he would take
some excellent pictures. Still, he didn't think he was too bad
himself with a camera.
He did however, feel a little uncomfortable. Being on the island, he
was required to dress as them. Diana and her Sisters, Julia and
Vanessa wore tunics. Clark was given a tunic that reached his mid-
thigh. It covered his chest but it left him feeling a little more
open around the legs than he would like.
Clark spotted Diana flying above her home and decided to join her.
Diana was happily enjoying herself in the air, flying with the
birds. He flew alongside her. "Would you mind some company?"
"Kal! Yes, of course. Beautiful morning isn't it?"
"Yes, it is." *But it's not as beautiful as the woman beside me.*
"I love to fly," Diana admitted. "I'm so use to flying with the
birds around my home, never with someone." She looked at Clark
thoughtfully. "I never realized how much better it is to fly with
someone than now. "
"I feel the same. Do you want to race?"
Diana raced with her Sisters but it was always on foot. To test her
skills with someone similar to her was something she couldn't pass
up. "Where?"
"Apollo's Amphitheater," Superman suggested. "On three?"
Diana grinned playfully. "Okay. Three." She zoomed ahead of him.
"No fair!" he laughed and flew after her.
"Can't catch me!" Diana teased.
"Wanna bet!" Clark challenged. He easily caught up with her pulling
her into a hug. Diana broke out of his grasp and flew from him
again, laughing all the way.
From her balcony, Hippolyta watched Diana laugh in the sky as
Superman chased her. As a mother, Hippolyta was naturally concerned.
As a woman who was raped and saw her women beaten and raped as well,
Hippolyta was distrusting of any man and worried about her daughter.
She was innocent when it came to the opposite sex. Diana said
Superman was a friend but the queen knew this Superman wasn't just a
friend.
****
After a royal lunch, Superman left with Epione to learn about her
study of the herbs. Diana had told him after her mother and sisters
were drugged, they learned to master the art of herbology and
identify toxic herbs. It would be something he would share with
Bruce but also use the knowledge to apply in his defeating
kryptonite weakening his system or some how delay the effects.
Hippolyta used the time with Superman away and with Diana's other
friends busy with the other Amazons to talk with Diana alone.
Hippolyta sat on a divan on her bedroom balcony watching her guests.
Diana watched Vanessa and Julia on horseback with her Sisters before
looking over to see her mother troubled.
"Mother, why do you look so troubled? Aren't you happy with our
guests?"
"I do not mind Julia or Vanessa's presence. It's Superman that
concerns me." Hippolyta turned away from the scene below and looked
at her daughter. "Diana, what is your relationship with Superman?
Does he have your heart?"
Diana knew what her mother was asking and was silent longer than she
should have been. The truth was she didn't know what her
relationship was with Superman or the depth of her feelings were.
Their relationship couldn't be defined by friendship alone. There
was more to it than that and yet that was what Diana decided to tell
her. "He is my friend, Mother."
The queen was doubtful. "Is that all?"
Diana chose her words carefully. "Kal wants to be more but I think
he's waiting for me to come to terms with my feelings."
"And what are your feelings?" the queen asked.
"I'm not sure."
"He hasn't forced himself on you in anyway?" Hippolyta asked.
"No," Diana said. "Not in the way you're suggesting."
"But he has done something."
Diana sat beside her mother. "He *did* kiss me but I didn't react at
all. He apologized and we haven't spoken of the matter since. He
*has* been a good friend to me, Mother."
"He's a man biding his time," Hippolyta summed up Clark's intentions.
Diana looked at her mother, troubled. "Are you saying Kal isn't
being my friend?"
"He could be pretending to be your friend in a way to get close to
you. I think you should be cautious of him," Hippolyta warned her
daughter. "You don't know men like I do, Diana."
"I know that, Mother, but Kal isn't like the men who hurt you and my
Sisters. He's different."
"How do you know?" Hippolyta questioned. "You've not known him long
enough to trust him."
"Sometimes it doesn't matter how long one know someone to trust
them," Diana told her mother.
"You've not been around men, Diana long enough to know the depths
they will sink, the evils they will do. You are experiencing
emotions you've never had and you're are letting these emotions
cloud your judgment."
"Are you advising me, Mother or are you really referring to the
mistake you made?" Diana asked.
"Both," Hippolyta said gently. "I do not want you to go through the
pain and humiliation your Sisters and I went through. I do not want
you to experience the horror of what a man can do to a woman."
Diana hugged her mother. "I understand your concerns and I promise
to be careful."
*****
Later that day, Superman toured the Capital city with Phillipus and
as they ventured near the Temple of Hades. Diana decided to join
them but she caught her Sisters, Hellene, Iphthime and Epione
watching Superman and Phillipus from a distance. She decided to talk
to her Sisters and asked their opinion of Superman.
"Sisters, it's good to see you." She gestured to Superman not far
from them. "What do you think of Superman?"
"He's very learned and seems fascinated in the study of herbology,"
Epione commented. "He said it may help with a condition of his. He
seemed appreciative of my knowledge. I must admit I'm surprise to
see that kind of behavior from a man."
Diana smiled. It seem Epione liked him. "Hellene, what do you think
of him?"
"I admit to being impressed with him and his gifts," Hellene
said, "but we felt the same when Theseus and Heracles entered our
city. We'll keep an open mind but you must understand how difficult
this is for us, Princess."
Diana suspected Hellene would respond that way. She wasn't for
opening Themyscira's gates to the outside world. "I understand and
thank you for your honesty."
"Isn't it ironic," Iphthime said, "that Heracles, a man of
magnificent strength, was the first man to set foot on our island
nearly destroyed us centuries ago. And Superman is another man to
set foot on our island. His strength might even surpass Heracles and
he possessed gifts that make him equal to a God. Just as our queen
was smitten with Heracles, it seems you, Diana, are smitten with
Superman. I hope you have not unwittingly brought destruction to our
island by inviting Superman."
"I understand your concerns, Sister, but Superman isn't like
Heracles and regardless of what feelings I may have for Superman, I
will die before any evil befall our island or you, my Sisters."
The Sisters held their arms high and crossed them in Amazon salute.
A promise was made between Diana and her Sisters.
****
Despite some mistrust from the Amazons towards Superman, he enjoyed
his time on Themyscira. The island was peaceful, almost surreal.
Walking among the Amazons, Clark got a better understanding of
Diana's idealistic hope in her mission and her faith in the people
of Earth. One can certainly forget about the violence on Earth
living on Themyscira. Realizing what Diana left to come to his world
made him admire her even more and it even renewed his feelings for
justice in this world.
The sound of horse hooves got his attention from the beautiful
island. He turned and saw Hippolyta riding her horse towards.
Superman became nervous as she drew closer. When he was in her
presence the past two days, Hippolyta were with her subjects. Now
she was alone and the look in her eyes told him she deliberately
sought him out this morning to speak with him alone and he knew it
would be about Diana.
"Good morning, Your Highness."
"Good morning, Superman. I was hoping to speak with you privately
before you left." Hippolyta descended from her horse. Hippolyta was
an intimidating force of strength from her steely blue eyes, trained
warrior's body, confident, regal stance. This was a woman who would
not let any man intimidate her, no matter how tall, how strong. She
was truly a queen of her people.
"I will get straight to the point, Superman. What are your
intentions with my daughter?"
Superman swallowed hard. He had a feeling this would happen. "I
would like to be her friend."
"A friend?" Hippolyta scoffed. "I am Diana's mother but I am a
woman, too. I know you want more than friendship with my daughter.
Tell me, do you plan to take her as a lover?"
"Lover?" Clark squeaked. Ever since he saw Diana nude, he has been
having new dreams, more vivid and more intense. "No, Your Highness."
"Diana told me you kissed her." Hippolyta stared at Superman
crossly. "Do not lie to me about your feelings for my daughter."
The queen stare at him was intimidating. "I…I admit to an attraction
to Diana but I would never force her into anything she doesn't want.
If I could only be friends with Diana, I am content with that."
Hippolyta didn't believe him but she couldn't deny the sincerity in
his voice. "My daughter has high regard for you, Superman. She has
rejected the advances from Zeus himself, but for you, I honestly do
not know what Diana would do."
*Zeus?* Clark nearly froze at the queen's words. *Diana rejected
Zeus?*
"As much as I want, I cannot stop her from doing what she think is
right, even when it comes to courting. Some things one must learn on
their own to truly understand. Diana is innocent to these new
emotions she is experiencing," Hippolyta said. "You are not that I'm
certain of but if you are as honorable as you claim to be, you will
not force or persuade Diana in any way. If by any chance Diana is
hurt because of you," Hippolyta warned, "I don't care how strong you
are, it will mean nothing when I'm through with you."
Hippolyta mounted her horse and rode off. Clark stared at the queen
with mild relief that she was leaving. He ran a hand through his
hair and let out a heavy sigh. "I think I just lost ten years of my
life."
****
Late Sunday afternoon, Superman, Diana and the Kapatelis' returned
to Wakefield, Massachusetts. Vanessa was once again in Superman's
arms and was reluctant to let Superman release her once they landed
in front of her home.
Julia thanked Diana for the trip to her home almost had to literally
drag Vanessa in the house with her. The teen wanted to listen to the
conversation Diana would have with Superman but her mother would not
have her eavesdropping. As soon as they were in the house, Vanessa
went to the window and Julia had to pull her daughter away once more.
Superman looked amused at it all. Though Vanessa did take pictures
of him and some of him and Diana together, he hoped Vanessa would
keep her promise and not mention him coming to Themyscira, too. The
last thing Superman and Diana needed were the paparazzi on them.
"Thank you for inviting me to your home, Diana. I will never forget
it. Thanks to Epione, I might have some ways to lessen the affects
of kryptonite on me."
Diana never witnessed the effects of kryptonite on her friend but
she knew how serious he was about curing the effects. "I hope it
works out."
"Thanks. If it's all right, I would like to share the story of your
home in the Daily Planet. I promise to keep it fair and I will not
share any secrets."
"Wouldn't that expose your identity?" Diana asked.
Clark grinned. "Nah. Not the way I'll spin it."
Diana grinned understanding what Clark meant. "It is fine with me.
Anyway to get the Amazons peaceful message out helps."
"I hope I didn't get you in trouble with your Sisters by being on
your island,"
Clark said. "I know how they distrust men."
Diana smiled at Clark's thoughtfulness but couldn't help but wonder
if Clark's kindness was the same ruse Heracles used on her mother.
Hearing her mother and Sisters' opinions of Superman were clouding
her judgment. Diana realized she couldn't think like them. She
couldn't be distrusting of her friend because of what men did in the
past. "I didn't get in trouble. They are just concern. This is a big
thing for my Sisters to overcome and it won't be easy."
"I understand," he stepped closer closing the space between
them. "But I want you to know I will never hurt you in anyway. I
would rather die first."
As Clark lowered his head to hers Diana wondered if he was going to
kiss her. She closed her eyes expecting the kiss but he placed his
soft lips against her forehead. She opened her eyes confused and
found Clark staring into hers.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to--"
Diana cut him off. "I wouldn't mind if you did."
Clark smiled at the invitation. He moved closer again and Diana
closed her eyes expecting the kiss. Her lips barely brushed against
his when he suddenly pulled back.
Diana opened her eyes, wondering why Clark would stopped like that
but then she caught his gaze looking upward. She turned and saw
Vanessa watching them from her window. A big grin was on the
teenager's face.
Diana gasped. "Nessie!"
"Don't mind me!" Vanessa yelled from her window.
Vanessa suddenly turned and Clark and Diana could hear Julia's
voice. "Nessie, I told you to stop spying on Diana!"
As mother chastised daughter, Clark cleared his throat and Diana
looked at him again. "Um, I better get back to Metropolis. I'll, uh,
call you."
Diana nodded still uncomfortable at being spied on. She could feel
the warmth spreading in her cheeks. "Um, all right. Goodbye, Kal."
Superman flew away leaving a flush Diana watching him leave. As he
flew back to Metropolis, Clark grinned like a Cheshire cat. He
didn't get to kiss Diana but now he knew Diana *wanted* him to kiss
her. There was a shift in their relationship now and he knew the
wait wouldn't be much longer.
