Legacy Part Three

by Arcadia

After the parademons were gone, Hippolyta and Phillipus rushed to the palace to check on Diana. Hippolyta knew in her daughter's condition, a battle wasn't good for and knowing Diana, she would foolishly try to fight. When Hippolyta saw how damaged the palace was, her worry grew. "Diana!" Hippolyta called once inside the palace. "Diana!" "The damage is far worse inside," Phillipus commented. "Maybe she went through the portal to the Embassy." "Yes, let's go there." When Phillipus and Hippolyta got to the portal, it was destroyed and Magda and Triana were lying on the ground very still. Hippolyta went to Triana while Phillipus pushed the column off and checked on Magda. "Magda has some serious injuries but she is alive, barely." "Triana is not," Hippolyta stated and lowered her head. "She's gone." Phillipus rose holding Magda in her arms. "Do you think Diana escaped through the portal before it was destroyed?" "If that was the case then the portal wouldn't have been destroyed. It was destroyed to stop her from leaving," the queen surmised. "Diana was kidnapped. Those things that attacked us are parademons. They belong to Darkseid. He's an enemy of my son-in- law." Hippolyta looked at the damaged portal. "With the portal destroyed, I must venture to the outside world a different way if I'm to get in contact with Superman." At that moment, Superman and Donna were arriving at Themyscira. They were shocked at the destruction of the island. Many Amazons lay fallen: either dead or injured. Superman scanned the island in search of Diana but he couldn't find her anywhere. So, he looked for her mother and found the queen in the palace with Phillipus. "Your Highness!" Hippolyta turned to see Superman and Donna flying in the room. "Superman. Donna." Donna and Superman landed before Hippolyta. "We saw there was a battle here when we flew in," Donna said. "Were you attacked by parademons, too?" "Where's Diana?" Superman asked. "She was kidnapped," Hippolyta answered. "We were outside when the attack came and yes they were parademons. I sent Diana in the palace with Magda and Triana while I and the Amazons fought off the parademons. Magda and Triana must've have been trying to get Diana through the portal when they were attacked as well. Triana didn't make it," she said gravely. "Others have been killed, too." "Darkseid is responsible for this," Superman stated. "Yes, I suspected as much, but why would he capture my daughter?" Hippolyta asked. "For revenge on you?" "Maybe. He has been quiet for a long time but the fact he waited until now to attack is suspicious. It seems calculated." Clark clenched his fist. "I'm going to Apokolips and settle this once and for all. Darkseid has gone too far this time." "I'm coming with you," Hippolyta announced. "No, Your Highness, you should stay here." Clark was looking out for her safety; Hippolyta was aware of that but she felt it was an insult. After all, she was Queen of the Amazons. She backs out of no battle. "Some maniacal monster has my daughter and unborn grandchild. I'll be damned if I stay here and wait. I am going with you to Apokolips and get my daughter back!" "Darkseid is very powerful." Donna warned the queen. "And I am not?" Hippolyta questioned. "That monster will pay for attacking the Amazons and kidnapping my daughter!" Donna knew there was no changing the queen's mind on the matter. Not that she blamed her. "We should meet with the league, Superman. Form a group to rescue Diana. The three of us cannot go to Apokolips alone." "The more time we waste forming a group, the more time Diana is in that monster's hands," Superman informed the Titan. Donna sensed an underlying fury building in the Man of Steel. He wasn't outright lashing out but he was angry and it was the dangerous kind of anger where someone was bordering on the breaking point. Donna knew of the battles Clark endured with the Apokolips Lord, how Darkseid would push him but this time she felt the Lord of Apokolips pushed the Man of Steel too far. "Please, Clark," Donna pleaded. "I'm sure we can round up a group in an hour. Most were on their way to regroup at the Watchtower. I'm sure they are there now." Clark looked away and sighed. "Fine. I'll give you one hour but that's it." **** Diana laid unconscious in a bed with her arms spread out and secured to metal bonds covering from her hands to her forearms. Diana was also hooked to machines Granny Goodness was monitoring. Darkseid stood at the door's entrance watching them both. "Well?" Darkseid asked impatiently. "She took a mild beating but Wonder Woman protected herself well. She and her babies are fine." "Babies?" Darkseid inquired as he stepped in the room. "I thought she was having one child." Granny Goodness looked at the machines and indicated to one where two lines were beating almost in sync then turned her attention to Darkseid. "No, I'm detecting two heartbeats. It's twins." Darkseid smiled. "Twins, eh? Even better." Diana could hear voices around her. They weren't of allies. Diana remembered the last moments. She was on Themyscira when the island was attacked. She remembered seeing parademons, Circe then Darkseid. She saw Triana being choked by Darkseid and her fighting him but losing. Diana's eyes shot opened and she looked around. She saw Granny Goodness and Darkseid looking down on her her. Diana tried to rise but realized her arms were strapped down. "Darkseid! Let me go!" "You and I both know I will not." "When Superman finds out what you've done--" "He will rescue you?" Darkseid finished. He laughed. "He comes for you, he comes to his death." "Why do you want my child?" "Superman is the only who is capable of stopping me. You are one of the most powerful women in the universe. If you two should have a child, even I know it's possible my days would be numbered, but if the child should fall under *my* hands, *my* rule, the universe wouldn't stand a chance. They will be my legacy." Diana was outrage at Darkseid's plans. "You're insane if you think I'll let take my child." Darkseid looked at Diana in her present condition and smirked. "You're in no position to stop me." "I may be pregnant but I am not helpless." "Maybe in your prime you *might* have a chance in breaking those bonds but it's downright impossible for you now when you're due to give birth." He smiled sinisterly at Diana. "Don't worry. I won't let you go through the pains of giving birth. Once labor begins, I'll cut the children out of you." "Children?" Diana remarked surprised by Darkseid's choice of words. "I'm only having one child and you will never touch him." Darkseid was mildly amused. "Oh? That's what you actually think." "What are you talking about?" "Allow me to inform you, princess. You are having twins and both will serve under me." He gestured to the machines Diana was hooked up to. "The primitive machines you used to monitor your pregnancy are inaccurate compared to mine." Diana remained silent as she thought about Clark's behavior and how it all made sense: his plans to leave the Daily Planet, wanting to stay home. They did have two of everything but Diana thought it was in case the child broke the crib, the stroller, whatever, they would have one on hand. She hadn't considered the possibility she was actually having twins but now that Darkseid told her, it all made sense except for one thing. Why didn't her husband tell her? "How soon until labor begins?" Darkseid asked Granny Goodness. Granny Goodness cackled wickedly. "According to these machines, two hours." "Good. Contact me when it is time." Darkseid looked at Diana sinisterly. "I want to personally carve the children out of the Amazon." "You will never succeed," Diana promised. "You know Superman is on his way." "He is and I'm expecting him. I've planned for everything, princess. On this day, the Last Son of Krypton will breathe his last breath." **** At the Watchtower, Donna quickly informed the league of Diana's capture and their plans to go to Apokolips to rescue her. Joining Superman, Donna and Hippolyta—all suited in her special gold armor— were Batman, Green Lantern and Flash. "You sure this is enough?" Flash asked after he entered the javelin. "This is Darkseid we're going against." "It will have to be enough," Green Lantern said. "After Darkseid's global attack, Earth's defenses are down and most of the league must stay behind in rescue and recovery." Donna strapped herself in her seat. "The mission is simple. We rescue Diana and get out. We don't fight unless necessary." "This is Darkseid we're going against, Donna," Superman said as he started up the ship. "Fighting *will* be necessary. Everyone better be in their seats now because we're taking off." It was an order and a warning from Superman. The rest of group barely had time to strap themselves in when the Javelin flew out of the Watchtower. At the speed Superman was flying, Flash felt himself pushed back in his seat with a heavy jerk. "Um, aren't we going a little fast?!" John who was sitting beside Flash said, "If this was your wife and kid, would speed matter to you?" Donna who was seated next to Batman whispered to him. "I'm concern about Clark. He hasn't reacted to Diana's news. I sense anger in his tone but he's speaking so calmly. Not once has he lashed out. I'm worried he's becoming a volcano ready to burst." "That's probably because he is," Batman stated. "Shouldn't you talk to him?" "Talking won't help and he can hear you," Batman reminded her. Superman informed the group he was activating the cloaking device to disguise the ship as a meteorite before turning on the boom tube that will transport them directly to Apokolips. Superman kept a boom tube from his battle with Darkseid a few years back. He studied it but later gave it to Angela who configured it onto one of the Javelin's to guide the league to Apokolips if they needed to. The meteorite disguise work as they arrived on Apokolips without any problems. Superman landed the javelin half a mile outside Darkseid's palace. They were near a mountainous region. A perfect place for hiding in disguise and planning a sneak attack on Darkseid though Superman knew Darkseid was expecting him. "So, how does this work?" Flash asked. "We sneak in? I could race inside without Darkseid detecting me and locate Diana then everyone can come flying in." "If it was that simple, then *I* would be doing it, Flash," Superman said with his arms crossed. "There's no sneaking in. Darkseid knows we're coming. Donna, the queen and myself will fly ahead acting as the only squad coming to rescue Diana." He looked at Batman, Green Lantern and Flash. "You three will use our distraction to go in the palace and find Diana." "Sounds like a plan to me," Flash agreed. "Let's go!" Superman, Donna and Hippolyta flew in the sky while Batman, Flash and Green Lantern traveled stealthily on the ground under the power of Green Lantern's ring. As soon as Superman's group became visibly close to Darkseid's palace, an army of parademons flew out towards them. Superman looked to the ground and saw that Batman's group hasn't been detected. "They think we're the only ones to come to rescue Diana! Let them continue to think so." Donna had her fists clenched ready for battle. Thankfully, her shoulder wound has heal so there was holding back for her. "I'm ready for them." Hippolyta unsheathed her sword as she was ready to take down the monsters that were stopping her from rescuing her daughter. "Those parademons will see the error it was in capturing the Princess of Themyscira." Superman stood ready, his eyes glowing a crimson red, face full of fury. Swarms of parademons attacked them all at once. The parademons would be tough, fight viciously, but Superman knew they were all no match for a Kryptonian who wasn't holding back. **** Darkseid stood in his war room with Desaad, watching the battle from outside. As expected, Superman arrived to rescue Wonder Woman. Darkseid found the battle outside entertaining and informative. Hippolyta would slice parademons with her sword left and right. Donna would punch and kicked them, using all her fighting skills in breaking parademons' arms and legs but Superman's fighting style was relentless. He showed no mercy as he sliced off parademon's limbs with his heat vision, freezing them with his breath, hit them so severely that one punch or kick from the Man of Steel would send them pummeling from the sky. Several parademons tried jumping Superman at once. Superman would let them cover him for a minute before blasting them all away with his strength. Darkseid smiled. "So the Kryptonian isn't holding back." "Master," Desaad called as he watched the monitors in the palace. "We have a breech of security." On the screen were Green Lantern, Batman and Flash fighting off soldiers inside. Flash would use his speed to confuse them, Batman would use his gadgets and his fighting skills and Green Lantern would use his ring. Darkseid frowned. He miscalculated. He expected a full on assault from the Kryptonian. He wasn't expecting a smaller assault of weaker mortals to break into his fortress. He turned from the screen and left the room. "Seems, I shall rid Wonder Woman of her children before it's time." Once the parademons were dealt with, Superman, Donna and Hippolyta landed before the steel doors of Darkseid's fortress. With one of his mightiest punch the steel doors crashed to the ground. They only got a few steps in the fortress before Kalibak appeared. "You two search for Diana," Superman said. "I'll deal with Kalibak." "No one is going anywhere," Kalibak promised. "To get to Wonder Woman, you will have to go through me." "Fine," Superman said. "Your Highness, Donna. Stay back. This won't take long." **** Granny Goodness checked on Diana, every half hour, monitoring her condition. Diana could feel small tremors of pain in her lower abdomen. The old sadistic witch for Darkseid was right. She was getting close to labor. Even if Superman didn't arrive in time, Diana refused to let Darkseid carve out her twins out of her stomach. Granny Goodness arrived once more. She checked the monitors and smiled at Diana. "You're close, dear. You can resist all you want but when labor begins it's over for you." Diana's legs were free and she was going to use that to her advantage. If only Granny would come a little closer to her. She could delay her from contacting Darkseid and letting him know she was ready to give birth. Diana gasped suddenly as the pains in her lower abdomen appeared again, far stronger than before. "No," she choked as the pain spread. "Not now." "How wonderful," Granny sneered. "Just as expected." Even though Diana was deep in Darkseid's Fortress, she could hear the sounds of a battle taking place outside. The pains in Diana's stomach subsided and Diana looked hopeful. "Superman?" she said weakly. "Even if it is him, he won't save you." Granny approached the bed. "I'm gonna have so much fun raising your twins, teaching all about conquering, killing and destruction." She laughed at the monstrous idea. "They will be Darkseid's best soldiers and who knows. That daughter of yours may be Darkseid's little concubine." She came closer to the bed and placed her old hands on Diana's stomach and sneered at Diana. "It's a shame a beauty as you will have to die. I'm sure you could push out more soldiers for Darkseid but you are pregnant now and you sealed your fate." "So did you!" Diana snarled and with all the strength she could summoned, kicked Granny Goodness. The old woman slammed into a wall and fell unconscious. With Granny Goodness out cold and the onset of labor beginning, Diana knew she didn't have much time. Diana struggled but she couldn't break out of the bonds on her arms. As she continued to struggle, the door to her room opened and Darkseid entered the room. He saw Granny Goodness out cold and smiled. "Well, even in your condition, you are resourceful." Diana noticed a long sharp knife in Darkseid's hands. She knew he was going to use it on her. "Too bad your resourcefulness will not save you now." Diana cried out again as she struggled against her bonds, her body sweating, her breath coming in heavy ragged sobs until the labor pains subsided. Darkseid laughed. "The curse of your lover's touch. How sweet." "You will not touch me or my children!" "Futile words, princess." A giant green fist punched Darkseid from behind. The Lord of Apokolips dropped his knife and found himself slammed through a wall. Green Lantern flew past Diana and went after Darkseid. The sounds of fist punching, power rings and omega blast could be heard. Diana looked to her other saviors and smiled with relief at the sight of Batman and Flash. "You made it. Where's Kal?" Flash zoomed to her. "Still outside, giving us time to get you." Batman deactivated the bonds on Diana. "Let's go. John's buying us time." As Batman picked up Diana, John's painful cry was heard and he was hurled back into the room, slamming into another wall. The lantern symbol on his chest was burned off, revealing two scorched marks on John's bleeding chest. Darkseid himself appeared, blood was running along his mouth, eyes still burning. "No one is leaving with Wonder Woman." Batman put Diana in Flash's arms. "Get her out of here. I'll hold him off until Superman arrives." "No, Batman," a voice said from behind. "*I'll* hold him off." Everyone turned to see Superman standing in the doorway. His hands were covered in blood as were parts of his torn uniform and everyone knew it wasn't Superman's. Superman's eyes blazed red, the fury on his face was unlike anyone had ever seen. Flash took a step back in fear. Batman noticed Donna looking at Superman concerned while Hippolyta had a warrior's look of no remorse at what she witnessed. Batman was well aware of Superman's demeanor. He knew his friend was on the brink of losing it and it concerned him greatly. "Kal?" Diana weakly called out to her husband but another pain of labor took over her. "Diana!" Hippolyta went to her daughter and kissed her forehead. "It's all right. I'm here." "Mother?" Diana said weakly. "I'm here, daughter." Diana saw the anger on Superman's face but it didn't stop her from calling out to him. "Kal?" "Get out!" Superman ordered everyone. Donna picked up the wounded Green Lantern and flew out, followed by Flash carefully running out with Diana in his arms. Hippolyta quickly followed him. Only Batman remained in the room. "Even if they should escape, I shall never stop going after them, Superman." Darkseid promised. "Then it is best, I stop you once and for all," Superman promised. "Go on," Superman ordered Bruce. "Get Diana and everyone else off this planet." "Superman," Batman began. "Don't do anything stupid." Superman turned to Batman looking at him as if he was seeing his friend for one last time. "Tell Diana, my son and daughter, that I love them very much." The revelation stunned Bruce. "What?" And with that, Superman charged on Darkseid for one last battle.