Different Worlds by Arcadia
AN: Because the author is too lazy to look up the exact comic number, this chapter and future chapters will coincide with the events before and during War of Gods.
Different Worlds
Part Eleven:
Isolation
Fortress of Solitude. For some reason, Diana didn't like the name Superman gave his home in the frozen artic. It signified loneliness, deliberate isolation, which can give way to sadness and depression. Perhaps that's how Kal felt when he built this fortress Diana thought. He is the last of his kind. He's the only one to possess the gifts he has. Diana could sympathize. Even though she grew up on an island with her mother and Sisters, sometimes she felt lonely, isolated… different. Diana could fly. Her Sisters could not. Diana had empathy with animals. Her Sisters didn't. Diana was born of clay, coming to life by the power of the Gods. Her Sisters were once born of flesh from their mother's womb. No one was as strong as her. No one was as fast.
That was until she met Superman and a new flurry of emotions and happiness erupted from her. Not only was she feeling changes in herself now that she was with Superman but he could feel it with her. Superman even told her the loneliness he did have in him didn't dissipate until he met her.
Diana entered the menagerie section of the Fortress of Solitude. Smiling she realized the name `Solitude' doesn't have to mean loneliness, sadness and isolation. After all, could Superman really be lonely with all these different animals of the universe to take care of? To study? Kel-Ex was also around taking care of the Fortress when Superman was away. There's also his dog, Krypto. One couldn't be lonely with that lovable creature.
The Fortress of Solitude could also be a place for privacy. Whenever she and Clark go to the fortress, Diana noticed a change in Clark. He seemed more relaxed. He let his guard down. He even had a wry sense of humor. He could really be himself here: more open, more affectionate.
Because of the eyes of public on them whenever they are seen, physical interactions of any kind were considered a bad idea. Here at the fortress, they could hold hands, hug and even kiss without an audience unless one would count Kel-Ex and Krypto: a robot and a dog.
In fact, it was the only place they could go to be alone. Themyscira was completely out of the question as was Julia's home, especially with Julia and Vanessa back home.
Diana frowned as she thought of Vanessa. It wasn't long ago, her friend Lucy committed suicide. Diana didn't understand why Lucy would do such a thing and went to Clark for some understanding. As Clark console Diana and help her understand why some people give up on life, Diana still felt guilty she wasn't able to help.
Diana was also feeling guilty for seeking Clark to talk about her situation with Lucy's suicide and not seeing Clark for him. The last time they saw it each other they were dealing with Rokan. It has been weeks since then but with Diana's recent run in with the Silver Swan, learning of Etta's problems with her regarding Steve Trevor, meeting Donna Troia and preparing for her mother's arrival to Patriarch's World, Diana was busy extremely busy.
And yet, Clark understood as he knew what it means to have a busy schedule. With his double life he missed plenty of dinners, dates, events because there was an emergency that required Superman's attention.
When they made arrangements to meet at the fortress, Diana apologized for canceling on him but Clark understood as he knew Diana needed time to herself. For that she was grateful to have someone like him in her life.
As Diana waited for Clark she thought of her mother. Diana was overjoyed her mother and the other Amazons were coming. Once her mother arrives, her mission to unite Amazons with the people of Earth will be completed. Completing her mission left Diana happy with a twinge of sadness. Once her mission was completed, what will she do next? She had spent her time on Earth spreading her Amazonian ideas of peace. She made friends and enemies along the way. What would she do when it's over? She knew her mother wanted her home, but she wouldn't order that she returned would she? And if so, what would happened between her and Superman?
"Diana?" Diana turned and saw Clark approaching.
Diana beamed and went into Clark's arms giving him a long endearing kiss. "I missed you."
Clark grinned, "I missed you, too." He gazed over her lovingly, missing her these past weeks. Kissing her, having her in his arms was a revival to his soul. "What's the matter?" he asked concerned. "You looked troubled."
"I'm just thinking."
"Your mother's arrival?" Clark guessed.
"Yes and my future. Once the Amazons set foot on this land, my mission will be completed. I'm not sure what I will do next. I cannot keep imposing on Julia and Vanessa. My constant presence has endangered their lives more times than I care to count."
"I don't think Julia and Vanessa see it that way, Diana. No matter what has happened to them during the course of your stay, I'm sure they wouldn't trade a second of it if it meant you weren't in their lives."
Diana looked up at Clark thoughtful. "You really think so?"
"I know so because I feel the same with you." He kissed her again to express his point. His eyes twinkled as an idea came to mind. "I was going to do this later but now is the perfect time."
"The perfect time for what?" Diana asked as Clark led her out of the menagerie.
Clark winked at her. "You'll see."
They stopped off in Clark's lab where he placed a clear breathing apparatus over Diana's head. "What is this for?" Diana asked.
Clark placed one over his head as he answered, "It'll help you breathe and allow me to talk to you in space."
"Space?" Diana questioned as Clark continued to lead her out of the fortress.
Once outside of the fortress, Clark wrapped an arm around Diana. "Let me lead the way."
Superman took to the skies with Diana secure on him. Diana leaned on Clark. She loved the feel of flying but it was so much more exhilarating flying under the speed of Superman. *Great Athena! He's faster than Hermes!*
They soared in the skies higher than Diana has ever been, passed the limits birds have gone, higher than the clouds. Diana's heart raced excitedly as they passed the limits of the Earth and soared off the planet just seconds after they left the Fortress of Solitude.
The next thing Diana saw was blackness and stars. Then to her right she saw the moon. Superman released his hold on Diana and she
floated in space without using her powers. She was enjoying the new feeling when Superman turned her around and she saw the Earth.
"Great Gaea!" She awed as she viewed the planet. She saw the image of Earth in books but to see it in person was just breathtaking. "It's beautiful."
"Yes, it is," Superman agreed. "It helps to see what you are protecting." Diana's eyes mist with tears and Clark put an arm around her. "And the reality of what you accomplished Diana: uniting the Amazon nation to the rest of this great world. It wouldn't have been done without you. Before your mother arrives, I wanted you to see this."
Diana looked at the man who arms were around her. Somehow he eased her worries, help her see things more clearly. She knew in that moment whatever happens in the future, she wanted Clark by her side.
*****
"I don't normally say this but thanks for handing me the Amazon story, Clark," Lois said and then wryly added, "Although I think it's ironic you're handing me a story on your girlfriend."
Clark and Lois were in the privacy of Clark's office where he told Lois he wanted her to cover the story of the Amazons coming to New York. After Lois revealing that she knew his secret, their relationship changed but in a good way. Lois was more respectful to him, friendlier and it helped to have an ally in the Daily Planet to cover for him when Clark had to suddenly disappear and Superman had to surface. She even joked she had better excuses than Clark ever came up with. He was also glad with Lois knowing, he wouldn't have to come up with crazy reasons proving he wasn't Superman.
"I think you would do an excellent job on it," Clark commented.
"And it would make it easier for Superman to be there while no one notices Clark Kent gone again?" Lois guessed. "I know all about Island, er, I mean Wonder Woman inviting the Justice League to attend the banquet. You're going, too?"
"I would like to," Clark admitted, "But I feel my presence would take away from Diana's purpose. No matter how much I tried to spin that photo of us kissing as being nothing but a kiss among friends, I know some people are not buying it."
Lois didn't say anything. After all, it was her fault photos of Superman and Wonder Woman kissing surfaced and why rumors of them were rampant. As a sign of friendship, Lois did her part in trying to spin the kiss off as nothing but a gesture between friends, too. Some people believed it while others did not.
It was another of many reasons Lois knew that no matter if Superman and Wonder Woman should part ways, he would never be with Lois and
that was something she was going to live with.
****
Diana couldn't believe how nervous she was. The day had finally arrived for her mother and her Sisters to come to New York. Reporters and people from all around the world have come to witness their arrival. Steve, Etta, Julia and Vanessa were in the audience as Diana's support. The only one not there was Clark. She knew of Clark handing the assignment for his paper to Lois Lane. Given how it was Lois Lane who helped exposed her relationship with Clark to the rest of the world, it surprised her he would give her this story but it also showed how forgiving he was and for that she admired him even more.
In her hotel room, Diana could hear Asmund Lindel on a podium in front of the United Nations Plaza welcoming the guests and speaking fondly of the Amazons. Diana would soon arrive but she was having trouble dressing.
"Merciful Minerva, why is this so difficult?" Diana chastised herself. Her nerves were getting to her so badly, she couldn't get her ceremonial cloak on straight.
"Need some help?"
Diana turned and looked towards the ledge of her hotel room and saw Superman. "Kal!" She smiled relieved. "You came after all."
Superman strolled to her. "Nothing could make me miss this special moment." Diana dropped her hands in frustration and Clark began adjusting Diana's cloak. "Nervous?"
"Very," Diana admitted.
"I can understand that," Superman said as he fixed her cloak. "It's a historic moment for your people and our world. Your mother will be getting most of the attention once she and your Sisters arrive." He tilt Diana's chin so her eyes met his. "But none of this would've been possible without *you*." Superman kissed her, and when he broke the kiss said, "Good luck. I'll be watching." He stepped away from her and flew out the window.
Diana felt her nerves fade away and just in time as Asmund speech was ending. On cue, she floated down to the Plaza where the audience cheered her presence. She scanned the audience seeing her friends, reporters and even from afar felt Superman's gaze on her. Her heart felt lighter as the burden of her mission was finally being lifted. The audience waits for Diana to speak but Diana doesn't. She only gestured to the river where Hermes rises, drawing his own awe from the crowd. Using his Caduceus, the water parts under his command.
The audience is silenced as Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons and her Sisters walk through the parted waters. Hippolyta and her Amazons stand tall, proud and beautiful as they make their way into the world of man.
When Hippolyta reached the first step that led up to the podium, she signaled her Amazons. Diana watched in amazement as her mother and Sisters remove their bracelets, shedding their bondage, forty centuries of isolation. Finally Queen Hippolyta joined her daughter at the podium and addressed the audience in various native tongues. She then join Asmund Lindel in drinking wine from the Goblet of Heracles as a sign of peace expressing unity with the people of Earth and Amazons.
As the crowd roared with the idea of peace, Diana embraced her mother for making such a momentous step. Mother and daughter knew there would be obstacles in their way but for now the path was set and they were ready to welcome and knock down any challenges in their way.
Far from the joyful celebration in New York through her crystal ball, Circe watches with evil eyes. "Enjoy your moment of peace, Diana. Soon your entire world will fall apart."
****
The picture of Queen Hippolyta and Wonder Woman in an Amazon salute with the title "For the Glory of Gaea" was the front page story of the Daily Planet; written by Lois Lane.
Lois Lane has been the lead reporter of the Amazon tour. Just as Lois wrote a great article about Queen Hippolyta's arrival in New York, a week ago, she was continuing to do so in her coverage of the Amazon tour. Giving her the story was a good idea Clark thought.
Lois sat on the edge of Clark's desk watching him read her latest article. As she studied the outline of his body, she still found it hard to believe she never noticed he was Superman before. *Fool by a pair of glasses and a missing forelock. Some ace reporter you are, Lane.*
"Pleased with the story?" Lois asked.
Clark lowered the paper. "Yes, I am. It's very good."
"See? I can put my bias aside for a story," Lois joked. "Seems Wonder Woman will be busy with her mother and Sisters and the Amazon tour they are on now. It must be putting a cramp on the relationship."
Clark folded the article and leaned back in his seat. "Not really. I knew this was coming and I have no qualms with Diana spending time with her family and helping them adjust to this world. I'm giving her as much space and time she needs."
Lois shook her head in amazement of Clark. "You're really not from this planet, Smallville."
Clark grinned. "Yes, I've been told that."
Lois took the newspaper out of Clark's hands and smacked him playfully on his head. The two shared a laugh. "So, does her mother know about you two yet?" Clark shifted uncomfortable in his seat. "I take that as a no," Lois guessed.
"You would be right. She has her suspicions," Clark admitted. "I think in her own way, she's given permission for me to pursue Diana but she promises to make me pay if I hurt Diana."
Lois whistled. "The last thing you want to do is get on the bad side of a parent, especially a queen of the Amazons."
"You got that right," Clark agreed as he stood. He looked at his watch. "I have to get going. I have a busy night."
"Patrolling the city and all that?" Lois asked, watching Clark put on his jacket and grabbing his briefcase.
"For an hour but I have dinner plans with my parents." Clark opened the door for Lois as she walked out before him.
"Have they met her?" Lois asked.
"No, but after things settle with her mother and Sisters, I plan to invite her over. They've been anxious to meet her."
"I bet," Lois slyly commented. "While you have dinner with your parents, I'll be working late."
"When are you not?" Clark joked as he walked to the elevator. He pressed the down button and waited for his elevator to show up.
"Ha. Ha. It's been quiet in Metropolis, Smallville. So, my reporter's instinct is telling me something hot is about to happen tonight."
The elevator doors opened and Clark stepped inside and waved goodbye. "Good luck then."
****
With her mothers and Sisters in this world, Diana was having trouble dividing her time with them and her friends. Even Superman was taking a backseat. It's been a week since she seen him and she missed him terribly. Superman agreed to give her space to which Diana was grateful but now she was regretting it.
Diana was now flying to Boston for Vanessa's birthday party. She was going to arrive late per Julia's suggestion so Diana's presence wouldn't take away from Vanessa's day but her tardiness backfired and caused Vanessa to worry something terrible happened to her. After Lucy's death and Diana's constant run-ins with people out to destroy her, it caused Vanessa to panic and think the worse has happened. Eileen, Vanessa's friend admitted she never wanted Diana to come anyway. Seeing how her presence was bringing down the party and not wanting to cause anymore pain, Diana decided to leave.
Diana flew to Steve Trevor's apartment. She hoped to talk to her friend and catch up on what's been going on in his life. They hadn't seen each other in a long while and she wondered what her good friend was up to. However, the moment she landed on Steve's balcony, Diana got the feeling she wasn't welcomed either.
"Steve, is something wrong?" Diana asked. "Did I do something?"
"No, you didn't do anything," Steve said. "I need to put some distance between us. Etta and I are going through some issues and I need to sort them out."
"Am I part of these problems?" Diana asked. She recalled her battle with the Silver Swan weeks ago. She sought Etta's help who told Diana she felt uncomfortable in Diana's presence given her looks and physique and if it wasn't for her, she and Steve would be married now and whether Diana realized it or not, she was taking Steve from her. "I never meant to cause trouble between you and Etta. I didn't know my presence was doing so."
"No, of course you don't," Steve admitted. "I know you were worried about Hermes and he was living with me."
"I'm sorry if I've compromised your relationship with Etta," Diana apologized again. *It seems I'm becoming a burden to my friends. It has been going on for so long. How could I have been so blind as to not see it?*
"I'm a big boy Diana and I made all the decisions in my life." Steve sighed heavily. "Lately, though it feels I'm losing control over my professional and personal life. Etta is in the Persian Gulf and I wasn't there to see her off."
A sadden and guilty Diana asked, "Is there anything I can do?"
Steve shook his head. "No, this is something I must do alone. I need to take charge of my life again." He smiled at Diana trying to assure her. "When I get this all straightened out, we can get back to the way we used to be: like brother and sister."
"Of course," Diana said weakly, hurt at the rejection of her friend. Diana took to the skies again, the pain of rejection embedding in her heart. First, Julia and Vanessa and now Steve.
Diana flew to New York. Her mother and the other Amazons were at the Waldorf Astoria. Surely, her presence would be welcomed there. They
would never turn her away. However, it wasn't long after her arrival that Diana was once more rejected.
"Daughter, I do not want you to accompany the Amazons and I tonight." Hippolyta and the Amazons stood in white gowns all dressed and ready to leave for the evening. Hippolyta noticed the disappointment on her daughter's face. "It's not a decision I come to lightly," Hippolyta told her daughter. "I've discussed this with the Emissaries of Patriarch's World and it's time the Amazons show themselves as more than mere extensions of Wonder Woman."
Mnemosyne added, "We have come to this world as teachers. It's time we present ourselves as such."
"But I am a teacher," Diana argued.
"You are," Hippolyta agreed, "But you are also much more. To the mortals of this world, you are what they call a `super hero.'" She added. "I was also under the impression you were going to Vanessa's birthday party and I thought Hermes need your assistance."
Diana shook her head as she thought to her last meeting with Hermes recently when she saved him from the God Mercury and Hermes was so insulted by the indignity of it all, he pushed Diana away. Another rejection.
"I do not think Hermes would want to see me at the moment." She looked at Menalippe hopefully, "Perhaps if Menalippe accompanies me…."
"The Oracle has her own duties to perform in this world as we all do," Hippolyta stated. An aide entered the room letting them know their limousine has arrived. The other Amazons leave, leaving Diana and Hippolyta alone. Hippolyta hugged her daughter. "Do not look so disappointed Diana."
"How can I not?" Diana asked in her mother's arms. "I feel so alone."
"Nonsense," Hippolyta said. "We will see each other again and with all your friends in the world, how can you be lonely?"
Hippolyta kissed Diana's cheek and left her daughter alone in the room. Diana was lonely and perhaps because of who she was, others had a hard time of seeing that.
Diana suddenly smiled as she realized not everyone would have a hard time seeing that. She picked up the phone and called Clark's number at the Daily Planet. He wouldn't reject her. The phone rang ten times before she hung up. He was obviously gone for the day. Diana tried his home number but hung up when she realized he wasn't home.
Diana didn't know what to do until she remembered Clark telling her he does patrols over Metropolis. Perhaps that was what he was doing now. She could join him on his patrol and afterwards they could spend time together.
Diana flew to Metropolis and after flying over the city for an hour realized he wasn't there. Diana then flew to Superman's Fortress. Since she had access to the Fortress it was no problem getting in. She was greeted by Krypto and Kel-Ex.
"Is Kal here?" Diana asked Kel-Ex as she affectionately rubbed Krypto's back.
"No, Master Kal-El isn't here."
"Will he be coming?" Diana asked hopefully.
"I do not know," Kel-Ex answered. "Sometimes it can be days or weeks before the Master arrives."
"I see," Diana said disappointed. She stood. "Thank you, Kel-Ex. Goodbye, Kel-Ex." She pet Krypto one more time. "Good bye, Krypto."
Diana left quickly so Kel-Ex wouldn't see the tears streaming from her face. *I've leaned on Kal before when I was alone. I thought he would always be here. Perhaps this is a sign from the Gods I cannot lean on Kal whenever I am lonely. I shouldn't. He has a life of his own, too. I cannot keep coming to him and expect him to entertain me when I am alone.*
With nowhere else to go, Diana flew to the only place she could go, her home on Themyscira. There in her room she silently cried.
Circe watches from her crystal ball; Clark enjoying dinner with his parents, Hippolyta and the Amazons attending a social function, Steve on his balcony contemplating his life decisions, Julia comforting Vanessa and lastly Diana alone in her room on Themyscira crying. Circe watches with a sinister smile. Her plan was going perfectly.
