Paradise Lost Pt 3

by Arcadia

Chapter Three

Triana opened her eyes and found herself in bed. What in the world happened? She remembered taking on Live Wire, being shocked by her and everything going black. Triana looked around the room. This was Diana's room in the Watchtower. She was going to get up when Superman entered the room. He was carrying a tray of food. "Where's Diana?" Triana demanded. "What happened to me?" "Diana's at a charity event. I told her I'll check on you until you return." Superman placed the tray on Triana's lap. "So, how are you doing?" "Charity event?" Triana said. "I've been unconscious for over twenty four hours?" "Yeah," Superman said as he sat in the chair by Diana's bed. "You were in and out for the past few hours. I assume you would wake up soon so I brought you dinner," Superman explained. "Live Wire gave you a strong dosage of electricity. I've felt that myself more than once." "What happened while I was out?" Triana asked. "Your sister defeated Giganta. Flash took care of Captain Cold. J'onn defeated Grundy and I took care of Live Wire." "You saved me?" Triana questioned. She was genuinely surprised, almost pleased. Superman smiled sheepishly. "Um, yes, but I got in trouble with your sister for letting you get hurt." "So, you're checking on me because of my sister told you to." Triana didn't understand why but she seemed hurt by that. "No, because I care about you." At Triana's questioning gaze, he said, "In a way, you're almost family to me because your sister is Diana. So, get some rest, eat some food and enjoy some good company." "You're here to keep me company?" Triana asked. "Yep." He opened a drawer from the nightstand and pulled out a book. "Or you can read a book if you don't want my company." Triana studied the book. "The Art of War." Triana placed the book aside. She much rather study Superman than read a book. It was time she found out what was so special about him that caught her sister's eye. Feeling famished as well, Triana looked at the food before her. "What is it?" "A club sandwich and root beer float. It's something I whipped up quickly. Diana likes it." If Diana could like it, then so can she. "You made this?" A man who cooks his food? At Superman nod, she asked, "Does Diana cook for you?" Superman burst out laughing. "Yeah, right!" Superman cleared his throat recovering, "Um, oh, I mean, no, she doesn't." Triana smiled, genuinely amused. She couldn't see her sister cooking for a man as well. "Not once have I seen Diana cook. She's hunted game and fish on Themyscira and can cook over the fire but when she talks of foods named cakes, pies, and odd dishes of this world, something that's considered an amount of time to prepare, I do not see her investing much time for her meals." "No," Superman smiled, "that's not Diana." "She's rather spoil." Triana took a bit into the club sandwich and sipped her root beer. "This is good." "Thank you," Superman said at the compliment. "I don't think Diana is spoil. Diana works hard in everything she does. She gives 110% every time. She's very strong, independent yet compassionate, naïve, wild, adventurous." Superman laughed as he recalled a fond memory. "I remember when we were on the planet, Novul. It was very cold: twenty below. I was with Diana, Flash and Green Lantern. The weather didn't bother me but Flash hated it and asked Diana how she kept warm in her uniform. Diana said she didn't feel the cold. Flash didn't believe her. To prove him wrong, Diana jumped in lake. It had to be twice as cold. She swam a lap in it and emerge not shivering at all. I couldn't believe she did that," his eyes lit up with pride, "but that's Diana. I wouldn't change her one bit." All this Diana praise was almost killing Triana's appetite. She was ready to change the subject. "Diana says you are from another planet." "I am. Krypton. It's gone now. I took her to show where the planet once stood," Superman said solemnly. "Diana says you're not like other men. Why are you so different? Why are you not evil and abusive like the men I've seen?" Superman shrugged. "It's my upbringing and who I am. I've been born to cherish and respect all life. It's the way my parents raised me. Men have changed from the time you were in my world." Superman saw Triana was finished so he took the tray from her and placed it on the nightstand. "I know given your upbringing would find that hard to believe but it's true. We are all not the same." As they talk for the next hour, Triana noticed Superman was smart, humorous, well mannered and honest for a man. She could find herself sitting with him for hours talking to him or just staring at his physical form. His features were god like. Triana was a child when in the presence of men and all she felt was repulsed but being in the presence of Superman was different, almost nice and it created new feelings for her that she didn't feel embarrassed when she asked, "What is it like to touch lips?" Superman was taken back by the question. "Um, why do you ask that?" Triana leaned closer to Superman. "If you are courting Diana, you must have touch lips with my sister. You would call it a kiss. Would you mind showing me?" Superman pulled back in his chair. "I can't do that." "Why not?" "I'm with Diana and it wouldn't be right to Diana if I kiss you. You're her sister." Superman realized Triana might not understand. "You don't understand relationships between men and women. Listen, Triana, when a man and woman are courting, they don't kiss other people." "I understand more than you think, Superman," Triana said sharply. He dare refuse her? "I'm not trying to come between you and my Sister. I only want a kiss. I want to know what it feels like." "If I kiss you, you *will* be coming between your sister and I," Superman seriously stated. Triana smiled. "If you think that, you must be attracted to me. You *do* want to kiss me but your loyalty to Diana prevents you. I will not say anything if you don't." "What?" Superman was taken back. He shook his head. He did not want to be in this situation! Where was a battle when you needed one? "No. No. It's not like that, Triana. I only want Diana. I don't want you." Triana's face darkened. He refused a great beauty such as her for Diana? At that moment, Diana entered the room looking gorgeous in a sapphire evening gown. Superman stood immediately. Diana's eyes brightened seeing her sister was awake. "Sister, you've awakened. How are you?" Triana smiled, hiding her anger. "I'm fine. Superman was keeping me company." Diana smiled at her love and gave his hand a gently squeeze. "Thanks for keeping my sister company, Kal." Diana started to kiss him but stopped when she realized her sister was watching. "I'll talk to you later." "Happy to do it," Superman said. "I'll leave you two alone." Superman didn't waste time leaving. Should he or should he not tell Diana what just happened? No. He couldn't tell Diana her sister made a pass at him. Triana was new to the world and had all kinds of new feelings to decipher. She couldn't possibly know what she was doing and Triana was only staying for a little while. He could handle her. Superman also knew how much Diana missed her family while in this world. He couldn't ruin Diana's happiness. He wouldn't. **** Diana Prince was harboring a secret. Richard Moulton knew that but he didn't know what that secret was. Diana had been on several missions for the CIA and each time she came out unharmed. There were even times Wonder Woman showed up to aid Diana. He wanted Wonder Woman ever since she blew his billion dollar deal with Elise Remington and something told him Diana Prince was the key to Wonder Woman. He was certain Diana was giving Wonder Woman information somehow. It was a hunch and his hunches were never wrong. When he researched Diana's past, nothing popped out. He even had her tailed more than once. Still nothing. Diana never talked about her life outside work and seemed as plain and boring as they come, which made him more suspicious of Diana. So he was surprised to see Diana talking with another woman outside the Lincoln Memorial and from the looks of it they seem to know each other. It wouldn't matter to see Diana talking to another woman except this woman stood out with her height and beautiful looks: nothing at all like Diana who was tall and dowdy. It struck him as odd those two would talk together. He didn't know who the woman was but he was going to find out. Triana stared at the marble statue of Abraham Lincoln. "For a man he sounds noble, strong. Interesting human, but he is a man. Most unfortunate." She looked at Diana in her dreary dark suit, glasses and hair pulled back in a bun repulsed. "I don't see how you can wear that. It's unflattering, hides your beauty." "It's part of my disguise," Diana explained. "I wish you would've worn something similar." Triana herself wore a red cinched top, black skirt and black high heeled boots. Her blonde hair flowed freely and she more than once got men looking her way. "No, thank you. I do not wish to hide my beauty to be accepted by others beneath me." "Not hiding yourself will expose my identity." Diana's words didn't affect her sister. "Thankfully, the news crew didn't see you in Metropolis. I'll have to make sure there isn't any press when we go to Africa this weekend." "Diana? It's good to see you outside work." Richard saw the surprise on Diana's face. Diana was never caught off guard which proved something was going on with her. Diana recovered, "Considering our line of work, that's not a good thing is it?" "Who is this?" Richard asked, indicating Triana. "I'm Diana's sister, Triana," Triana introduced herself before Diana could speak. "And you are?" "Richard Moulton, Diana's boss." Sister? Diana never mentioned a sister and when he checked her background, it said she was an only child. "You have a beautiful sister, Diana," Richard commented. "Thank you, sir," Diana looked uncomfortable. "She's in town for a few days. I'm just showing her around." "I don't have any plans. Why don't I join you?" Richard offered. Triana was going to say yes but Diana spoke for her. "No, that's not necessary. It's been a long while since I've seen my sister so I'm keeping her to myself. Excuse us." Diana took Triana's arm and rushed her along. "Why did you do that?" Triana asked. "I was curious about that man that is your boss." "Why did you speak without me introducing you?" Diana's voice was laced with anger. "No one knows I have family and if Richard remembers that he may investigate and my cover could be blown." "You shouldn't have to hide who you are, Diana," Triana said. "You're a princess and you're hiding among these people like mice." "Not the analogy, I would use, Sister." Richard watched Diana and her sister leave. For one who was always in control, Diana was uncomfortable and upset. There was something Diana was hiding and he was sure this sister of hers knew her secret. Richard's cell phone rang. Expecting this call, he answered it, "Yes." "I finally got through someone at the Embassy," a voice said on the line. "Wonder Woman is making a trip to Africa this weekend. She's expected to visit some villages she helped and personally deliver supplies." "And the Justice League?" "As far as I know only Wonder Woman will be going." That was good. The last thing he needed was the Justice League involvement. "Which villages will be she visiting?" "Wonder Woman is going to several but I only got one out of the worker. I'll email everything to you. I'm getting supplies ready for shipment." "Good. I want to supply those rebels with as much fire power as possible. If we can't kill Wonder Woman, we'll capture her and by the time we're through with her, she'd wish she was dead." **** On Saturday, Triana left the Watchtower early with Diana in her sister's invisible plane. Triana used the plane ride to question Diana's life in this world. Diana felt comfortable sharing with Triana the enemies she fought in the league and CIA in order to bring peace in the world. "When we get to Ethiopia, Sister, be on your guard for any Aremids." Diana warned. "They are evil, monstrous people. I learned about them at the CIA." "Who are these Aremids, Sister?" Triana asked. "Mercenaries. They do anything for a price. They almost killed Kal but I was able to stop them. Since then, they've had a grudge against me." Diana explained. "I found out recently, the Aremids fund military weapons and supplies for the Zarconian Empire the Justice League overthrown. They are also rumored to supplying militias with weapons to attack poor African countries. I defeated them but they could strike again" "If these militias come for a fight with us, they'll get one." Triana looked out the window. She saw the villages below and saw how worn and poor the homes look and the people dressed in thin, old clothes. She felt sympathy to the people. "I'm not surprised of the suffering of this world. Queen Hippolyta mention not only women suffer at the hands of men but so do the children. Men, such weaklings to attack defenseless women and children." "Yes, but they are changing. With the U.N.'s help, men, women and children are being educated. Men are growing out of their naïve ways of how they think a man should act, what it really feels to be a man and their treatment of women." Diana smiled at the progress. "Now the people are working together to build a better community." Diana looked at her sister concern. "I should warn you, some men may propose to you." Triana looked at Diana suspicious. "As in marriage?" Diana nodded. "Repulsive. What would mortal men have to offer me?" Diana shrugged. "Maybe not much but…" Diana let the rest of her words hang. "Just let them down easy, okay." Triana crossed her arms over her chest. "Very well." Wonder Woman landed the plane near in the middle of a village in Kenya. It was the first stop over tour. Over the next several hours, the Amazon sisters visit several villages where villager helped unload the medicine and food for the people. Triana observed her sister as she spoke to the villagers fluently in their native tongue. These people were poor but Diana didn't treat them as such. She didn't treat them as if she was better than them. Diana visited the sick children at a clinic and smiled at the progress they were making. Triana was introduced as Wonder Woman's sister and the villagers welcomed her as warmly as Wonder Woman. Part of Triana was proud of her sister but another part was jealous. After all, she felt she should've won the tournament. If so, she would be getting the attention, the praise from the villagers. The last village on their tour was Ethiopia. Triana was observing her sister in a serious discussion with a Village Chief when screams were heard outside followed by an explosion. A young man from the village ran in the room. He spoke in his native tongue. Triana didn't understand but he was frantic as if he was scared. "What is he saying, Sister?" Triana asked. "The militias are back," Wonder Woman gritted her teeth. "Let's go." Wonder Woman and Triana stepped out of the clinic seeing men armed in guns and grenades surrounding the village. It was an army of thirty. The wicked men fired their guns on the villagers, set homes on fire. Triana and Wonder Woman went to action. Triana jumped in front of an injured villager and deflected bullets with her bracelets before one of the militia could finish her off. A man ran and picked up the woman. "Get her to safety!" Triana ordered. Wonder Woman herself was busy deflecting bullets as most of the attacks were focused on her. When an airborne torpedo was fired on her, Wonder Woman caught it and crushed it with her hands. Lasers were fired on her but she easily deflected those as well. Triana joined her sister's side and they worked together to disarmed the men and knock them out. Soon a militia of fifty was dwindled to ten. Without their weapons, the men tried attacking the women in hand to hand combat. Wonder Woman and Triana easily took the men out with punches here and there. Wonder Woman was calm as she went to battle but Triana was filled with rage. She read the reports on Diana's computer. She read the cruel things the wicked men did to the poor villagers, especially the women and children. All the men were knocked out, ran away or captured where they couldn't escape when Triana was suddenly attacked from behind by a large man. He grabbed her and tossed her to the ground hard. Triana rose snarling. "You dare attack an Amazon?!" The man was a statute himself, nearly seven feet, his body lined with muscles. Triana launch in punches but the man prove to be a warrior. He either caught or blocked each one. He put Triana in a chokehold. "Feisty woman! I'll do to you what I've done to the other women," he promised. "I'll break that spirit of yours!" "Never!" Triana broke out of his hold. The man struck but Triana grabbed his hand and tossed him to the ground. He rose to strike Triana but she hit him with a punch between the legs that brought the warrior to his knees. Triana kept hitting the man over and over, beating him. No matter what Diana thought, people like him didn't deserve to live and Triana was going to make sure he wouldn't see another sunset. The man's blood splattered on her. It only fueled her rage. She didn't care if the man was bleeding. She didn't care if the man was now pleading mercy. He didn't deserve to live. None of them did. After she was finished with this one, she was going after the others. Wonder Woman pulled Triana from the male warrior. "Triana, stop! That's enough! What's the matter with you?" Wonder Woman looked at the wounded man on the ground then back at her sister. "That was too much force on him. Be wary of your strength and how weaker humans are compared to you." Triana snatch her hand away from Wonder Woman's. "These monsters have hurt, mutilated and killed hundreds of people in this village and others! It would serve them right if they are met with the same justice otherwise they will always come back!" "That's not always the case," Wonder Woman argued. "The men we've captured in the militia are imprisoned and force to build homes and clinics for the same people they persecuted. Many of them have changed their ways." "And the ones that don't?" "Are imprisoned for life. Seeing you resort to such drastic violence will only provoke them." Triana said nothing as she walked away. Some of the villagers stepped out of Triana's way as she passed by. Wonder Woman turned to villager. "Get a doctor to examine him." The villager quickly went to the man and carried him away. Wonder Woman looked on at her sister cleaning herself off at a nearby stream. A worried look was on the princess' face.