166Hello, my lovely readers! It feels so good to be back! Here is another chapter for you all. I am so sorry it has been ages since I last updated this fanfic. COVID really turned the world upside down. Then I got married in 2021, baby boy nine months later…. And now expecting a little baby girl in March. Life has been crazy busy for me. Some great, some not so awesome. Like finding out I have depression and OCD which was big.
I'm overjoyed to be back with this story though. I have a few more chapters I am planning out and then I'll be done with the story. For those of you who are still here, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. And of course, I always welcome new readers.
lareinaSelena: Thank you so much for your review! It overjoyed me that you reviewed right away! I wanted to give a different spin on Hippolyta and Zeus' relationship. It is going to get more interesting in this chapter. Excited to hear what you'll think of it. Here you go!
Marzz: I'm sorry that it took so very long for you to get this chapter. Yes, I wanted Renee and Diana to have a healthy and happy female friendship. One gets tired of them always having drama that takes forever to resolve. It's like you both are adults…. Just speak to each other! Honestly, I have had to put my personal feelings for Zeus aside and try to flesh him out more. You'll just have to wait and see. I'll try to be back soon, so you'll have more to go off. I always love hearing from you! Hope you also enjoy this chapter!
JuiliaBSpeezy: Sorry it took so long. Hope you still are here to see what I have instore for this chapter.
Julycarol18: Thank you so much! I am so sorry it took for long, life has been insane. But I hope you come back and enjoy this next chapter. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Renee: I know it has been tooooooo long! Hopefully you are still interested in the outcome of the story. I'll explain it more in detail in a later chapter. But Hippolyta is definitely going to have her grandchildren spend a few years training on the island. Wanting of course to keep them safe. Akilina will probably be there longer than Steven, given he is a male. But I know Hippolyta will not allow her grandson to be without the knowledge to protect himself. Still haven't given up on this story. Life is just insane here. Hope to update for you soon!
Guest: Thank you for your review! No, I have no plans of touching that movie. Hope you like this chapter!
Lucie: Thank you! Thank you! Glad my story gave you such emotions! I know! They really are adorable in the first film. It makes me sad that they can't be endgame but as you can see, I needed Diana to always have him in her life.
Now onto the long-awaited chapter. Hope you all enjoy! And please leave a review. And favorite and follow if you so choose.
:)
Themyscira
1995 B.C.
In quiet moments, when Hippolyta was idle, she would sing and talk to the little one that was growing inside of her. Would the child be a boy or girl? What would they look like? More like her? Or perhaps more like their father? She knew at some point she would have to tell Antiope. Something in her gut told her she should tell Zeus first. Afterall, he was the father. There was no denying that fact.
Her nerves were thoroughbred the day that the Olympus party would come to retrieve Artemis. Things had still been slightly tense with the young warrior goddess but overall, they had been able to talk. Both never mentioned Zeus again. An unspoken agreement between them. Hippolyta fixed and righted her toga repeatedly as Antiope, Artemis, and her household staff waited in the foyer for the guests' arrival. Her sister placed a reassuring hand upon her arm. A bright and surprisingly calming smile spread across her lips.
"It will be fine," she leaned down and whispered. "You look lovely today."
Letting out a sigh. Muscles relaxed slightly as she remained standing tall and gracefully. She decided to wear a light gray toga that made the blue stone of her ring pop. Silently she twisted it around her finger. Enjoying that even though day in, day out the man she cared for wasn't beside her, she always carried a piece of him with her. That and of course the little babe growing inside her womb. The sound of a pin dropping would have echoed in the large room, as though not her alone but all her warriors and servants were aware just how anxious she was.
Harp music began to be heard in the distance, ever drawing upon them. Hippolyta's heart sped up as a small party paraded into the large space. Eyes searched and searched but had yet to see what they had longed to find. An extremely tall young man walked over towards her. His eyes bright and cheerful. Everything from his face to smile seemed oddly familiar.
"Queen Hippolyta, it has been far too long since last I saw you," the young man bowed and pressed a quick kiss to her knuckles.
So, she did know him, but the name was still distant, and she couldn't put it together on her own.
"Apollo, I did not think that father would have made you come and fetch me," Artemis greeted, wrapping her brother into a sisterly embrace.
"Yes, he was unable to come himself, so I was sent to come and get you. I hope you aren't too disappointed," he teased.
With the words a large drop of embarrassment and a bit anger bubbled inside of Hippolyta's stomach, before settling into a lingering feeling of tightness in her heart. He wasn't coming.
"I doubt very much whether you or he cares if it does. It is what it is," Artemis replied dryly but with a smirk upon her face.
Knowing she was still the hostess, the Amazon queen walked over to the young sun god to greet him properly, "I will confess we did not expect you, Apollo. You are more than welcome to stay as long as you wish though."
"Thank you. You are too kind. I shall only be staying for a short time. For super and then Artemis and I should be heading back home. My father was grieved that he could not have come himself. But there were matters in Olympus that needed to be seen by him."
Hippolyta wanted to pull him aside and ask him what matters kept Zeus upon Olympus but instead she held her tongue. Not wanting to break down or even to make herself look a fool.
The feast that commenced was large and lively between Apollo and Artemis' reunion and the other members of the Olympus party that had accompanied Apollo. The young sun god danced, played harp and told tales to the different amazons. They soaked up the tales that the twins told them about mishaps and mayhem that the pair had gotten up to as children. Hippolyta put on a smile, trying to listen and look as happy and carefree as the others were.
Long hours passed this way. Finally, Apollo came up to her and thanked her for her hospitality but insisted they were needed back upon Olympus. Hippolyta nodded in understanding. Saying words and things that would not be remembered or noted upon later.
As Artemis came over towards her, Hippolyta's throat tightened seeing how much older and wiser the young woman looked. So different then when she had first come to them. Why hadn't she paid more attention at dinner? Now Artemis would be leaving. Who knew how long it would be until they crossed paths again?
For the first time ever, Hippolyta saw tears gather into the youth's eyes. The young goddess's words were low and thick with emotion when she spoke, "I thank you for teaching me all your strength. I know how much of an honor that is. And even when I was not at my best, you made me feel as though I always had a place here among you. Among others that were like me. Women warriors."
Hippolyta walked to her and cupped the youth's cheek. A warm feeling sinking into her stomach and bones. An indescribable emotion. Almost motherly but not exactly, "And you will always have a place here. With us."
The pair of warriors gave each other a parting embrace. A lingering look between them. Emotions and experiences between them that many wouldn't understand or know themselves.
Watching them leave. Making sure they were truly gone. When a reasonable amount of time had passed, Hippolyta left the room, wanting to be left alone. Between the bottled-up emotions and the hormones that were flowing within her, the tears slipped out onto her tanned cheeks. She had just walked into her chamber when she saw that Antiope had followed after her.
"Why are you here?" Hippolyta asked in between wiping away her tears.
"You have been aloof and upset since the moment you realized that Zeus was not among the party. I wanted to make sure you were alright. I've rarely seen you so quiet when we've had guests."
"Do not worry about me. I'll be alright."
"Hippolyta," Antiope sighed. "Please, I want to know what is wrong. You know that I want to be here for you."
Hippolyta nodded in agreement. Knowing that her sister didn't want her to push her away. That she would be beside her through her fears and joys. But how to start? And should she?
"I am sorry he could not have been here. I wasn't sure what to think about what Apollo told as his excuse," her sister continued. Looking at her expectantly.
Hippolyta felt fresh tears gather in her eyes.
"Oh, I am sorry…" Antiope started.
"No, do not be. I wondered about it as well. I wanted… needed to tell Zeus about something. I was not counting on him not being… I was certain that he would be coming."
Antiope nodded. The expression on her face, one of both expectation and patience. Eyes soften as though silently asking her to share the secret that she had been holding inside her. Yet she did not press with words, just kept that gentle and inquisitive stare.
"I am going to be having a child," Hippolyta's words rushed out fast.
Antiope's eyes widened. A bit surprised but then settling into understanding. "Zeus is the father," it was a statement not a question.
Hippolyta nodded. Still tears cascaded down her cheeks. Without knowing it she placed a hand upon her still flat stomach and rubbed affectionately there. Antiope's expression softened as a smile tugged at her mouth. Her eyes landed on the flat stomach and the hand that rested on her little niece or nephew.
"I can already tell you love this child very much."
Again, Hippolyta nodded vigorously, and she started to ramble, "I do. More than I can express. I am sorry I did not tell you. I felt that as the father, Zeus had the right to be told first. I did not want to keep it from you. I am… I was so nervous about telling him today. But then he did not even come."
This time the tears turned to sobs and Antiope wrapped her sister into a tight embrace. Hippolyta felt all the love and acceptance coming off of her in waves. Making more tears fall down. Damn hormones. The sobs subsided and, in their embrace, Hippolyta felt herself calm once more.
"I am so happy for you," Antiope wiped the tears from her cheeks. A genuine smile upon her lips.
"Thank you," Hippolyta whispered.
"Does Artemis know?"
"No, the only other person who knows is our healer. And I asked her not to share it with anyone else."
"That's probably for the best," her sister responded without hesitation.
Though the love and caring never wavered, she knew that her sister had a point. Most of the warriors on this island had written off men. All of them had suffered at their hands. Forced to be mercenaries, slaves or prostitutes. Antiope had known the feeling of love for a man many long years ago. What felt like a century. But he had to be tempted with gold coins to hand her over to the sellers, when he had discovered her abilities. So, she had guarded and promised herself she would never allow herself to fall in love with another man. Instead taking comfort in her oldest friend, Menalippe that in time became more to her than anyone else could. Hippolyta had been jealous of the love and connection they shared. Silently wishing she could have such a bond.
Would she even have that with Zeus? Yes, she cared for him deeply, but he had a reputation for a reason. A small pit of doubt seemed to drop in her stomach with the thought. Would she too just become a woman that he had made love to and threw away? She wanted to completely toss the thought aside and not give it anymore attention. Yet, the pit did not leave her gut. And that gut wrecking thought would rob her of some hours of sleep each night.
Long exhausting weeks passed. Her appetite increased while her fatigue became a little more pronounced. She felt wonderful though, besides crying at random, and needing a nap roughly every time it was teatime or close to dinner.
It was around this time. After she had taken a small nap. A loud commotion could be heard from just below her. Quickly she fetched her robe and rushed down the stairs to see what had happened.
The first person her eyes locked onto was Zeus. There was a mass of different warriors and gods that she was vaguely familiar with. He had blood dripping from his side, a large bruise under his eye, and dried blood upon his cheek. Hippolyta rushed towards him. Quickly placing her arm around his waist to steady him.
"Zeus, who did this to you?"
She tried and failed to wipe the blood that was on his face.
"Hippolyta, I'll explain everything. But first…" he paused, out of breath and his form was sagging.
"How is Artemis? Is she hurt as well?" Hippolyta braced him as she stepped forward.
"She is here and fine. As is Apollo and a few of the others."
"But what happened! Why are you gushing out blood?" she pressed a clean cloth to the wound on his side.
"I'll explain. But first I need stitches and some rest."
"Why can't you explain it now?"
"Please, my darling. It is…" he breathed deeply before resting more of his weight onto her.
"My lady, what should we do? So many people have come."
"Make sure their injuries are seen and that they have places to rest. You can use every guest room. And they can double up if need be. I will be taking Lord Zeus to my chambers. Have the healer sent there. I will also need hot water and clean clothes."
The journey through the castle seemed to take longer than she had hoped. Letting out a long sigh as she finally made it to her chambers. His energy seemed to be failing him as he nearly stumbled. They just needed a few more feet and then he'd be safe in her bed. They bridged that gap. Then she gently placed him on top of the furs and blankets that cover her bed.
"Thank you," Zeus smiled.
Quietly she gathered some of the towels daily left for her. Fetched her basin and began wiping away the blood stains on his cheek and above his eyes. As she did this, she focused on the task ahead. Not gauging his expression nor paying attention to the wince that marred his face as she pressed the cloth close against one of his scars.
"Would you look at me," Zeus stilled her. Gently grasping her wrists.
"I am tending your wounds," Hippoltya replied. Eyes still fixed at his hairline where more dried blood needed her attention.
"Yes, I know you are. But you've hadn't looked at me properly since you first saw me in the hall."
Reluctantly she peeled her gaze down towards him. Her face was a stone mask. Not knowing which emotion to pick from the swirl of them that swam in her heart, stomach and mind. Finally, she looked up only to see that tired, angry and exhausted eyes seemed to roar their emotions as they stared off, away from her face. As though his soft words to her were completely forgotten.
"She is dead," his voice was soft, filled with a quiet and confused anger.
Hippolyta looked up in alarm.
"Hera. He killed Hera." he said each word at a time. All the anger, jealousy and mistrust we've had all these years and… she is gone."
"How is that… what happened?"
"I'm tired. I don't... I do not think I would be able to share the story in full. All I can say is Ares has declared war upon many of the other gods.
"That is all you can say? No, it cannot stop at that. What has brought this on? Please, tell me.".
"It is far too long an explanation to give you while I'm dead on my feet."
"But you will tell…"
"Yes," he offered her a forced and small smile. "Please, though I need to..." his voice was thickly laced with exhaustion.
She nodded, "I must get our healer though."
He nodded. At that moment a servant came into the room.
"My lady, Artemis and Apollo are here. There has been an attack on Olympus."
"Lord Zeus is injured and in need of one of our healers. The wound on his side will need stitches. It looks as though a knife was lunged there."
The servant quickly ran out of the room. Despite her words about letting him rest, she still found herself turning towards Zeus. Praying he would explain what was going on but when she did so. He was already fast asleep. So still in fact, she checked his breathing to make sure he was alright. When she found that his pulse and breathing were normal, she allowed a small amount of comfort to sooth her. Part of her wanted to scream and make him tell her what was happening but knew she couldn't while he rested so deeply. Clearly her lover had been through something terrible. Something he no doubt needed his strength to overcome. But what had happened to make Ares take such a course of action? It was no secret to those who had fought alongside him, her being counted among them, knew he thought the gods too lenient upon those that they had seen as less then. He hated the politics that came with being a god. But the pain, jealousy and rage that had often come with it had often fueled him.
Once the healer arrived, she found herself pacing the floor before the woman approached her. Hippolyta looked on in concern when she notices the god didn't even open his eyes when the needle went through his skin. But he did wince a few times. But all while seemingly sleeping. The healer took it in stride and didn't stop until she had seen to all of Zeus's deep wounds and was getting another servant to get more cleaning supplies when she stopped her focus on the king of Olympus for her own lady.
"My lady, I know you are destressed. But Lord Zeus has deep wounds but with his healing abilities he should be fine in about two weeks with rest. It is not healthy for you nor your child for you to wear yourself out. Stress is not good for you nor your unborn babe. Please, you must rest."
Opening her mouth to protest the younger woman stood her ground and gave her an expression that Hippolyta was all too familiar with. It was the woman's "Nothing you say or do will change my counsel to you," look. One that Hippolyta had often fought with, but it never turned out in her favor. It was a rare battle that, somehow, she had never won.
So, she silently nodded her head.
"Should I get a servant to prepare another one of the rooms for you, my lady?" the healer continued.
"No, I shall remain here. Until he awakes."
The healer now looked as though she wanted to protest but Hippolyta would not agree to any other arrangement. Then a look of understanding seemed to just hint at the corner of the healer's mind.
"I need to know what happened as soon as he awakes," was the only explanation she gave.
It took a great deal longer to fall asleep than usual for the Amazonian queen. Luckily her chaise was comfortable though. Even so that when she awoke, she was not in pain nor stiff.
Looking around the room, she was shocked to see Zeus was already awake and sitting in her bed. He looked exhausted but less so than how he did the evening before. The thoughts rolling in his mind were seeming to overwhelm him. As though he wasn't sure which one to tackle first.
He finally seemed to notice she was awake. "Hippolyta, I'm glad to see you. Please, allow me and the other gods refuge here. I hate to think if we returned to Olympus in our current state."
"I want to agree. But first, I need to know all the facts before I fully agree to the arrangement. I do not want to needlessly endanger Amazonians."
"That is fair. It will take some time."
"I can clear my schedule," a moment she paused. Should she tell him about the baby or perhaps wait until he was finished.
"I have been trying to get things ready to hand over the rule of Olympus to Apollo. He has been receiving far more attention and temples. More of the men of Earth are praying to him than to me lately. I was happy with this change, hoping to have a sort of retirement until or if I regained more adoration from men.
However, Ares has been increasingly getting angrier about humans controlling and having dominion over the Earth. Claiming that their weak bodies make them inferior to us all. Of course, he conveniently forgot how petty, selfish and treacherous the gods have been with each other, let alone when humans are involved. Many of us tried to reason with him but he became angrier and angrier with each council meeting.
It reached a fever pitch two nights ago; Hera and he were facing off with each other. He had shouting matches with some of the others. Honestly, I think we were all more concerned that Aretmis and him would come to blows. None of us foresaw what happened. Hera was recounting personal faults of Ares, his affair with Aphrodite and his involvement with the Trojan War. In the next moment he had run her through with his sword. The rest of it…" he paused and let out a deep sigh.
"It is a blur. I know others fell, I saw their dead eyes and blood for myself. But I… My mind has jumbled it together. Some sided with him. The fools. Many fought on both sides. Too many have died. Those of us that remain fled. I had to force Aretmis not to avenge Hera's death. She wanted to stand until her last. But I saw the blood lust in Ares' eyes. If it was within his power, he would kill many more until it was satiated. I came here. Praying that the barrier would protect us. That you would allow us to rest here and hide. I ask for all of us, to have your mercy to allow us to dwell here. For as long as our injuries may be needed tended."
"Of course," Hippolyta grasped his hand.
Now the pain and overwhelming weight he seemed to be carrying all made sense to her. Her own shoulders now felt a bit of that tension in her own shoulders. Knowing that their safety partly rested upon her and her people, the threat of Ares was no small thing. Without thought, her hand caressed the fluttering life that dwelled within her. Would their child be safe from the war god? As she looked up, she knew she could not keep it to herself a moment longer.
"There is something I must tell you…" she started.
"I overheard your healer. How long have you known?"
"Not long after you left. I wanted to… I was planning on telling you when you came back for Artemis, but you didn't come."
"Forgive me, so much was already happening then."
"And what do you think?" she could not keep the question from her lips a moment more.
"I would like to know how you feel?"
"That isn't an answer," anger rose to the surface. "I have known for months now. I love this child. And if you asked me to be rid of it I shall not. I will protect them with my life if I must."
"You are always protecting that which you love. I did not mean that. I wanted to know if you are happy, if you were excited about being with a child."
"And I wanted to know what your thoughts were! As I said before, I've known for a long time. I've had many emotions. Positive and negative alike. I'm scared and excited about it two-fold. But I haven't the faintest clue what it is you feel."
"I wanted to make sure I had not… that you felt angry with me for this happening. But now I know your feelings," he grasped her hands and brushed aside some of her hair. "I am most pleased. I'm sorry I left you in doubt about that."
The Amazon queen knew how selfish her words and actions might have seemed, but she had been overwhelmed with a dread in the pit of her stomach, so nervous that he would shun their child or even worse, ask her to give them up. They had been thoughts she had tried to force herself not to feel, not to face even to herself. But as he held her, she allowed herself to shake them from her. Even just enough to place it far back into her mind.
So many things were wrong around them. She was going to need him and those that had come with him for strength. Ares was powerful in his own right. To know others had sided with him was troubling. And Zeus hadn't even given her a clear number of how many. Perhaps he didn't even know. But there was no doubt they would continue to tear things apart if Ares wished for it. As much as she knew her and Zeus prayed, he would not find them, it was only a matter of time before he searched for them. Hopefully by the time he was even close to finding them, they would be back at their full strength.
And that the child inside of her would be alive, well and protected. For she knew without a single doubt. She'd kill before letting Ares lay a finger upon her precious little one.
1919
Hippolyta held back the multiple emotions during her journey back to Themyscira. Concealing and somehow preventing the tears flowing from her eyes. After many hours she finally made it past the barrier and saw the shores of her beloved island. Looking back, she thought to Diana, they had parted again. She tried to be happy that it was on better terms than last time. And a promise of seeing each other again. No, she needed to hold back just a little longer. Her warriors didn't need to see her like this. A few of them meet her on the port. Some seemed solemn and disapproving. Not all of them had agreed with her going to see Diana. Others animatedly asked after her daughter. Many of the younger warriors she could tell miss her daughter's companionship. After telling them all that she wished to share with them she headed towards the palace. Needing a hot bath and some time to herself.
Along the way she saw her head of house, she asked her to have a bath drawn for her and that after that she had the rest of the day off. The woman seemed surprised with the request but knew better than to question her Queen. She made sure everything was ready and prepared for Hippolyta before leaving.
Hippolyta sighed as she sunk into the hot bath. Her muscles were singing, and she finally felt like she could relax. She quickly washed her golden hair and then scrubbed her body. Afterward, she simply enjoyed the heat of the water. Tears cascaded down her cheek. Her mouth quivered as she kept trying to hold back a sob.
Diana was out of her reach again. She had no idea when she would be able to see her again. She could see from the other's reaction; they would not allow her to go visit her daughter for many years if they got their way. Not for the first time she wished that she was her own woman, that she did not have such responsibilities. But then who would she be? She was the queen of the Amazons, they looked to her and depended on her guidance. Heart ached as a wave of loneliness hit her. No, she needed to keep it back to ignore it. She had just seen Diana. She could not allow herself to be so overcome with emotion. The feeling did not leave her. Only seemed to grow. Of course, after seeing her daughter, thinking of Zeus wasn't far behind. Though it seemed like ages since she had truly allowed herself to think about the Greek wind god. How was he? Had he served his time with Hades by now? Did he ever think about her? Would she take him back if he asked her to? Was she lonely for him? Was that what this feeling was? She wanted it taken away. She wanted to feel whole again. Not like this. Not torn.
So, Ares sh*t going down. How will this continue to impact Zeus and Hippolyta's relationship? I'll be working on the next chapter so you guys will get more answers. Until next time!