"Hi Lovebirds, your sentry shift is over!" Batman and Wonder Woman turned to see Flash and Hawkgirl enter the Monitoring room. Hawkgirl elbowed Flash for his wise crack. He rubbed the new bruise on his arm looking at Hawkgirl, realizing he’d missed a golden opportunity to keep his mouth shut.

Wonder Woman cast Flash a disapproving look: "You could try a bit more discretion, Batman made you all swear you would keep our relationship amongst the founding members!"

Batman also shot Flash a dirty look, but said nothing, enjoying the flustered look on Flash’s face as he was under fire from both Hawkgirl and Wonder Woman. Flash finally mustered with a shrug: "Well, at least we’re the only ones here!" Forcing an embarrassed smile.

Hawkgirl rolled her eyes and said: "Just sit down before your big mouth gets you in any more trouble!" Flash zoomed to his station looking sheepish.

Batman and Wonder Woman headed towards the door. Hawkgirl smiled and whispered to them: "Have fun!" and winked. Wonder Woman jokingly stuck her tongue out at her, Batman stifled a giggle at that.

As they neared Wonder Woman’s quarters, she whispered to Batman: "I’ve been waiting to have you all to myself!" He replied "This has been a long 4 hours … you were with me … but we had to behave ourselves!" He smirked. They hugged and kissed for a moment in front of her quarters.

She opened the door. As they walked in, an unexpected visitor was already there, startling them: "Mighty Aphrodite!" Wonder Woman said, dropping to one knee, dragging Batman with her by the arm.

Batman was caught by surprise; his left knee hit the floor a bit harder than he would have liked, resulting in a sharp bolt of pain. He clenched his jaws against the pain, suppressing a moan, but still wincing.

Aphrodite stood in front of them looking resplendent, dressed in a flowing white gown, her golden locks cascading over her shoulders and breasts.

"Please my children, stand up. Face me … so here is the object of your affections? Nice specimen!" Aphrodite said to Wonder Woman, looking at Batman.

"Are you happy? Are you in love?" She asked them both, with a radiant smile.

Standing up, Wonder Woman answered: "Very happy, mighty Aphrodite! " "And very much in love!" Batman added, discreetly rubbing his sore knee.

"I am very glad to see my gift put to good use!" Aphrodite said, looking happy.

"Gift from the goddess of Love … Mount Olympus to get the Ambrosia extract" Batman thought, adding up the evidence. "She is the reason Diana and I are together."

"With my deepest respect, Mighty Aphrodite, " Batman said, pulling his cowl back, putting one knee down again, more gently. "Yours was the greatest gift of all" Wonder Woman looked at him with a bit of surprise.

He continued: "You have given me the woman I love, and for this I am for ever your humble servant". He gallantly took Aphrodite’s hand and kissed it, as Wonder Woman looked on gape mouthed.

"Oh my!" Aphrodite said, blushing a little. "Bruce! What are you doing?" Wonder Woman said, looking panicked.

"Oh, hush up my child," Aphrodite said "He is showing me thanks and respect in the only way he knows … handsome and charming! You have truly found yourself one of the good ones!"

Wonder Woman relaxed: "Yes, he is my Dark Knight in shining armor!" She smiled, helping Batman up, snuggling up to his arm.

Aphrodite now looked at them gravely: "It is now my turn to ask a favor of you my children. The Olympians still refuse to grant my son clemency."

Batman recalled old Greek Mythology; the tale of Hermaphroditus and Naiad Nymph Salmacis was indeed one of his favorites.

Aphrodite continued: "However, Zeus has offered this compromise: if Hermaphroditus apologizes to Salmacis, and if she forgives him, the curse can be lifted." She paused.

"But as you can surmise, it is not that simple: Salmacis must also agree to reclaim her rightful place among the Nymphs of Artemis’ tribe, and my son must take her as a Mate. This way, and only this way, will Zeus lift the curse: they must agree to live as Life Mates rather than as … that abomination." Aphrodite’s pain showed on her face.

"Artemis’ Tribe?" Batman asked, casting a curious glance towards Wonder Woman.

"Artemis, the Huntress goddess. Also my Godmother." Wonder Woman said.

Batman nodded, knowing full well that "Diana" is the name the Romans had given Artemis.

Aphrodite continued, holding back her tears: "Yes … unfortunately, millennia of discord between myself and my sister Artemis have made this task rather difficult. I have blamed her and her Nymphs for failing my son. I have since been banned from Mount Ida and she from Mount Olympus. Since Hermaphroditus is the illegitimate son of Hermes and myself, no other god in Olympus would lend me a sympathetic ear. My favorite little brother does have Zeus’ ear though…"

Batman cast Wonder Woman another quizzical glance. "Herakles" she said. Batman nodded, saying "oh," in a low voice.

"Yes, Herakles … he was always so nice to his big sister!" Aphrodite said, tears coursing down her cheeks.

"He is also Zeus’ favorite son. He spoke to Zeus on my behalf, which is why he finally agreed to this compromise." She looked at Wonder Woman and Batman pleadingly.

"Herakles has been forbidden to interfere and I am still banned from Mount Ida. I sent out several messages to my sister to ask for her forgiveness. But my ex husband Hephaestus has poisoned her mind. He has been blind with jealousy and hatred since learning of my … indiscretions."

She looked at the floor, composing herself. "This is why I call upon you my children. Neither one of you is forbidden on Mount Ida and you both are quite capable of carrying out this task: find the creature from the Lake, communicate with it, try to appeal to what is left of my son and of Salmacis. Zeus will do the rest if they agree."

Batman smiled: "I know exactly who can be of tremendous help: Martian Manhunter can communicate with them telepathically, sort out both of their personalities!"

Wonder Woman squeezed his arm: "Bruce, I think I should go this one solo, I’m the one in debt to Aphrodite, the less outsiders roam Mount Ida, the better."

"If you think I’m letting you face an army of Huntress Nymphs on your own, you…" Batman didn’t finish. Aphrodite interjected:

"Please my children, I need you both to go! The Nymphs are the least of your worries: Hephaestus’ attack drones are patrolling the Temple of Artemis, the road to Caria and the Lake itself. You will need reinforcements. I was going to ask you to bring your Martian friend myself."

Wonder Woman said: "Very well then, Batman, Martian Manhunter and myself. Artemis is my Godmother. I will speak to her, try to put an end to that dispute between the both of you."

Aphrodite smiled "You can try my child, I pray you be successful. I do apologize for putting a damper on your Honeymoon"

Batman blushed at this.

"But I promise, I will make it up to the both of you, valiant Diana and Bruce!" Aphrodite said, then disappeared in a flash of light.

Batman put his cowl back on. "I’ll get J’onn." He said. Before he could leave she grabbed him by the shoulders and turned him to face her.

"Leaving without kissing me?" She said.

"I was just mmmm!" He didn’t finish his sentence as she planted a passionate kiss on him.

They kissed … Batman finally said: "I’d never dream of not kissing you!"

"And don’t you forget it!" she said with a playful smile.

"I understand my services are needed?" Martian Manhunter had startled them both.

"Saving me a trip J’onn?" Batman said with mock annoyance in his voice.

"Let me guess, our thoughts were too strong for you to filter out again?" Wonder Woman chimed in, with a smirk.

"It was actually Aphrodite who summoned me here, the will of a powerful Immortal is impossible to ignore." Martian Manhunter said.

They proceeded to the Hangar where Wonder Woman’s invisible Jet was stationed. Martian Manhunter asked: "Could you bring me up to speed on that Creature we are seeking, whose mind I am to probe?"

Batman said: "It’s a bit of a long, involved story."

Wonder Woman looked at them from the pilot’s chair: "It is a long trip from here to Mount Ida. Why don’t you regale us with your rationalized version of the story Bruce?"

She grinned at Batman as he and Martian Manhunter boarded. Batman cast her an amused look, eyebrows raised behind his cowl.

"Very well then. In Ancient Greek times, Hermaphroditus was the child of Aphrodite and Hermes.

To protect him from the wrath of Aphrodite’s husband Hephaestus, Hermaphroditus was left in the care of nymphs on Mount Ida, a sacred mountain in Phrygia.

They kept and raised him, hiding him from Hephaestus. At the age of fifteen, he grew bored of his surroundings and traveled the cities of Lycia and Caria.

It was in the woods of Caria that he encountered Salmacis the Naiad in her lake. She was overcome by lust for the boy, and tried to seduce him, but was rejected.

When he believed her to be gone, Hermaphroditus decided to bathe in the lake. Salmacis sprung out from behind a tree and jumped into the lake.

She wrapped herself around the boy, forcibly kissing him and touching his breast. While he struggled, she called out to the gods in prayer that they should never part. Her wish was granted but not the way she expected: their bodies merged into one, the creature.

Hermaphroditus, in his grief, made his own prayer: cursing the lake so that any other who bathes within it shall be transformed as well. »

Batman paused. « Rational enough for you my Love? » He asked Wonder Woman. She laughed charmingly: « Very true to story and in a record time too! »

Martian Manhunter smiled. « The creature is half the Son of Aphrodite and half the Nymph Salmacis. » He said.

Batman said: « And in order to break the curse, we must convince the part that is Hermaphroditus to apologize to the Salmacis part for breaking her heart. Then, submit to them Zeus’ offer of living as Life Mates rather than as the creature of the Lake; and to rejoin the tribe of Artemis. »

« Yes, that sums it up. » Wonder Woman said. « Brace yourselves: Hermaphroditus was the last man to walk the paths of Mount Ida. The sight of a Man-Bat and of a Martian might stir some odd reactions. »

The Invisible jet flew towards Mount Ida.

In the sacred Temple of Mount Ida, Hephaestus poured himself yet another glass of wine. Artemis looked at him disapprovingly: « You are over indulging again. »

Hephaestus gave her a dismissive shrug: « Dionysus’ best. It sweetens the bitterness I feel. I still cannot understand how Zeus could even consider releasing Aphrodite’s bastard child. "

He crushed the metal goblet in his massive hand, tossing it aside. Artemis grimaced in disgust.

« It is only a matter of time until Aphrodite’s cronies walk the paths of Mount Ida to try and rescue him. » A cruel smile lit his face.

« And I say let them come.  I will take great pleasure tearing them limb from limb! » Hephaestus tried to stand, wobbling drunkenly.

« You have been spending too much time with Ares » Artemis said.

« Yes I am upset my sister blames me for the very thing you take so much pleasure from: Hermaphroditus’ punishment. I do admit Salmacis deserved it – she was vain and lazy, always straying from the tribe. » She frowned, looking at Hephaestus.

« But Hermaphroditus deserved better. I am not comfortable with your mechanical contraptions roaming my domain; nor do I like what I have become since I grew apart from my sister either. Aphrodite and I used to be so close … »

Hephaestus growled at her: « Don’t you dare go soft on me Huntress! »

She held his gaze with a mixture of anger and contempt: « And don’t you dare threaten me in my own home! I’ll see to it you spend eternity in the Tartarus pits if you lay a finger on me, or on any of my Nymphs! »

Hephaestus steadied himself. He knew the Artemis could make good of her threat. He reached for his walking stick. « I’ll be in my workshop if you need me. » He said with a drunken slur.

« Yes, go back to your cave, sleep it off! »

Hephaestus limped away, mumbling.

« Great Zeus, how did I get myself involved with that foul louse? » The Huntress goddess wondered, shaking her head.

////////////////////////////

The Invisible Jet had landed in a clearing. « The Temple of Artemis is about a kilometer east of here. » Wonder Woman said. « About a half hour walk. I will try to reason with her before we head to Caria ».

« Would it not be faster to fly there? » Martian Manhunter asked. He looked at Batman and said « Oh, sorry Bruce! »

Batman smirked: « Hey I’m for it, if the love of my life is willing to give me a lift! »

Wonder Woman smiled: « Oh you! Always looking for an excuse for me to hug you! » She stepped behind Batman, and wrapped her arms around his chest in a reverse Bear hug, holding on firmly to him. They flew.

Martian Manhunter followed. They flew towards the Temple of Artemis, Wonder Woman’s Godmother.

Batman looked down, noticing toga-clad women scurrying around, looking up at them, pointing. « Looks like we’ve been spotted! » He said.

« Huntress Nymphs, » Wonder Woman said, « I doubt they’ll fire at us, but we’re likely to have quite the welcoming committee. »

« Charming. » Batman said. « Oh, don’t be such a grouch! » Wonder Woman replied. Martian Manhunter chuckled.

"No sign of the attack drones yet, I guess that’s a good thing" Batman said, "All the same keep your guard up. No unnecessary risks, no casualties!"

"Indeed." Martian Manhunter said.

Wonder Woman smiled. Batman couldn’t help showing leadership, or concern for the well being of his teammates. She kissed him behind the head, lifting him a bit closer.

They landed right in front of the Temple. As Wonder Woman had expected, scores of Nymphs armed with bows and arrows were guarding the entrance to the Temple.

Still no sign of attack drones. At the top of the stairs, Artemis was waiting.

"Hold your fire my Nymphs!" she said. She walked down the stairs towards her visitors, the Nymphs letting her through. Wonder Woman put a knee to the ground, bowing in respect. Batman and Martian Manhunter followed suite.

"Goddaughter? Is that you?" Artemis asked. "Who are these strangers you bring on scared land?"

Wonder Woman looked up. "He, is my friend, Godmother" she said, pointing towards Martian Manhunter. "And he, is my mate." She said, pointing to Batman.

"Ah, yes, " the goddess said, "So the rumors were true! My little hunter has settled down! Well then, do not be shy, show me your face!" She said to Batman. Smiling, he pulled back his cowl.

"Yes, yes, very handsome indeed! And quite a dancer and singer I’ve been told!" Said the goddess.

Wonder Woman tensed up. Bruce was a bit self-conscious of this. To her relief, he replied in the same gallant tone he had used with Aphrodite: "I have your Goddaughter to thank for that. She truly brings out the best in me."

Wonder Woman smiled, as did the goddess. "And you my green friend, what brings you to my Temple?"

Martian Manhunter had been warned of the falling out between Aphrodite and Artemis. "I come in support of my friends." He answered tactfully.

Artemis exclaimed: "Oh, but I am being a terrible hostess! Stand up my children; come in! I am sure we have more to discuss than your mating my Goddaughter!"

"Perceptive" Batman thought, as he pulled his cowl back on. "Keep your guard up."

They all sat around an old marble table. Numerous flaming torches lighted the room. At the very back of the Temple, seemingly overlooking the entire architecture from an elevated shrine, was a glowing orb, the Eye of Zeus.

Wonder Woman sat next to Artemis. « Godmother, as you have probably already surmised, my mating to the Batman was done through the rite of initiation. The very rite also dubbed the gift of love, which can only be granted by your sister Aphrodite. »

Batman tensed up, expecting the goddess to throw them out on the spot. Her reaction surprised him. « Yes, the gift of Love is the greatest one. » She said.

Wonder Woman continued: « Aphrodite deeply regrets blaming you for what happened to her son. She has tried many times to apologize to you, but in vain. I beg of you Godmother: please forgive her. Millennia of bitterness … »

« Have brought me no peace. »Artemis ended Wonder Woman’s sentence.

« Hephaestus’ hatred has blinded me for far too long. I truly do not like what I have become since I started heeding his advice. Yes, I still hurt from my sister’s accusations."

Artemis’s continued in a sobbing voice: "Hermaphroditus was like my own son; I wept when I saw what Zeus had made of him and Salmacis. In spite of everything, Aphrodite is still my sister. Deep inside I still love her. »

A rumbling voice startled them all. Hephaestus had returned to the temple, shouting in drunken anger: « What is this? Interlopers in the temple? »

« This is a private audience Hephaestus, how dare you barge in here like this? » Artemis had stood up, eyes flaring at the fallen god of Fire.

« Do not try my patience Huntress! » Hephaestus growled.

« And you little girl, » he said, turning his attention to Wonder Woman « I have no quarrel with you. This does not concern you, take your servants and leave this place. »

« We are here on official business Hephaestus. Don’t let your anger blind you, isn’t it time you forgave Aphrodite? » Wonder Woman said.

« Never! She made a fool of me, cheated on me with my own brother! That bastard child deserves his fate! » Hephaestus nearly hollered.

« We mortals have a saying » Batman said, voice deep and gravelly. « It takes two to tango. I find it interesting that you have decided to put all the blame on Aphrodite … »

« Mind your tongue mortal! » Hephaestus warned.

« Yet you have elected to forgive your brothers. » Batman continued.

« Brothers? I’ll teach you respect you flea-ridden primate! » Hephaestus hissed.

Batman didn’t flinch « You heard me: brothers. Hermes wasn’t the only one to seduce your ex-wife. So has Ares.  Typical patriarchal society you Olympians have: blame it all on the women, look the other way with the men. »

« I will silence you! » Hephaestus screamed. Arm outstretched, he shot a fireball at Batman.

Artemis, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter and the Nymph guards looked on in shock as the fireball left Hephaestus’ hand … and missed, hitting a stone pillar.

Batman, in a move too fast for the eye to see, had moved out of the way.

Hephaestus titled his head sideways, in surprise, then grinned: « An initiate. I recognize the handy work of my dear ex-wife all too well. No matter. »

Hephaestus raised his hand. "To me my drones!" Attack drones entered the temple. « They are more primitive than the one I built for Ares, but they outnumber you 10 to 1! »

Artemis screamed in anger: « Hephaestus, you’ll pay for this! I’ll see to it you spend eternity in the Tartarus pits with the Medusa! »

The drones closed in on them. The two Nymph guards fired arrows at them, which ricocheted off the drones’ armor. Batman, Wonder Woman and Martian ManHunter sprung into action.

An exploding Bat-a-rang blew up the first drone. Wonder Woman roped the second drone with her Golden Lasso, tripping it, smashing to bits as it hit the granite floor.

Martian ManHunter changed his body density and penetrated the third drone, sabotaged it from the inside, making it fall apart.

A flurry of Bat-shurikens severed the wires from the neck joint of the fourth drone, sparks flew and the drone’s head neatly rolled off.

Artemis and her Nymph guards tipped over the fifth drone with their bare hands, tearing it apart limb from limb.

Wonder Woman picked up the sixth drone and used it as a projectile against drones seven, eight and nine, knocking them down like bowling pins.

The tenth drone sneaked up behind Wonder Woman, grabbing her arms, forcing her wrists together. « What? No! Not the bracelets! » She struggled in vain, the drone finally making her bracelets contact each other, rendering her powerless.

Batman heard her scream. « Diana! » he screamed, looking in her direction. The distraction proved costly as he was knocked out, blind-sided by the eleventh drone. « Bruce, look out! » Wonder Woman screamed, in despair.

Martian Manhunter smashed the drone that had knocked Batman down, but was blind-sided himself by the fallen god of Fire, who swung at him with his walking stick. He collapsed to the floor.

After holding their own against two more drones, Artemis and her guards were outnumbered as well, surrounded by Hephaestus’ ungodly contraptions.

Hephaestus approached Wonder Woman, gloating: « The one weak point in your armor little girl, did you think I’d forget? Lock them up! » he shouted at the drones.

Turning to the Huntress goddess: « And you, Artemis dearest, can’t send me to Tartarus unless you contact Zeus. You can’t call upon him unless you use The Eye of Zeus. Hard for you to do from the dungeon with your little friends! »

Artemis shot him a furious glare: « You will pay for this Hephaestus, I swear it! » The drones took them away to the dungeon.

« This is the last straw Hephaestus! » Artemis was screaming from the dungeon «When I get out of here, and I will, I will personally beat you to a pulp before sending you to Tartarus! » she panted for air, her anger making her hyperventilate.

« Godmother, calm yourself! » Wonder Woman said. Batman began stirring, finally coming to. He moaned « Did anybody get it? » Wonder Woman helped him sit up

« Easy Bruce, that’s a nasty blow you took to the head!  Get what my love? » Batman looked up at her: « The license plate number of the truck that hit me! » he tried to get up.

« Easy! » Wonder Woman said again, « you might have a concussion! »

« Not likely Princess: the lining of my cowl absorbed the worst of the blow, and since becoming initiated, I heal fast, just like you! Remember?» He forced a smile.

« I do have a nasty headache though … » he felt around his waist, found his utility belt intact « fortunately our captors are over confidant: they left me my utility belt! »

He fished out a green plastic bottle from a compartment of his utility belt and popped an analgesic in his mouth, swallowing it with his saliva.

« Gross! » Wonder Woman said, wincing.

« You’ve been hanging out with Hawkgirl too much! » he said. « It’s hardly as if we have any water in here. You didn’t tell me the Ambrosia extract would also improve my perceptions and reflexes!»

« I wasn’t sure myself, » she said with a hint of a smile. « Extended life span, slow aging and fast healing are the only sure effects of the extract, other effects have been noted in the past, but vary from man to man … unless of course Aphrodite wanted you to have those powers in the first place! »

Batman smiled « Are you getting the distinct impression she’d planned it this way?  How is everybody? » Batman asked.

« My Godmother is livid, I am deprived of any powers as long as these shackles keep my bracelets touching, the man I love is stubbornly focused on standing up in spite of a nasty blow to the head, and Martian Manhunter is still unconscious. » Wonder Woman said, eyebrows raised, feeling a bit overwhelmed.

"I’m fine," Batman said with a soothing voice, returning the bottle of analgesics to its compartment, and pulling a small bottle from another. "Let’s see if our Martian friend responds to smelling salts."

Batman carefully waved the bottle under Martian Manhunter’s nose. He twitched, coughed and finally came to. "I guess the answer is ‘yes,’ " Batman said with a smile.

"God of Fire indeed!" J’onn said. "Swings a mean club!"

"Are you okay?" Batman asked.

"I am uninjured" Martian ManHunter replied.

"Good, " Batman said "Now let’s see if I can’t pick the lock from your shackles Princess." She raised her wrists at him, smiling. Bruce always had a backup plan.

He pulled his lock pick from his utility belt, as well as a pocket flashlight. The lock pick looked much too small for the ancient lock.

"My lock pick isn’t really compatible with this older type of lock," he said with a wince, after a few attempts.

"My portable plasma torch would make the metal too hot, you may heal fast, but a third degree burn isn’t exactly pleasant either." Batman said, shaking his head.

"I appreciate you refraining from using it!" She said with a grin. "But we still need to figure out a way to remove those shackles!"

Artemis was looking on with curiosity. Her Goddaughter’s mate was resourceful and quite smart.

"I need more light," Batman said.

"Come my Nymphs, bring the torches closer!" Artemis told her two guards.

Batman smiled at them "Thank you!" He gave his lock pick another try. He just could not hit the right spots. "Damn it!" he whispered. Wonder Woman looked at him, her expression read: "Don’t give up my love!"

Batman tried again. Martian Manhunter said " Bruce, May I?" "By all means J’onn." Batman said.

Martian Manhunter touched the lock, morphing his finger, matching the inside of the lock, then turned. The shackles opened and dropped to the ground.

Wonder Woman separated her bracelets, gasping as her powers returned.

« Good work J’onn! » Batman said, returning lock pick and flashlight to his utility belt.

« Thanks J’onn! » Wonder Woman said.

« My pleasure! » he replied.

« Amazing! You must be a wonderful hunter with those powers of yours! » Artemis said, looking at Martian Manhunter admiringly.

« I only hunt criminals! » Martian Manhunter replied, bowing respectfully.

« We will need reinforcements. Our first priority is to give you access to the Eye of Zeus your grace. » Batman said to the Artemis.

« Agreed, » she said « but escaping this magic-proof dungeon will not be easy. »

« We’ll take care of that! » Batman said, looking at Martian ManHunter. « J’onn and I will create a diversion, allow you, your guards and your Goddaughter to get to the Eye of Zeus. We’ll need a cover to avoid being captured right away though. »

« Will this help? » Martian Manhunter asked, morphing into one of the attack drones.

« Perfect! » Batman exclaimed. « And now if you could repeat your lock pick on the dungeon’s door? »

Martian Manhunter was one step ahead, already picking the lock. The door swung open, with a deep grinding noise.

« Well done J’onn! » Batman said. Martian Manhunter smiled.

Wonder Woman took Batman aside: « Now be careful my Love, we have yet to have our Honeymoon! » she said.

He shivered at the word. It sounded so good coming from her mouth: « You be careful too Princess, we haven’t come this far only to lose each other! » she smiled. They kissed.

« The Vestibule is down that corridor, then take a right turn » Artemis said, interrupting their kiss.

Batman and Wonder Woman turned their attention to Artemis, looking sheepish.

« This is where Hephaestus will be, probably getting inhibited. » Artemis said.

She turned to Wonder Woman and the two Nymphs guards « In order to get to the Eye of Zeus, we will need to take the adjacent left corridor, then up the stairs to the shrine. Hopefully, the diversion will allow me to reach Zeus. »

Martian Manunter morphed into the attack drone again. At first glance, it looked like he was escorting Batman to be questioned. They went on their way.

« Any idea on what we will do as a diversion? » Martian Manhunter asked.

« We’ll have to improvise. » Batman said with a smirk. « If we could figure out a way to render Hephaestus unconscious, or just immobilize him, the drones would be rendered powerless: he seems to control them with his will … Wonder Woman’s Magic Golden Lasso would be prefect for that … damn, I should have asked her. » he winced.

« I believe she anticipated that: look at your utility belt! » Martian Manhunter said.

The Magic Golden Lasso was neatly looped around a small hook on his utility belt. She had discreetly hung it there when they kissed.

« My Princess! » Batman said, smiling. « She read my mind!  Now we have a plan for the diversion – get me as close to Hephaestus as possible, as soon as I rope him up, the girls will be in the clear. »

/////////////////////////////

In the Vestibule, Hephaestus was indeed indulging. Lying on a pile of pillows, being served by a group of frightened servant Nymphs.

« Dionysus, Dionysus … my favorite little brother! You were the only one who was truly good to me! » as he gulped yet another glass of wine.

« You! » he barked at one of the servants who gasped in fear. « Come here little Nymph, rub my shoulders! » he giggled, slobbering all over himself.

« R- right away! » she said in a shaky voice, trembling.

« Relax little one, I won’t hurt you. I’m always nice to those who are good to me; who never betray me. »

The Nymph forced a smile, still terrified. She proceeded with the shoulder rub, counting her blessings he hadn’t asked for a foot rub instead.

« Nice my child, slower. Don’t be afraid to squeeze harder … thick shoulders I have! » the drunken Hephaestus said, a blissful smile caressing his drooping face.

« More wine! » he growled at the other servants « Are you blind? Can’t you Nymphs see my goblet is empty? »

They startled with a small yelp. One servant grabbed a fresh amphora and brought it to the drunken god of Fire in a rush, nearly spilling it.

« Careful you foolish Nymph! Don’t waste the fruit of my brother’s hard labor! »

She poured the wine steadying her arms as well as she could.

« Oh leave us. » he finally told the other servants « I need to relax. And you my little one, are going to help me, keep on rubbing my shoulders. »

As the other servants left the Vestibule, the Nymph massaging Hephaestus` shoulders winced, praying silently she would not lose her virtue to that drunken, slobbering mass.

It was about then she noticed the noise: the clicking of metal on granite. Hephaestus was too drunk and in too much of a state of bliss from his shoulder rub to notice. She saw emerging from the dark corridor and nearing the Vestibule the shadows of what looked like one of those monstrous Drones, which had overtaken the Temple… and … were her eyes deceiving her? What looked like a giant bat?

The shadows materialized. What she saw was an attack drone taking a prisoner to Lord Hephaestus … only the drone looked a bit different, and the prisoner, clad in a bat suit was not shackled.

The man in the bat suit was looking her in the eyes, nodded his head at her, then turned his head towards the door and looked back at her, as if to say « Leave now! » She nodded discreetly in acknowledgement and moved her hands away from Hephaestus’ shoulders.

« Who told you to stop? » he slurred. He opened his eyes, and stared in confusion at the door …

« What? I haven’t summoned you, I haven’t requested to amuse myself with the prisoner … »

Before his drunken mind could realize what was happening, the Nymph was running out the door, past the drone, who never even tried to stop her.

As if by magic, the drone was transforming … « into a slab of granite with eyes? Blocking the door? What did Dionysus put in this batch of wine? » Hephaestus thought, staring in shock.

The Nymph out of harm’s way, Batman bolted towards Hephaestus leveling him with a savate kick. Batman stood for a moment on Hephaestus’ chest:

« Having fun yet? » He said, « Am I amusing you? » Throwing a punch across Hephaetus’ face, which had little effect.

« Tough jaw» Batman thought « That punch wasn’t hard enough to knock an immortal out. »

Hephaestus shoved Batman off with enough force for him to hit the stone wall. « Impudent mortal! » he growled. « I don’t need my drones to do this, I will tear you limb from limb with my bare hands! »

Hephaestus lunged at Batman, attempting to grab him. Batman sidestepped him, causing Hephaestus to hit the stone wall himself, shaking the entire Temple.

Batman said with a smirk: « Problems sunshine? Has the wine made you forget I’m an initiate? I can anticipate your every move! »

It was an exaggeration. His reflexes and sense of perception were indeed enhanced … but he wanted to play mind games with the fallen god: infuriate him, frustrate him, and wind him out.

Hephaestus growled and shot a fireball towards Batman, and missed again, hitting the ceiling, sending fragments all over the place. « My drones, come to my aid! » he finally whined.

« Tear me limb from limb with your bare hands huh? » Batman said with a cynical grin « What’s the matter sweetheart? Too much of a man for you? »

The shriek coming from Hephaestus was more akin to the Silver Banshee than it was to a Greek god. He shot multiple fireballs in a vain attempt to hit Batman.

Attack drones were attempting to enter the Vestibule, but were faced with a granite wall that wasn’t there before, scurrying helplessly to find the door that used to be there.

After the last flurry of fireballs, Batman had pulled Wonder Woman’s Magic Golden Lasso from the hook on his utility belt.

« Want me big guy? Come get me, I promise I won’t move! » Batman said, taunting.

Panting furiously and too drunk to even notice the Golden Lasso in Batman’s hands, Hephaestus took one more lunge at Batman, letting out a grunt worthy of a Berserker.

He landed straight into Batman’s trap: right into Wonder Woman’s lasso. « NOOOOOOOO! » Hephaestus screamed, helpless.

The army of attack drones all fell lifeless across the Temple and the entire Domain of Artemis: Mount Ida.

Martian Manhunter reverted to his normal form. « Well done Bruce, but you have taken some awful chances! »

Tightening the lasso around Hephaestus and wrapping the other end around his wrist, Batman said: « I’m fine J’onn, and it worked. Let’s join the girls at the shrine. I have a feeling Zeus has a few words to say to him! »

////////////////////////

Wonder Woman; Artemis and the two Nymph guards were proceeding quietly and carefully through the corridors leading to the Shrine.

"Hopefully your mate and your green friend will keep Hephaestus and his drones busy." She said in a low voice. They arrived at a junction. "Up these stairs, is the entrance to the shrine".

They proceeded with care. From the dimly lit corridor, they could see Hephaestus’ drones guarding the shrine.

"I can count about 10 of them" Wonder Woman whispered. "And they’ve been programmed to know about my bracelets." She mused.

"They can’t catch me while I’m in flight though!" She smirked. "I will cause a commotion, draw them towards me and buy you time Godmother!"

"Be careful Goddaughter!" Artemis said. At about this time, Batman had knocked Hephaestus down with a Savate kick.

Wonder Woman flew. The Shrine had high ceilings; you could see the lobby where they all sat when they first arrived at the Temple. Secret passageways and corridors kept the Dungeons and the Vestibule well hidden.

She punched one drone behind the head, knocking it clean off. "Catch me if you can boys!" She yelled, flying near the ceiling and away from the Eye of Zeus. The drones began pursuit. She flew, laughing, towards the lobby, hoping to draw the drones completely out of the Temple.

They stopped pursuit, and turned back. She turned to follow, but to her surprise and relief, they all headed to the corridors and not to the Shrine.

That was the moment where Hephaestus had recalled all drones to him in sheer frustration. Wonder Woman smiled: Batman and Martian Manhunter had caused enough of a diversion for Hephaestus to recall all drones to him!

Then she was overtaken by worry. "Great Hera, protect my Bruce and my friend J’onn!" She prayed as she returned to the shrine.

Smiling, Artemis faced the Eye of Zeus. Arms outstretched to the ceiling, she prayed:

"Great Zeus my father, hear your daughter’s prayer! Hephaestus has desecrated my Temple, turned it into a house of debauchery and hatred. He has attacked me, and held us all prisoners in my own home! I beg of thee my father, that he be rightfully punished, that he spends time in Tartarus!"

She paused, gasping for air. "And my father, I forgive. I forgive Aphrodite. I lift her ban from Mount Ida. As of this day, she is welcome here!"

"And you are welcome back in Olympus!" Zeus’ voice shook the Temple. Wonder Woman and the two Nymphs knelt in respect.

"HEPHAESTUS! FACE ME" Zeus commanded. Hephaestus, still tied up in Wonder Woman’s Golden Lasso and still held by Batman was transported to the Shrine, along with Martian Manhunter.

"That was quick!" Batman said in surprise.

"Indeed!" Martian Manhunter said.

Seeing Wonder Woman and the Nymphs knelt if front of the Eye of Zeus, Batman and Martian Manhunter also knelt.

Wonder Woman saw them from the corner of her eye and smiled "Thank you Hera!" she said quietly.

Zeus’s voice filled the air:

"Hephaestus, you have become my greatest disappointment. You have desecrated Artemis’ Temple, and wasted your talents getting drunk and building instruments of destruction. I tried to be patient, to give you the opportunity to change your ways, but instead you have chosen a path of revenge and hatred, sowing discord between sisters. You have sealed your own fate. The Medusa is quite lonely I have been told!"

"But mighty Zeus!" Hepheastus whimpered.

"Silence!" Zeus growled. "A few eons in Tartarus might just allow you to sober up and reflect on your misdeeds. TO TARTARUS WITH YOU!"

The Magic Golden Lasso hit the floor as Hephastus disappeared from thin air, banned to the pits of Tartarus.

"And now my children, you still have a task to accomplish in the woods of Caria. I will lift the curse on Hermaphroditus and Salmacis if you accomplish your mission!" Zeus’ spirit left the Temple.

Batman stood up, handing the Magic Golden Lasso back to Wonder Woman "I believe this is yours?" He said with a smile.

"I had a feeling you would need it!" She said. They held hands, looking into each other’s eyes for a moment, too self-conscious to kiss in front of their friends again.

"To Caria then?" Batman said. She nodded.

Caria was several kilometers from The Temple. The only way there was using a narrow path through the dense woods. Because of a spell meant to protect the Nymphs and Forrest creatures, meta-human powers were cancelled out.

While Martian Manunter’s powers were unaffected by the spell, Artemis – who had taken quite the liking to him – had insisted they all travel to Caria on horseback.

"The trip will be faster," she insisted "and more picturesque this way!" Martian Manhunter felt a bit uncomfortable with her attentions. He could easily feel the attraction she felt for him and the trouble it could lend them all into if he did not handle it tactfully.

On the other hand, part of him enjoyed the attention, and that worried him. He had spent a long time among humans, the last survivor of planet Mars.

While he shared the fate of Superman, Hawkgirl and Starfire – all off worlders who had made earth their home, he felt isolated and sorely missed his wife and children. The loss of his human lover only made matters worse.

This meta human was showing him interest he had never thought possible … and he feared the implications may be disastrous if he did consider a relationship with her, in the same way Batman and Wonder Woman had. "They are happy though…" he mused, lost in thought.

Artemis led the way on her white horse, Martian Manhunter riding parallel to her. Batman and Wonder Woman followed.

"What shall I call you?" the Huntress asked Martian Manhunter " I fear I may offend you if I keep on calling you ‘my green friend!’ "

"Humans know me as Martian Manhunter." He said "My friends know me as J’onn; J’onn J’onz."

"Very well J’onn, please call me Artemis."

Wonder Woman looked at her Godmother and Martian Manhunter gape mouthed in surprise, hearing her Godmother say this. She moved her horse closer to Batman’s.

"She would never allow an off-worlder to call her by name! What do you make of that?" she said in a low voice.

"I think she likes him, a lot! And I don’t think he’s very comfortable with the whole idea either … what’s the penalty for rejecting a goddess?" Batman asked, keeping his voice down.

"I’ll have to have a word with my Godmother, explain to her how J’onn is still mourning his family; as well as his human lover. She’ll understand!" she said.

They came to a clearing. The Huntress goddess pointed to her left "J’onn, my children! Look over there!"

They looked. Unicorns were grazing in that clearing, drinking from a Brooke.

"Absolutely gorgeous!" Batman exclaimed, "I believed they were all extinct!"

"It’s the spell," Wonder Woman said, smiling "It protects all inhabitants of the Forrest, creatures and Nymphs alike!"

"Remind me to have the Wayne Foundation purchase some Rain Forrest land, and to have it declared a Conservation area … and to have a spell like this cast on it! The fauna we could save!" Batman said.

"A wonderful idea Bruce!" She said, smiling.

As they progressed, they came across several lifeless drones, blocking their path.

Wonder Woman said: "Boys, how about clearing the path for us?" Batman smiled and dismounted followed by Martian Manhunter. While he could have cleared the path in a record time on his own, Martian Manhunter could sense Wonder Woman wanted some time alone with her Godmother.

"Not too uncomfortable J’onn?" Batman thought, hoping Martian Manhunter would pick up his thought.

"It is indeed awkward Bruce. I am concerned I may start an incident if I do not humor her … but part of me enjoys the feminine attention, perhaps too much." J’onn replied telepathically.

Bruce replied as they picked up the first drone: "As you’ve probably gathered, Diana is trying to talk to her Godmother. Just to let her know you are still mourning your wife and children, your human lover too. So unless you are keen on becoming the consort of an immortal Olympian…"

Martian Manhunter cast him an annoyed glare: "BRUCE!" he thought.

Batman snickered as they piled up the drones on the side of the path "Easy, big fella! Diana’s hopeful she can get her Godmother to understand. If things do not work out between the two of you, you can part on friendly terms!"

Martian Manhunter smirked.

Behind them, Wonder Woman and Artemis were talking in a low voice.

"Godmother, I see you have taken a liking to J’onn." Wonder Woman said.

"Very perceptive my child, surely you do not disapprove? Artemis said, smiling.

"I neither approve nor disapprove Godmother. J’onn is not from this planet. He lost his wife and children when life on Mars was wiped out. He has felt very isolated on Earth even though he counts the entire Justice League as friends. For a while, he left the League and found himself a human companion…she died of an embolism not long ago. While companionship would be good for him, he still grieves. And he is probably quite concerned of the consequences should he not share your affections." Wonder Woman said.

"Poor soul," Artemis said, "I understand his dilemma. I like him a lot, and I would like to be there for him, help alleviate his solitude, his pain. But do not worry my child, if he prefers solitude, I shall not hold it against him."

"Thank you Godmother!" Wonder Woman said, empathizing with her Godmother. It had taken quite a while for her and Bruce to realize they were in love. To realize they shared more than a passing infatuation. She had felt the pain of being pushed away whenever Bruce felt his defenses were too low.

It had taken Alfred’s involvement and a healthy assist from Nightwing to get Bruce and her to see the obvious: they were in love. They were good for each other, and belonged together. Wonder Woman smiled as the men came back to their horses.

"All clear!" Batman said, pulling back his cowl to wipe his forehead.

"You might want to keep it off Batman" Artemis said. "It will get much warmer and more humid as we near the Lake. Caria is getting closer, the Glade will be just east of the village, you will be much more comfortable with the cowl off."

"Sound advice your grace!" Batman said smiling.

They resumed their trek. Artemis once more spoke to Martian Manhunter: "Now J’onn, tell me about yourself. My Goddaughter tells me you have lived through quite a tragedy!"

Wonder Woman looked at Batman, wincing. "Godmother!" she mumbled, shaking her head.

Batman stifled a giggle, earning him a disapproving glance from Wonder Woman: "Bruce!" She said in a low voice.

Bruce gave her a sheepish look, shrugging, whispering "Sorry, couldn’t help it!"

Now Wonder Woman stifled a giggle.

Surprisingly, Martian Manhunter began telling Artemis of his previous life on Mars, the Alien race that had enslaved them and destroyed all life on Mars. And how he had escaped to Earth to warn them of the oncoming invasion.

"Truly heroic!" Artemis said, "Worthy of Jason, Herakles and Perseus!"

Wonder Woman covered her eyes. "When did my Godmother become such a flirt?" she thought. She gave Batman a sideways look to see if he was giggling … and saw he was clenching his jaws, resisting the urge to giggle with all his might. That was giving her the urge to giggle.

J’onn had sensed their unease, and shot them a telepathic message: "Will you two behave yourselves?"

"Sorry!" Wonder Woman and Batman replied simultaneously.

"Your Grace is far too kind!" Martian Manhunter said aloud. "It is indeed an honor to be ranked at the level of such great Warriors!"

They arrived at the Glade. What was once a haven of peace and beauty was now gray and gloomy and dead, in spite of the after-noon sun.

"Be very careful my friends" Artemis said. "The waters are still cursed. Touching them would mutilate you in ways you could not imagine."

They were all distracted by the sound of wings flapping, big wings. Batman looked up awestruck as a winged horse was landing near them, Aphrodite riding it.

"Unbelievable!" Batman said.

"Beautiful isn’t it?" Wonder Woman said, putting an arm across his shoulders. Batman nodded.

Batman, Wonder Woman and Martian Manhunter all knelt respectfully.

Aphrodite dismounted. "Oh please my Children, stand! Artemis!"

"Aphrodite!" The Huntress goddess said.

The estranged sisters hugged, crying, their words inter-weaving: I’m so sorry this was all my fault please forgive me I miss you!

Batman kept a straight face, but could not repress the thought "Drama queens!" He saw Martian Manhunter giggle at this. Batman thought: "J’onn, will you stop reading my mind?"

"Sorry Bruce!" Martian Manhunter replied.

"Allow me to call him out!" Aphrodite said. "The part of my son that is still alive will listen to me!"

They all stood behind her. Arms outstretched towards the Lake, Aphrodite spoke: "Hermaphroditus my son, Salmacis, come to me, I am the bearer of good news!"

Nothing happened. Aphrodite looked crushed.

"Allow me," Martian Manhunter said, "I sense great conflict, great bitterness within them, many emotions."

Martian Manhunter closed his eyes, began levitating, entering the astral plane. From within his mind, he called out:

"I summon the Creature of the Lake. Do not pretend you do not hear me, I can hear you very well. "

" What do you want?" The creature said. Its astral projection was that of strangely mutated meta humans, showing traits both male and female, covered in weeds.

"Firstly, let me see who I am talking to" Martian Manhunter said, putting his hands together pointing at the Creature, then pulling his hands apart, separating the Creature’s astral projection in two: Hermaphoditus and Salmacis. "There, now I can see you!" He said.

"What kind of Sorcery is this?" Salmacis said.

"I have taken you in my astral plane. Your merged body is still on the beach beneath us. Here I can un-merge you so I may address you both individually. I am J’onn, and I am here on behalf of Aphrodite."

"What does my Mother want?" Hermaphroditus said. "She abandoned me, never even raised a finger when Zeus put this curse on me!"

J’onn could feel Hermaphroditus’ bitterness. He said, "What would you give to have this curse lifted?"

Salmacis interrupted: "Never! He’s mine!" Martian Manhunter turned to her: "Is this what you had in mind when you prayed Zeus you would never part?"

She looked down, looking sad. "No. I wanted Zeus to give me Hermaphroditus as a Mate, not this."

Martian Manhunter smiled. "Then hear me out the both of you. Aphrodite had been trying for the past Millennia to get the curse lifted. Nobody would lend her a sympathetic ear other than Herakles. After many centuries of convincing, Zeus finally agreed to a compromise thanks to Herakles’ insistence."

Both Hermaphroditus and Salmacis looked on, an intrigued expression on their faces.

"Zeus has decreed that if Hermaphroditus apologizes to Salmacis…"

"After what she did to me? Never!" Hermaphroditus screamed.

"Well then, if you prefer to carry on like this…" Martian Manhunter said.

"No wait! " Hermaphroditus said. "Just explain to me why I should apologize!"

"You broke her heart." Martian Manhunter said, "You have hurt her very badly. The first condition to lifting the curse is: you must apologize to her for breaking her heart."

Hermaphroditus looked at Salmacis. He noticed for the very first time how beautiful she was.

"Salmacis, I am sorry. It was wrong of me to reject you so rudely. But please understand: I had spent the previous 15 years of my life being served by Nymphs. When I met you, I was trying to distance myself from the Nymphs, see the world …I was young and foolish. Please forgive me."

Martian Manhunter could feel the earnest of Hepmaphroditus’ apology. He turned his attention to Salmacis, who was crying.

"Of course I forgive you, you were only a boy! I too apologize to you, for being selfish and possessive! Please forgive me!" Salmacis said.

Hermaphroditus knew she was telling the truth: sharing bodies and consciousness for the past millennia he had felt that same regret she felt.

Martian Manhunter smiled. "That was the first condition. Now Salmacis, you must swear you will rejoin the tribe of Artemis if the curse is lifted." Salmacis winced at this.

"But do not worry: Hermaphroditus will be there to hunt with you – the final condition is that Hermaphroditus must take you as a mate for the curse to be lifted. Your alternatives are eternity of solitude in the Lake, or, eternity as Life Mates, hunting together. The choice is yours." Martian Manhunter concluded.

Salmacis was looking at Hermaphroditus pleadingly. Hermaphroditus looked at her, marveling on how beautiful she was. "I was foolish enough to reject her? Was I blind?" He thought.

He knelt before her in the astral plane.

"Salmacis, if you can find it in your heart not only to forgive me, but to love me, and if you are willing to put this curse behind us; will you be my mate?"

Salmacis knelt to face him, crying, "Yes, yes I will! I have wanted this since the day I saw you in my Glade! Yes, let us put this curse behind us! Mighty Zeus we agree!"

Martian Manhunter was snapped out of the astral plane and hit the ground rather hard.

"J’onn, are you okay?" Batman asked, helping him up.

"I am uninjured, I believe Zeus is…" Martian Manhunter could not finish.

An intense beam of light shone on the Lake. The creature was lifted out and before their very eyes, Hermaphroditus and Salmacis were separated, returned to their original form.

Zeus’ voice filled the air: "YOU HAVE DONE VERY WELL MY CHILDREN. AS OF THIS DAY THE CURSE ON HERMAPHRODITUS AND SALMACIS AND THE CURSE ON THE LAKE HAVE BEEN LIFTED. GO IN PEACE MY CHILDREN!"

They landed gently on the beach. Hermaphroditus looked at Salmacis: "Greetings, my love! " he said. Salmacis smiled. They kissed for the first time as true lovers.

Aphrodite, Artemis and Wonder Woman were wiping tears from their eyes. Batman put an arm around Wonder Woman’s back; she leaned on him. Aphrodite hugged her sister: "My baby got married!" she said crying with joy.

"Good work J’onn!" Batman said.

"Yes J’onn, very well done!" Wonder Woman said, tears still running from her eyes.

Martian Manhunter smiled. Artemis came to him. "And now I must take you hunting with me!" she said.

"Godmother!" Wonder Woman said.

"Oh stop worrying, I will be gentle with him!" she said with a wink, taking Martian Manhunter’s arm.

"Er… then … to the hunt?" He said, flustered. They walked to their horses.

Batman said: "I’ll be, I didn’t know he could blush!" Wonder Woman gave him a gentle tap on the arm, grinning.

Aphrodite looked at them both: "As promised – I will make it up to you for delaying your Honeymoon! What would you like?"

"How about a quiet beach resort, somewhere where we can spend time together with no interruptions?" Batman offered, looking at Wonder Woman.

"Yes!" She said smiling, "There is a small Island off the shores of Themiscyra which would be perfect! And if you could return us to the Watch Tower back in time, so we are not missed by the rest of the Justice League?"

Aphrodite smiled "Absolutely my Children! I can cast a Chronos spell that will return you both as well as your friend J’onn to the Watch Tower moments after I originally met you there, even return your Invisible Jet to its hangar! Will ten days be enough?"

"That would be wonderful!" Wonder Woman said.

"Agreed we will need to return to the Temple on Horseback due to the protection spell on the Forrest." Batman said. "And it looks like we are short a few horses!"

"You and I can share your horse, Hermaphroditus and Salmacis can take mine!" Wonder Woman said, looking deep into Batman’s eyes. He smiled, losing himself in her eyes.

Aphrodite nodded still smiling: "Very well then, I shall meet you at the Temple!" She mounted her winged horse and flew off to the Temple of Artemis. Batman sat behind Wonder Woman, on his horse.

As they rode back, Batman whispered in Wonder Woman’s ear " Ten days on a secluded Island with you, no interruptions, plus the night we were anticipating in your quarters…

The rest of the League won’t even miss us for one day… if this is a dream don’t wake me up!" She looked over her shoulder smiling at him. She reached back gently bringing his face closer to hers. They kissed.

As Aphrodite had promised, Batman and Wonder Woman had been returned to her quarters once the 10-day sojourn on the secluded island was over.

"And you’re still all mine tonight!" Wonder Woman said, smiling, pulling Batman’s cowl off, staring deeply in Bruce’s eyes. As they were about to kiss, Martian Manhunter knocked at the door, looking confused.

"Yes J’onn, what’s up?" she asked.

"Diana, Bruce, pardon my intrusion … this is rather peculiar: I had this awkward feeling that I had to come here…" his voice trailed off.

"Are you feeling okay?" Batman asked.

"Yes … I think I am … I believe I am experiencing what humans call déjà vu: I have the distinct impression we have done this before … and odd bits of memories; like I was in love with a Greek goddess?" Martian Manhunter said, looking quite frazzled.

"You probably just need some rest J’onn," Wonder Woman said "Check the roster, take some time off!"

"Yes J’onn, you need a change of scenery, you deserve some time off!" Batman said.

"You are probably both right," Martian Manhunter said, shrugging. "I will let you both go to bed, good night."

Batman and Wonder Woman replied in unison: "Night J’onn!"

The door closed. Taking cape and cowl off, Batman gave Wonder Woman a puzzled look. "He does not remember!" he said.

"Effects from the Chronos spell" Wonder Woman said, helping him unbuckle his bulletproof chest plate. "He was brought back to the point in time before any of this happened."

"He is experiencing a paradox," Batman said, turning into Bruce Wayne. "How come we aren’t affected?"

"I’m an Amazon, you’re an initiate; my mate!" She said with a gleeful grin, "The spell does not have the same effect on us!"

Bruce nodded "I have just spent ten days with you with no interruptions: no crime, no crisis, no emergency League meetings, and no emergency calls from the execs at Wayne Enterprises. We have regained the days spent since Aphrodite came to us … I could really get used to this!" Bruce Wayne told Princess Diana, smiling.

"So could I!" she replied in a sensuous voice. They were now completely naked, staring in each other’s eyes, kissing.

"Coming to bed my love?" she asked in a near whisper.

"I thought you’d never ask!" He replied, his voice deep and mellow. He put his arms around her. She turned the lights off. They went to bed. They made love.

Martian Manhunter was heading towards the Headquarters section. He wanted to consult the roster, make sure the Watchtower was adequately staffed and that Metro Tower was covered. He needed to be sure Mister Terrific was available, if not, he could hand over the reins to Superman, or Green Lantern. Take a few weeks off to clear his head.

The memories were quite vivid; fragmented yes, but so real … he almost didn’t notice the flash of light behind him in the corridor. He turned bemused, looking at the beautiful meta-human that had just appeared before him.

She looked … familiar. "J’onn?" She said.

Martian Manhunter looked at her intensely: "I… know you, don’t I?"

"Aphrodite warned me this may happen," she said, "Allow me, J’onn." She touched his forehead with her index finger. Gentle energy buzzed against his forehead, releasing the locked memories.

He finally recognized her. "Your Grace!" he said, smiling. "So I am not going mad after all, I did not dream this!"

"It all happened J’onn!" Artemis said, returning his smile. "And please, call me Artemis. I thought I had made you uncomfortable taking you to the hunt in my Domain, but then Aphrodite told me the Chronos spell could erase your memories of me."

She paused, looking up at him. "If you choose your solitude, I will not be offended. But if you wish, we could spend time together, alleviate each other’s solitude, share each other’s sorrows, and draw strength from it."

Martian Manhunter smiled. "I was on my way to request some time off your Gr … I mean Artemis! Your idea sounds marvelous. I can even do this for you!" J’onn morphed into his human form of John Jones.

"Would this form be more pleasant for you? " he asked.

"Very handsome indeed!" Artemis replied, touching his face. "But your appearance matters very little to me. It was your talents, your heroism, your kind heart, your spirit that attracted me to you!"

"Your g … you are far too kind Artemis. Please forgive me: it will take me time to become accustomed to call you by name. I would be honored to spend some quiet time with you. This Human form is at your disposal should you wish it." Martian Manhunter said.

"Fabulous!" Artemis answered. "Would you mind if I accompany you as you request your time off?"

Martian Manhunter offered her his arm "I would be delighted!"

They walked to the Headquarters section. Two of the loneliest souls on Earth had just become very close.

The end